What should you expect from your Tandem BASE experience? We are so glad you asked! Well, the first step of a Tandem BASE jump is getting on our schedule which can be fairly competitive. We are quite selective with who can guide for Tandem BASE Moab to ensure your safety. With a limited number of guides we have a limited capacity in the number of jumps we are able to do per day. To get on our schedule, reach out to us through text, phone call, email, or social media. We are very responsive and pride ourselves in communication and customer service. When you reach out, let us know some of the dates that you have in mind, then we will check our availability and find something that works for both of us, you can book up to a year in advance.
As your reservation approaches we will reach out to you to confirm your jump. The day prior to your jump we reach out again to discuss final logistics; what time and where to meet, what to wear, what to bring, and answer any questions you might have.
On the day of your jump we will either meet you at the parking lot of a designated trailhead or somewhere centrally located in Moab and you can follow us to the jump. We will show you the area, the cliff you will be jumping from, explain the hike, sign waivers, and go over the final details before our adventure begins. All we tell people to bring is their phone and a collapsible/disposable water bottle (we will provide one if you do not have one).
Now it is time to make our way to where we jump from, this process varies depending on the “exit point” that you choose. We have hikes that are casual strolls, extremely strenuous, and everything in between. Along the way you will see incredible views of the local cliffs, canyons, rivers, petroglyphs, wildlife, flowers, and more. We jump in areas that are seldom visited by tourists so it is extremely unlikely that you will encounter many. Most of our jump locations will make you feel like you are the only one in the area…. And there is a good chance that you are.
After a bit of hiking, pictures and taking in the views you will find yourself on top of a cliff wondering what the heck you signed up for. We are completely used to helping people through the emotional angst that comes with Tandem BASE jumping from a cliff of Moab, Utah. We will take a few minutes to enjoy the area, recover from the hike, and take a few more pictures. At this point if there are multiple clients, each client will pair off with their guide to discuss all aspects of the jump. We explain every bit of the process! We will talk about getting to the edge, what to expect, things to avoid, what to focus on, how to exit, the camera, landing, and yes even how to count down. We will then practice this entire process with and without gear on while we are safely away from the edge. When both guide and client agree they are ready, guides will give their gear one more thorough check.
It is about this moment that the reality of the moment will kick in. You will be attached to a stranger hobbling your way towards a cliff edge wondering, “what the heck am I doing?” While those thoughts race through your head, you will continue to focus on the simple tasks that you have practiced and your Tandem BASE Moab guide will continue to instruct and encourage you through what may be the most stressful few moments of your life, embrace it.
Once you’re on the edge, we will briefly check in with the camera and then countdown. Just like in the videos, the guide will count down from five, you will join them in counting at three, and then you will jump after you say one. The jump is really quite is easy. Overcoming the fear to actually make the jump is the hardest part. We don’t expect you to make an Olympic leap, it is a simple hop forward. Once you leave the cliff edge you will likely experience the craziest second or two of your life. You will be freefalling down a sandstone cliff. The freefall lasts roughly one hundred feet before the parachute catches you. Once the parachute catches you, prepare for total bliss. Flying through a canyon with the sandstone cliffs passing by just a few feet away is truly a dreamlike experience. People often say, “there is nothing like it,” in reference to fairly ordinary things. We promise you, there is nothing like the parachute flight, views, and emotional rebound after facing such tremendous fear. As you approach the ground your guide will tell you to pick up your feet for landing. This allows the guide to put down their feet first and attempt to stand you both up or decide to gently slide in on our butts.
Once you reach the ground the jump may be over, but the experience is not. What I mean is that you will be absolutely perplexed how the heck you just made it to the ground. Your heart will be racing and your body will be filled with adrenaline. The landing energy and emotions are very much a ‘vibe’ all their own. This feeling can last for a few minutes or a few hours. The memories and confidence can last a lifetime. We will grab a few more celebratory photos, take a five minute walk back to the cars then part ways. Your guide will give you instructions on how to pay (yes, we do payment after jump!) and we will send your pictures and video to you later that day.
Congrats, you just experienced everything involved in making a Tandem BASE jump with Tandem BASE Moab, now let’s make it happen in real life! Remember, the first step is getting on the schedule! So look at your calendar and pick up your phone. Adventure awaits you in Moab!