Editing BASE jumping (section)

==Comparison with skydiving==
[[File:03WAVRE006b.jpg|thumb|right|BASE jumping from an antenna tower]]

BASE jumps are typically performed from much lower altitudes than in skydiving. Skydivers are required to deploy their main parachute above {{convert|2000|ft|m|order=flip}} altitude.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://uspa.org/SIM/2-1#1I |title=USPA Skydiver's Information Manual |access-date=26 January 2020}}</ref> BASE jumps are frequently made from less than {{convert|486|ft|m|order=flip}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.highestbridges.com/wiki/index.php?title=Perrine_Bridge |title=Perrine Bridge |publisher=HighestBridges.com |access-date=26 January 2020}}</ref> A BASE jump from a {{convert|486|ft|m|order=flip}} object is only about 5.6 seconds from the ground if the jumper remains in free fall. Standard skydiving parachute systems are not designed for this situation, so BASE jumpers use specially designed harnesses and parachute systems.

Many BASE jumps, particularly in the UK are made from around {{convert|150|ft|m|order=flip|round=5}} due to the number of low cliffs at this height. Jumpers will use a static line method to ensure their canopy is extracted as they jump, as at this height, it is too low to freefall.

BASE jumps generally entail slower airspeeds than typical skydives (due to the limited altitude), a BASE jumper does not always reach [[terminal velocity]]. Skydivers use the airflow to stabilize their position. BASE jumpers, falling at lower speeds, have less aerodynamic control. The [[aircraft attitude|attitude]] of the body at the moment of jumping determines the stability of flight in the first few seconds, before sufficient airspeed has built up to enable aerodynamic stability. On low BASE jumps, parachute deployment takes place during this early phase of flight. If the parachute is deployed while the jumper is unstable, there is a high risk of entanglement or malfunction. The jumper may also not be facing the right direction. Such an off-heading opening is not as problematic in skydiving, but an off-heading opening that results in object strike has caused many serious injuries and deaths in BASE jumping.

BASE jumps are more hazardous than skydives primarily due to proximity to the object serving as the jump platform. BASE jumping frequently occurs in mountainous terrain, often having much smaller areas in which to land in comparison to a typical skydiving dropzone. BASE jumping is significantly more dangerous than similar sports such as [[skydiving]] from aircraft.<ref name="ch-trib-thrill"/>