Bridge Day 2013 BASE Jump Training Courses
Overview
Bridge Day 2013 is the perfect location for experienced skydivers to obtain basic or advanced BASE jumping training via one of our official training courses. Over the last 30+ years, thousands of jumpers made their first BASE jump at Bridge Day because:
- The New River Gorge Bridge is the 3rd tallest bridge in the USA at 876' tall
- Speedy, experienced water rescue if you land in the river (28% of all landings are wet)
- There are countless experienced jumpers able to offer assistance and help you pack
- Bridge Day is geared towards first time jumpers with multiple training courses, seminars, and the BASE gear trade show
- The Bridge Day BASE jumping coordinators are experienced jumpers who are also organized, professional, and fair
Three Types of Training
When you made your first skydive, you probably received some form of training. Since BASE jumping is a different beast than skydiving, we require that all first time BASE jumpers receive some form of BASE jumping training before attending the event. The following choices are available:
- Attend our 3-day Bridge Day BASE Jump Course. This course typically consists of 15-20 jumpers who want advanced training and the ability to pack by themselves. If money and taking time off work aren't an issue, this is probably your best option. Further details are located below.
- Attend our 6-8 hour Bridge Day Introductory Course. This course typically attracts around 50-70 jumpers who want the basics at a reasonable price (or those with tight schedules). If money and time are a factor, go for this option. Keep in mind that this course isn't long enough to teach everyone to pack by themselves. Further details are located below.
- You can be trained by a qualified mentor that you know. Qualified mentors should be experienced BASE jumpers with 100+ BASE jumps performed from a variety of fixed objects. Your mentor must have attended and jumped at Bridge Day in the past and the organizers will request his/her contact information during your jump pass purchase.
Anyone can purchase a slot in either of our first jump courses, however, you MUST have 100 skydives and meet several other requirements to solo jump off the bridge (check out our tandem BASE jumps if you don't have 100+ skydives). Our training courses can also be beneficial for jumpers who are uncurrent or in need of additional training. Approximately 20% of our 450 jump passes sold each year are purchased by those making their first BASE jump. If you have any questions about our training courses, feel free to contact us. Descriptions of our two Bridge Day training courses are listed below...
BASE Jump Course (3-Days)
Overview
The Bridge Day BASE Jump Course includes three days of instruction and is taught by Apex BASE during Bridge Day week (October 16-19, 2013). The course is intended as a more comprehensive introduction to BASE than the 6-8 hour Bridge Day Introductory Course. In addition to the basic skills needed for a successful Bridge Day experience, such as packing, exits, and canopy flight, this course covers malfunctions and object avoidance theory. A Bridge Day BJC manual, technical handouts covering topics like static-line tie-off knot, a T-shirt, and a packing DVD are also included. Launch practice via the exit trainer and a landing area tour are provided.
Attendees must meet all Bridge Day requirements for gear and experience. Upon successful completion of this course, all students will receive a discount coupon good for 5% off the price of a full set of Apex gear. This course combines in person training with simulated exits and some home study. Participants will be expected to review (and practice) study materials received after signing up, prior to arriving at Bridge Day. Primary emphasis of the course will be on a successful Bridge Day experience with additional material covering further training for your progression in the sport of BASE. This course covers training only and jump passes must be purchased separately.
Class Size Limit
Maximum 20 students. It normally takes several months (July/August) to sell out of all slots. In 2012, we only had 16 students take this class.
Schedule
Wednesday, October 16 (8am EDT):
- Introduction
- Classroom Lecture
- Video
- Packing Demonstration and Discussion
Thursday, October 17:
- Packing Practice
- Exit Practice
- Landing Area Briefing
- Classroom Lecture
- Videofest
Friday, October 18:
- Attend event seminars, BASE gear trade show, jumper registration, and continued packing practice if desired.
Saturday, October 19: Bridge Day
- Exit point supervision and debrief for your first load. Continued supervision available at scheduled times.
Exit Trainer
Simulated exits via the Apex BASE exit trainer are included
To Purchase
BASE Jump Course cost is $399. Sales start on July 1 every year. Jump passes are sold separately.
Rental Gear
Jumpers can rent gear from the main BASE gear manufacturers and prices are normally $250-$350. There is NO onsite gear rental.
Location
Holiday Lodge ballroom located in Oak Hill, West Virginia
A jumper deploys his parachute as water rescue watches
Introductory Course (6-8 Hours)
Overview
The Bridge Day Introductory Course includes six to eight hours of training by Apex BASE in a larger group format on the day before Bridge Day (October 18, 2013). The course includes packing demonstrations, Bridge Day logistics, malfunctions, launch practice via the exit trainer, and a landing area tour. There is no instructor supervised packing in this course and jumpers will probably require assistance packing their own BASE rig after the class. This course is not intended to provide a comprehensive introduction to BASE jumping and will not discuss any considerations for jumps aside from Bridge Day. Further instructions will be provided to all Introductory Course attendees prior to Bridge Day. This course is intended help students make successful Bridge Day jumps with confidence. Time will be provided for jumpers to check in with the BASE organizers and pick up their jump passes during the day. This course covers training only and jump passes must be purchased separately.
Class Size Limit
There is no class size limit. In 2012, we only had 45 students take this class, although in past years we've seen up to 75.
Schedule
Friday, October 18 (8am EDT):
- Exit practice
- Landing area briefing
- Lecture that includes
- Malfunctions and Emergencies: Review of malfunction video, discussion of emergency procedures
- BASE Jumping Orientation: Introduction to the history and ethics of BASE, discussion of BASE jumping risks
- Bridge Day Logistics: Where to go, when to be there, and what is expected of jumpers
- Packing: Demonstration and Q&A
Meet in the Holiday Lodge Oak Hill lobby at 8:00am sharp. Classroom training will take place next door at the nearby Fayette Institute of Technology (Vo-tech) in room #4. A landing zone tour and exit trainer jump will take place at other locations. Here's a map to the Vo-tech if needed. It's a short 5 minute walk from the hotel to the training classroom.
Exit Trainer
A simulated exit via the Apex BASE exit trainer is included
To Purchase
Introductory Course cost is $75. Sales start on July 1 every year. Jump passes are sold separately.
Rental Gear
Jumpers can rent gear from the main BASE gear manufacturers and prices are normally $250-$350. There is NO onsite gear rental.
Location
Please meet in the Holiday Lodge Oak Hill lobby at 8:00am sharp. The group will then walk to the nearby Fayette Institute of Technology (Vo-tech). Vertical Visions has two 15-passenger vans that can transport most of the group to the LZ for free.
View Bridge Day BASE Jumping in a larger map
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