For one incredible 3-day weekend, the sands of Virginia Beach are transformed into an all out extreme sports festival – stages, elaborate skate parks, vert ramps, climbing walls, a huge freestyle motocross ramp and vendors take over. Don’t forget to look up, because on top of the Hilton Hotel stands a platform with 10 BASE jumpers ready to compete. The Canadian festival circuit Jackalope makes its US debut and hosts the first ever legal BASE jumping competition from a building.
BASE jumping has moved far into the main stream compared to where it began. There will always be a subculture with the “F the man” attitude to BASE. Some people will always be drawn to BASE jump because it can’t be regulated. However, as BASE becomes more accessible and the sport grows, more jumpers are willing to work with entities to advance the sport and embrace stepping onto the main stage.
An invitation was extended to ten jumpers internationally for the Jackalope accuracy competition. Countries represented include Canada, Argentina, Brazil, and the USA. Jumpers were selected based on talent and reputation. They are entrusted to make responsible decisions to keep both themselves and the crowd below safe. As each jumper was announced to the crown below, he or she jumped off the Hilton and went flying down to land on a bullseye on the beach.
Tandem BASE team members Sean Chuma, Matt Laj, and Katie Hansen swept the podium. Sean took gold, Matt silver, and Katie the bronze. Katie is the first female BASE jumper to make the podium at any Jackalope festival. Males and females compete head to head in BASE jumping without gender specific categories.
Other highlights of the Jackalope event included the vert ramp show featuring legendary Tony Hawk. He brought friends including Mitchie Brusco and Reese Nelson. Also, check out the podcast Grommet Vommit. A hilarious podcast from a kid’s point of view, hosted by pro skateboarders JB, 9, and The Duke, 9. They interview Matt Laj, Sean Chuma, and Reese Nelson– also a kid pro skater who is beating all the adults.
Tandem BASE team from left to right Matt Laj, Sean Chuma, Katie Hansen take the podium at Jackalope extreme sports festival
Matt Laj leaping from the Hilton over Virginia Beach during BASE jumping competition
Tony Hawk skates in the Vert ramp at Jackalope festival on Virginia Beach in front of huge crowd
Sean Chuma celebrating his bullseye landing