BASE Jumping

This in-depth exploration of the history and culture of the sometimes illegal activity of BASE jumping provides historical and current information as well as a glimpse into the incredible adrenaline rush of the sport. BASE jumping is an extreme sport that has gained significant popularity. To date, there are over 1,400 jumpers who have earned their "BASE number," which means that they have jumped from a building, an antenna, a span, and a terrestrial point. And at least one BASE jumper is planning to attempt landing from a BASE jump without a parachute. BASE Jumping: The Ultimate Guide examines the history, subculture, and technologies associated with BASE jumping. Additionally, it considers what the relatively new expansion of this activity means within the context of how our society considers danger and risk. After an introduction, its chapters cover BASE culture and ethics, the sport's origins and current developments, techniques and equipment, sites and events, pioneering jumpers and icons of the sport, and future directions. The author-a former skydiver and BASE jumper himself-draws from careful research as well as interviews with current BASE jumpers to both provide historical context and represent the voices of those participating in the activity.

Jason Laurendeau, PhD, is assistant professor of sociology at the University of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. Laurendeau has written numerous scholarly articles on risk; deviance; and social control, gender, and emotion.