basehopp

Basehopp is a dangerous extreme sport that involves jumping with a parachute from fixed objects, such as buildings, antennae, cliffs, or bridges, and freefalling before deploying a parachute to slow the descent. The term "BASE" is an acronym derived from the types of objects jumpers leap from: Buildings, Antennae, Spans (bridges), and Earth (cliffs). Basehopp is considered significantly more dangerous than skydiving due to the lower altitude jumps, proximity to the object, and often less forgiving landing zones. The equipment used is specialized, often incorporating a single parachute system designed for quick deployment.

The sport originated from skydiving, with early pioneers exploring jumps from non-traditional objects. The first recorded BASE jump was made by Rick Sylvester in 1978 from El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Over time, it developed into a distinct discipline with its own techniques and culture. BASE jumping is often performed in remote or secluded locations to avoid legal repercussions, as it is illegal in many jurisdictions. Participants typically undergo extensive skydiving training before attempting BASE jumps. The risks are substantial, and fatalities, while infrequent, do occur. Organizations exist for experienced BASE jumpers, but the sport remains a niche and high-risk activity.