22 Jumps Veterans Day Moab Retreat: Tandem BASE Moab Hosts Another Life-Changing Event
At Tandem BASE Moab, community service is at the heart of what we do, and one of the projects we are most proud of is our Veterans Day Retreat. We had the honor of organizing and hosting the inaugural 22 Jumps Veterans Day Moab Retreat and are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting the second retreat this upcoming year.
What is 22 Jumps?
22 Jumps is a group of experienced BASE jumpers who host events that raise awareness and funds for veterans. Their mission is rooted in the sobering statistic that approximately 22 veterans die by suicide every day. At Tandem BASE Moab, we believe in the power of extreme sports and nature to provide positive benefits, especially for groups like veterans and first responders who have faced immense challenges. We knew that Moab’s stunning landscape and adventurous spirit would provide the perfect setting for this transformative event.
For our first event, we hosted a dozen veterans and first responders for a weekend filled with action, adrenaline, and camaraderie. From BASE jumping to mountain biking, canyoneering, and more, the retreat was designed to push boundaries and provide life-changing experiences.
Day 1: Tandem BASE Jumping and Canyoneering
We kicked off the event with tandem BASE jumps from Tombstone Rock, a thrilling introduction to Moab’s extreme sports scene. Thanks to the support of three guides and two parachute packers, all participants were able to jump by noon. It was incredible to witness veterans face their fears head-on and build camaraderie right from the start.
After BASE jumping, we took to mountain bikes, generously provided by Chili Pepper Bikes, and rode to Pritchett Canyon for an unforgettable canyoneering experience. Descending steep cliffs and navigating through breathtaking canyon landscapes, participants embraced the adrenaline and exhilaration of pushing past their comfort zones. By the time the sun set, day one was complete, but the bonds formed had only just begun.
Day 2: Off-Roading, Highlining, and Rope Swings
Day two began with a rugged off-road journey to the stunning Gemini Bridges area, where we met up with Faith Dickey of Elevate Outdoors, a legendary highliner. She guided the veterans through their first highline experience—a challenge that requires absolute focus and brings a deep sense of accomplishment. Faith's innovative training techniques made highlining accessible to all participants, helping them conquer their fears while taking in the awe-inspiring desert scenery.
Next up was Rope Swing Moab, where participants leapt from cliffs into the canyons below, paired with helicopter flights over Canyonlands National Park, courtesy of Voodoo Air and Red Tail Aviation. These breathtaking aerial views offered a unique perspective of Moab’s stunning rock formations and deep canyons. As the day came to a close, the veterans reflected on the deep sense of achievement they felt from conquering these challenges.
Day 3: Skydiving and Jeeping Adventures
The final day of the retreat began with a restorative yoga and breathwork session at Desert Power Yoga, providing veterans the opportunity to reflect and share in a supportive environment. This was a powerful and emotional session that added depth to the weekend’s adrenaline-fueled activities.
Next, we headed to Skydive Moab for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Veterans soared 18,000 feet above Arches National Park, with freefalls reaching speeds of 120 mph before parachutes deployed at 5,000 feet, offering a breathtaking, scenic descent back to the desert floor. The thrill of skydiving was an unforgettable highlight for many participants.
We capped off the weekend with a Jeep tour of Hell’s Revenge, one of Moab’s most iconic off-road trails. Thanks to Twisted Jeeps, veterans navigated impossibly steep rock formations, rounding out a weekend full of adventure, laughter, and triumph.
Looking Ahead to 2024
Our first 22 Jumps Veterans Day Moab Retreat was a resounding success, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the veteran community, first responders, and local Moab businesses in 2024. If you or someone you know could benefit from participating in this unique event, we invite you to reach out and join us for another unforgettable retreat.
At Tandem BASE Moab, we believe in the transformative power of extreme sports and nature. By providing veterans with the opportunity to experience the beauty and thrill of Moab’s incredible landscape, we aim to offer healing, friendship, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Join Us for the Next 22 Jumps Veterans Day Retreat
For more information about our upcoming 22 Jumps Veterans Day Retreat, please contact us. We’re proud to offer veterans and first responders an experience like no other, where adventure meets healing in the heart of Moab.
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