#53 Jacob Gardner: the art of rigging, overcoming gear fear, and Magic Backpacks

In this episode, host Matt Blank pulls over with Anne Helliwell to get a look into the renaissance era of BASE jumping.  An integral part of creating BASE specific equipment, Anne pioneered and invented a substantial portion of the techniques and technology BASE jumpers use today. She’s been an active jumper for close to four decades, leading and participating in jumps all over the world. We touch on everything from the innovation process for the first BASE specific equipment, to what it was like for her to learn how to BASE jump when they were still inventing the rules. By all accounts, Anne is a living legend of the sport who’s narrative gives helpful context for anyone who is pursuing BASE jumping.

In this episode, Laurent sits down with Tomic, an expert wingsuit BASE jumper, skydiving and tunnel coach. They cover his journey, strategies, and philosophies.  Tomic shares his approach to both teaching and executing technical jumps, the importance of mindset, and how he combines intense training, and athletic preparation with creative expression. He also reflects on his acceptance of the inherent risks of being at the sharp end of the world's most dangerous sport. This independent project is only possible with the support of our listeners.  You can contribute by visiting: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/exitpointsupport Exit Point For more info visit exitpointpodcast.com Host: Laurent Frat Sound: Mark Stockwell Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats 

In this episode Matt Blank sits down with Joe Lohmuller in his home in Moab, Utah to talk about Joe’s journey from a life of self-destruction to one seeking self-actualization. This episode covers everything from substance abuse to terrain flying tactics as we dive into Joe’s progression toward the cutting-edge of wingsuit BASE jumping. Joe’s perspective and story not only provide valuable insights for anyone considering risking their life to fly today’s epic alpine lines, but also provides a clear window into understanding how and why a healthy human engages in such a risky practice. This independent project is only possible with the support of our listeners.  You can contribute by visiting: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/exitpointsupport Exit Point For more info visit exitpointpodcast.com Producers: Laurent Frat, Mark Stockwell, Matt Blank Host: Matt Blank Sound: Mark Stockwell Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats 

In #57 Laurent Frat sits down with Peter Salzmann, an Austrian wingsuit pilot who recently set world records in BASE jumping with his innovative wingsuit foil. They cover Peter's career as a paragliding instructor, stuntman, and professional wingsuit pilot. Peter shares his early beginnings from jumping off the roof of his house as a child to what it feels like to fly the foil.  Some highlights are their discussion about the importance of balancing risk with the exhilarating freedom of BASE, wingsuit start performance, and the technical details of his record-breaking flight that spanned nearly six minutes over 12.5 kilometers. Whether you're a seasoned BASE jumper or just curious about innovation in extreme sports, this episode offers valuable insights into the mind and methods of one of the world's top action adventure athlete. This independent project is only possible with the support of our listeners.  You can contribute by visiting: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/exitpointsupport Exit Point For more info visit exitpointpodcast.com Producers: Laurent Frat, Matt Blank, Mark Stockwell  Host: Laurent Frat Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats 

Laurent sits down with Jeff Shapiro to share the profoundly personal and emotional experience of leading a fatality recovery from a remote  wingsuit accident. Jeff provides a vivid recount of the technical challenges and emotional weight faced bringing the body of Mat Kenney home, while reflecting on the deep bonds within the BASE jumping community. Their conversation explores the balance between ambition and caution, the importance of camaraderie, and how personal adversities reshape perspectives in high-risk sports. This episode offers a poignant insight into human resilience and the powerful connections formed through shared intense experiences.   This independent project is only possible with the support of our listeners.  You can contribute by visiting: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/exitpointsupport Exit Point For more info visit exitpointpodcast.com Producers: Laurent Frat, Mark Stockwell, Matt Blank Host: Laurent Frat Sound: Mark Stockwell Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats   

In this episode of Exit Point, Laurent sits down with David Laffargue. Their conversation goes unfiltered as they have a gritty, candid exchange that attempts to strip away some of the unspoken elements of greed to reveal the sport’s raw truths. They tackle everything from the temptations of shortcuts in training to redefining ‘cool’ by prioritizing safety and longevity. Whether you’re a seasoned jumper or just BASE curious, this episode will have you nodding in agreement or seething with outrage. Either way, this episode invites you to challenge your personal risk reward balance, while reminding you that the best jump is always your next.

In this episode, hosts Laurent Frat and Matt Blank step outside the realm of BASE jumping to gain valuable insights from Gavin McClurg, the host of Cloudbase Mayhem and a celebrated figure in the paragliding world. Gavin, a former Red Bull X-Alps pilot and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, shares his journey from ski racing to paragliding, offering lessons that resonate across high-risk sports. The discussion covers the importance of SIV training, the dangers of intermediate syndrome, and the crucial role of mentorship in extreme sports. Gavin also delves into maintaining passion and sustainability in high-risk activities and the value of community support. -This independent project can only survive with the support of our listeners.  You can contribute by visiting: support Exit Point For more info visit exitpointpodcast.com Producers: Laurent Frat, Matt Blank, Mark Stockwell  Host: Matt Blank Sound mixing: Mark Stockwell Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats 

In this episode, Matt Blank interviews Jacob Gardner, a renowned BASE jumper and equipment manufacturer. Jacob delves into his journey as a parachute rigger, the challenges and learning curve he faced, and how understanding gear transformed fear into fun. The discussion covers the evolution of BASE canopy manufacturing, the importance of equipment maintenance, and the trade-offs between different materials and designs. They highlight the balance between action and technical knowledge in BASE jumping, emphasizing the significance of self-reliance and passing down traditions. Jacob's passion for improving the safety and performance of BASE gear is evident as he shares insights on innovations and his vision for his company, Magic Backpacks. Please support this independent project by visiting: support Exit Point For more info visit exitpointpodcast.com Producers: Laurent Frat, Matt Blank, Mark Stockwell  Host: Matt Blank Sound mixing: Mark Stockwell Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats 

In this episode, Matt Lajeunesse interviews Jen Jones, the Recreation Director at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Moab field office, who has been an integral part of the BASE jump community for over a decade. They discuss Jen's role and experiences working with BASE jumpers, managing public lands, and the unique challenges Moab faces with its 3 million annual visitors. The conversation touches on Turkey Boogie, the legality of BASE jumping on public lands, and the necessity of permits for commercial activities. Jen offers words to reassure the BASE community of BLM's openness and support while encouraging jumpers to stay informed and engaged.

In this episode, Matt records with Sean Devlin who comes on to share his perspective on wingsuit progression, using data driven analysis to enhance performance and the importance of water training in the BASE environment.  Devlin has built an impressive career outside of BASE jumping as a risk analyst in the financial tech world as well as compiled an impressive wingsuit resume traveling the world to jump both to compete and adventure. He's a multi-sport instructor with several accreditations in both water and air sports and holds several world records in a few outrageously fun categories. We dive into navigating the BASE jumping world as both an outsider and a community resource as Devlin shares some stories about the mistakes and successes of his journey off the exit point. Please support this independent project by visiting: support Exit Point For more info visit exitpointpodcast.com Producers: Laurent Frat, Matt Blank, Mark Stockwell  Host: Matt Blank Sound mixing: Mark Stockwell Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats