Orange1 0 #1 October 5, 2008 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7649011.stm A group of skydivers has completed the first parachute jump over the world's highest peak, Mount Everest. The three adventurers, from the UK, New Zealand and Canada, enjoyed a minute-long freefall after jumping from about 9,000m (29,500ft). The trip took 15 years to plan and cost each jumper about $24,000 (£13,500). After doing the jump, Briton Holly Budge said it was worth the money. There are now 29 other members of the group waiting to do the leap. "It was amazing, just spectacular," Ms Budge told the AFP news agency by telephone after making a safe landing. "We had one minute of freefall and while we were above the clouds you could see Everest and the other high mountains popping out of the top." The skydives were originally scheduled to be carried out on Friday but were delayed by thick cloud. The jumpers had to use breathing equipment, extra-thick parachutes and special suits to deal with the thin air and sub-zero temperatures. They also trekked in the region before the jump to get used to high altitudes. Expedition leader Nigel Gifford says the people of the Everest region have got used to the idea, and that they are relating it to a Buddhist holy man said to have jumped over the Himalayas. "It came about because I have been a Himalayan mountaineer and took up skydiving. I love doing both and I thought it would be good to marry the two," he said.Skydiving: wasting fossil fuels just for fun. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mr_music11 0 #2 October 5, 2008 I was just reading about this the other day from the banner add on DZ.com..... Looks like it was beautiful! Are there any more pictures out there of this? Were the jumps filmed.. any footage for us who couldnt afford that!? so we can live vicariously thru them! Blue skiesIf flying is piloting a plane.. then swimming is driving a boat. I know why birds sing.. I skydive. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #3 October 5, 2008 Extra thick parachutes? LMAO! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
linestretch 0 #4 October 5, 2008 Yeah.....I was thinking the same. Not too mention, if they jumped over the mountain (@ 29,000') and got a minute of freefall....then that's not really 'over' the mountain since the peak is at 29,000'.my pics & stuff! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DON321 0 #5 October 5, 2008 $24,000 JUMP TICKETWell guess its in the lead for most expensive DZ imagine a boogie at Everest? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fff3 0 #6 October 5, 2008 I think I'll just get a Sherpa to jump it for me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WooHoo 0 #7 October 5, 2008 Extra thick parachutes? LMAO! Laugh I think they meant extra large, I believe they were jumping Navigator 280's Mind you extra thick has a nice ring to it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #8 October 5, 2008 Quote extra-thick parachutes Do what now? I'm going to have to call Kolla and try to order an extra thick Velo!--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Boeris 0 #9 October 6, 2008 Quote Yeah.....I was thinking the same. Not too mention, if they jumped over the mountain (@ 29,000') and got a minute of freefall....then that's not really 'over' the mountain since the peak is at 29,000'. They must have had to do a long cross-country canopy flight to have opened at about 16,000'! Any word on pics or vid?www.theflystyle.com "When once you have tasted flight you will always walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward: for there you have been and there you will always be." -L.D. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jewels 0 #10 October 6, 2008 Quote Any word on pics or vid? The BBC has some coverage, but that's all I've seen: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7655261.stmTPM Sister #102 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mr_music11 0 #11 October 7, 2008 Thanks! for link to vid... amazing pics. Look forward to seeing more if possible!If flying is piloting a plane.. then swimming is driving a boat. I know why birds sing.. I skydive. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ifell 0 #12 October 7, 2008 Ok so 24 000$ ??? You have to figure plane costs were involved in a big way. Unless extra thick chutes have an extra thick price tag Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BMFin 0 #13 October 7, 2008 Im sure the organizers made a few bucks while organizing. or if not I would say even the organizers were screwed pretty bad by someone.. I dont know much aobut the whole event, but to me it seems it was an event that was directed towards rich people with money who want to do something exiting. (they wont care about the cost) When the media is interviewing them they might say something like "3x thick parachutes" since most of them I guess are wuffos and dont have a clue about skydiving.. See this page: http://www.incredible-adventures.com/ And subpage on that site: http://www.incredible-adventures.com/skydive-everest.html I wonder what exactly was so difficult with this that it took 15 years to plan ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
syntax 0 #14 October 7, 2008 I heard a few of the jumpers were tandems. Curious what size canopy they used, and did the TM pay for his slot?!------------------------------------skydiving...the grounds the limit! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMax 0 #15 October 8, 2008 Quote I think I'll just get a Sherpa to jump it for me. i heard the Sherpas were packing Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airdweller 0 #16 October 9, 2008 This is what I got from My sister-in-law "So far, Tom (AKA: Dualhawk) has done 3 jumps. Tonight will be jump #4. #1 was a solo jump from 18,000 ft. #2 was a tandem with a local sherpa from 22,000 ft. First tandem jump ever at Everest. #3 was a tandem with a client from 30,000 ft! #4 will be another tandem jump from 30,000 ft." (I believe that this jump has happened, as I got the e-mail a couple of days ago) NICE JOB NOONAN------------------------------------------------------ "From the mightiest pharaoh to the lowliest peasant, who doesn't enjoy a good sit?" C. Montgomery Burns Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ashtanga 0 #17 October 9, 2008 http://www.incredible-adventures.com/skydive-everest-bios.html http://www.incredible-adventures.com/pdf/everest.pdf This mentions the canopies are not ordinary and you can not use normal skydiving canopies for this. The canopies might be extra big and not extra thick. Maybe Zoolander will answer. Cheers to Omar and Greg! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bbarnhouse 0 #18 October 9, 2008 I received a call from Greg today...so I wish to quash any rumors that may reach the forums. Yes there was a twin otter incident in Nepal with fatalities. It WAS NOT however the folks jumping at Everest. Omar et el are fine. I have no additional information on the incident. V/r B2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cpoxon 0 #19 October 9, 2008 They have a blog you know.Skydiving Fatalities - Cease not to learn 'til thou cease to live Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflysteve 0 #20 October 9, 2008 Landing area i believe is at approx 12000ft so minute freefall about right for a jump that is about 17000 ft above lz. I think canopies are like student navigators approx 260ft cos of higher technical wing loading landing at 12000ft above sea level.Dont know about tandem rigs or canopies. When team extreme landed on mont blanc at approx 9000ft i believe the effective wingloading on their parachutes was about double so landing at 12000 this could well be higher. I was actually booked to go on trip but withdrew cos i thought it would be too dangerous landing at that height above sea level,lets hope i am wrong and everybody is safe. Also it is not above Everest as i understand no permit for that, it is a jump in the Himalayas and yes you can see Everest! Congrats to those that have jumped be good to see my buddy Martin Preston on the list of people that have jumped. Steve ReynoldsSwooping, huh? I love that stuff ... all the flashing lights and wailing sirens ... it's very exciting! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
repcool 2 #21 October 9, 2008 I went on this trip and all in all it mostly rocked. The canopies were your run of the mill PD Navigator 280's, as most have said it was for the density altitude at 12,350. I actually landed just a little off on my second jump and managed about 12,700ft and I am more than pleased that I had a 280! If anyone has any questions about the 2009 trip I would be glad to give my feedback via a PM. Simon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jewels 0 #22 October 9, 2008 Simon, I'm so excited for you!! Congratulations! Sounds like a great trip. TPM Sister #102 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chrismgtis 0 #23 October 10, 2008 You guys notice the chick that said "You should have kept it on" when the jumper said she took her oxygen mask off? Hehe.Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slotperfect 7 #24 October 11, 2008 http://www.foxnews.com/photoessay/0,4644,5279,00.html#38_754Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Astro1 0 #25 November 24, 2008 Holy #$%^ 24K sounds like a bit much.We may not take you up over Everest, but 12000 feet for a hell of a lot less. All we ask for is license, insurance and to bring your own gear. Here's a video Skydiving in Nepal, with wingsuit from ultralight. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5374805150429874842 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
