In light of the tragic events at TF this past month, does anyone know if flicking the Perrrine anytime soon is a wise or if the town has taken a different position on BASE? A few of us had plans to be there this weekend and now thinking going to Moab instead. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Tony
I am not in TF now and thus am far from final word on this. However, we did jump on Sunday after the incident and there were no problems. I believe the bridge remains open, and while there is some scuttlebutt about "closing it down," I think key constituencies support legal BASE from the bridge and I hope and expect that not to change soon. I encourage jumpers to support the local community with their presence this summer, perhaps more so now than ever before. We must be seen there, jumping and handling ourselves with grace and poise.
In particular, the sherriff's deputies with whom we spoke after the incident made it clear that they support legal jumping on the bridge. Their attitude is that any sport is dangerous and accidents will happen but that doesn't mean they should be illegal - folks die fishing, as they said, but we don't ban fishing now do we? And I do believe the law enforcement folks locally respect the technical knowledge and attitudes of nearly all jumpers who come through TF - they feel we aren't a bunch of beer-drinking yahoos out to get a cheap thrill, but rather measured sportsmen who take our sport very seriously and know the consequences of failure.
I'd also like to personally and publicly thank Mick Knutson and Jason Bell for the photos of jumpers they donated to the sherriff's department this spring. The sherriff himself brought up the "very nice photos" that some jumpers had dropped off, and mentioned by name Jason and Mick in citing how jumpers have been good partners with local law enforcement. That went a long way, guys, probably further than you imagined at the time.
Bert and Don are also very strong allies in the local community - say thanks to them as they have done tireless work to keep things good with the locals.
Beyond that, EVERY jumper who has behaved with respect and courtesy towards the locals has helped to lay the best foundation we can. Now, that foundation is being tested with the fatality and other incidents this spring. Only time will tell how it holds up, but I personally feel that our collective committment to doing it right in TF will stand strong through these tough times.
Finally, I think it must be said that Dr. Nik's Herculean efforts to save Brian after the incident and obvious and unflagging professionalism in dealing with the paramedics, police, media, and hospital personnel were a credit to all BASE jumpers. Dwain, too, was immediately at Brian's side giving CPR with Nik and if anyone could have saved him, it would have been those two. When Brian got back to the dock to transfer to the ambulance, the EMTs were hesitant to take over the CPR - that is how well Dwain and Nik were doing. Guys, you did it by the book and then some.
Dwain's management of the media was professional, calm, measured, and on point. We were fortunate to have him onsite to field questions. Annie's immediate offer to do gear analysis, both onsite with the police and more in-depth, were a final testament to the quality of people the BASE community attracts.
To everyone else who has helped out in 100 ways, from picking up a piece of trash and being noticed by a local out picknicking, to being nice to folks at the visitors center who ask for the 100th time "why do you do that?," my thanks. I am proud to call myself a member of the BASE community.
Peace,
D-d0g
ddog@wrinko.com
www.wrinko.com
Sometimes the worst incidents can bring out the best in our family of BASE jumpers. In light of a sad weekend at the Perrine, it seems that the BASE community has pulled together and shown their true colors. I, too, am very proud to be a BASE jumper and to be jumping with you all.
I guess handing out those framed pictures over Memorial Day weekend proved valuable in gaining the respect and understanding of the sheriff's dept. It's things like this that go a long way. Even if it's picking up trash or stopping by the sheriff's department to say "thanks" for supporting us. By the way, it was Tom Sanders and I who donated framed pictures and I handed them out along with the assistance of Jeremiah M.
Thanks D-dog for your post. You made my day knowing that some of the things we're doing to promote our sport have helped. Cya!
Jason Bell
BASE428
jbell@vertical-visions.com
Hi Guys-
Thanks for the great post, Doug. I, too, feel very lucky to be part of such a great group of jumpers. I've never been so close to such a scene, and I, too, am very proud of Nik and Dwain.
I was impressed with the level of acceptance I saw from the TF officers that were present. While they were concerned over the loss of our friend, they still expressed support for BASE jumping from the Bridge. I believe the good attitudes and sportsmanship everyone has displayed at the Perrine over the last few years has made a huge difference in the view whuffos have of our sport. Let's all keep up the good work, maintaining respect for the sites, the locals, and the Earth, and I'm sure we'll continue to see support increasing all around us.
Peace...
Karen
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