Discussion Topic |
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G_Gnome
Trad climber
Cali
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Topic Author's Original Post - Sep 8, 2017 - 03:23pm PT
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So sorry to be the one to post this from his FB page:
On Sunday September 3, around 7:30 p.m. Ammon had a wall strike on a B.A.S.E. jump in Moab. Ammon was second of three to exit. The person last off recognized that there was a problem and called down to the first jumper who had landed safely. Emergency services were called immediately. The first jumper reached Ammon at the base of the wall in about 10 minutes and assisted him in life saving maneuvers which included applying a tourniquet to a severely injured right leg.
Due to his location and daylight he was not able to be extricated and spent the night (13 hours) on the talus until a rescue helicopter could safely extract him at approximately 8 am the next morning. Because of the sensitive nature of his condition and location it was decided among the professionals on scene to wait for medvac at dawn. The rigging required to get him out would have taken as long as waiting for daylight did. Ian Mitchard, Nick Williamson, Matt Laj, and Adam R. Krum were by his side from the beginning and stayed on to assist emergency services and SAR throughout the night.
Ammon would like to extend a huge thank you to his brothers and emergency services who undoubtedly saved his life.
Ammon was initially transported to the Grand Junction hospital where after further evaluation he was sent to Salt Lake City where they could better treat him. He has been downgraded from ICU to a regular medical floor, is stable, and in good spirits.
His injuries are as follows: fractured left clavicle, severely fractured left wrist, multiple fractures to left leg tib/fib, and severely traumatized right leg.
As of yesterday afternoon Ammon's right leg was amputated just below the knee.
I am so sorry to hear this about the pirate. Long may he rein!
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Norton
climber
The Wastelands
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Very sorry to hear of Ammon's accident and ordeal.
Hopefully Ammon has a health insurance policy with a rider to include high risk decisions.
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labrat
Trad climber
Erik O. Auburn, CA
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Heal up Pirate! Glad you made it.
Erik
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snakefoot
climber
Nor Cal
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damn, this sucks. get well amigo
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guyman
Social climber
Moorpark, CA.
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Darn.... thats bad news.
Heal up.
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Flip Flop
climber
Earth Planet, Universe
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Tough. But a win, considering the possible outcomes.
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couchmaster
climber
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Daymn, if broken bones were money Ammon would be rich! HEAL UP!
This sounds a lot like the last one. " life saving maneuvers which included applying a tourniquet to a severely injured right leg." Are you sure you didn't look at 2015 or whenever the last one was Gnome?
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Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Damn. Glad you're alive!
Rick
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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Positive vibes, Ammon!
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Splater
climber
Grey Matter
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Scary!
Glad you're getting good care.
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madbolter1
Big Wall climber
Denver, CO
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I can't get it into perspective.
Ammon, my brother, hang tough. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and I'm wishing you a speedy recovery, rehabilitation, and ultimately the ability to keep pushing on however you wish.
I hope to see you again soon!
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the Fet
climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
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Sending good vibes your way Ammon.
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i-b-goB
Social climber
Wise Acres
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Hang in there and keep the faith!
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G_Gnome
Trad climber
Cali
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 8, 2017 - 04:46pm PT
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Couch, we all know that the master didn't lose his lower leg last time. I did my best to make sure that this was new news before posting. Believe me, I did NOT want to post this story.
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I am Sam
Social climber
232' Above Sea Level
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Pinche F*#kin' Peggy!
Too tough to kill and too rare to die, heal up well, my friend.
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Fritz
Social climber
Choss Creek, ID
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A toast to Ammon cheating death yet again.
Heal quickly.
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Gunkie
Trad climber
Valles Marineris
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Holy crap! Best wishes going to Ammon! My son really looks up to Ammon. Think of it this way, A5 seems so much more tame. Looking forward to seeing Ammon back out on the sharp end.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Serious prayers for serious healing. At least you hit a wall doing something you love. lynnie
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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hey there say, G_gnome... thanks for letting the folks now...
hope it was okay, and the right timing, to share...
prayers, still, for ammon, as always, and for his wonderful
mom, who is always in his corner, through all the 'hard stuff'...
hang in there, ammon...
edit, just now:
ooops, i apologize, in the question of 'right time',
i read the full post, and
see that you have all the info, and blessing, from ammon...
i was just worried, as to his mom, :)
good job, reporting, G_gnome...
thank you, :)
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Kalimon
Social climber
Ridgway, CO
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Only a real pirate has a peg leg. Dude's lucky there are people out there to rescue his busted up self . . . sometimes one must learn to dial it back or die.
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NutAgain!
Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
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Sounds like you are out there measuring the line between life and death
with a little more precision than most us.
Pirate of the temporal frontiers.
Heal well, and don't tie yourself to the whale!
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skywalker1
Trad climber
co
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Hi Ammon,
I don't know you and you don't know me but I read this and thought about you for awhile. Likely for more of a while. Take care, good recovery, and its good to be alive.
S...
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grover
climber
Castlegar BC
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Arrrrrrrrrrr........Heal up Ammon!!!!!!!
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thebravecowboy
climber
The Good Places
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sumbitch done did some deals awready. praise be upon him and those in his camp.
hearty vibes to the Ammon McNeely!
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WBraun
climber
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That B.A.S.E sh!t is no good when it takes you to the "House of Pain" .......
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madbolter1
Big Wall climber
Denver, CO
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Dude's lucky there are people out there to rescue his busted up self . . . sometimes one must learn to dial it back or die.
And there it is, the inevitable "you did a baaaaad thing" opine.
Nobody wants anybody who's pushing the edges to actually die. But climbing and BASE jumping at the outer edges is ABOUT risking it all. People living well within their comfort zone and just looking for "fun" don't get it and are living in an incommensurate paradigm from those who do.
There are much worse things than death (and it's gonna get you anyway, regardless of your "dial it back" efforts, probably in some "meaningless" way that you never saw coming). One of those worse things is living a lame, comfortable, "dial it back" life... and then dying ANYWAY!
The coward dies a thousand deaths; the brave man dies but one.
Rock on, Ammon. Don't take any sad sap opinion to heart. With a good prosthetic, you're not gonna even be slowed down, my dear friend. I'll look for you in Moab in a few weeks.
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Kalimon
Social climber
Ridgway, CO
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My apologies madbolter . . . I was not disparaging Ammon, but one must question first world problems like getting injured while flying through the air for selfish amusement. Lotta folks out there are worried about getting enough to eat . . . the disparity is obvious.
Oh yeah . . . You are probably living a more "lame and comfortable" life than I am so STFU.
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nita
Social climber
chica de chico, I don't claim to be a daisy.
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*
Damn, I hate to see news like this...
Ammon..Maybe Malcolm, aka- Maldaly ..can give you some advice/help making the transition to a prosthetic .. He's a great guy and probably knows the right prosthetic foot maker...
Heal strong....Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers..
Saludos...
Nita..
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10b4me
Mountain climber
Retired
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My apologies madbolter . . . I was not disparaging Ammon, but one must question first world problems like getting injured while flying through the air for selfish amusement. Lotta folks out there are worried about getting enough to eat . . . the disparity is obvious.
IMO, there is no need to apologize.
I share your opinion.
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the Fet
climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
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Will definitely need a high tech prosthetic with a climbing rubber sole AND a super old school wooden peg leg. That would be so boss.
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madbolter1
Big Wall climber
Denver, CO
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Kalimon, fortunately the world isn't completely full of people sharing your opinion. You say that you're not disparaging Ammon, but then in the very next sentence you do that very thing even more clearly.
Regarding your prowess vs. mine, I'm not going to dignify that by turning this thread into a side-show. Your type on this sort of thread is really sickening to me, and I hope that this time around Ammon just flips your type the appropriate finger without even considering your opinion.
Your opinions lead to a life in which nobody's following your "exploits" nor caring, and there's no threads devoted to you. Your life is an "also ran," so you have nothing of value to say about a guy of Ammon's caliber.
On another thread, you posted: "Alex Honnold has broken through yet another barrier in the modern human consciousness . . . in doing so he has effectively transformed the world around him. Congratulations Mr. Honnold!"
Really? Let's say that Alex had instead fallen instead of pulling it off. Then would you disparage him as you now do Ammon? What Alex did is the exact same sort of "first-world" issue, as would have been his death in such a case. Do you only care about "success" in pushing the edges?
If Alex keeps pushing as he is, the odds go increasingly against him! WHEN are you of the opinion that he'd better "dial it back"? In the same breath in which you're praising him? Later? Only after he buys the farm, tractor, cows, and all? Then, in arrears you can act all "wise" about "dialing it back" and other similar snake droppings?
Just useless.
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Kalimon
Social climber
Ridgway, CO
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Best to Mr. Ammon in his recovery and hats off to madbolter for ruling the world! Once again, my apology for tarnishing your supertopo superiority!
Why you should dredge my meaningless opinions from other threads is another discussion altogether.
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Bushman
climber
The state of quantum flux
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Glad to hear this amazing athlete has survived another serious accident, sorry to hear about the leg. Get well soon.
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madbolter1
Big Wall climber
Denver, CO
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No worries, Kalimon. You only reveal yourself as uselessly opinionated about you know not what, neither superior nor inferior, just an another also-ran who derives some sense of importance from the mere having of an opinion and sharing it like it matters.
Ammon's living a life you can only comment upon, just as you can only comment upon Alex, Tour de France participants, and so on. But your life is nothing like any of theirs, and you don't live in the paradigm that would make your opinion have the slightest weight on such matters. And you yourself know that what I'm saying is true.
Your "first-world" excuse is lame and obviously so, as you praise Alex for "changing the world." Really? Did Alex put food in people's mouths?
What you clearly don't get is that Ammon lives in the very paradigm you praise Alex for.
Because your opinions are indeed irrelevant (and even internally inconsistent), I hope that this go-round Ammon pays them exactly the attention they are worth: Zip, nada, nothing.
This is a classic thread in which to follow your momma's sage advice: If you don't have something good to say about the subject matter, better to say nothing at all.
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madbolter1
Big Wall climber
Denver, CO
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Both are doing the injured a disservice.
You are wrong, because you don't know Ammon personally. I'm not going to "speak for him," but I know that the last thread caused unneeded distress as goofballs like Kalimon weighed in to call Ammon "baaaaad," as though their opinions have weight.
This go-round, I hope Ammon sees through this useless tripe for what it is! Kalimon's crap is literally adding insult to injury.
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Kalimon
Social climber
Ridgway, CO
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Looks like madbolter has this under control . . . putting words in my mouth that are not there and judging my life to the core. I bid you goodnight whoever you are and hope that your pirate, whoever they may be, enjoys all that life has to offer.
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nah000
climber
now/here
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well, i was going to keep my mouth shut... as not knowing ammon and not having anything to add but more vitriol in response to a few of the subtle and not so subtle al sharpton style tragedy-chasing and wannabe-pastors who like to come out of the wooodwork while humans are still struggling with, in this case at least, portions of their physical body being torn from them [and no, im not referring to mb1], i didn't really think it was the time or place for me to open my yap. ie. there's a time and place for reflecting on the lessons that may or may not shoulda woulda coulda been learned, but for me, myself, and i regarding a member of my tribe... this ain't it.
but, i have to as this breaks my heart a bit. actually quite a bit.
while i don't know you ammon, in case you're someday reading this, thanks for leading the charge for all of the years that you have... take a little rest... maybe buy a parrot... and then i look forward to being inspired by your exploits [regardless of whether they are climbing, flying or knitting based] sooner than you or i dreamed was possible.
until then know there are a large number of us praying for you [even if we don't believe in prayer]...
peace brother.
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BruceHildenbrand
Social climber
Mountain View/Boulder
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Ammon is the consummate adrenalin junkie. If you look up that term in Websters there is a picture of the Pirate! Heal up quickly and get back out there!
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madbolter1
Big Wall climber
Denver, CO
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but for me, myself, and i regarding a member of my tribe... this ain't it.
Amen, and well said.
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crankster
Trad climber
No. Tahoe
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Bad deal. Here's to a speedy recovery.
Is the WOT necessary here, really?
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Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
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oh Amon,
best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.
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Wade Icey
Trad climber
www.alohashirtrescue.com
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Oh yeah. Now I remember.
Heal11111!!!!666
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little Z
Trad climber
un cafetal en Naranjo
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Dude, very glad to hear you made it back alive, even if not in one piece. Way to tough it out. All the best for a quick recovery.
Please, no photos this time (except to see your smiling face, of course).
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Bad Climber
Trad climber
The Lawless Border Regions
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Hoo, man, that's harsh! So glad you made it out alive, Ammon. Heal well. More adventures await.
BAd
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Yury
Mountain climber
T.O.
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G_Gnome:
On Sunday September 3, around 7:30 p.m. Ammon had a wall strike on a B.A.S.E. jump in Moab.
...
Due to his location and daylight he was not able to be extricated and spent the night (13 hours) on the talus G_Gnome, are you sure that he hit a wall and then was able to open a parachute and to land?
Wasn't it just bad landing on talus?
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mike m
Trad climber
black hills
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So sorry to hear this. Hope you heal up soon.
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WBraun
climber
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Yury
A wall strike will collapse your canopy and you'll crater into the talus and do some serious damage to your body in that talus when you hit it .....
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Yury
Mountain climber
T.O.
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Thank you Werner.
It looks like it's a duplicate of what happened in 2013.
Was his parachute opened facing a wall again?
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canyoncat
Social climber
SoCal
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Perhaps Bolter could let Ammon speak for himself. It seems like the right thing to do?
In the mean time I wish for a speedy recovery to the Pirate. Also, a reminder that it's OK to remember the people who love you. Much respect for whatever you choose in the future.
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madbolter1
Big Wall climber
Denver, CO
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Perhaps Bolter could let Ammon speak for himself. It seems like the right thing to do?
Perhaps you could not put words in my mouth. That would also be the right thing to do.
I have not in the slightest spoken for Ammon.
What I've done is what I should have done the last time this happened: Been more vocal in defending his chosen lifestyle/paradigm from idiots who feel compelled to critique him and his lifestyle, as though they are wise and justified to express their stupid opinions, particularly in this sort of context.
I know that last time it was hurtful, and it really does add insult to injury. It's unconscionable, and this time I will call it out for the stupidity that it is. As I said, this time I hope that Ammon gives such ridiculousness exactly the attention it deserves: None.
Another thing that seems like the right thing to do is to simply wish him well and not critique his lifestyle, particularly when you don't live in that paradigm.
Such critics, if they had a shred of class, would delete their posts. Then I'll happily delete mine as well.
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phylp
Trad climber
Upland, CA
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Hi Ammon, we've not met, but I wish you well.
Of course one really cannot put these things into words, but I feel myself, as an individual being, not separate but as the manifestation of universal energy. The conscious universe experiences infinite variety through our lives. You are surely giving the universe one hell of a ride.
Phyl
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cavemonkey
Ice climber
ak
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Hope the pain isn't unbearable Ammon
Keep your chin up
Losing a limb may add another layer of complexity, but is not a death sentence.
If anyone can overcome an adversity like this, I'm betting on you coming out the other end with a sh#t eating grin!
+1 on the pegleg
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jeff constine
Trad climber
Ao Namao
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Boy did this thread turn to POOP. All you bitches should go out and climb, clear your heads, come back with a better attitude. Even tho I dis like Ammon, Heal Up DUDE.
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Jim Clipper
climber
from: forests to tree farms
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+1 go fund me page for a parrot and other incidentals
+2 heal up
+3 some of you guys can be dicks
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ruppell
climber
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Heel up man. Then go talk to Hugh Herr and see about getting one of those biomechatronics limbs he's been working on. Stay strong and carry on, Ammon.
This:
[Click to View YouTube Video]
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ec
climber
ca
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Arghhh! Long Live The Pirate!
 ec
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Capt.
climber
some eastside hovel
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Heal up well Ammon. I'm sure you'll come back to the game with even more stoke.
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ron gomez
Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
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Heal up Ammon, will keep you in my prayers. Glad yer living yer life to it's fullest for you.
Peace
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iron duchess maiden or whatever
Social climber
under a pile of rock
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Ammon,
remember Facelift 2011, when I asked you to test-taste the beer a few hours before the doors opened to the crowd, and you tried to kiss me? Ok, stay on that. I think of you.
You were arrested on the last day of that Facelift for BAsing into the meadow. By the time Leo B. and I got to the prison, LEOs had kicked you out.
Look, I danced with Malcom, even though he has a prost. I promess I will dance with you too. Deal? (Malcom; you too of course).
Strangely, I have been thinking of Dean all day today, only to look at the taco and find out that you survived a flight bump. Yikes. The lone wolf, and many others were alone for a long time before dawn brought on the rescuers.
You, master pirate, you live. Show me, show the monkeys, show us all how to fight. Keep on leading!
The 2 little boys,
if you could go change your diapers elsewhere it would be nice.
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scuffy b
climber
heading slowly NNW
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Wishing the best for Ammon.
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Lambone
Big Wall climber
Ashland, Or
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Thinkin about you Ammon, stay strong!
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ECF
Big Wall climber
Ridgway CO
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Ammon, glad you aren't dead. I'll come visit you in the hospital next week.
Richard, always the consummate jackass dredging up the past, with bombastic ferocity and the self righteousness that your silly religion excels at with aplomb. Glad to see you haven't changed a bit.
By the way, this thread isn't about you. I know you don't believe that could be possible, but it is true.
Christian
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clinker
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, California
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Ammon, sorry you are hurt. Wishing you a strong recovery!
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kief
Trad climber
east side
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Hi Ammon, we've not met, but I wish you well.
Of course one really cannot put these things into words, but I feel myself, as an individual being, not separate but as the manifestation of universal energy. The conscious universe experiences infinite variety through our lives. You are surely giving the universe one hell of a ride.
Phyl
What she said.
Heal well.
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Gowen Geter
Mountain climber
Chamonix, FRANCE
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You're fitting a lot of living into those 9 lives, El Cat Pirate.
Cheering that you're healing towards the next chapter of your legendary story.
Is there anything you need right now, that you'd appreciate help with?
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Sounds like Ammon had really good friends and dedicated people to help during the wait and evac. Best wishes for time to rest and heal and get back out there.
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skcreidc
Social climber
SD, CA
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Good gravy man, heal up dood!
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Studly
Trad climber
WA
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The guy leading the charge always takes a few blows, comes with the territory. Heal up and you will be back out there before you know it Ammon. I met you at your Hood River talk about Wings of Steel, and been following your exploits for years.
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mouse from merced
Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
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A devil-may-care dare-devil is one who does no planning.
Ammon's not that type or he'd likely be dead by now.
Hope you heal up promptly, Ammon, and find your way back to the edge.
And live long and prosper, too.
MFM, looking forward to someday meeting you
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drF
Trad climber
usa
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So sorry Ammon. Heal well
If a GoFund for him pops up please post here.
I'd like to help.
That guy is most definitely good peeps!
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Very sorry to here about your accident Ammon...you'll be back breaking more barriers before you know it.
You should get conversations going with Mal Daly and Hugh Herr regarding prosphetics. Mal is doing great with his and Hugh is considered one of the world's top experts.
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Daphne
Trad climber
Northern California
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Hey Ammon, I join from the wider community of those you do not know but who know of you.
Holding you in Light as you make your way through the process of healing. No matter how the process unfolds, many care about your well-being. You are going to get through this and good times will come again.
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Dr.Kodos
Trad climber
Tennessee
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madbolter1: get over yourself and get down off that high horse before you fall and join Ammon as a gimp
this place still full of pretentious fecks that cannot handle opposing and viable opinions being shared, eh?
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Ezra Ellis
Trad climber
North wet, and Da souf
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Sep 10, 2017 - 02:36am PT
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Heal up Ammon, you got this!
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Rudder
Trad climber
Costa Mesa, CA
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Sep 10, 2017 - 03:51am PT
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madbolter1: get over yourself and get down off that high horse before you fall and join Ammon as a gimp
Pretty funny that he is the very guy that everyone criticized for what he wants to do in Yosemite, and now he is criticizing a guy in another thread for what that guy wants to do in Yosemite. Hurt people hurt? His attitudes might be why he got sh#t on, metaphorically and in reality. Food (poop?) for thought. He is also definitely looking less than thoughtful in this thread, as well. It's not about you, Richard, bottle your own crap, and let this thread be about good vibes for Ammon.
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Rudder
Trad climber
Costa Mesa, CA
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Sep 10, 2017 - 03:58am PT
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Heal up Ammon ... Glad yer living yer life to it's fullest for you. Peace
+1
Hang in there, brother! :)
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BLUEBLOCR
Social climber
joshua tree
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Sep 10, 2017 - 08:49am PT
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For fuc sakes dude that musta been a tough night. Hope ya had a big bottle O' rum
Positive vibes Mate for a quickest of recovery 🍀
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MH2
Boulder climber
Andy Cairns
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Sep 10, 2017 - 11:03am PT
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I don't know Ammon but he came alive for me when Timmy O'Neill told an audience about Timmy taking his brother up El Cap with the help of the pirate.
Best wishes for a good outcome for the guy.
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marty(r)
climber
beneath the valley of ultravegans
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Sep 10, 2017 - 11:42am PT
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Crikey! Heal up and get back at showing us all how much fun can be had out on the high lonesome.
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Woody the Beaver
Trad climber
Soldier, Idaho
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Sep 10, 2017 - 11:42am PT
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To a formidable cat: you got a bunch of lives left! I'm glad to be in the tribe that contains cats like you.
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paganmonkeyboy
climber
mars...it's near nevada...
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Sep 10, 2017 - 12:49pm PT
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Damn ! Heal up stronger than ever !! Maybe when you are ready talk to Malcom at paradox sports...
Hope you are hanging tough !!
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Binks
climber
Uranus
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Sep 10, 2017 - 02:14pm PT
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Heal up you legend, and take the time you need. We are all pulling for you. My gratitude for what you have taught me is immense.
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maldaly
Trad climber
Boulder, CO
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Sep 10, 2017 - 04:50pm PT
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Ammon and I are on it. Hold our beers for a minute would ya?
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Fuzzywuzzy
climber
suspendedhappynation
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Sep 10, 2017 - 07:11pm PT
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You are amazing. You will show us all how much you have!
Heal.
Iron maiden - thanks.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Sep 10, 2017 - 07:13pm PT
|
Mal, I knew you would jump into the brink.
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F
climber
away from the ground
|
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Sep 10, 2017 - 07:14pm PT
|
Gnar.
Chicks dig scars?
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nita
Social climber
chica de chico, I don't claim to be a daisy.
|
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Sep 10, 2017 - 09:28pm PT
|
*
Malcolm, so good to see you are here to show Ammon the way...
Best wishes to you both..
Salud
Nita..
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ß Î Ø T Ç H
Boulder climber
ne'er–do–well
|
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Sep 10, 2017 - 09:55pm PT
|
He ... spent the night (13 hours) on the talus until a rescue helicopter could safely extract him Scary- glad he hung in there to not take the dirt nap.
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
|
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Sep 10, 2017 - 10:17pm PT
|
Attitude is everything.
You've been down a similar road so you get it.
Lots and lots of folks pulling for you, go down and dig deep where you've been before.
Speedy recovery and show us the way again.
----------------------------------------
This from Locker:
"The bickering on this thread comes from people caring...
Not everyone reacts the same..."
Sometimes he nails it on the head. Nice job locker:)
peace Ammon
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
|
|
|
Sep 10, 2017 - 10:19pm PT
|
hey there, say, malcolm...
as to your quote:
Sep 10, 2017 - 04:50pm PT
Ammon and I are on it. Hold our beers for a minute would ya?
:)
good job! :)
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rrrADAM
Trad climber
LBMF
|
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|
Sep 11, 2017 - 06:22am PT
|
Karen told me about this yesterday... Sorry to hear about this, but glad you survived, and will mend.
Our thoughts are with you, brutha.
Karen and I often talk of our trips to HVP with you and your brutha, and how you would always beat us up that gnarly road, since you 2 drove like you were in the General Lee.
~A
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micronut
Trad climber
Fresno/Clovis, ca
|
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Sep 11, 2017 - 07:11am PT
|
Hoping for a full and fast recovery man. May these words from Thomas Paine help in some small way today.
"The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection."
-Thomas Paine
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Spider Savage
Mountain climber
The shaggy fringe of Los Angeles
|
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Sep 11, 2017 - 07:19am PT
|
The legend is just getting started. Huzzah for our El Cap Pirate.
Option the movie rights to Disney while you are still alive so you can enjoy the money.
Sorry hear about the recent ouch. Good friends who know first aid and stand by you are the best.
I am so glad you are still with us. Life is better for all of us with you around to enjoy it.
Looking forward to medically graphic images like last time.
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JohnnyG
climber
|
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|
Sep 11, 2017 - 07:59am PT
|
Ammon- wishing you the best! Lots of people here rooting for you.
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rbord
Boulder climber
atlanta
|
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|
Sep 11, 2017 - 02:07pm PT
|
Wish we could tell these stories about fake people instead of about real people.
But since not ...
Congratulations on your survival! You rule! Hope you're out there getting hurt again in no time :-) My sincere best wishes, other human.
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couchmaster
climber
|
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|
Sep 11, 2017 - 02:18pm PT
|
Jesus, I missed the part where they amputated his leg below the knee. I saw the accident, broken bones and in hospital healing part. $##!@ I'm sorry -my reading skillz ain't much better than my climbing skillz. Ammon, congrats on surviving, even without the lower leg, you'll still be a kick ass person. My best to you: heal up fast and have the pain go away soon.
Malcom noted upthread: "Ammon and I are on it. Hold our beers for a minute would ya?" LOL, thanks for the levity Malcom. Pretty serious stuff, it's nice to be able to laugh once in a while too.
|
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shipoopoi
Big Wall climber
oakland
|
|
|
Sep 11, 2017 - 02:35pm PT
|
hope ammon gets through his pain and healing in good time. always there to hang out in the eddys with you ammon when you want to boat the merced. it was crazy good this year. shipoopoi
|
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limpingcrab
Trad climber
the middle of CA
|
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|
Sep 11, 2017 - 03:47pm PT
|
Edited: if it were me I'd appreciate it, but if it's not taken well I'll delete.
Heal up Ammon, sounds like you have good people to help you through and that's what it will take.
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Curt
climber
Gold Canyon, AZ
|
|
|
Sep 11, 2017 - 04:26pm PT
|
The bickering on this thread comes from people caring...
Not everyone reacts the same...
Well put.
Curt
|
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
|
|
|
Sep 11, 2017 - 06:09pm PT
|
From one survivor to another.
You got this sh!t!!!!
Send it!
|
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
|
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Sep 11, 2017 - 07:45pm PT
|
It should be noted that Ammon nearly lost his LEFT leg to a similar injury, and once again that leg suffered grave damage (plus his wrist). And they had to take off his RIGHT leg - the inevitable outcome of prolonged use of a tourniquet ("life or limb"). So we all need to be there for Ammon over the long haul, because this recover will not be a quick one.
But we all know the Pirate will make it through.
Best to you, my brother.
JL
|
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EdBannister
Mountain climber
13,000 feet
|
|
|
Sep 11, 2017 - 09:55pm PT
|
Thank you for posting Jan.
When i left climbing and mountaineering product design, i designed for a medical products company. and was eventually tasked to design a tourniquet, so through design testing and use, familiarity with the alternatives was part of the work week. Better to be alive, and lose a limb, ugly choice, but the better outcome. Sending very best wishes for healing.
From the sounds of things, it was delayed transport that cost the leg. The good news is most amputees walk again with the excellence of near full motion artificial limbs. Ottobock and others.
and for your interest,
Military transport times have been cut in half or so, with each conflict, Vietnam 4 to 8 hours from trauma to mash unit.. in the Afghan theatre, 30 minutes is a possibility. Lives are being saved by quick transport.
again, best to you in your healing and learning. I am well networked in the prosthetics industry, let me know if you would like a referral.. mynameatgmail
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
|
|
|
Sep 11, 2017 - 10:07pm PT
|
So we all need to be there for Ammon over the long haul, because this recovery will not be a quick one.
Largo is wise.
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BLUEBLOCR
Social climber
joshua tree
|
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|
Sep 11, 2017 - 10:56pm PT
|
Largo is shArp🙏
Ammon, urs is a journey of lasting😇
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Esparza
Trad climber
Westminster, CA
|
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|
Sep 12, 2017 - 10:29am PT
|
Ugghhh.... my best to you Cap'n!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
|
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|
Sep 12, 2017 - 11:59am PT
|
Wisdom is gleaned from knowledge and experience John.
I hope Ammon is doing well today.
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clode
Trad climber
portland, or
|
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|
Sep 12, 2017 - 12:32pm PT
|
"Don't tie yourself to the whale!" Good advice, you might hurt the whale!
Apparently they can't make any mountain that can take him out completely, and I doubt they ever will!
Just heal up dude and keep livin' it for all you're worth. To do otherwise would be un-Ammon-like!
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Mar1
Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
|
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Sep 12, 2017 - 12:38pm PT
|
Oh Captain, my captain.
Heal up quick wild man.
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EdBannister
Mountain climber
13,000 feet
|
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Sep 12, 2017 - 01:01pm PT
|
Perhaps Bolter could let Ammon speak for himself. It seems like the right thing to do?
bolter, that is not putting words in your mouth, just try thinking this thread is not about you, but about a man who now has a years long road to mostly recovered in a physical sense, and perhaps being even more accomplished on a personal level.
Ammon, i do not know you, but the people who are amputees will inspire and amaze you, and you won't see insults or bickering on their discussion group, you may have upgraded! : )
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jgill
Boulder climber
The high prairie of southern Colorado
|
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Sep 12, 2017 - 04:18pm PT
|
Pirates are tough. Heal up guy!
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L
climber
Tiptoeing through the chilly waters of life
|
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Sep 12, 2017 - 04:35pm PT
|
The world needs more adventurers like you, Ammon, to keep all those cubicle dwellers sane.
Heal up and get back out thar, Matey!
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donald perry
Trad climber
kearny, NJ
|
|
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Sep 13, 2017 - 08:14am PT
|
Horror of horrors! When we were children I used to watch si-fi movies and dream about the human fly or some space alien. Chain saw massacre made me afraid, you never know whats out there that can grab you!
Wrong! Wrong! All those things are lies keeping you from the truth.
The real monster is man overestimating his ability to text and drive, or climb without always checking for ticks, or ... overestimating his ability to fly! And I think we are proving these things do not work as time progresses.
Be afraid, be very afraid--------------of yourself!
Pink Floyd - Learning To Fly (Official Music Video) - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVhNCTH8pDs
Time to graduate to the peg leg pirate, your now Captain Ammon! No doubt, no doubt!
Hope to rather see you on El Cap soon Ammon!, Nevertheless, just as the sun comes up in the morning so you too will keep shinning in our hearts forever and ever! You will be fine and with a little help from your friends I hope we can all get old together, all together now, heave ho!
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Flip Flop
climber
Earth Planet, Universe
|
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|
Sep 13, 2017 - 08:59am PT
|
Madbolter is really dumb.
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Cragar
climber
MSLA - MT
|
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|
Sep 13, 2017 - 10:08am PT
|
How did he arrive at the nickname?
Good luck with your situation and adapting to a new life!
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Lennox
climber
just southwest of the center of the universe
|
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|
Sep 13, 2017 - 12:59pm PT
|
Hey Ammon, heal up brother, you got this!
When you get your peg, I'll wear my patch, and we can do some raiding and plundering and other pirate sh;t.
Recently, I was dodging small boulders while driving down the Lee Vining grade during a thunderstorm, and I was reminded of the time you rode shotgun while I drifted through the turns racing Evo to the Mobil. You like scary sh;t, let's do that again.
. )
Scott
|
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darkmagus
Mountain climber
San Diego, CA
|
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|
Sep 13, 2017 - 02:09pm PT
|
Damn, I'm sorry to hear this. Ammon, I don't know you, but I'm sending good wishes your way. Pirates are basically invincible.
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i-b-goB
Social climber
Wise Acres
|
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Sep 13, 2017 - 04:17pm PT
|
Shiver me timbers!
Heal up me hearty!
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AE
climber
Boulder, CO
|
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Sep 14, 2017 - 01:30pm PT
|
I've been mulling over the concept of "privilege" in connection with politics, but herein may add a bit of perspective as well:
Privilege, for many, means that they can elect to engage in adventures, take risks, push boundaries of human achievement; for the vast majority of humans, life is already far riskier than your manufactured challenge, the difference being yours has a tidy bubble of containment in place and time, while theirs is uncertain, indefinite, and inescapable. Yours may come with complicated, but plausible escape and rescue potential, as your circle of privilege has resources of money, experts, and organization sufficient to reach you; theirs has none, save the random, serendipitous graces of fate and whimsy.
I choose to no longer identify with the small group of self-absorbed adrenaline junkies who continue even after losing friends and having their own close calls, repeatedly. Climbing at least for most uses safety methods developed not to cheat death, but to better protect even while taking on more difficult lines. Air-gravity activities seem destined by contrast, to advance difficulty by shaving the line between success and failure ever thinner.
Sorry if I don't wax too sympathetic here. Too bad. Ammon survived; will he learn anything from this? Time will tell.
|
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karodrinker
Trad climber
San Jose, CA
|
|
|
Sep 14, 2017 - 02:28pm PT
|
^ F this guy!! Ammon I hope you heal up quick. Sh#t happens eh?
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snakefoot
climber
Nor Cal
|
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|
Sep 14, 2017 - 03:01pm PT
|
the variation in each response always amazes me. Some angry, others sad, some hateful and then others supportive... to name a few. live your own dream
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blahblah
Gym climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Sep 14, 2017 - 04:23pm PT
|
Ammon clearly marches to a different drummer than most of us. As an office worker who gets a bit of an adrenaline fix from recreational climbing, I like that people like Ammon exist--they make the world a more interesting place.
I'm sure all of us who climb (or the like) at all seriously think about what level of risk we're willing to take.
Ammon's obviously very far at the right of the curve on that one.
Hope he heals up well and has as many more great adventures as he's looking for.
|
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madbolter1
Big Wall climber
Denver, CO
|
|
|
Sep 14, 2017 - 07:44pm PT
|
I choose to no longer identify with the small group of self-absorbed adrenaline junkies who continue even after losing friends and having their own close calls, repeatedly.... Sorry if I don't wax too sympathetic here. Too bad. Ammon survived; will he learn anything from this? Time will tell.
Another goofball adding insult to injury. Dogpile me all you want for saying it, I don't care. I "let it go" the last time this happened, and that thread had a far too high proportion of posts like the one I'm quoting.
IMO, such posts are unconscionable and completely inappropriate.
|
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GDavis
Social climber
SOL CAL
|
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|
Sep 14, 2017 - 08:23pm PT
|
Glad he's ok bummed he's hurt...
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Bullwinkle
Boulder climber
|
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|
Sep 14, 2017 - 09:14pm PT
|
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
|
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|
Sep 15, 2017 - 08:27am PT
|
As though seeking adrenaline is the "cause" of all adventuring...
|
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k-man
Gym climber
SCruz
|
|
|
Sep 15, 2017 - 08:31am PT
|
Frick Ammon, very sad to hear this news.
I don't want to be another piss-ant adding a log to the "you got this" fire, but Bro--you got this. You have a tribe of good folks who love you and are ready to go the mile to help you through.
So Cheers Matey, looking forward to seeing you rise again.
Dean, great shot.
|
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Gowen Geter
Mountain climber
Chamonix, FRANCE
|
|
|
Sep 15, 2017 - 08:35am PT
|
Cheering that your spirit is motivating the healthcare team to give their best efforts to supporting you.
|
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
|
|
|
Sep 15, 2017 - 02:20pm PT
|
I'm sure that there are very sophisticated prosthetics out there now, but a real pirate would go with the traditional,...
just sayin'
|
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aspendougy
Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
|
|
|
Sep 15, 2017 - 04:41pm PT
|
Ammon:
Hope you regain as much function as possible as quickly as you can.
If you want a perspective on at least having some physical limitations, read LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS, about an Aussie born without arms and legs. There is one chapter where a bully challenges him to a fight as a little school kid, and he wins! The bully ended up crying with a bloody nose. That chapter is worth the price of the book.
|
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Michelle
Social climber
1187 Hunterwasser
|
|
|
Sep 17, 2017 - 03:08pm PT
|
This opens a whole new realm of debate: are prosthetics considered aid?
Go kick some ass either way
|
|
Gary
Social climber
Desolation Basin, Calif.
|
|
|
Sep 17, 2017 - 08:42pm PT
|
Jim Gorin didn't need prosthetics.
|
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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
|
|
|
Sep 17, 2017 - 08:50pm PT
|
This opens a whole new realm of debate: are prosthetics considered aid?
Prosthetics? Who needs prosthetics? Just go back a ways past Hugh Herr and you'll encounter TM Herbert, who didn't need legs at all, because, as he famously said:
I can hold a full lever on the high bar with my wee-wee.”
Heal up.
|
|
cybele
Trad climber
Salt Lake City
|
|
|
Sep 17, 2017 - 09:06pm PT
|
I have a video of the drop from the Alcove in what, 2002 or 2003? Not sure how to put a video on here if it's not on YouTube already.
Ammon you are a god among men
|
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BLUEBLOCR
Social climber
joshua tree
|
|
|
Sep 17, 2017 - 09:19pm PT
|
^^^What a Hot pic!
I don't think Ammon can have a bad pic tho😎
|
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rbord
Boulder climber
atlanta
|
|
|
Sep 18, 2017 - 08:43am PT
|
As though humans know what the "cause" is, or what the "cause" isn't ...
But hey, if you're like the rest of us humans, and you do believe that you're the one who knows what the "cause" is or what the "cause" isn't -
Hey there other human! Best wishes to you on doing your human thing the way we humans do it. Please try not to fall, or believe that you're the one who knows the truth.
But if you do fall, or you do believe that you're the one who knows the truth - ok, human enough. Best wishes anyway.
Of all the things that a climber can be, in my book, falling, or believing that you're the one who knows the truth, definitely beats being a pedophile from Albuquerque.
Yea, he's hot, isn't he, climbers?
Careful now. There's a right way to be a human and a wrong way, and you don't want to get them mixed up, and find yourself hitting the ground.
Or maybe there's only a right way, and we just need to find a way to live with ours, together with all these other wacky humans, and their wacky human ways.
Best wishes on your journey, and I hope you don't hit the ground.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
|
|
|
Sep 24, 2017 - 11:45pm PT
|
hey there say, say... ammon... thinking about you...
hope it is going well, at this moment in time... :)
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Bad Climber
Trad climber
The Lawless Border Regions
|
|
|
Sep 25, 2017 - 07:37am PT
|
Great pic of the master! Heal well, Le Pirote!
BAd
|
|
donald perry
Trad climber
kearny, NJ
|
|
|
Sep 25, 2017 - 08:11am PT
|
Nice pictures! Got any more?
|
|
kaholatingtong
Trad climber
The real McCoy from the inside of my van.
|
|
|
Dec 16, 2017 - 09:35am PT
|
One tough mofo... Respect.... yarrrhhh....
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climbski2
Mountain climber
The Ocean
|
|
Just caught up with this..Been out sailing the ocean for a few months.
Gdammit..I just want to slap you Ammon...
Yer Gunna die.. I seriously mean it. Guess you don't care enough about that to stop it from happening... but stop trying to convince others it's safe and you know what you are doing.
Love ya man. I am totally NOT looking forward to your funeral
|
|
originalpmac
Mountain climber
Timbers of Fennario
|
|
Who are you to tell someone they are going to die? There seems to be a lot of that going on supertopo.
|
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climbski2
Mountain climber
The Ocean
|
|
It's a tradition here...usually tongue in cheek...
But I mean it this time..and I'm pissed off about it too. I want to grab his dumbass pegleg and hit him over the head with it.
|
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CarolKlein
Ice climber
Chamonix
|
|
Was life better when you were at sea?
|
|
Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
|
|
He’s put up at least one new route since the limb pruning. And I’ve seen his kit up on another....
|
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Reeotch
climber
4 Corners Area
|
|
Who are you to tell someone they are going to die?
Its a term of endearment 'round here . . . lol!!!
Besides that, it's true . . .
|
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snakefoot
climber
Nor Cal
|
|
Back in the day, one would hear stories either from the source or at the campfire. Now everyone has access to the things others do through this media and some feel the need to voice an opinion that does not really mean anything other than for oneself. Its the freedom of the hills. Keep having fun or whatever Ammon, its your life.
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originalpmac
Mountain climber
Timbers of Fennario
|
|
Yer gunna die!!!! is a term of endearment. You are going to die if you don't stop (living on your own terms, enjoying oneself, etc) is the calling card of the armchair..
|
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ElCapPirate
Big Wall climber
Ogden, Utah
|
|
Yup! If you’re gonna be dumb... you better be tough!
|
|
Chaz
Trad climber
greater Boss Angeles area
|
|
Right on!
|
|
Gnome Ofthe Diabase
climber
Out Of Bed
|
|
O.F.F.S
i WAS JUST COMMENTING THE OTHER DAY,
AFTER THEY HAD TO PEEL ME OFF THE WALLS
FROM DOING WHATEVER IT WAS
THAT i GOT DOSED WITH,
THAT CHASING THAT DRAGON,
FEELING THE FREEDOM
NEEDING TO ESCAPE
tO FEEL THAT OVERSURGE
tHAT ADDICTIVE RUSH
must be what ensnares BASE jumpin' foolz
no caps lock block sorry
where was I ?
Oh find some of the drugz
that can help with finding innner flight
if not peace
before you go
splatt again
or not
it is the freedom to be
To do that
that I cherish most
you go you crazy
FLYING SQUIRREL
|
|
zip
Trad climber
pacific beach, ca
|
|
Base jumping in short pants is stupid. You could get scratched up.
|
|
Jim Clipper
climber
|
|
I think when Jimi said kiss the sky, he meant it figuratively.
|
|
Gnome Ofthe Diabase
climber
Out Of Bed
|
|
MIGHT AS WELL MIGHT AS WELL
Clipper,
That was once a needed thing to gain entry.
The actual decoding of the meaning of the phase,
in light of the times, that it became a thing
It was literal
a true thing
when soaring
when High
To High
the phrase was to
"Remember to kiss the sky while you can
for when the trip ends you may be dead already
... Or was the quote?
"may well be already dead"
??
|
|
fear
Ice climber
hartford, ct
|
|
Ammon... no squirrel suit? Too dangerous?
|
|
Splater
climber
Grey Matter
|
|
great shots, Mr. Pirate.
|
|
micronut
Trad climber
Fresno/Clovis, ca
|
|
Killer shots of that jump. Glad you are back on the sharp end of life.
Scott
|
|
Bad Climber
Trad climber
The Lawless Border Regions
|
|
Effin' wow. The Pirate flies again! Happy landings.
BAd
|
|
i-b-goB
Social climber
Nutty
|
|
I'm glad your able to jump back in!
|
|
'Pass the Pitons' Pete
Big Wall climber
like Ontario, Canada, eh?
|
|
Bwah-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!!
"If you’re gonna be dumb... you better be tough!"
CLASSIC! You might even see that quote in print sometime soon.... ;)
|
|
Brandon-
climber
The Granite State.
|
|
F*#k yeah dude! You live your life as you see fit, and that’s inspirational to me.
|
|
Flip Flop
climber
Earth Planet, Universe
|
|
Yer doin it
|
|
shipoopoi
Big Wall climber
oakland
|
|
i'm with climbski2, i believe ammon is bad at basejumping. when he does not get busted, he gets busted up. spent some time going to visit him and talk him out of basejumping a few years ago, after he nearly lost his leg. he should have listened to me, he would still have his freaking leg still.
all you people that say go for it, live it up dude...don't really care for him as i do, as a friend. i'm not saying to quit climbing, just quit base jumping. fact is, i don't have many friends to tell to stop base jumping because most of them have already freaking died. we should be confiscating his chute at this point.
shipoopoi
|
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madbolter1
Big Wall climber
Denver, CO
|
|
^^^ I hear ya, Steve. I'm his friend too, and we've had this conversation. To me, there's a tension between "being careful" (whatever that means in any given context) and that Braveheart quote that I do believe: Every man dies; not every man really lives.
Base jumping is roulette, no doubt. Where's the line to be drawn. I draw my own lines, but far be it from me to draw the lines for another. I sure don't know.
Again, I hear ya! Really.
|
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Flip Flop
climber
Earth Planet, Universe
|
|
Right on, Steve!
Base is not climbing
Base kills climbers
People who require multiple rescues deserve ridicule
|
|
WBraun
climber
|
|
None of you can even save yourselves all while trying to save Ammon.
Classic ....
|
|
ElCapPirate
Big Wall climber
Ogden, Utah
|
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Well hell, I didn’t mean to rehash the old base vs. climbing, debate. I was just letting friends here know that I’m having fun and loving life, again. It’s been an incredibly tough journey to recovery, to say the least. But, I’m here to tell you I wouldn’t change any of my decisions in any of the sports, I’m involved in.
Some of the most talented jumpers in the world have had accidents and fatalities. That doesn’t mean they suck at it, it’s just the nature of the sport. You either get it, or you don’t.
Just remember most the world thinks we are crazy and possibly suicidal, climbing those “silly” rocks. How would you feel if someone said we need to confiscate your climbing gear? You would probably go free soloing if you didn’t have gear, yeah?
Do I have to make a list of climbing fatalities to prove my point? Most people would call climbing, “russian roulette”, as well. Why don’t we, as climbers? The same reason jumpers don’t view jumping off cliffs with a parachute, as such.
I’m going to stick with activities that inspire me and will never let the fear of death cripple my full potential... even if it cripples me. ;)
See you on the rock!
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thebravecowboy
climber
The Good Places
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I for one would like to see Ammon just live a normal cubicle life, grow old and boring, grow to be scared. It would be the adult thing to do. ;-)
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ElCapPirate
Big Wall climber
Ogden, Utah
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My body will grow old but my spirit will stay young forever.
Btw, I am still very passionate about climbing. Here’s a photo of my partner, Mathew Holt, on the second pitch of an FA (contributing to the DOAM, A2+) we put up, just 4 months after they gave me the chop.
Who’s going for the 2nd ascent?
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limpingcrab
Trad climber
the middle of CA
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This makes me happy. An injury like that would take a lot of people into a pit of despair and pain meds that they might never recover from, I'm stoked it didn't happen to the pirate!
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JLP
Social climber
The internet
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Some spend like it's water, others save like it's irreplaceable - they'll never understand each other.
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madbolter1
Big Wall climber
Denver, CO
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I’m going to stick with activities that inspire me and will never let the fear of death cripple my full potential... even if it cripples me. ;)
Words to live by, imo.
Thank you, my friend.
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teejaybee
Trad climber
Australia
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F!ck yes Ammon! Way to get after it!
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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Ammon, I was going to ask you about that route, and beta, Topo? I saw you ( your ledge anyway) up there when I was passing by at work
Jay
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Tfish
Trad climber
La Crescenta, CA
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Post more pics Ammon! This sh#t is rad!
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Aeriq
Social climber
Location: It's a MisterE
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Rock on Ammon! Your destiny is in your hands - seize the moment and laugh heartily at the worriers.
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thebravecowboy
climber
The Good Places
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yep, the parallel is that it is a lifestyle choice. haters gonna hate.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Jim, getting old is a function of the passing of the years, but what’s this “brittle” thing you brought up?
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Flip Flop
climber
Earth Planet, Universe
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Nuance here is that i've got no beef with BASE participants . My beef is with anyone who promotes it. The newest is BASE kids. Gobsmacked
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Aeriq
Social climber
Location: It's a MisterE
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There ain't much difference between Adrenaline addiction and Heroin or Coke addiction.
And the enablers of the same.
And do you see how Addicts keep upping the ante?
Doesn't turn out well.
Tell it to Dan Osman, Dean Potter and Sean Leary. You all were such good friends to them.
They lived the lives they wanted. What is your problem?
We all die - let people choose their own fukking fuse.
You don't live their lives, so don't project yours onto them.
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thebravecowboy
climber
The Good Places
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We should never let people do drugs till they die from them.
We should never let people live until they die from it either, right Tuttle? Hahahaha!
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Jim Clipper
climber
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FWIW. Why such negativity on someone's post about recovering and persevering? Friends said they worry, and that should be heard. Also, the peanut gallery, including myself, says rad, but at the end of the day I dont think that's why the pirate decides to unfurl the sail.
Finally, how about a RockShox sticker for the peg leg. If you can rig one that makes landings safer, easier, even better. Be careful with any beta testing. Send some pics to RockShox with a letter of appreciation. Get "paid" doing what you love... mind your wheels...
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madbolter1
Big Wall climber
Denver, CO
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A little education in the Co-Dependence of Enablers may be useful as well.
One giant conflation, tut.
MDs: Often wrong; never uncertain.
Who do you think you are to tell people what risks are appropriate for them, what their value priorities are, and what gives their lives meaning and joy? You've got NO handle on objective facts regarding such issues. Your hubris is showing.
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Gnome Ofthe Diabase
climber
Out Of Bed
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In his way, he has tried to point out,
as I did in the "what to do in W. DC" thread,
That to say that Addictive actions/drugs
that one builds a tolerance to, so the need to take more & more to reach the same -No-Place- each time so that a person takes more & more
Thinking they need those poisons to achieve - nirvana or whatever-
are not funny, not a joke & kill, cause strokes,
get the L.E.Os out after you, when you figure how to make it pay/feed you,
& then if you don't wind up eating dirt, you'll sure to be some bubba's .....*"Special friend" "Buddy"
(*oh, I want to go so vulgar but Ive been asked not to, your little squeamish minds can't take it)
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Don Paul
Social climber
Washington DC
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I was trying mind my own business but if this is going to be the top supertopo thread I have to sound off too. I once had a boss who told me "Opinions are like a$$holes. Everybody's got one." He was actually a nice guy.
Bottom line. If Steve S says you are really bad at base jumping, you probably are. Congradulations on your recovery but please don't die trying to impress the crew on supertopo. They'll cheer you on all the way to your death.
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ionlyski
Trad climber
Polebridge, Montana
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Congradulations on your recovery but please don't die trying to impress the crew on supertopo.
Pretty sure Trying to impress Supertopo is not on his mind. That is really funny and conceited.
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Don Paul
Social climber
Washington DC
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Funny? OK. If you die on one of these jumps, should someone post the go pro video on youtube?
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Jim Clipper
climber
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age old question? would you still do it if no one's watching, or filming? many have, and still do.
virtually everyone here has a better understanding of the technical proficiency involved than me. still, considering the resume, including injuries, there seems to be some knowledge of the game. you don't get up there purely by luck, and usually you're gonna fall along the way.
some people are wired differently. maybe try to keep them closer because they are more rare. i may question judgment, but not someone's freedom to live their life in a way that doesn't harm others. In this case neither.
edit: dp, do you want to see the video? I was "struck" by the technical nature of early BASE. Analysis of gear, conditions, environment, etc., seemed the norm. Not for me, but some may see value in a video, at least to examine the reality of it all.
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madbolter1
Big Wall climber
Denver, CO
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Never more apropos than in a spray of ego jerking presented as concern.
^^^ This
Pretty sure Trying to impress Supertopo is not on his mind.
^^^ And this
That is really funny and conceited.
Yeah, beware of those with "concern" for you who make false equivalencies designed to force you into their set of values and priorities, always, of course, with sincere expressions of "your best interest."
EVERYONE dies, and EVERYONE gets hurt. The difference between Ammon and some others of us compared to the majority on this planet is that we embrace risk and intentionally seek a risk/reward ratio that we have DECIDED works for us. Meanwhile, the majority are risk-averse, yet they then just die uselessly in car wrecks, from strokes, from diet/lifestyle-related diseases, and the litany goes on.
Yer gonna die! How do you live? With intention, or dodging bullets most of which you'll never see?
Tut and his ilk need to read some Camus (and I'm not even a practicing existentialist).
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BASE104
Social climber
An Oil Field
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I remember the old days of BASE when nobody made it to 100 jumps without spending time in plaster. Now there are people with thousands of jumps without injury. Gear and technique have constantly improved. Problems have been solved.
I regret seeing people cast negative opinions from the arena seats. Ammon is living his life, and what he does is not addiction but affection. It is super fun after you get past the initial willies.
Why anyone would opine on somebody else’s life choices baffles me. Harding probably heard it after putting up the most beautiful route on Earth.
It isn’t the place for us to judge others. It bothers me to see people do it. Ammon is just following his own path, responsible only to himself. I wager that a mere prosthetic will not stop him. The prior injury certainly didn’t.
The world would be a different place without hard chargers willing to take risks. Those types have pushed us further along. It is simple human progress, and it means something to the only one that matters, the participant.
Off heading openings are the typical cause of wall strikes. Modern gear has decreased their frequency greatly, but they still happen. Sometimes you can turn away, and sometimes you can’t. He knew this. Too bad that it happened twice.
He will not stop, I wager, and as for “circling the drain,” that comment is rooted in ignorance.
I hope that he keeps living life full blast. Taking adventure away from guys like him is the real death sentence.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Nicely stated Base. I learned long ago that everyone follows their own path and although the path others choose may not be to your liking it does to them.
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weezy
climber
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Basejumping is like smoking cigarettes. It's not good for you but it's kinda fun sometimes.
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weezy
climber
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simmer down buddy..
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nah000
climber
now/here
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you know what i appreciate about kingtut’s perennial and redundant posts on this subject matter?
that they sometimes draw out responses like Base104’s.
keep on keepin’ on all... even those who choose to [seemingly unwittingly] play the requisite heel.
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WBraun
climber
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As human's we are designed to seek adventure and exercise as part of our hunting and gathering past.
Such brainwashed horsesh!t.
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Aeriq
Social climber
Location: It's a MisterE
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Yogi's got it right - ease of living.
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madbolter1
Big Wall climber
Denver, CO
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^^^ You're doing nothing so noble.
Your "push back" is nothing but an attempt to impose your own value system onto another human being.
Of course you have the right to try it.
We also have the right to call BS on it.
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BLUEBLOCR
Social climber
joshua tree
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Dec 10, 2018 - 12:01am PT
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Obliviously MB1 is jus bored and needs to go do SOMETHING
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BLUEBLOCR
Social climber
joshua tree
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Dec 10, 2018 - 12:10am PT
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Keep in mind the choices between BASE and all the other fun stuff in life is not a binary one. It is not only a choice between extreme risk and a life of boredom. There are literally THOUSANDS of utterly fulfilling things to do with your life outside of just being "rad" for thrills that do nothing to elevate the human condition.
Nice 👍
Base is most likely the most unmanly manly thing to do!? By unmanly I mean one must give up on almost all controllability..
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madbolter1
Big Wall climber
Denver, CO
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Dec 10, 2018 - 12:20am PT
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There is only one value system, Richard, and that is choose life in almost every case.
Do tell. Since you say "almost," what are the exceptions?
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skywalker1
Trad climber
co
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Dec 10, 2018 - 12:54am PT
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No one but crazy people do this without training and understanding. But once you have experienced non motorized flight you can't go back. It changes your outlook, your perspective and the possible.
Accidents happen both in climbing and in flight. I don't see the two much different. For me wall climbing was a way of being up with the birds. Now I fly with the birds. It's beautiful. I observe birds in a different way now. They give me clues to what I can't see.
I'm happy the "Pirate" is with the birds again.
S....
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Gnome Ofthe Diabase
climber
Out Of Bed
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Dec 10, 2018 - 01:12am PT
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There is more to existence than being a good yo-yo. Chances come & go. While grasping for the attainable one often nixes opportunity'
In life, actions need to be tempered with rational thought. Living is dying but hastening the end is selfish. Striving for self-lessness and shared companionship to effect a lasting legacy of love & power from shared experience, is deeply ingrained, and is considered a part of the human condition. A goal to breathe one's last breath without causing grief to others is thought to bring the soul/life-force to a higher plane Just because one can & it feels good doesn't make it a worthy or noble pursuit. There is no accounting in the end. What someone wants to do is only stupid if it fits the definition of insanity: doing the same things repetitively & expecting a change in outcome.
what are the exceptions?
Degenative terminal illness, Mental illness, paralysis, brain damage, random undiagnosable pain, Depression; the heartbreak from catastrophic death of others has been shown to drive survivors to be unable to continue living.
Skywalker1,
what you propose, living till one needs & can afford "hospice"
does not take into consideration chance death through random occurrence, or other peoples feelings.
As I said living is dying. Only the speed and comfort at which the dying takes place is marginally controllable.
There is no need to be there for anyone at any time. Least of all those who are close to you so understand and have no misconceptions of the value of said relationships in comparison to the value you place on your own enlightenment. If it is that & not just the sad addiction to chemical reactions that take place in the human grey matter.
Particularly if selfishness, instead of selflessness, as a trait, is a part of your personality that you embrace proudly.
If you feel so strongly that the benefits of the effects of repeatedly tossing yourself from great heights,
is worth more than the care & love that others may hold for you,
then it is no concern of anyone how you disrespect the spark that is the life force.
be well flying squirrels.
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skywalker1
Trad climber
co
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Dec 10, 2018 - 02:04am PT
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Chances come & go opportunity in life needs to be tempered with rational thought.
Agreed. But you make it to hospice. What are you looking back on? Hesitation? Or learning everything you could, to execute everything that you wanted to do?
I agree that I need to make it till my daughter is an adult. But I don't prescribe to the reasoning that I should limit my goals or desire to someone else grieving me.
S...
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Dec 10, 2018 - 03:57am PT
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one of the most lame arguments ever is to try to justify base by pointing out that accidents happen climbing unless you specify high altitude mountaineering. normal cragging has millions of accident free user days. wanking around on K2 does not. Kind of like the difference between skydiveing and proximity flight squirl suiting... The former reasonably safe. the latter dead person falling....
Do whatever makes you feel fulfilled just don't be completely delusional about it. Know the odds and be prepared for the probable outcomes.
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Bad Climber
Trad climber
The Lawless Border Regions
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Dec 10, 2018 - 07:28am PT
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Ammon can and will lead his life as he sees fit, but Tradman makes a good point. I see this kind of false equivalency thinking all the time with extreme sports--Yeah, you can die crossing the street, man! Sorry, bro, I'll take my chances crossing the street over proxy wingsuit flying any day. Of course, people must be free to choose their own path. That we must always defend--unless that path is the persecution of others, of course.
BAd
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ElCapPirate
Big Wall climber
Ogden, Utah
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Dec 10, 2018 - 10:08am PT
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Comparing BASE jumping to a heroine or cocaine addiction is laughable and very rudimentary thinking. It's not a black and white equation, everyone jumps for their own reasons and motivations.
Yes, adrenaline is involved in that equation but it's not desired. Adrenaline makes you feel edgy and your performance suffers from it. When I'm current in jumping, I don't feel any adrenaline. After a while you can master the flow and stop the adrenaline from clouding your awareness.
You are able to get to a state that only two things matter. The present moment. And survival. It boils down to how much you want to live. I feel the ultimate freedom in those moments. I choose life, EVERY time.
That does not sound like a heroine junkie, to me. I have had a handful of friends that were junkies and have OD'd, on it. They were not pursuing the outdoor's and enjoying life, actually living life. They were holed up in a hotel or closet somewhere, hiding from life. The comparison is absurd!
We have all grown up knowing what skiing, climbing, scuba diving and even skydiving is. It's ingrained in our minds. It's normal. When people get hurt or killed doing those activities, it's not a big deal because everyone does it. BASE jumping gets so much criticism because most people can't even imagine themselves doing it. So, it's completely out of their thinking capabilities. Their brain doesn't know how to process the information because the brain isn't even sure what that information is. Huge question marks, everywhere.
No, it's not for attention. That too, is laughable. Do you see a camera on my helmet? I have not filmed my jumps since I've been back. Not what it's about. My friend Luanne just happened to be at the bridge and got a great shot.
Steve, it really bumms be out that you would write that on the internet and now it's being repeated, by people that don't have any idea. My family has even said it, now. I've been jumping for 12 years, it's bound to catch up with me. Both accidents were human error (one mine) and I know exactly what went wrong. It's not russian roulette it's actually very scientific.
One more thought... when climbers/mountaineers die in the mountains they are viewed as heroes (Alex Lowe comes to mind), they are bold adventurers willing to explore the unknown. Their faces are splattered all over the mags, forever etched in our minds as great humans. When a base jumper dies in the mountains. They are considered a wreckless, adrenaline junkie, selfish, suicidal dumbass.
Why the difference? Because people don't understand flying/gliding?
Anyway, I missed you guys SOOO much. This has been great!
Lots of love. Gotta go climb and jump!
Edit: Bad, I don't proxy wingsuit fly, for obvious reasons. It's like climbing man, you can pick your poison.
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madbolter1
Big Wall climber
Denver, CO
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Dec 10, 2018 - 10:20am PT
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In life, actions need to be tempered with rational thought.
What is this "rational thought" that you and a few others here try to articulate?
Do you mean "practical reasoning," logic, mathematical rationality? What?
I think you're referring to practical reasoning, but, if so, then you're smuggling in your OWN practical reasoning as if it's universally valid. Big mistake.
Living is dying but hastening the end is selfish.
So says you. Again, you take a widely-believed "axiom" and attempt to universalize it.
And, even IF you were correct, you are smuggling in all sorts of presumptions about "hastening," just as Tut does about "uplifting."
In so doing, you ignore the simple metric that determines all of our choices: bang-for-buck considerations. And, both the perceived bang and perceived buck are subjective.
Believe me, I've had MANY conversations about this sort of stuff with my wife, and before every hard project, we rehash these points again to be sure that we're on the same page. For you to suggest that the understanding we have about the risks I've taken is "selfish" is absurd.
Striving for self-lessness and shared companionship to effect a lasting legacy of love & power from shared experience, is deeply ingrained, and is considered a part of the human condition.
Wow, a pile of high-sounding words that consist of nothing but smuggling in your own interpretations to the critical concepts.
Lasting (huh?)
Legacy (what a joke!)
Love (please explain)
Power (whaaaat?)
Considered (????)
And it goes on.
Tut and his ilk pontificate like they have some universal truths that establish not just a moral high pulpit from which to preach but a LOFTY high pulpit.
You do not. You have a bunch of subjective opinions and wishful thinking, and you do NOT speak for the value systems of MANY of us.
A goal to breathe one's last breath without causing grief to others
Impossible. And why should THAT be striven for as a value anyway? A total lack of grieving implies total detachment. Why would THAT be valuable to anybody?
is thought to bring the soul/life-force to a higher plane
By whom?
WTF?
Just because one can & it feels good doesn't make it a worthy or noble pursuit.
And doesn't make it NOT a worthy or noble pursuit. Motivations are the issue here, and none of us know Ammon's motivations. You smuggle in prima facie "selfishness," but you lack the evidence and epistemic privilege to be entitled to the judgment.
There is no accounting in the end.
And there it is: the admission of babbling.
NONE of us is fit to judge. So, I'm just gonna call BS on Tut and his ilk as long as any of them pretend to know what they are talking about.
What someone wants to do is only stupid if it fits the definition of insanity: doing the same things repetitively & expecting a change in outcome.
That's actually just a meme, not a rigorous definition of insanity.
And much "insanity" has produced great works of art, music, literature, etc.
what are the exceptions?
Best for Tut to take a stab at that question himself. Still waiting, although he'd probably agree with your list.
So....
Degenative terminal illness, Mental illness, paralysis, brain damage, random undiagnosable pain, Depression; the heartbreak from catastrophic death of others has been shown to drive survivors to be unable to continue living.
So, what you're saying with this entire list is nothing more lofty than: "When life becomes more painful for YOU than YOU FEEL like you can (read: want to) cope with, THEN you get to check out with our approbation."
If you're saying only that these sorts of things DO cause people to end it faster that most, well, that's just a descriptive claim with no normative weight. But Tut is making normative claims, and your list fails to explicate.
Still waiting for the grand, principled distinctions between a "proper" risk/reward ratio and a "selfish" one.
Oh, Tut, while you're at it, please provide a rigorous definition of "uplift," so that we can properly distinguish Ammon from those that actually do "uplift." Of course, it goes without saying that YOU (an MD) just live a pure, unselfish life of service, so that sense of "uplifting" is (falsely) presumed.
But perhaps you'd grace us with an account of how all the rest of us can do a bit of "uplifting" in our own pathetic ways. Or perhaps you'll just acknowledge that "uplifting" is so broad a concept that it could, just maybe, include inspiring others to get out of their comfort zones and do some SOARING of their own.
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NutAgain!
Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
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Dec 10, 2018 - 10:45am PT
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Nice story Dingus :)
Ammon:
That does not sound like a heroine junkie, to me. I have had a handful of friends that were junkies and have OD'd, on it. They were not pursuing the outdoor's and enjoying life, actually living life. They were holed up in a hotel or closet somewhere, hiding from life. The comparison is absurd!
This is an important observation and distinction that I am going to mull over. I have a generalized definition of addiction for myself, as anything that is a compelling alternative to living in the present and dealing with whatever stuff I should be dealing with to make progress toward my goals or take care of business/responsibilities. It is a way of avoiding dealing with emotions.
Pursuits that enable us to live life on a "higher plane" of experience, to get more out of this adventure in the flesh, are a mixed bag by this definition. They can be an addiction to avoid dealing with emotions, to avoid dealing with uncomfortable life situations or stresses, to avoid responsibilities and the quotidian tasks that are part of "taking care of business" whatever that may be for a person. On the other hand, they can be an expression of joy, the fruits of labor in pursuit of excellence in physical and mental training, and become a core foundation of "living an actualized life."
I'm not a BASE jumper, and I don't think non-BASE jumpers are qualified to pass judgment without having the experience of skills and risk factors and awareness of how much control one can exert or not over the situation as it develops. The analogy to climbing I think is in the spirit of trying to capture this aspect: something can look "extreme" to the non-initiated when it is actually pretty reasonable (e.g. climbing a closely bolted overhanging roof with big jugs) if you have the requisite skills and experience and ability and judgment. At the same time, the consequences of not being aware of one's shortcomings in skill, experience, or judgment in BASE jumping do not afford many opportunities for second chances.
We each have to make our own decisions of what matters in life and live accordingly, and we have to make peace with how we manage the relationships in our lives if we love or are loved by people with incompatible values.
I say keep having fun in whatever way floats your boat. You have the capacity to know better than anyone what is a reasonable or unreasonable risk for you, and the people who are closest to you probably understand what makes you tick and want you to live life on your terms. At the same time, we fundamentally choose how much richness we get in life from the presence of others, based on how much we are willing to be there for others and give them what they need (which may or may not include peace of mind about your activities, depending on the person). Like everything else in life, the more you give of yourself, the more you can receive.
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ElCapPirate
Big Wall climber
Ogden, Utah
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Dec 10, 2018 - 11:02am PT
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Tradmanclimbs - Yes, I was talking climbing as a whole, including high altitude mountaineering.
I have lost many friends in all climbing disciplines, car/motorcycle accidents, freak accidents, drug over-doses, suicides and yes, BASE jumping. There's many paths to death. That is a fact and I'm not afraid of it.
I am not trying to "justify" base jumping and I'm definitely not trying to promote it. In fact, as Bridwell said about Bushido...
"I wouldn't recommend it to my worst enemy"
Edit - Nutagain, sound words. Thanks for putting them down.
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madbolter1
Big Wall climber
Denver, CO
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Dec 10, 2018 - 11:09am PT
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Tut, seriously, the need to feel morally superior is a thing too. Being a narrow-minded, judgmental twit doesn't make you morally superior.
The only "thinking" that needs to be done in responses to your judgmental posts above is this: WE (you included) are not in an epistemically privileged position enough to have anything to say on the subject of Ammon's lifestyle choices.
If you want to ratchet your rhetoric WAY back and make some subjective, descriptive statements, like, "IMO, it's possible to become an adrenaline junkie in such a way that it becomes destructive," then we could probably all respond with a brief, acknowledging nod and go about our business. But you've gone WAY beyond that sort of statement into full-on, normative statements that are unfounded in any principled way and that are personally attacking.
On that approach, some of us are calling BS. You simply don't know enough to make such judgments.
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couchmaster
climber
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Dec 10, 2018 - 11:15am PT
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Glad to see you up around and kicking ass Ammon. To all: "KEEP STOKE ALIVE" wherever you find it.
Now about that ^^^ F**ed up thread title ^^^ we all keep bumping, darn thing....LOL
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madbolter1
Big Wall climber
Denver, CO
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Dec 10, 2018 - 11:49am PT
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Tut, now you've just retreated to generalized babbling.
Don't back off of the "high moral ground" you established earlier. Own it. Revel in it.
BE the MD.
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snakefoot
climber
Nor Cal
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Dec 10, 2018 - 11:56am PT
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hilarious Russ!
lets add a pic to this
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Bad Climber
Trad climber
The Lawless Border Regions
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Dec 10, 2018 - 01:04pm PT
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Well said, Ammon. Keyboard warriors love to call out folks on the edge. I get that. Proxy wingsuit has started to feel a little like a death cult with so many auguring. It's good to hear that BASE in general is getting safer, with folks logging thousands of jumps. I always thought that wingsuits could make BASE SAFER because one could track further away from the wall, but I guess that's not cool enough. I guess my judgement hackles get up when BASE jumpers go hardcore while also having young kids. I really believe that the responsibility should shift to making sure they make it to adulthood rather than serving one's own adventure rat.
Fly safe, ye Pirate!
BAd
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JoeyNMG
Trad climber
Lincroft
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Dec 10, 2018 - 04:17pm PT
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Power on Ammon! Keep on jumpin brotha! Hope all is well!
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the Fet
climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
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Dec 10, 2018 - 04:43pm PT
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Russ you know the ads displayed on this site are based on your browsing history right? NTTAWWT.
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the Fet
climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
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Dec 10, 2018 - 05:09pm PT
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how much you want to live
That would be a great title for a BASE motivational poster. That's the dilemma in a nutshell. The duality of such a thrilling activity making you feel so alive vs. the risk of not being alive. You can take that title both ways.
BASE jumping gets so much criticism because most people can't even imagine themselves doing it.
I don't really criticize BASE jumping but I do question if some people are not always being honest with themselves about the risk. I totally imagine myself doing it, I'm sure it's one of the most amazing experiences you can have. But in my (an my only) calculations the risk is too great for many forms of BASE, especially the external risks of a 180 opening and cliff strike or other malfunctions or weather/wind related problems. And jumping at the same time as someone else seems like a bad idea, you really open up the possibilities for problems. It's a similar reason to why I don't ride a motorcycle on the road much. I'll catch air on a dirt bike which is pretty risky and I've come close to some bad crashes, but I don't like the idea of some idiot killing me on the road which I may have little control over. Jumping from a bridge like Perrine seems reasonable to me. Nothing to hit, plenty of height which gives time to correct minor issues. I've seen friends do direct bag BASE jumps from 180 feet high. NO THANKS! If anything goes wrong that's it. No room for error. And it's impossible to always eliminate all errors.
It's always interesting to me when rock climbers criticize different forms of climbing or other sports for being too risky, but for the general public they think we're insane for taking the risk of any climbing.
I have to say there's something heart warming about the Pirate not giving it up and climbing back on that horse. I just hope you dial it down just a little bit.
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Don Paul
Social climber
Washington DC
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Dec 10, 2018 - 07:25pm PT
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Holy cow. I had no idea I would set off this shitstorm tsunami. I'm just a troublemaker by nature, but meant no criticm of the El Cap Pirate and have no doubt he's the man to take on all those unrepeated El Cap A5's.
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ionlyski
Trad climber
Polebridge, Montana
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Dec 11, 2018 - 07:02am PT
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Don, you didn't set anything off. It was Tut. He didn't even listen or read what Ammon wrote. About adrenaline. Went right over his head. He still thinks jumping is an adrenaline sport. Just like all the main masses view climbing.
In reality, as Ammon tried to explain to King Twit, adrenaline actually kills you in those activities, just as it does in the water sport of deep free diving. You learn to and realize you must control, calm and keep adrenaline out of the picture or your performance suffers. (or you will die free diving)
So how could you be addicted to that? I think he watches TV. Tut, what is the substance of addiction you are citing in Ammon's case?
Arne
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Gunkie
Trad climber
Valles Marineris
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Dec 11, 2018 - 07:36am PT
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+100000
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couchmaster
climber
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Dec 11, 2018 - 09:45am PT
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"Don, you didn't set anything off. It was Tut. He didn't even listen or read what Ammon wrote."
Come on Ionaski, Tut must have at least read the first 3 words like he usually does:-). And speaking only for myself, as my nutz are already so small already, I won't be jumping off anything and making them even smaller or worse, getting stuck permanently up in my throat somewhere when they shrink down even smaller looking at some of those jumps those guys do....I won't knock those with the stones to get on it. Good for them.
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Mike Honcho
Trad climber
Glenwood Springs, CO
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Dec 11, 2018 - 02:59pm PT
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Partied it up with Ammon over Thanksgiving in Moab. BASE jumpers have raised nearly $60,000.00 over the last 5-6 years for the Grand County Search and Rescue and City of Moab. It's turned into a pretty massive shindig and a little Ammon-time is always rad, he had some beers, I drank as much 7-up as my old ass can handle. I cannot think of a more universally beloved figure in the BASE community as Ammon. He's so popular it sickens me. I would give anything to be one tenth that loved. So there's that.
Caylor!
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BASE104
Social climber
An Oil Field
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Dec 12, 2018 - 05:46pm PT
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You people, meaning those who have never jumped off of anything, miss the core of this sad miscommunication. Ammon is dead right about adrenaline. It clouds your thinking.
In the First World War, waves of boys would charge to certain death in waves. THAT is an occupation to desert. Your first BASE jumps are scary. As are first skydives and first big walls.
After you master the very real science and technique, they can sometimes feel downright mundane. Much like seeing Werner drive away seemingly every morning to solo The Gripper. Nobody considered that he wouldn’t come back, or that he was some thrill seeker.
To put it plainly, Ammon has mastered aid routes that consideration would frighten me.
It is scary at first, as it should be. Tom Cosgriff told me that he was so scared of his first antenna jump that he felt like vomiting. I recall doing our local tower 3 times in one night, packing in the moonlit grass.
There is a lot to modern jumping. Gear, conditions...you know the risk, and it is much like anything that takes time to master.
As to the notion of adrenaline addiction, it is hogwash. I used to have serious allergies that required regular injections of epinephrine. It always made me tremble, like way too much coffee.
As I said before. It is affection rather than addiction, and even in the old days would sometimes feel nearly, but not quite, mundane.
It requires awareness of every detail. Fortunately they are quite finite, and after a while you can react without wasting the time of conscious thought.
It has been forever, but I can still recall a midnight jump from a really tall building. Seeing the odd lit office in the building across the street fly by. An uncommon experience back then.
We did over a hundred jumps from that building without notice or attention. If you are doing for the approval of others, you would be quietly banned.
It is now commonplace in many areas. It isn’t a big deal.
It is fun as hell, though.
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Flip Flop
climber
Earth Planet, Universe
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Dec 12, 2018 - 05:50pm PT
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Chicken. Quitter. Aren't you? A quitter, that is.
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BASE104
Social climber
An Oil Field
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Dec 13, 2018 - 10:22am PT
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This place has become so infested with wankers.
I rarely visit.
Now I am done.
To the good folks: get outside and do something.
To guys like that above, stop masturbating so often.
Out.
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