CLICK TO SEE MY TRIP TO THE BRIDGE ON BRIDGE DAY

B.A.S.E.

Four hundred BASE jumpers will be more than happy to do just that when they take a flying leap from the 876’ tall New River Gorge Bridge at Bridge Day 2003.

            Bridge Day is the largest extreme sports event in the world.  It attracts the largest worldwide gathering of BASE jumpers each year.  Four hundred BASE jumpers and 100,000+ spectators are expected to attend this years Bridge Day on Saturday, October 18, 2003.  The New River Gorge Bridge provides the launch point for six hours (9am – 3ps EST) of legal BASE jumps.

            BASE is an acronym for the four types of fixed objects that are utilized for these foot-launched skydives:  (B)uilding, (A)ntenna, (S)pan, and (E)arth.  Jumpers first skydive hundred of times from aircraft before attempting to BASE jump, which is undoubtedly the world’s most extreme sport.  Unlike skydiving, BASE jumpers often use only one parachute, as the lower exit altitudes of 200E – 1200E do not normally permit deployment of the reserve.  After leaping from each of the four different types of fixed objects, jumpers can apply for a BASE number.

            All BASE jumping activities at Bridge Day 2003 will be coordinated by Vertical Visions LLC, owned by West Virginia BASE jumper and skydiver Jason Bell (BASE #428, D-16725).  Jason will be assisted by Bill Bird (D-6977) and a staff of 30.

            Jumper registration begins on July 1, 2003 at www.bridgeday.info.com, a website dedicated to Bridge Day base jumping.  All four hundred jump slots are expected to be sold in the first two weeks of registration with a waiting list in the event of jumper cancellations.

The Vertical Visions team plans to have a landing accuracy contest with cash prizes, a BASE jumping video festival, and some “special jumps” that should make for an exciting Bridge Day 2003.

            There are several requirements that must be satisfied before making your first BASE jump on Bridge Day.  Jumpers most register online, participate in Bridge Day gear checks and mandatory meetings and seminars, and follow all the rules set forth by the Jumping Coordinator.  Prospective jumpers must have prior parachuting experience (at least 50 jumps) and suitable gear.

            The safest and best gear to have is a BASE jumping specific 7-cell canopy with a low aspect ratio, a Velcro or pin-closed BASE specific harness and container, a 42-48” pilot chute with at least a 9” bridle (required), and a helmet and pads are highly recommended .  BASE jumping requires the use of canopies that provide slower descents and a greater degree of landing accuracy than skydiving canopies.  Jumpers planning on taking at least a 3-second delay before deploying their parachute will often have a special device called a omesh slidero that controls how fast the canopy opens when exposed to the relative wind.  Reserve parachutes can be used at Bridge Day if the jumper has sufficient altitude and quick hands.

            Most jumpers aim for the sandbar that serves as the landing zone.  Some land in the river, most by accident, some by choice.  Three motorized rescue rafts, provided by Dragon Diversified, wait in the river, ready to rush to the jumper within seconds of splash down.  One boat member will grab the jumper wile a second quickly bundles up the parachute before it fills with water and drags the jumper under.

            At the landing zone, JanCare Ambulance Service has a MASH unit ready to deal with any injuries and transport any seriously injured to a hospital.

            Onsite jump registration and a BASE gear trade show will take place at BASE jumper headquarters located at the Holiday Inn in Oak Hill.

            For questions regarding bridge Day BASE jumping, please contract:

            Jason Bell
            Vertical Visions LLC
            P.O. Box 934
            Bridgeport, WV  26330
www.vertical-visions.com
www.bridgeday.info.com

 

Interesting Facts:
2nd longest steel arch bridge in the world.  I think China has a bigger one.
2nd highest bridge in the United States
High to road base, 876”
Spans the 2nd oldest river in the world
Bridge length – 3,030 FEET
Arch length – 1,700 FEET
Rise – 360 FEET
Total bridge weight – 88,000,000 lbs.
Steel weight – 44,000,000 lbs.
Concrete weight – 44,000,000 lbs.
Heaviest piece – 184,000 lbs
Arch weight – 21,066,000 lbs
Deck width – 69’ 4”
Bridge designed by Michael Baker, Inc.
Bid price $33,984,000
Final cost 37,000,000
1973-1977 building time.
Unpainted weathering steel was used that would blend aesthetically with the span’s natural surroundings and to save approximately $1 million for each painting.
Opened to public on October 22, 1977.
Bridge day held very year on 3rd Saturday in October
First official Bridge Day was in 1980.

 

Questions:
Public Affairs Division
WV Division of highways
Room 152
Capitol Complex Building 5
1900 Kanawha Blvd. East
Charleston, WV  25305
(304) 558-0103

October 08, 2006