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The LZ at Bridge Day can be intimidating for some new jumpers, but is considered to be "typical" for most seasoned BASE jumpers. Nonetheless, after inspecting the LZ firsthand, most new jumpers become very comfortable with it and the river is always an out if you come up short. The LZ is a gravel covered, mostly flat parking lot located on National Park Service (NPS) property below the bridge. If the New River water level is low, the shoreline will be exposed, offering a 20'x150' slightly angled runway that is fairly easy to land on. If the water level is high, you are left with two small areas to land. The main landing area is approximately 25'x75' while the smaller, less used landing area is 20'x50'. Don't forget, the river is always the softest area to land. There are several trees, small boulders, and a few hundred spectators near the landing area which have to be accounted for as well.
Bridge Day statistics show that more than 71% of all landings are made on dry ground while 28% choose the soft water. Water landings are considered to be any landing that results in the jumper getting wet, which includes landing in knee-deep water along the shore. So, chances are you'll stay dry and safe if you're confident in your canopy skills.
More photos of the landing zone are posted in the Photo Gallery |
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