That list makes for very sobering reading! In general terms, after reading through the list, most wing-suits deaths occurred after not clearing obstacles while flying, while normal base jumpers had the chute open the wrong way, which then steered them into the cliff wall, or antenna guy wire. I gave up 15 years of hang gliding when my kids came along, and I lost two good friends, to the sport. I now kitesurf, which is considered an extreme sport, but am very safety conscious of the risks. I am now getting into SUPing, which for me will complement my kiting and mal surfing. That video is truly amazing, but I have experienced some very scary moments after being hit by sudden wind gusts while circling in close to 3000 foot rock walls, trying to stay up in my hang glider (at Mt Buffalo), in Victoria. At the speed that they are flying, there is absolutely NO margin for error. Highest respect for those pilots, but too scary for me!
Mrwandaful said...
There certainly is no margin for error in this sport. Check the tragic list of "experienced" base jumpers who misjudged the clearance required or had a chute open badly and hit the wall.
http://www.splatula.com/bfl/
the squirrel suiters start at no.71 no.77 and no. 82 no.91 and from number 121 to 161 there are many wingsuit deaths.
pretty sad, they all look like fantastic people who loved life.
Stick to sea-level for your thrills .....
Unreal video!!
