Progression tailored to you

  • My Intro to BASE package consists of four days of individualized training in Twin Falls, Idaho.

  • The focus will be learning everything you need to know in order to jump the Perrine Bridge safely, but we will also help you outline a personalized progression based on your goals.

  • Learning to BASE jump is very different from learning to skydive. There is no license, certification, or anything similar to be attained here. There are no rules or regulations, and no governing body setting boundaries. A lot of us are attracted to BASE for these reasons, but it’s also why it can be so dangerous.

  • BASE is a never ending personal journey of learning and exploration. We simply want to begin guiding you on yours.

  • Perquisites: 200 Skydives - this will need to be verified by someone who works at your local Dropzone, or by someone who knows me personally.

  • Pricing:

  • Private - $2,000

  • Two to three people - $1,500 per person

How to prepare

  • The best thing you can do to prepare is to get your hands on a BASE rig and get some practice packing. Here’s a link to my packing video. The more comfortable you are at packing before you arrive the more jumps you will do, the less stressed you will be, and the more time we can spend on learning other things.

  • Being in good physical shape will also be a huge help. Our days will be long, and they are filled with physical activity.

  • After each jump be prepared to hike 1 mile with your gear which will be about 20lbs. There is also a climb out which is a faster route, but more physically demanding, and sometimes there is a boat service. Assume that the boat will not be an option and if it is it’ll be an added bonus.

What to bring

  • Gear rental is included in my all my training fees. If you have your own you are welcome to bring it but you will also be using mine as turn rigs. I have several rigs in every size and all my equipment is close to new.

  • The only piece of protective equipment you are required to wear is a helmet. I recommend you have one that is impacted rated. Most skydiving helmets are not. I have some helmets and protective gear for sale in my shop. If you would like to purchase gear when you come please contact me ahead of time to make sure I have your size in stock. My inventory is kept current on BASEgear.net.

  • A good pair of approach shoes or boots, and clothes appropriate to the time of year.

Why 200 skydives?

This seems to be what most people teaching BASE jumping require for their students but no one seems to ever say why. I’ll be the first to say I don’t know why this magical number became the standard either but I will tell you why I am personally choosing to require it.

  • When you have completed 200 skydives you are considered somewhat competent. You may be working towards your C license which means you’ve been working on your accuracy, jumping with others, and hopefully building more and more situational awareness in the sky.

  • Regardless of the discipline within skydiving you have been doing, 200 skydives is still 200 deployments, 200 canopy flights, and most importantly, 200 landings. Most people who get hurt BASE jumping do so while under a parachute. It is absolutely crucial that you are competent flying and landing a parachute before you decide to BASE jump.

  • Over the course of 200 skydives you will likely have some unplanned things happen. You may have a cutaway, line twists, hard landings, off landings, etc. In sort, things don’t always go according to plan, and being able to accept this will also be crucial in BASE. This activity is VERY fucking dangerous and it can change your life in a heartbeat. Choosing to do it should not be taken lightly.

  • 200 skydives shows that you have at least given things a certain amount of commitment. I have no desire to teach people who have no desire to take their time. There is an endless amount of fulfillment waiting for you in BASE, and it will continue to wait until you are ready.

Where to stay

  • I offer free accommodation to students who work with me privately.

  • If you are coming for group training I highly recommend the BASE Hostel which is run by a local jumper in town. The best way to get in touch with her is through her Facebook page. Search ‘Jocelynn’s BASE Hostel’ and it will pop up.

  • If you have any problems finding it, email me (john@baseguiding.com) and I will help you.

  • If you would prefer a hotel I recommend the Quality Inn Suites which is right next to the bridge.