zlacker

Why the hell is based jumping illegal?

>>RobotT+(OP)
Because it's very dangerous and first responders access in national parks isn't always easy. You can obtain a permit to do it, however, see this memo that summarizes the current situation:

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/policy/upload/NPS_Guidance_Memo...

>>RobotT+(OP)
Most likely to avoid wasting emergency services.

Although, it would be nice if we could give people a general “I understand the risk and won’t ask for help if it goes wrong” waiver for dangerous activities.

>>tredre+d1
Maybe just refuse to try to help them? Why can't we let people win darwin awards anymore instead of criminalizing it? The people doing this are adrenaline junkies who often would LOVE to die this way if they had to. That's why they are doing it.

For similar reasons, suicide should not be criminalized. Yes I am serious.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_to_die

>>Der_Ei+m3
If they're doing it anyway, then why bother making it legal? Just to attract more people who might otherwise be dissuaded?

>>tredre+d1
It seems danger and first responder access would also be a problem for free solo climbing, yet that gets a pass.

>>RobotT+(OP)
NIMBYists concentrate their efforts on national forests and parks, so everything is illegal there. Cross the boarder outside of Yosemite, and you're in unregulated forestry land where you can camp for weeks without a permit and walk wherever you want.

>>tredre+d1
The legal history is a bit more complex. TLDR: assholes that were BASE jumping in Yosemite in the early 1980s did things like throw burning barrels off the top of El Capitan and take trucks on trails not designed for vehicle traffic.

Comparing the number of BASE jumpers (small thousands) and the number of hikers and climbers (millions) BASE jumpers just can't have the political influence for access.

Random note, Brendan Weinstein who posted here on occasion recently died BASE jumping: https://www.reddit.com/r/SkyDiving/comments/1q6n7v2/brendan_...

>>bee_ri+C2
Would you say the same for 191 people rescued hiking in Yosemite a year?

>>base69+8w
If the alternative were banning hiking entirely, I’d be in favor of having a waiver.