View Full Version : jumping into Burning Man
jazzykeb
09-14-2007, 12:24 PM
so a buddy of mine is a lunatic base jumper. He's poached some huge TV antennas out west, buildings and land marks all over the place. I guess he just spent a few days jumping into the madness at Burning Man....Just got this email from him:
"Fun to jump into and fun to party for a night, but after three nights it get's a little (old except for all the hot ass chicks walking around topless). It's non-stop. There is never a quiet moment, music rocking 24/7. That was my third time going and I don't think I will do it again without an RV. You need to be able to escape the dust storms and heat sometimes.
Still cracks me up everytime I land in the middle of the party and people are so fucked up and amazed. They all ask if they can do it too. I had a funny group drive up to me in an art car. They were asking if they could ride on my back. When I said probably not a good idea they asked if a midget could. I said still not a good idea and that's when I noticed the topless midget chick hanging out on the roof of the car and she's saying, "take me for a ride, come on." Funny weird shit goes on there.
I don't have any pics up loaded, but I will try to get a video clip of landing and flying accross the city in a uploaded next week. If you've never seen any pictures of the event you should check out the gallery on burning man's website."
NYMAMA
09-14-2007, 12:41 PM
:eek: :o
OMG I guess I have led a very sheltered life. I never heard of burnning man until the last 2 threads.
festbabe
09-14-2007, 12:50 PM
:eek: :o
OMG I guess I have led a very sheltered life. I never heard of burnning man until the last 2 threads.
I've heard of Burning Man, but what's this base jumping thing?
Belle
09-14-2007, 12:54 PM
I've heard of Burning Man, but what's this base jumping thing?
Base jumping is way cool for the strong at heart ( and somewhat insane) but this burning man thing still has me puzzled.
Frosty
09-14-2007, 12:57 PM
"Fun to jump into and fun to party for a night, but after three nights it get's a little (old except for all the hot ass chicks walking around topless). It's non-stop. There is never a quiet moment, music rocking 24/7.
Sigh, I wish I had known about stuff like this when I was young and single.
jazzykeb
09-14-2007, 12:59 PM
Base jumping is parachuting, but from a stationary object. I believe it is an acronym of Building, Antenna, Span (bridge), and Earth. It is very dangerous, and since most locations (buildings, antennas, bridges) require trespassing, it is illegal. Oh, also, since you are usually jumping from hundreds or less then a couple of thousand feet, as opposed to 10,000 in skydiving, you have very little time to get your chute open, and landings are often very hard.
He poached a TV antenna somewhere in eastern Colorado I believe. Had to break in, then scale the antenna (somewhere around 2,000 ft.) in the dark, and then jumped off at dawn. Amazing video from his helmet cam. The guy is crazy, but it is fun to hear about his adventures. He jumped off of Half Dome (I believe) and landed on an active highway.....had to run out of traffic.
freebo
09-14-2007, 01:05 PM
What is Burning Man?
Whew... That's a whole 'nother thread's worth there...
jazzykeb
09-14-2007, 01:18 PM
check this out freebo http://www.burningman.com/
and if anyone is interested in vid clips of RJ base jumping, email me at
kevin dot mcguinness at att dot com
they are pretty insane.
Zydekitten
09-14-2007, 01:26 PM
Just got back from Burning Man and you can't base jump (it's the wide open desert - no bases to jump from), but there are a LOT of skydivers jumping in all week . . . your friend must have been one of those - which is a cool way to get to the Playa (no cloggy car traffic like the rest of slobs have to deal with)!!! It was VERY fun to watch them spiraling down in their beautiful suits with streamers and then the chutes. :)
I'm happy to answer any questions or refute any misconceptions that folks might have (and most folks seem to - it's not necessarily drugs, nudity and loud music 24/7) . . .
It's an incredible experience and I highly recommend it - although it's not for everyone and the dust storms this year were fairly intense, so RVing has it's advantages with that aspect.
McGregor
09-14-2007, 01:32 PM
Is it a music fest? Just a celebration? I've heard of it but don't know many details
festbabe
09-14-2007, 01:33 PM
oooo - base jumping sounds fun. I'm half crazy enough to try it. Once.
McGregor
09-14-2007, 01:37 PM
oooo - base jumping sounds fun. I'm half crazy enough to try it. Once.
You are more brave than I. I'm not jumping off of anything over 8 feet and not going anywhere I have to take my own oxygen.
Speaking of BASE jumping- here is one of my favorite places on earth, The New River in WV. Besides some of the best whitewater rafting, fishing, and incredible scenery, once a year the bridge is closed for BRIDGE DAY
http://www.officialbridgeday.com/photos/04_photo4.jpg
Bridge Day is a BASE jumping festival attracting folks from all over the world. You have to complete several sanctioned jumps elsewhere before you can qualify to jump here.
http://www.officialbridgeday.com/photos/05bd/6.jpg
Some folks make it to the landing zone on shore
Some don't
http://www.officialbridgeday.com/photos/04_photo8.jpg
Also, some rapell down
http://www.officialbridgeday.com/photos/DSC_0014.JPG
And yes, sometimes folks die here, including one last fall at Bridge Day...
festbabe
09-14-2007, 02:18 PM
Speaking of BASE jumping- here is one of my favorite places on earth, The New River in WV. Besides some of the best whitewater rafting, fishing, and incredible scenery, once a year the bridge is closed for BRIDGE DAY
Wow - stunning pictures. I can certainly see why base jumping is both thrilling and dangerous.
jazzykeb
09-14-2007, 02:48 PM
Yup, your are right Zydekitten, he was not base jumping, but he wasn't doing standard skydiving either. It turns out his new thing is the flying suit. It has material sewn between your arms and body (like Batman) that allows you to soar and glide and steer to some degree. So, he was flying in over the crowd and landing in them. Vid clips coming soon.
Corona
09-14-2007, 04:19 PM
holy smokes!!!!
Zydekitten
09-15-2007, 04:06 AM
Yup, your are right Zydekitten, he was not base jumping, but he wasn't doing standard skydiving either. It turns out his new thing is the flying suit. It has material sewn between your arms and body (like Batman) that allows you to soar and glide and steer to some degree. So, he was flying in over the crowd and landing in them. Vid clips coming soon.
Oh, those suit flyers are WAY cool!!! That's something I'd love to do someday and it would be slammin' to do it into Black Rock City for Burning Man - can't wait to see his video clips! :D
festbabe
09-15-2007, 07:57 AM
Oh, those suit flyers are WAY cool!!! That's something I'd love to do someday and it would be slammin' to do it into Black Rock City for Burning Man - can't wait to see his video clips! :D
Couldn't you see someone (one of us?) flying around in front of the Acura stage in one of those flight suits? Imagine it....:)
Zydekitten
09-15-2007, 11:42 AM
Some pics from Burning Man this year:
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/Burning%20Man/BurningManwithPhoenixFace.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/Burning%20Man/picture-35.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/Burning%20Man/burn_3.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/Burning%20Man/TempleatNight.jpg
Zydekitten
09-15-2007, 11:44 AM
A few more:
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/Burning%20Man/picture-50.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/Burning%20Man/82.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/Burning%20Man/picture-40.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/Burning%20Man/picture-45.jpg
jazzykeb
09-17-2007, 07:03 AM
wow, amazing pics. Thx kitty
Zbonnie
09-17-2007, 08:19 AM
Is it a music fest? Just a celebration? I've heard of it but don't know many details Since I don't think anyone answered you yet ... I think it's a music and art festival. I also think that all the structures/art assembled there onsite, get burned down before it's over. You cannot leave anything in the desert, it all has to be burned or brought back out. It seems like a wild and unique event. Do take a look at the website - the rules are like 4 pages long as I recollect. You gotta be a little nuts to go, IMHO. (and I mean that in a good way.)
Jacquesimomo
09-17-2007, 09:59 AM
the burning man website will answer all questions===but, just to add, it's an experiment in communal living that culminates in the Burning of the Man.
There is no money exchanged, it is all trade. There are discos, massage and manicure/pedicure parlors, jewelry and other items, all for trade or sharing...
And, most importantly, it is COMPLETELY a Carry In, Carry Out scenario, including any water you use for cleaning yourselves or your dishes, etc. You cannot leave any trace behind on the Playa.
And, all of the art forms and huge sculptures are assembled on the playa and then taken down and out as well.
Some friends of mine have been going for years but interestingly enough have begun to think that it is losing its intent and becoming too commercialized...they are doubtful about going next year.
I have never gone because even though I am an avid outdoorsperson and all around happy camper, I must have access to water and swimming and getting wet and getting the dust and grime off and that's next to impossible to do on the playa from everything I can see...
Zydekitten
09-17-2007, 01:42 PM
wow, amazing pics. Thx kitty
You're more than welcome, J.K.! I have more actually, but didn't want to overload the thread.
B.M. is a "Leave No Trace - Pack In/Pack Out" event of extreme self-reliance and self-expression. It used to have a barter-only "economy" - but that has changed to a "gifting" economy, where there isn't supposed to be an expectation or obligation of exchange. One camp gifted me with a really cool B.M. necklace that they had made and I gifted them with some survival packs I had put together (ziplock bags, dust masks, lip balm, handi-wipes).
But I also did receive gifts when I had only my help to give back (helping someone with their tent/shade structure, etc.). The only things available for cash purchase are drinks at the Center Camp (coffee, tea, chai, lemonade, iced tea, electrolyte drink), and bags of ice.
There is water available for washing off dust in a few creative ways: running behind the water trucks spraying the "streets" every day (a time-honored B.M. tradition and fun), going to some camps that offer showers and "spa" services; making friends with an RV camper and using their shower.
Many of the art installations are burned (such as the Crude Awakening and Temple of Forgiveness burnings this year) and many are actually disassembled and reassembled as public art works in cities along the West Coast).
I have heard some talk from some longtime Burners that B.M. isn't what it used to be (i.e., too commercial, too many newbie/lookyloos, too many techno/loud music camps, etc.) . . . but what is??
I really love it and will keep going . . . my experience at Burning Man is that it truly is what you make it - you can have lots of drugs, loud music and sex . . . you can also have lots of quiet, yoga and spirtual time.
Zbonnie
09-17-2007, 02:06 PM
"I have more actually, but didn't want to overload the thread." I dunno about anyone else, but it IS the B.M. thread, so I say load up some more pics!
Jacquesimomo
09-17-2007, 04:47 PM
You're more than welcome, J.K.! I have more actually, but didn't want to overload the thread.
B.M. is a "Leave No Trace - Pack In/Pack Out" event of extreme self-reliance and self-expression. It used to have a barter-only "economy" - but that has changed to a "gifting" economy, where there isn't supposed to be an expectation or obligation of exchange. One camp gifted me with a really cool B.M. necklace that they had made and I gifted them with some survival packs I had put together (ziplock bags, dust masks, lip balm, handi-wipes).
But I also did receive gifts when I had only my help to give back (helping someone with their tent/shade structure, etc.). The only things available for cash purchase are drinks at the Center Camp (coffee, tea, chai, lemonade, iced tea, electrolyte drink), and bags of ice.
There is water available for washing off dust in a few creative ways: running behind the water trucks spraying the "streets" every day (a time-honored B.M. tradition and fun), going to some camps that offer showers and "spa" services; making friends with an RV camper and using their shower.
Many of the art installations are burned (such as the Crude Awakening and Temple of Forgiveness burnings this year) and many are actually disassembled and reassembled as public art works in cities along the West Coast).
I have heard some talk from some longtime Burners that B.M. isn't what it used to be (i.e., too commercial, too many newbie/lookyloos, too many techno/loud music camps, etc.) . . . but what is??
I really love it and will keep going . . . my experience at Burning Man is that it truly is what you make it - you can have lots of drugs, loud music and sex . . . you can also have lots of quiet, yoga and spirtual time.
Well put.
funkkjunkie
09-17-2007, 08:07 PM
I have heard some talk from some longtime Burners that B.M. isn't what it used to be ... Of course these words have been spoken many times about our beloved jazzfest. YYR, such is the way of our world.
Corona
09-19-2007, 05:16 PM
You're more than welcome, J.K.! I have more actually, but didn't want to overload the thread.
B.M. is a "Leave No Trace - Pack In/Pack Out" event of extreme self-reliance and self-expression. It used to have a barter-only "economy" - but that has changed to a "gifting" economy, where there isn't supposed to be an expectation or obligation of exchange. One camp gifted me with a really cool B.M. necklace that they had made and I gifted them with some survival packs I had put together (ziplock bags, dust masks, lip balm, handi-wipes).
But I also did receive gifts when I had only my help to give back (helping someone with their tent/shade structure, etc.). The only things available for cash purchase are drinks at the Center Camp (coffee, tea, chai, lemonade, iced tea, electrolyte drink), and bags of ice.
There is water available for washing off dust in a few creative ways: running behind the water trucks spraying the "streets" every day (a time-honored B.M. tradition and fun), going to some camps that offer showers and "spa" services; making friends with an RV camper and using their shower.
Many of the art installations are burned (such as the Crude Awakening and Temple of Forgiveness burnings this year) and many are actually disassembled and reassembled as public art works in cities along the West Coast).
I have heard some talk from some longtime Burners that B.M. isn't what it used to be (i.e., too commercial, too many newbie/lookyloos, too many techno/loud music camps, etc.) . . . but what is??
I really love it and will keep going . . . my experience at Burning Man is that it truly is what you make it - you can have lots of drugs, loud music and sex . . . you can also have lots of quiet, yoga and spirtual time.
oh man, that sounds so intriguing!
Montana
09-19-2007, 05:47 PM
Anyone been to a Rainbow Gathering?
Zydekitten
09-19-2007, 05:56 PM
oh man, that sounds so intriguing!
It's SO totally cool, Lis - you and Samster would love it I think (if you like camping that is).
Here are some more pics:
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/Burning%20Man/SpinningMonkeysatNight.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/Burning%20Man/Hourobourous.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/Burning%20Man/bigrigjig_2_2.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/Burning%20Man/TheMan1.jpg
jazzykeb
09-19-2007, 08:54 PM
wow, more cool shots kitty, thx. I may have to check this thing out (from the ground though!)
Zydekitten
10-08-2007, 07:14 PM
Well . . . from a one of my Burner chums, here's video of a skydive into BRC:
http://www.milkandcookies.com/link/69869/detail/
Woo Hoo!
festbabe
10-08-2007, 09:23 PM
Well . . . from a one of my Burner chums, here's video of a skydive into BRC:
http://www.milkandcookies.com/link/69869/detail/
Woo Hoo!
Wowwww.....awesome. I never knew they were in the sky so long. I guess I always thought it happened quickly. Man, I want to jump!
Corona
10-09-2007, 05:36 AM
It's SO totally cool, Lis - you and Samster would love it I think (if you like camping that is).
Here are some more pics:
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/Burning%20Man/SpinningMonkeysatNight.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/Burning%20Man/Hourobourous.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/Burning%20Man/bigrigjig_2_2.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/Burning%20Man/TheMan1.jpg
oh man, sooooo beautiful!!!