Wow . . . [Archive] - BLiNC Magazine

d-dog

January 10th, 2003, 01:00 PM

The event was really spectacular; all of the participants truly were made to feel as guests to the Malaysians. This is an oddly unsettling experience. . . receiving security guard escorts through the metal detectors at Petronas and up the elevators. . . being treated as rock stars by the Muslim women watching aerials at KL Tower. . .

Dann Lee and his team really, really go above and beyond to turn these into showcase events. It also must be said that the organizing efforts of Anne Heliwell, Slim Simpson, Karin Sako, and Dwain Weston resulted in a truly amazing safety record. All those jumps, and only one injury (from a freak occurrence, in my opinion). Props to Sharon for judging the aerials as a true pro, as well - along with all the other judges who took their time to lend the competition side of this event ample credibility.

It is sadly ironic that a couple of folks (Americans, of course) insisted that this year's event would not happen at all, and if it did that carnage would result. I'd like to officially extend the offer to these folks to eat crow. Just pick a nice, rotten crow off the side of the road, and proceed to eat raw. Repeat as necessary. Lather. Rinse.

It was an honor to be part of the event, and I'm sure that time will show that these Malaysian gatherings are setting an entirely new standard for BASE events and what it means to put on a truly professional production. Even if, for me personally, I'll stick mostly to the sort of BASE that involves a few good mates, some miles of hiking, and lots of freefall next to cliffs whizzing by, I can still appreciate the job Dann and team have done.

I hope folks at the upcoming KL Tower event have a great time, as well. I think the Malaysians have more than enough room in their hearts to host several BASE events per year in KL.

Peace,

D-d0g
ddog@wrinko.com
www.wrinko.com