Climbing experience?

[skreamer 1]

Hi there

Just another question from me. I am saving up to do the FJC this coming summer. I've got a fairly good idea of what preparation to do skydiving-wise, but was wondering about the following : how important is climbing ability in BASE jumping?

I am thinking of doing an indoor climbing course during the winter. (partly also out of boredom). Apart from the fact that it'll be good for my confidence, how useful is it for BASE?

Will

[Zennie 0]

I'd say climbing ability, in a general sense is very important unless you plan on jumping only bridges.

Now the climbing equipment and methodology may differ, but you will almost definitely have to climb an antenna at some point. In fact, I'm very seriously considering making one of the climbers part of my exercise regimen.

And with cliffs, you will also need at least some basic climbing skills, especially for remote cliffs or cliffs you're trying to open up.

I've even heard of people climbing buildings... like the XXX for example. Not my bag, but it is done.

- Z
"Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon

[CrazyThomas 0]

Climbing skills you ask about?
I respond that it is only another tool in the tool-box, so to speak. You can get your BASE number without a drop of climbing knowledge or experience. If that is all you are after though?
But really, how hard is it to climb an Antenna? They are like big ladders into the sky. And big enough A's have ladders inside of them, some even have elevators.
Maybe you could apply your climbing skills to help medi-vac your befallen friend who is stuck on the talus? Maybe you don't want that honor--or responsibility?
If you want climbing skills, go get them. It will open up more exit sites for you. If you just want to BASE jump, stick with bridges.
What if I ask about some other courses of education? Like, I am thinking about finally bagging my B. Should I take a "breaking and entering" course? Because, normally buildings have elevators and stairways. The big trick is breaking through the last door, the one that leads to the roof.
Just my .02,
Peace,
Thomas

[CrazyThomas 0]

XXX? Do it with suction cups. But, a person should have training with suction cup use before attempting to clinb that. Maybe we should ask J.V.? He did it, with somewhat non-positive results.
Peace,
Thomas

[TomAiello 26]

Thomas and Zennie,

I have edited your posts to remove site names.

Please remember that it is bad BASE etiquette to name sites (legal or otherwise, commonly jumped or otherwise) in this, or any other public forum.

I will continue to edit any posts I see that name sites aside from a few very well known ones. Even then, I would ask everyone to refrain from naming sites at all. Referring to a site such as "the legal span in the Western US" or "the popular legal big wall in Southern Norway" ought to be sufficient for the purposes of any public discussions.

If for some reason you really need to discuss a particular site, please PM or email me first, and we'll discuss whether or not that is a good idea, and how to go about it.

Thanks!

-- Tom Aiello

Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com
SnakeRiverBASE.com

[CrazyThomas 0]

Sorry, my bad. Thanks for the editing. It helps.
Seriously, I mean no malice or miscontent. I just thought....but I thought wrong.
Thanks Tom.
Peace,
Thomas