Battleship Mesa
Not all Tandem BASE jumping exits are created equally. The unique accumulation of micro towers, buttes, and buttresses beckon for exploration and fun.
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The same day that Henhouse Butte was opened up we had our sights set on Battleship Mesa; BASE jump Moab’s next target for a Tandem BASE jump exit point. We had to repack and gather our gear as well as make lunch and rest a bit. We had so much climbing gear, rappelling equipment, and enough stuff to send any canyon system in the great moab area. Needless to say our focus was on Tandem BASE though.
It took us all about 90 minutes collectively to sort our rigs, clean up camp, and eat lunch. Then it was off for discovery. When you are looking for a tandem base cliff — the point is to find a place that contains enough margin for safety to keep everyone in safety’s sight. This means a sheer or overhanging drop, a long flight is optimal, and a good (enough) landing area is very welcomed. When jumping off fixed objects— dedication and diligence is required every jump— so walking landing areas before their use, throwing rocks from the jump point to test airspace, planting flags to read the wind, having first aid kits just incase, as well as updated emergency devices, walkie-talkies, and many more prevention based tactics are what have kept BASE jump Moab accident free up until this point. When we finally found the diving board on the East face of Battleship Mesa— we knew we had uncovered gold.
Go Pro 360 Shots ROCK!
Recording footage had become standard in our industry and the shots help the pilot and the passenger remember the moment forever.
When opening a new exit the most important thing is to double and triple check absolutely everything before you jump. Making sure you are present and focused before making the leap is the most important thing you can do. Not only for you as a Tandem BASE jump Pilot, but it is paramount for your passenger too.
In the instance of Battleship Mesa, but also for all other tandem BASE jumps that BASE jump moab executes— there is one really easy way that we inspire presentness; and that it through a present. I give the gift of a little dragon token to my passenger and tell them to keep it. Not only for the jump, but after we land safely the jumper gets to take it home as well. The token is imbued with purpose at the exit when the passenger is asked to make a 360 and take in the views, to go inside themselves and ask themselves for gratitude for some of the most special things in their life; health, community, family, where they are right at that moment… Everyone is grateful for different things but the purpose is all the same— to inspire presentness.
When you take a moment to really take in where you are and what you are doing allows for two main things: 1. You slow down which gives you time to double and triple check 2. By being grateful for the moment you open up your heart to appreciate more of the details of what is happening— right here — right now. Lastly, you have to put some intention in asking for safe travel and believing in a great force than yourself; because… well mostly— it works. Luck is where preparation and opportunity meet, and the intention of being safe and asking the universe for help — couldn’t be a bad thing!
When we jumped the exit off Battleship Mesa, the long search for the exit, the many hours of prep and planning, and all the moments of crossed fingers became worth the struggle. The energy was wildly uplifting and incredibly visceral. The BASE jump Moab Tandem BASE journey was paying off in spades and the safe landings were icing on the cake. The yelling, hooting, hollering, and gloriousness of triumph over what seemed like stacked odds against us was as satisfying as eating a delicious meal in which you watched it be prepared for days on end. Now that we had begun the trip with some amazing new exits it was time to start thinking about the other main reasons why we had come here: to climb the putterman towers, rig a highline, walk it, and BASE jump them both. OFF TO THE RACES WE WENT! Part 4 coming soon.
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BASE Jump Moab is the best way to Tandem BASE Jump in the world! We have guided and jumped hundreds of people in the scenic and beautiful cliffs and canyons of Moab, Utah. With a flawless safety record and 100% positive customer rating, BASE Jump Moab is the premiere choice for BASE Jumping in Moab!Visit our website for booking info, pricing, and limited edition apparel and merchandise.