You know that when an Xtreme Sport like BASE jumping makes the Travel section of The New York Times, then it's time to consider BASE jumping of mainstream interest. A recent search revealed 5,317,172 Web pages featuring some element of BASE jumping!
"BASE" is an acronym that stands for the four categories of fixed objects from which one can jump:
- Building
- Antenna
- Span
- Earth
It differs from skydiving in that you are not in a flying aircraft. In BASE jumping, getting to the jump point under your own steam is part of the adventure. (Learn more: BASE jumping vs. Skydiving)
Due to the inherent danger and fatalities associated with BASE jumping, it's unlikely this Xtreme Sport will be acknowledged as a mainstream sport any time soon. I guess there are just a lot of people who like to live vicariously.
Enjoy the ride down.
