Team ILL Vision

Mexico BASE with Damien Dykman

2011-03-28T12:18:00.000-07:00

By Damien Dykman

Beautiful mountain deserts would be a good 3 word description of Nuevo Leon, Mexico. It's only a few hours away from Texas and an easy drive from Houston, home of Gee and David, my partners in crime for this trip. But wait, I should be a little more cautious using those words given all the sad events happening in that part of Mexico. For us gringo, apart from having to pay a "muelta" in cash, here and there, to a local corrupted cop, it really wasn't that bad. Maybe when it really gets bad, you can't tell the story... I just hope things will get back to normal, those people are so nice, they really deserve a little more peace.

First stop, la Popa. One of the classics. The hike is steep but if you pay attention, there is a trail marked with yellow dots, all the way to the summit. The exit point, is right there, next to the cross made out of 3 pipes welded together. Gee and I did a 2 way flying our wingsuits but quickly realized that the air was turbulent and the winds strong over the LZ. Opening over the LZ was a bad idea. Gee went straight to the alternate LZ, down wind from the main one. I decided to stick to the plan, but the wind was too strong for me to move forward. Luckily, I had a graceful landing in the boulders, between bushes and cactus. A few minutes later, we joined David who was watching the jump with Ezequiel, the ranchero who owns the land and old friend of Gee.

The 2nd cliff on the list is a few hours away and requires to go through Monterey. The local soccer team was playing: so barely any traffic! We made it to the mountains above at night and took possession of our local cabin. After 2 hours through the bushes and cactus, we got to a little pass where David set up the camera to have a side view of the jump.

An additional 20 min took us to the Exit point where Gee decided to be the wind dummy. The cliff is amazing: massively overhanging limestone cliff. The tricky part is if you decide to fly into the canyon in which case, you need to clear the narrow section to be comfortable to open and land on the beach down the river. But how to we get back to the cabin from this gorge? Just follow the river and 1 hour later we were "home", ready to enjoy a local meal. But David made it back at least 2 hours later, beat up and dehydrated. It took him 5 hours to go down, twice as much as going up! Obviously, the new alternate route he tried is not to be repeated!

Our third and last day didn't allow enough time for the exploration of an other cliff that Gee had scoped on his last trip. Never mind, we went for that same beautiful cliff again with David shooting from the bottom this time. Similar conditions than the day before, but more light due to our early start. What a blast again. But no time to chill, Houston is a long drive back.

Flocking at Lodi January 2011

2011-02-15T11:36:00.000-08:00

Check out these cool shots from the bigger then life Team Member and PRO Cameraman, Jhonny "Madusa" Florez.
Just click the Flocking picture to go straight to the Gallery Slide Show.

Dean Potter in Purple N Red

2011-02-14T10:40:00.000-08:00

Pretty sure I saw teammate Damien Dykman in one of these clips!

Team ILL Vision Makes Para MAG

2010-12-15T12:11:00.000-08:00

Page nine of 2010 October Para Mag, Full Page, CRW Fly By.
Congrats guys!

2010-11-14T08:33:00.000-08:00

Please check out our new website!

Team ILL VISION.com

"Courage in Sports Awards" features Team Ill Vision!

2010-11-10T13:08:00.000-08:00

By Ed Pawlowski

The "Courage in Sports Awards" is an annual one hour program that will air nationally on CBS November 14th at 2pm PST and 5pm EST. The show will honor and profile athletes who have demonstrated exceptional courage, character, and perseverance in the face of great challenges in order to succeed in their chosen sport.
Past honorees have included professional athletes like former Olympic gold medalist Muhammad Ali, 7-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, and current MLB All-Star Josh Hamilton. But, the heart of the program lies in the stories that often pass us by and go untold each year. From individual athletes and coaches, to teams and organizations, these unique stories possess the rare ability to inspire hope in ways that few others can.

Intersport Productions was looking for a some of the best wingsuit pilots in the world when they called Ed Pawlowski of WestCoast Wingsuits , and Team Ill Vision fit the roll 100%.
Team Ill Vision will be an abstract element in the show, somewhat helping tie the show together. Shooting the preparation, the ascent, the jump itself, the flight, and the landings are all of what they were looking for.

In the program Team Ill Vision explains an encompassing story arc of what it is to overcome a fear and persevere.
We hope you enjoy the show!
TIV

Wingsuiting the North West Coast Terminal Cliff

2010-09-14T12:27:00.000-07:00

By Damien Dykman

Summer's too hot? What about those mountains up North of the West coast to get a little fresh air? Four of us and our close friend Arnel Sanchez decided to go for a quick weekend trip before the end of the season. Not the perfect place for a first wingsuit BASE, but decent enough given his experience wingsuiting and BASE jumping. With Tom and Bill, two friendly locals, we had a good crew going.

Saturday, the weather was great. Low winds, cloud patches. Perfect conditions for Arnel's attempt. But first, you have to earn it with a healthy hike. From 3 years ago, I had remembered it as a mellow 2 hr hike...

Well, at least it wasn't too hot. Perfect hiking conditions. At the exit point, Bill and Tom opened the game by a sweet 2-way to show the visitors how it's done. Brian, Jimmy and Dingo followed with a red & purple 3-way, so that they could shoot ground footage of Arnel's first.

I could feel a bit of tension, but mainly concentration. He was ready to do it. Last radio contact with the boys at the bottom to make sure the cameras were rolling. Arnel did a powerful push that got him flying almost immediately. He took a nice conservative line, carving right towards the dry part of the lake where we land. What a great smile he had on his face after landing, walking towards the rest of the group!

After a quick hike back to the car, we went for a great lunch in the local post office / grocery store / hardware store / restaurant. From the campers hanging out on the lake People to the local shop owners, everybody seemed so nice and friendly.

We took a digestive hike... back to the exit point. That one felt even longer... but again, it was worth it! Though, we had to wait for maybe an hour for the fog layer to clear before being able to jump.

The following day, conditions weren't as cooperative. Good thing there's a small cliff in the vicinity. And what a good excuse to relax instead of going for a long hike again!

To end-up the weekend, our buddy Doug and 2 of his friends took us for a night bungee jumping session from a 200+ ft local bridge. Super quick to set everything up. How do you get back up? Well, what do you think the pickup truck is for? We'll pull from right back on the bridge!

ILL Vision Shark'n the Crew Dogs

2010-09-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

More press for Team ILL Vision in Skydive the MAG out of the UK. The Team flew all the makes and models of the Phoenix fly line.
Check it out.

In Loving Memory, Allisyn Beisner-Martinez

2010-08-24T19:50:00.000-07:00

August 23, 1973- July 22, 2010

We mourn the loss of Allisyn Beisner- Martinez, and our thoughts are with her husband Nicola, her parents, her family, and the community she was a part of.

In memory of Allisyn's birthday this Monday, Nicola, and the NorCal Skydive Community invited Allisyn's family and friends to Skydance Skydiving in Davis, California, for a celebration of her life.

It was an honor to be a part of the jump where Nicola released Allisyn's ashes, and her beauty and passion was felt.

David Royer.

Allisyn Beisner-Martinez Memorial Jump from David Royer on Vimeo.

The Great Book of BASE

2010-08-06T11:01:00.000-07:00

If you or anyone you know has ever wondered what BASE jumping is all about, this is the book. Who is the audience you may ask? The Great Book of BASE was written in a way that appeals to a wide demographic. Whether you are an experienced jumper already or are simply intrigued by video you may have seen on TV or the internet and want to know more, this book has something for everyone. The photography alone is worthy of owning a copy to be placed on your coffee table.

While there are many other BASE related resources out there, this book is special in that so much information has been organized and illustrated in one place. It is hands down the most comprehensive reference you will find about the sport of BASE jumping. Author and fellow BASE jumper, Matt Gerdes, has done a phenomenal job capturing the essence of the sport in his own descriptive and entertaining writing style. The Great Book of BASE is a huge contribution to the sport carrying more positive impact than any other action attempted to since the days of the CJAA. It's brutally honest and portrays the sport in an educational and realistic capacity.

Purchase your copy of The Great Book of BASE or download free sample pages.

Team ILL Vision is honored to have been given the opportunity to contribute photography and writing for this project.

SkyDive the MAG

2010-08-02T14:01:00.000-07:00

From the British Parachute Association Magazine!
Congrats guys!

Team ILL Vision International Press

2010-07-28T08:04:00.001-07:00

For the past few months Team ILL Vision has gone international with it's press. From Canada to Norway Team ILL Vision antics are being covered by the world.
Attached are some pics from Fritt Magazine from Norway. Over the last year other international magazines have featured the USA based Team ILL Vision, including, Paramag from France, AirPress from Brasil and Skydiver from Austrailia. Team ILL Vision has also been recently covered in Skydive the Mag out of the UK on the July 4th Wingsuit Flyby and the Phoenix suit formation.

Team ILL VISION, livn' up to it!

Thanks for all your support Fans! You rock!

HP

All American Wingsuit Flyby

2010-07-01T06:38:00.000-07:00

By Brian Drake
Alternate Team Member

On Saturday, April 24; at the Parachute Center in Lodi, CA; Team Ill Vision, collaborating with a team of local skydivers, planned and executed a wingsuit formation flyby of a 1000 square foot American flag (suspended under canopy); a feat requiring precision timing, group coordination, and flying ability.

The massive American flag was flown by Rex Pemberton, who was jumping at the Parachute Center to prepare for an upcoming public exhibition. While watching Pemberton's practice flag jumps throughout the day, the idea for a wingsuit formation flyby was hatched. A three person wingsuit formation consisting of Brian Drake, Jhonathan Florez and Ed Pawlowski would attempt to fly by the flag while being filmed by wingsuit camera flyer Jade Tatum. Chase Bradshaw volunteered to provide canopy-to-canopy footage.

After designing the flight plan, the safety considerations, and the camera angles, the team boarded the Twin Otter for the sunset load. Due to the fall rate and ground speed disparity between a canopy trailing a 1000 square foot flag and a wingsuit still in freefall, the setup, approach, and flyby offered a very small window of opportunity. With the additional factor of the desired sunset lighting and Pemberton's travel schedule, this was truly a one-take shot.

The canopy pilots (Pemberton and Bradshaw) exited the Twin Otter at 10,000 ft before the plane resumed climbing to normal exit altitude of 13.000 ft AGL. While still in the plane, the wingsuit team watched the canopy team deploy and begin to navigate the agreed flight pattern. Quick thinking and flexibility were brought into play when it was realized that due to the change in wind conditions, the canopy team had reversed their flight direction to maintain landing distance to the dropzone. Wingsuit team leader Ed Pawloski adapted the flight plan to compensate and communicated the revised strategy to the canopy team via one-way air-to-air radio. Confident in Pawloski's leadership, the wingsuit team exited the plane, wearing the signature red and purple Phoenix-Fly wingsuits of Team Ill Vision. Pawlowski led the formation with Florez and Drake flying in slot offset behind him while Tatum flew outside camera.

As the formation completed its setup and began final approach on the flag, all flight skills were brought into play as Pawlowski ably varied fall rate and forward speed to maintain the desired interception angle. With timing the crucial element, the team waited until just the right moment before "punching it out", transitioning their wingsuits into full flight performance as the flag loomed ahead. The 3-person formation rocketed past the Stars and Stripes at a distance that caught each person's breath as the enormity of the flag was appreciated up close and at very high closing speed. As the wingsuits cleared the flag, shouts of exhilaration were heard as each pilot pealed off from the formation to seek their own airspace for safe canopy deployment, while those jumpers watching from the ground exhaled in relief breaths held in nervous anticipation. The energy and excitement was palpable as the team landed, congratulating each other on a job well done. Another vision accomplished for Team Ill Vision.

Another Way to Get High

2010-06-28T11:33:00.000-07:00

By Jimmy Hopper

Team Member

Thanks to the introduction and encouragement from teammate, David “Dingo” Royer, paragliding has become one of the mainstays of my weekly routine here in the Bay Area. Our local site, known as Mussel Rock in Pacifica, CA, is a fantastic playground and a host to an eclectic group of pilots. These guys have become like family and we all thrive on the consistent conditions each summer season offers.

After a few years of paragliding I couldn’t help but to be a little envious of all the hang glider pilots who shared the skies with us. Sure, paragliding has its own unique advantages with transportability and ease of set up topping the list. The reality is both sports have their time and place. There’s just something about the maneuverability the hang glider offers. I mean these guys had literally been flying circles around me in my paraglider for years now! A hang glider pilot’s body position during flight is probably what attracted me the most to this new form of flight. Unlike the reclining seated position in a paraglider, the prone position assumed in a hang glider is much more like a bird and likely the closest we will ever get to flying like they do. To me it is reminiscent of flying wingsuits only we can now maintain and gain altitude. What could be better?!

This spring it was time to get on the path and add this skill to the quiver. Friend and fellow wingsuit pilot, Brian Drake, was also eager to learn the sport and we were soon introduced to instructor, Jon Blome. Under Jon’s direction we kicked off our first lesson at Ed Levin County Park where we spent the better half of the day practicing takeoffs and landings on a 50 foot “bunny hill”. All in all the day was a big success and we ended it by taking a test and receiving our Hang 1 rating. Unlike my experience with paragliding, right out of the gate it became evident that there were many more rules and hoops you have to jump through in order to earn the coveted Hang 3 rating needed to fly the most consistent local site, Ft. Funston. Convinced the payoff is going to be worth it, I didn’t let this get to me.

Over the next few weeks Brian, Jon, and I met nearly every Sunday at Ed Levin County Park to keep the momentum going. Once we could demonstrate strong takeoff/ landing skills, ground control of the glider, and the ability to change direction and fly to a target, the next step would be moving higher on the hill to the 150’ launch. To our dismay there were several weeks in a row where wind conditions proved to be challenging and we were confined to the 50’ launch at best. We were beginning to feel like we were stuck and would be “bunny hill” lifers. Right about when frustration was truly setting in, weather cooperated and Brian and I were granted permission to move up to the 150’. We each had 4 good flights and our motivation was restored.

The following weekend was looking promising and we were almost certainly going to have the chance to launch from the 300 footer. This would bring us that much closer to our Hang 2 rating which would allow us to fly a few more places than just Ed Levin. Typical of any three day holiday weekend, the coming Memorial Day weekend presented a myriad of action sport opportunities and the challenge was to figure out how to do it all. Dingo and several experienced hang glider pilots were planning to fly in the Owens Valley to celebrate his birthday, but this was thwarted by a sudden change in the forecast. With conditions looking favorable in the Reno area, a new plan was underway. This region offered something for all skill levels and it soon was agreed that Brian, Jon, and I would join forces with these guys.

A Bump in the Road

We arrived at our friend, Bill Cuddy’s house just south of Reno early that Saturday morning. Due to the amount of gear and number of people in tow, we were a comical caravan of five vehicles, though this didn’t seem to bother Bill. Time was of the essence since temperatures would be rising in an hour or two and would get too rough for Brian and I. We wasted no time and drove a short way to the landing area where we received a thorough briefing of the landing area. We then piled into 3 four-wheel-drive trucks and bounced our way up to the launch that Brian and I were suited to fly. I think I set a new personal speed record for setting up the glider. I did a quick pre-flight inspection, hooked in, and walked the glider to the launch. After a few minutes of assessing conditions we all agreed that they were nice and mellow and perfect for launch. Walk, jog, run and I was off with a strong launch. Almost immediately I felt a tiny bump of lift (rising air) so I pushed out on the bar to milk it for a little more altitude. This was the mistake that would lead to the next series of events.

In accordance with my flight plan discussed with the guys at launch, I initiated a left turn after flying straight for 10 seconds or so and flew along the ridgeline careful not to get too close. The glider suddenly seemed to want to bear left toward the hill so I immediately bumped to the right to point it in a safe direction. Nothing happened. I bumped right again even harder and more deliberate this time. Still nothing happened. The glider continued to come around to the left until I was now flying on a collision course toward the hillside. The terrain was formidable, littered with sage brush and boulder piles. This was all bad as it became obvious this is where I was headed. As the hillside got closer my ground speed became uncomfortably apparent. As a BASE jumper ground rush is a thrill you learn to enjoy and look forward to. In this case I was overcome with a sick feeling because I knew there wasn’t a parachute to save the day.

Just before impact I remembered the stories of crashes I had heard from other pilots. Natural instinct is to maintain a death grip on the control frame all the way into the ground which often is responsible for spiral fractures of the humorous. With this in mind I pushed out on the bar (flared) as hard as I could and let go of the control frame pulling my arms near my body. The wings weren’t perfectly level with the left tip lower than the right. This caused the glider to shoot upward and into a big left turn. With a loud metallic ‘clank’ me and the glider pounded into the hillside like a piano falling from the second story. I was quick to my feet and immediately started assessing myself for injuries. Teeth. Check. Legs. Check. Right arm. Check. Left Arm. Ch…Damn it!! There was a very visible deformity on my left wrist right about where it joins the hand. I let out a shout of disgust with myself which was a signal to everyone standing on the launch that I was conscious and more importantly, not dead.

The guys made their way to me pretty quickly with cameras rolling. I’m not exactly sure what I said but I’m pretty sure it was to the effect of, “summer has been canceled.” The glider turned out to not be damaged that badly with only one down tube bent. The hike on the other hand back up to the top was a bit uncomfortable to say the least. The scratches on my helmet and my face indicated that I had taken a bit of the impact on my head. This would explain why vision started to blur periodically and a break or two was required before reaching the top. At least this time everyone was spared the repetitive questions that are typical of a concussion. Before the inevitable bouncy ride down in the truck, Bill splinted my arm with a stick, a bath towel, and some duct tape.

So back to the mistake and what lesson was learned here. By pushing out on the bar right after launch I reduced my airspeed right off the bat. Instead of letting off of the bar and letting the glider fly I am almost positive that I still had the bar pushed out an inch or two the entire time. There was just enough energy left in the wing to make the left turn but after that there was nothing left to correct back to the right. In hindsight I could have pulled in on the bar generating more airspeed and turned to the right with no worries. Better yet, don’t kill your airspeed so soon after launch and so close to the ground! Let it fly! And in case you’re wondering, I look forward to picking up where I left off.

Big thanks to all of my friends on the trip for going out of their way to help me out. Special thanks to Anne Kroemer and Laure Willams for sacrificing their day to get me to the hospital and for looking after my dog. Thanks to the Cuddy family for opening their home to me and all of our riff raff friends.

Happy birthday, Dingo. This one will be easy to remember.

-Jimmy Hopper

Phoenix-Fly Product Line Challenge

2010-06-24T11:21:00.000-07:00

By Ricardo Valbuena
Team Member

Photography by
Iwan van der Schoor

Once again Team Ill Vision has gathered to accomplish another challenge. This time the challenge consisted in Flocking the entire product line manufactured by Phoenix-Fly, Human Flight Innovations.
The challenge came as an idea after super light and skinny Team member Jhonathan Florez realized he was able to generate a fall rate of around 80mph with just the Tracking Suit. The realization prompted Jhonny to call up other team members to see if they could match up their Wingsuits with his Tracking Suit fall rate while staying within proper proximity to make an actual flock.
Practice jumps were called on June 18th and June 19th with just a few members. After a few practice jumps, and going through a process of trial and error, Jhonny was able to dial the right body position and fall rate to make it possible for the Wingsuits to stay within proper and consistent flocking distance.
On Saturday 20th at the Parachute Center in Lodi, California, the challenge was called up. The challenge counted with the presence of most Team Ill Vision members along with participation and collaboration of Aerial Videographer and Photographer Iwan Van Der Schoor and other members of the Lodi Wingsuit community.
An early morning first jump was made with the idea to flock a perfect diamond with 10 Points, including 6 different Wingsuits types led by a Tracking Suit. Only about an 85% success was achieved on this jump mostly due to the distraction generated by anxiety and anticipation among some of the participants. Nevertheless the jump provided the participants all the necessary inspiration and facts to work with in order to make a second successful attempt.
A second attempt was made, and short after exiting the plane a beautiful flock assembled to form a perfect diamond containing every type of Wingsuit and Tracking Suit made by Phoenix-Fly.
Participants included:

Jhonathan Florez, Team Member, (Tracking Suit)
Avery Badenhop, Team Member, (Shadow)
Damien Dykman, Team Member, (Acro)
Ed Pawlowski, Team Captain, (Prodigy 2)
Kristin Sosso, Team Member, (Ghost 2)
David Royer, Team Member, (Phantom 2)
Brian Drake, Team Alternate, (Vampire 3)
Brian Sobe, Team Alternate, (Stealth 2)
Rex Pemberton, Team Alternate, (Phantom 2)
Sean Horton, Team Alternate, (Ghost 2)
Iwan Van Der Schoor, Team Alternate, (Ghost 2 -Photography & Video)
Ricardo Valbuena, Team Member, (Ghost 2 – Aerial Direction & Coordination)

Baffin Island BASE Jumping Expedition

2010-06-24T10:47:00.000-07:00

By Katie Hansen
Alternate Team Member

May 15 – April 14 a team of 20 BASE jumpers plus a photographer traveled to Sam Ford Fjord on Baffin Island to discover new exit points to jump from, as well as leap off old favorites. Baffin Island is located in northeast Canada up in the Arctic – the same island where the BASE jump off Mt. Asgard was filmed for the James Bond movie, The Spy Who Loved Me.

The team met in Ottawa then flew north to Iqaluit, boarded a smaller plane and flew into the small town of Clyde River, population 800. We stayed the night in town camped out on the baseball field where kids were excited to take us sledding, ask us questions, and play tag. In the morning we loaded up our big 12 foot sleds the Inuits call “Qamituks” with our gear, piled in, and were taken by a fleet of snowmobiles north into the fjord. Seven bumpy hours later we set up our tents in 30mph wind to establish our base camp.

With camp set, let the jumping begin! Our first jump was off Kiguti, a 3000’ overhanging cliff that camp was set up near. We hiked up a gulley and across a ridge to the exit point in about 3.5hrs kicking steps into the snow the whole way. I made my first wingsuit BASE jump! Flying the Team Ill Vision colors in Jhonny’s (“Medusa”) suit, I had a beautiful first flight. Camp made an awesome reference for scale to judge how high I was since depth perception is a challenge over the frozen sea ice below. Unfortunately, it didn’t help with my first snow landing in awhile. I ended up doing a home-run style slide and put my crampon through the back of my (Jhonny’s) leg wing…sorry Jhonny… It was nothing a little rip-stop tape couldn’t temporarily fix.

With the wing repaired and a string of good weather, we set out each day with different groups of teammates to different exit points all over the fjord. We jumped the Chinese Wall, one of the widest big walls in the world, towering over the fjord at 5000’ with a clear view out to the frozen Atlantic. It was cold and windy on top of this particular exit, making for a stressful gear up. Putting on crampons and stowing ice axes, hiking gloves, radios, stash bags, layers of clothing while sweat dries and fiddling with camera gear with numb fingers, James’ nose dripped onto the metal friction bar of his leg strap which froze instantly. With the friction bar iced over with snot, there was no longer any friction and James had to punch it and beat it to break the ice off, with us laughing while he punched himself. Everyone had awesome flights. I did a sweet 2-way with Douggs, flying left along the wall with Douggs below me.

Overall, we were camped on the sea ice for 28 days, half of which were jumpable. Of the 14 jumps I did, all of them were amazing. I would half to say three of the top jumps though, were Walker Citadel, The Citadel of The Sail Peaks, and Vertical Playground.

Walker Citadel was a 4 hour hike straight up a steep couloir. As we emerged out of the narrow passage, we were rewarded by the breathtaking view from the top overlooking the fjord. Constant antics of Jim Mitchell, Douggs, Livia Dickie, Cato, Ted Rudd, all while trying to follow the crazy Frenchman, Rudy, made the hike fly by. The exit was in the back of a huge bowl over a snowfield thousands of feet below. We flew out over the bowl and made it out between two enormous pillars of rock, then carved around the wall on the left, flying even farther. Livia and Ted Redd went to a different exit point and jumped the main wall of Walker Citadel, opening a new exit point that had never been done before. Livia had a beautiful and long flight, carving back and forth along the wall, and Ted did one of the most impressive tracking jumps (a jump with no wingsuit) that I have ever seen. He was proximity tracking along the ridges! Ted, you are my hero.

The other citadel we jumped was The Citadel, one of the Sail Peaks of Stewart Valley. Ben Mitchell, James MacDonald, Livia Dickie, Rich Webb, Rudy, myself, and our photographer, Krystal Wright, loaded up two Qamituks and set out with the help of our two Inuit guides to leave the fjord and pass into Stewart Valley. Snow conditions were better suited for traveling at night, so with our 24hrs of daylight, we headed out in the evening to face a pass full of rocks and boulders guarding our way. Our guides were able to pick their way through the pass with us in tow, except for one stretch that was just too treacherous. We unloaded from the sleds and using teamwork were able to push the sled over the rock field. After arriving at our destination and setting up camp, we finally crashed around 4:00AM. We slept in and started hiking around 2PM the next day. Judging by the topo map, and with Ben being an IFMGA mountain guide, we decided the best looking way up to the top was up the glacier. The route was growing increasingly windy to avoid crevasses until finally Ben and James said to stay put while they scouted out the best way to proceed. Ben’s exact words were, “This is getting borderline retarded!” So we took his word for it, got off the sketchy glacier of doom, and headed straight up the scree and rocks for the next few thousand feet to the top. It was definitely the direct route.

After an hour of 6.5 second rock drops with a “good push,” aka hucking the rock as hard as we could…we finally found what we were looking for; a 20 second rock drop with a beautiful, easy access exit point directly in line with camp – perfect. We named the exit point, “Qamituk Push” in honor of our epic journey into the valley. James jumped first, tracking, followed by me in my wingsuit, then Ben in his, Rich, and Liv and Rudy did a 2-way bringing up the rear. Everyone had nice long flights over the biggest talus I have ever seen. After we landed, we warmed up, ate some delicious bag food, and broke down camp. Shortly after, Krystal arrived from hiking back down (staying off the glacier) and we did the epic journey back that night, stopping only for a little 3AM bouldering session on one of the rocks guarding our way.

After some rest and a few other jumps, Livia, Wildman, Randy, Jay Moledski, Ben, Cato and I headed up to an exit point called Vertical Playground. It was across the fjord from our main camp, spotting originally from one of the boys while he was relieving himself on the pee ice-sculpture they had made. Every group that had jumped it came back saying it was the best jump in Baffin. 4900 feet and 4.5hrs later after looking over the edge, I could see why it was named Vertical Playground. There were so many potential lines to fly! Ridges and gullies… we had perfect weather; sunshine and no wind. I exited off the diving board rock outcropping, got flying and headed hard right. I dove down steep and mobbed through a gully between the cliff and a ridge. I shot out of the gulley and banked left around the front of the main cliff face then turned right to get away from the wall and fly out over the ice for a safe deployment. So far, this has been my favorite exit point I can recall to date. It blew my mind…

Between the quality of the BASE jumps, the majesty of the fjord, and an awesome crew of jumpers, the Baffin 2010 BASE jumping expedition, lead by Collin Scott, was the best expedition I have ever been on. I can’t wait to go back with the rest of the Ill Vision playas…

--Katie Hansen

Flock Lodi Video!!!!

2010-06-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

By Brian Drake

Lodi Wingsuit Weekend - May 21-23, 2010 from Brian Drake on Vimeo.

WestCoast Wingsuits "Flock Lodi"

2010-06-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

By Ed Pawlowski

WestCoast Wingsuits, "Flock Lodi", paints the sky with awesome wingsuit pilots wearing purple and red!

The "out of towners" showed up at the Parachute Center Friday morning with their A-Game and ready to fly! To start off the event they joined a few local pilots with some nice 10-ways, while awesome clouds filled the sky for all to fly around. Unlike how Florida's humid cloud cover fogs up lenses and makes the video and stills go into a blur when entering cloud elevation, the cool crisp Northern California air refreshed the pilots and made some awesome video!

Most of the group completed 5 jumps on Friday. Normally, at all WestCoast Wingsuits events, the last jump of the day on Friday is a demo jump into Ed Pawlowski's Wine and Wings Ranch. But due to a prior engagement some locals only did 4 jumps, so they could support a local skydiver Will DaSilva, at his premier boxing match. Will's fight was well worth watching, getting the crowd on fire up with a 53 sec TKO!!!

Saturday started off with clear skies and eager pilots ready to fly. With the Ed Pawlowski leading the flock in his TIV Vampire3, and the Team Ill Vision contingent ready to fly, the sky soon filled with 20 very talented pilots in a fast flying formation through the sky.
Do to recent shoulder surgery, Team Ill Vision's Kris Sosso, was not able to fly with us this year but showed her support at the event. We also had some other talented female pilots with us too. Brook Shinsky, Cate Henegan, Lori Butz and Katie Hansen, rocked the sky with the flocks! The dirt dives were relatively easy, with only a few cats to herd, and the formations went as planned. Jade Christopher Tatom rocked the Team Ill Vision Stealth2 on the flocks and provided some awesome video for the debriefs and still pics that will make your jaw drop.

After jumping on Saturday, the flock and about a dozen other skydivers gathered at Lodi Beer Company, where great food and drink was consumed by all, with only a little concern from the restaurant staff....lol
Sunday's weather showed us that the wind was still The Boss on a couple of jumps, but the flock continued to fly some awesome formations. Tight precise flocking lead to some awesome vertical stacking throughout the day. The day also lead to Team Ill Vision breaking out its entire arsenal of Phoenix Fly wingsuits including:
Acro
Shadow (custom order)
Phantom2
Ghost2
Stealth2
Vampire3
This soon lead to almost the entire 20-way formation rockin' the TIV purple and red!
Team Ill Vision members at the event included, Avery Badenhop, Ed Pawlowski, Jimmy Hopper, David "Dingo" Royer, Damien Dykman, Ricardo Valbuena, and Jhonathan "Medusa" Florez.

Wingsuit Pilots who joined the flock included:
Cate Heneghan
Ben Mitchell
Katie Hansen
Brook Shinsky
Brian Drake
Don Simmons
Lori Butz
Charley Kurlinkus
Nic Russell
Sean Horton
Randy McCoy
Chase Bradshaw
Zack Morlock
Glen Fafard
Ira Meiberger
Kip Chambers
Andy
Melissa Pemberton
Jade Edaj

Thank you to all the new pilots that attended the event, as well as all the ones that have flown with us before! WestCoast Wingsuits and Team Ill Vision look forward to flying with you again sometime soon!

Long Flights
ED

Revive Carl Boenish's Work!

2010-05-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

by David Royer

All,

We have an amazing opportunity to support a project that will give the world a first window on the birth of of BASE jumping, right here in Nor Cal. The story of Carl, beautiful and tragic, is one all jumpers have heard, I can't wait to experience it the way he chose to share his dream, through his cameras.

Marah Strauch and Eric Bruggemann are producing Gravity

In the early eighties Carl Boenish coined the acronym “BASE” (standing for Buildings,
Antenna, Span, and Earth, the objects jumped) and invented a sport. Carl was the catalyst
behind modern BASE jumping; an electrical engineer and filmmaker who believed that
BASE jumping would allow mankind to overcome artificial physical limitations. He
religiously chronicled the early days of BASE in beautiful 16mm film, a filmmaker who filmed himself inventing a lifestyle and a sport.

If you want to see the journey, please support by clicking on Marah and Eric's name above.

PR Newswire: Captain America falls out of Airplane!

2010-05-17T17:41:00.000-07:00

Tim West, aka Captain America, an old time Fort Funston Hang glider pilot and good friend, decided to cross another item off the bucket list and learn how to skydive.

After doing 45 minutes at Ifly Tunnel, Tim was ready to rumble, and completed AFF, Accelerated Free Fall Training, and got certified by Ill Vision'ite Ed Pawlowski from West Coast Wingsuits.

Here is the video of one of his first jumps off student status, Arnel, Damien and I completed a speed star, what a fun jump! I also included a sit-fly jump with Damien and Arnel, as well as 2 nice 3 point wingsuit jumps with the usual Lodi suspects, from the same day. Enjoy, dingo dave.

Tim West, Freefalling, May 15th. from David Royer on Vimeo.

“Bideo Uno” & Jhonny Florez Make Debut at Petaluma Film Festival

2010-05-11T06:09:00.000-07:00

By Jhonathan Florez

Saturday, May 1st, I had the opportunity to present “Bideo Uno” at the Petaluma Film Festival . The festival was organized by SRJC Proffesor Michael Traina. This Festival featured 26 animated & live shorts. Directors from Sweden, Japan, Italy, France and many other places, submitted their work and after passing the screening process were selected to present it at the festival.

“Bideo Uno” from Team Ill Vision was selected as the college representative entrance for this festival. I’m humbled to admit that I never thought I would ever see any of my movies played in a real movie theater. For me this was a great honor to share the big screen with Oscar, Cannes and Sundance nominated directors and awarded shorts. It was a great experience to interact with all these amazing directors. I had an opportunity to share techniques, talk about cameras and discuss where the industry is heading. I also made some new friends and passed some business cards for any aerial services they might need on their movies. Some of them were really interested in our field and even offered some collaboration for future projects.

To sum up this was a great opportunity and an incentive to keep pursuing quality in my work. I feel honored and I can’t wait to start shooting my scenes with a story line and a movie in mind.
Thanks,
JF

In a technical note, I was blown away by the techniques, story lines, camera work and photography used in these shorts. If you have a sec to check out some outstanding work by up and coming cinematographers, then check these favorites:

My Top 3

“Touch” by Jen Mcgowan

“Love Tap” by Mike Goode

“Wunderkrammer” By Andrea Pallaoro

Other great Views include:

“Madagascar, Canet de Voyage” by Bastien Dubois

“The Kiss” by Stefan Le Lay

“True Beauty This Night” By Peter Besson

“Fard” by Luis Briceno & David Alapont

“Jitensha (Bicycle)” by Dean Yamada

“The Saddest Boy in the World” By Jamie Travis

“The Third Letter (36 Stairs)” by Grzegorz Jonkajtys

Bideo Ono makes cut, shows at Petaluma Film Festival!

2010-04-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

RJC Film festival

“Bideo Uno” made it through the screening and this April 16th and premiered at the Santa Rosa Junior College Film Festival. A big thank you to media professor Michael Traina who invited me to participate and share my work at this event. This was a cool opportunity to interact with other students, look at their work and share techniques and concepts.

The outcome of this festival was incredibly positive. “Team Ill Vision Bideo Uno” was selected as the College Elected Video and will show at the Petaluma Film Festival at the Mystic Theater on May 1st. Film makers, nominated Oscar directors and people from the film industry from all over the world come to this annual festival. There will be 26 animated & live action shorts, and their filmmakers in conversation at the historic Mystic Theater.

We are looking forward to this opportunity to show our work and to meet and talk with different film makers. Come and Join us at the Petaluma Film Festival on May 1st!
Go to Petaluma Film Fest for times and directions.

Hope to see you there and thank you for all your support,
Jhonny

Team ILL Vision Takes First Place in Film Festival

2010-03-26T13:18:00.001-07:00

The Free Flight Seminar Series & Film Festival was held March 17th in downtown San Fran and our own David "Dingo" Royer set up and ran the film fest portion of this growing event produced by Jose Pruneda and Eric Blum from Photon Films. Contestants submitted over 14 films this year.

Team ILL Vision's own Jhonny "Medusa" Florez took first place with "Bideo Uno." That's Columbian for BASE jump! 1st runner up was once again Team ILL Vision's own Jimmy Hopper with "Desire Bites Back."

The event is targeted toward the Northern California crowd of Paraglider Pilots, Hang Glider Pilots, BASE jumpers and Skydivers.
The event was sponsored by GoPro, the North Face, Ozone, Bay Area Hang Gliding, Airtime of San Francisco, Pacifica Paragliders, Team ill vision and Team Jank.
Food sponsored by Bay Area Paragliding Association & beer sponsored by Peroni / Pilsner Urquell.

You can check out all the video RIGHT HERE!

Enjoy!

Jhonny Goes to Colombia

2010-01-04T13:33:00.000-08:00

On December 31 2009, Katy Orrego hooked me up with professional Colombian Paraglider Ruben Montoya. I had the pleasure on doing the First Wing Suit BASE Jump in Colombia, after riding tandem then leaping from a paraglider. We took off from El Voladero de San Pedro and flew all the way to Bello. we where at Aprx 1700 Ft from the landing Zone where my family was waiting for this private exhibition.

It was a beautiful experience all around. flying on top of Medellin, flying over urban terrain and flying for the people that you love the most waiting for you with a warm hug. All this magic filled my head during flight and it was then I realized this was a magical way to finish 2009.

I also went to bogota for a couple of days, I did a couple of interviews for two major Colombian Tv News stations, RCN and City Tv. An interview with the biggest news paper in Colombia EL Tiempo went well too. I explained about Wing Suits, BASE Jumping, Team ILL Vision and our future plans. I want to thank all the people that made this possible and I'm looking forward to working again with everyone again.

Thank You and God Bless,
Jhonathan Florez

Wingsuits: Powered by Cisco

2009-12-21T12:17:00.000-08:00

Iwan van der Schoor, www.iwanvanderschoor.com, a fellow NorCal jumper and wingsuit pilot, contracted Ill Vision to work on a promotional video for Cisco this fall.

All aerial footage was completed in 2 days, thanks to Ed Pawlowski co-ordinating shot sequences with Iwan for in-air shots, and the production crew, headed by Laura Marks, Tim Fink Productions, for landing shots. www.timfink.com

Ed Pawlowski and David 'dingo' Royer from Ill Vision and So Cal wingsuit expert Brian Drake pulled together their flying skills and got the needed shots. Producer Laura Marks was having a blast, she did a tandem the same day, stayed for beers afterwards and is working with Ed to learn the sport! www.northerncaliforniaskydiving.com

TonySuits built custom S-Birds for the shoot, they were ready and at the DZ in less than 10 days, amazing turn-around time. www.tonysuits.com

Iwan customized his camera helmet to fit the Sony XDCAM-EX1 with great results, watch the clarity and color below:

Wingsuits: Powered by Cisco from teamillvision on Vimeo.

Wing Suit Record 2009, Elsinore.

2009-12-18T17:53:00.000-08:00

This year again, we were part of the Wing Suit Record attempt in Skydive Elsinore, California. Taya Weiss and Raisethesky.org were organizing this amazing event. After 5 days, on November 11th 2009, we got a new record: 68 people, slot perfect formation! More than just a record, this event was also a fund raising for non-profit CityYear.org which helps kids to graduate.

Chief Captain Ed was leading our plane, motivating all of us, espically for the freezing cold 6 am morning starts! Surprisingly, he only had to give a few yellow cards to a few badly behaved individuals. Kenneth Gajda, Alex Frey, Craig Poxon, David Gershfeld and former team member Cliff Ryder were all wearing red and purple team suits!

Devon Steigerwald stayed we us in Elsinore for a couple days, shooting many awesome picture. Amazing what a professional photographer can do! Above pictures are courtesy of Devon.

The Ill Vision tent was set with all the comfort you can expect: chairs, picnic table, a cooler of beverages, snacks, etc. After a well spent day participants were welcome to come grab a drink.

After the official record jumps, Top Gun and Ill Vison teams planned an ambitious formation. Sadely, the weather did not cooperate and the "Top Vision" (or "Ill Gun") jump was only a dirt dive. But it will happen sooner or later!

Photographer and friend Michelle Hood brought all her equipment for a photo-shoot. Jhonny felt the need to customize the picture a little and give it his own touch!

Damien

ILL Vision Takes Over Bridge Day

2009-10-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

Team ILL Vision showed up in full force this year. All members arrived and jumped in costume to the crowds loud applause and cheers dressed as jailbirds. Damien, Dingo, Harry, Jhonny, and Ricardo rounded out the team this year, with Harry serving as EMcee for the Bridge Day event.

Team members were quickly picked up by the press and photographed and interviewed extensively. Jumpers made an average of four jumps a piece. Jhonny Florez even trained up a student from Brazil between jumps and packing lessons.

The new venue this year proved a much different attraction and the constant rain hampered some efforts of the event but overall everything went smoothly under the direction of Jason Bell and his dedicated staff. If you are interested in more info check out the Bridge Day web page. Jumping photos courtesy of Jason Bell.

Jumper For The Cause FINAL

2009-10-07T07:04:00.000-07:00

By Team ILL VISION Teammate, Kris Sosso
Follow up to the Jump for the Cause Event held at Perris Valley Skydiving.

Right now, I am sitting in my kitchen, drinking coffee in beautiful Vallejo, CA typing this post instead of going to work which is completely necessary for me to afford skydiving.
But there is no need for me to try to make you pity me. The week invested for Jump for the Cause was completely worth it, no matter how much pain and suffering- I was a floater (yes, I just had shoulder surgery one year prior) and it was FREEZING in the mornings and 103 degrees by 10AM - such consequences (ha ha).
Being the only current female team member for Team ILL Vision, I represented our team at this charity and world record event.
Jump For The Cause was a fundraising event for City Of Hope supporting breast cancer research as well as a women’s world record in Perris Valley, CA in September 21st through September 27th, 2009. 9 aircraft lifted 180 female skydivers to approximately 18,000 feet with oxygen.
 Athletes who qualify to participate in World Records must give up some of their daily comforts in order to do what is best for their team. Whether it be missing sleep, spending a little less time with friends, or simply not having time to just sit down and relax or eat or even go the bathroom.   Nowhere is this more evident than participating in a World Record- where qualifying for the event, staying current, staying healthy and training is a regular routine. Especially during the event itself- there is little time for leisure or comforts.  At, six thirty in the morning (This means us girls were getting up at 5-5:30AM everyday!), while most jumpers are drooling on their pillows, the women were stretching and gearing up on the creeper pad to prepare for hours of dirt diving, listening to directions, sitting on the ground with gear on, sitting in the planes with gear on, walking back to the DZ from a long spot in 103 degree weather , packing, debriefing, and participating in mandatory dinners/events (often not getting us girls back to our room before 11PM) .   Though the timing of the early morning dirt dives may be freezing, uncomfortable and tough, we know and feel it is worth it if it means performing well, and that it is not as bad as we make it out to be. But at the time it is miserable….lol…I feel that the hardest part isn't the actual dirt diving, but just working up the strength to get out of bed and repeat the same routine EVERY DAY until the record is made- mentally tough….BUT it’s was all worth it.
What does it take?
Having a good exit off the plane, getting to the formation in a stadium approach and on your radial with no red zone violations.
Docking softly, flying your slot and flying the formation
Eye contact with the base and staying level.
Results?
The 180-Way Women’s World Record was made on September 26, 2009.  

Switzerland 2009 Update!

2009-10-05T11:05:00.000-07:00

The International News reporting agency Reuters Interviewed Team Ill Vision, regarding BASE Jumping in Lauterbrunnen Switzerland. In this interview you can see some videos and pictures of Team ill Vision in Action during our last trip to Europe.

Team Ill Vision, was seen in all the mayor Newspapers in the world, from Switzerland to New York to Washington and all over the Internet.
Enjoy
Cya
Madusa

Reuters Net

Washington Post

Comcast

Macleans

Parachutejump.net

Boston

Some other pics at:
Reuters

Satic Stuff

Here we come people, our vision is global!!!!

New Woman's World RECORD!

2009-10-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

They did it!
Kris Sosso of Team ILL Vision helps set a new woman's world record with "Jump for the Cause."
Check out the celebration below and check out the website for all the pics and info.
Congrats Kris!

Team ILL VISION Jumping for the Cause!

2009-09-25T10:47:00.000-07:00

Kris Sosso sports her new pink suit for Skydive Perris' "Jump For The Cause" event. Jump for the Cause is a fundraising/skydiving event that has several goals:
To raise money for & awareness of Breast Cancer Research
To set new Women’s World Record in Formation Skydiving
To be role models for other women and young ladies
Kris is there lvin' up to it jumping hard, helping with the The event Tweets at JFTC2009 and raising money for Breast Caner. There is tons to check out on themain website including an open blog at http://www.jumpforthecause.com/. Kris will be flying with the beloved "lambchop" on Friday. Avery Badenhop of Team ILL Vision help sponsor the event and Kris Raised money and awareness.
This is one BIG event down in Sol Cal. Take a look at the ever changing webpage and the video below of a very recent jump.

ILL Vision Invades France 2009

2009-09-09T13:59:00.000-07:00

Immediately after the team finished with Switzerland, Avery Badenhop lead the team to France with the help of teammate Damien Dykman and Guillaume Richard, both native Frenchmen with tons of experience in the area.
This dynamic duo led us to many of France's hidden treasures while all ten of us stayed at the more then generous couple Stephan and Val, who let all invade their small apartment, just minutes from the biggest cliff site.
Five days of jumping yielded over six different sites. Teammates were challenged with an array of site specific hurdles and everyone learned something new, polished current skills and gained a new respect for French BASE jumpers and their sites.

Video Contest Needs your vote!

2009-08-23T17:06:00.000-07:00

Fellow wingsuiter and BASE jumping ILL Vision Teammate “Jimmy Hopper” made a little video, "Leap of Faith" and made the cut for the contest. Video centers around Team ILL Vision’s latest trip to Little CO for some big wall BASE jumping wingsuit action.
Take a quick look and support with a quick vote.

http://reelrocktour.com/#/contest/

Switzerland, Team ILL Vision Europe Tour 2009

2009-08-16T00:50:00.000-07:00

Directly after The “T” Mobile demo, Avery Badenhop lead Team ILL VISION to Switzerland for some BASE currency and skills practice armed with brand new Sevens by Asylum Designs. Five days in Lauterbrunnen netted an average 12 jumps per person despite three days of iffy weather and rain.

The highlight of the trip came on day four as the weather broke into bright blue skies. Professional mountain guide Martin Schürmann, of Mountaineering For Everyone, lead the group to the top of the Eiger Mushroom via Air Glacier’s fast and powerful helicopter. Team members made two jumps from the Eiger mushroom and successfully pulled off a 9-way flock.

The majority of jumps took place within the Lauterbrunnen Valley utilizing trains and cable cars and quick walks to exit points. The High Nose and Klettersteig easy access exit points makes them very popular jumps and this summer season was as busy as ever.

Even with two months notice the Team found it hard to find lodging and lucked out packing 10 guys into a few rooms at the familiar and comfortable Oberland Hotel ran by Ursula and Mark Nolan.

In the middle of the trip the team’s presence caught the attention of a Reuters news crew who followed the team their last day of jumping interviewing team member Damien Dykman. The story focused on BASE jumping in the valley and the views and impact on jumpers, farmers and tourism. Stay tuned here for the breaking story.

Many of Swiss’s biggest BASE jumping stars showed up including Matt Gerdes, of Ozone, who helped the team in planning and execution of the Eiger jump. Geraldine Fashnacht even made an appearance. Geraldine is a very well known professionally sponsored snowboarder and her sponsorship has carried over to her BASE jumping career. The elusive and busy Andy West was spotted at the exit points a few times as well as professional climber Dean Potter.

Enjoy the pics. More to come on a professional gallery soon.

T-Mobile Demo over San Francisco

2009-08-07T17:26:00.000-07:00

Team ILL VISION organizes 15-way wingsuit formation over San Fransisco August 5, 2009.
Sorry to keep this short. Leaving in four hours to Switzerland with the team.
On a hot tip, Team ILL Vision got the chance of a lifetime to work with Skydiving Innovations who organized the show for "T-Mobile."
The big city demonstration jump brought attention to the launch of the T Mobile's myTouch 3G phone, The colorful show featured 100 skydivers. Three groups formed a "T" in free fall including the 15-way wingsuit formation. I believe it is the largest skydiving demo in US History.
Raise the Sky, Fog Head Stuidos, Flock "U"niversity, Craig O'Brien Photography and others including David Major of Ace Aerial Cinematography participated in the event.
Four Landing areas ranged from a huge field near the famous Golden Gate Bridge, a baseball field and very tight PRO Rated landing areas within the skyscrapers.

HP

Craig O'Brien got the shots. Check them out here.

Check out some of the coverage:
San Francisco Chronicle Pics & Chopper Video

New TV Raw ground to air footage of JP Plaza field canopies and landings. Lots of smoke.

Geek Sugar - Good ground shots. The Show. JP Plaza and more.

Cnet News, Nice ground shots of JH Plaza

RymanTolentino.com Personal Blog. Nice jet, ground to air RW and ground shots, OB, Avery and others.

Pic

Photos by Johnny "madusa" Florez

From Left to Right:
Ed Pawlowski, Ren Huschle, Brian Drake, Jimmy Hopper, Justin Shorb, YoYo, Avery Badenhop, Harry Parker, Kris Sosso, Taya Weiss, Brian Soby, Jeff Nebelkopf and Scott Callantine.

proximity project: soaring, fort funston, ca

2009-07-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

Proximity Project: Funston from David Royer on Vimeo.

Team ILL Vision Goes to Switzerland

2009-07-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

Recently, I travelled to Switzerland on a mission from Marty at Asylum Designs. First order of business, deliver a new logo Seven to Ueli Gegenschatz, a Swiss Red Bull jumper . And second, jump the hell out of the new Feather, a lightweight version of the Seven from Marty.
After a short train ride from Zurich I arrived in Lauterbrunnen in the Swiss Alps near Interlaken. Lauterbrunnen is surrounded by cliffs ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 feet. Easy access to the cliffs from trams and trains make it a haven for BASE jumpers from all over the world and tourists as well for the magnificent scenery. I quickly met up with Ueli at the Horner pub, and after excitedly hooking up his new canopy he invited me for a jump and off we went. Less than a day in Switzerland and already jumping a sweet 2,000 ft cliff!
Over the next 12 days I jumped as much as possible,making fifty jumps total. The weather slowed me down a few days, but I quickly made up for it as soon as it cleared again. I did over thirty jumps on the Feather, which performed even better than we had expected, and the rest on Seven. Both canopies have a monster flare, extremely slow sink rate, and long glide. As I did more jumps, what amazed me most was the consistency and how easy it is to control the opening speed, even with spectra lines on the Feather. The quick deployments were planned, and soft buttery ones are easy to achieve by rolling the nose more.
All the jumps were amazing, but the two that stand out are a jump from the Eiger, and my final jump of the trip. I was invited up the Eiger by Julien Boulle and Geraldine Fasnacht, both very experienced wingsuit jumpers in town for the Nissan Outdoor Games . We made our way up and around ice covered rock and waited three hours for clouds to clear, time spent talking, laughing, and thinking about jumping through the clouds rather than finding our way back down. Finally the clouds cleared and we quickly jumped. We flew together down through whispy layers of clouds that melded with patches of snow on the alpine below. One of those dream jumps that still gives me shivers when I think about it.
The last few days Avery, Jhonny, and I spent jumping as a team working on flying together, and getting good photos and video. The jumps were great, and we had a great time cruising around the valley looking for mischief and tagging cow bells with Ill Vision stickers.
We finished up the last day with a jump from klettesteig or via ferratta, named for the steel ladder that you climb down to the exit point, and on the advice of a local went to a restaurant at the end of the valley where we feasted on traditional Vienna Schnitzel.
Avery and I had to get up early to catch our flight, but as I was packing the nearly full moon was shining on one of the walls above. The serpent was hungry and I grabbed my rig and ran for the train to Wengen. After reaching the exit I sat for a long time smoking a cigar and gazing into the valley below. The moonlight lit the waterfalls pouring into the valley silver, and the snow covered glaciers at the end of the valley glowed. One of the many amazingly beautiful sights I have been lucky enough to see since starting this sport. The jump was surreal, I relaxed and watched the wall in the moonlight accelerate past and flew out over the valley pulling high to enjoy the view on my last jump of the trip.

Ren Huschle

Perrine 09 - With special interview with Chuck McFly

2009-07-09T11:01:00.000-07:00

Perrine 09 from David Royer on Vimeo.

Rockn' Da Potato Bridge

2009-07-08T11:15:00.000-07:00

Team ILL VISION teams up with Asylum Designs for a four day weekend of summer BASE jumping fun. Showing up in force with over nine team members and a host of Asylum reps and instructors, ILL VISION took over the Potato Bridge the last week in june
Asylum brought out demos of their new canopies, the Seven and the Feather. Everyone was stoked jumping newly designed canopies at will.
If I leave anyone out, forgive me it's been over a week now.
Everyone who showed up was treated to free boat rides and a dinner or lunch from Team ILL Vision's Avery Badenhop who coordinated the teams event.
I believe the Asylum group, including Blake, Nikki and Chris and others took over eight students to their own edge for first time BASE jumps. And, continued to jump as hard as they could for the entire time, learning to pack and progressing on their instructor laid out skill sets. Fun to watch and be a part of their challenge and triumphs. Nothing like watching a first timer make that commitment to actually jump. The energy is hard to describe and easy to get caught up in. Happy.
The more seasoned jumpers were insatiable and hiked to the top forgoing the boat ride in favor another quicky. Many jumps were made on an unpacked parachute. The "Unpacked Parachute Jump" method ends the days of that annoying packing. We can all thank Shane McConkey for eliminating the tired and worrisome experience of having to pack.
It was an excellent celebration of summer as July 4th approached. Visiting jumpers just showing up for some BASE jumps rotated through the weekend. At one point I know I counted more then 30 BASE jumpers.
The locals were in full force as well. Some of the locals who showed up were Abbie from Spatual Rigging and Snake River Skydiving, Sean, Tanner and Holly.
Also making an appearance from France, please meet Matt Gerdes and Liv Sansoz. Two rock star celebrities from France. Keeping a low profile with Matt totally dedicated to teaching Liv to BASE jump. These two are a hard core adrenaline duo. Just check out their web pages. You think we live it up?
It was a great time had by all complete with plentiful jumping and an abundance of friendship. A nice summer reunion back to the roots of what we do, JUMP!
From Team ILL VISION, Thanks to everyone for all the smiles and good times.

I was going to upload some pics but there are just too many. To see a whole bunch in just 3.5 minutes, put your earphones in, close your imaginary cubicle door closed and check out the slide show below.

Make sure to check out Harry's facebook profile and The Teams Facebook profile and Tag yourself and your friends.
To see ALL the photos check out the Gallery over 400 in all. I'm sure there is one of you in here.
Comments are greatly appreciated.
ENJOY!

Jimmy Hopper Makes News

2009-07-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

Jimmy's network never seems to stop growing.
This last trip to the Potato bridge, post coming soon, Jimmy brought a bunch of new helmets from a buddy in the water, snow sports industry. A company Call SHRED READY!
Again, more hard core adrenaline junkies working together.
The lids worked and looked great. Low profile, not in the way of anything and even came with a small sun visor lip that was barely noticeable but did truly keep the sun out your eyes. Sure to be a hit with the BASE jumping crowd.
Check out Jimmy's quick write up here, has pictures too!

Rock On Jimmy! Team ILL VISION hopefully will be styling these new lids on our next adventure!

HP

Moab, turkey, and parachutes

2009-07-02T23:25:00.000-07:00

Photos: Will Viktora

For many Thanksgiving is reminiscent of gathering with family, over eating and watching college football. For several members of Team ILL Vision a unique tradition has taken shape in recent years. Due to the great distances that separate us from our families, a new destination has quickly become the norm – Moab, Utah. With an amazing landscape decorated with red cliffs not governed by the National Park System, this place has a reputation for being a BASE jumper’s paradise.

As were preparing for our annual pilgrimage to the desert last Thanksgiving, I received a call from long-time friend, Seth Warren. For the past few years Seth has been working on a project called "Oil & Water" and his on-going mission has been to educate the world about renewable energy sources and ultimately reduce society’s reliance on petroleum. He's driven from Alaska to the tip of South America in a 1987 Japanese fire truck powered by vegetable oil sharing his message with countless school groups and politicians. The underlying theme of this leg focused on the value and importance of water in the natural environment, which foreshadowed the "Nature Propelled" theme of their next big trip, now well underway.

This second phase of the journey shifted focus from the rivers to the sky where "air" took center stage. After a week of filming with hang glider pilots near the Grand Canyon, Seth was looking for a finale to this segment before moving on to the next. At this point fellow Team ILL Vision member, Damien Dykman, Frenchman Arnaud C., and myself joined the party. What followed were 3 entertaining days of bouncing down the back roads of Moab in the fire truck and BASE jumping from many of the area’s most classic cliffs.

A second movie including this and other airborne, palm-sweating footage is in the works and is scheduled to debut in early 2010. The “Nature Propelled” film documents Seth’s journey, the people he encountered, the relationship these sports have with the overall health of the earth, and the responsibility we all share as inhabitants of a fragile natural environment.

For all you of on Facebook you can check out the trailer of their upcoming film here at Elements Tour.

Awesome weekend in Twin Falls!

2009-06-29T23:12:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everybody who showed up! It was beyond what we expected. From first time students to seasoned jumpers, everybody had a good time. Hundreds of jumps, and barely a scratch. The variety of people was very cool and it was great to see old friends and make a few new ones. Looking forward to the next TEAM ILL VISION BASE adventure as we forge ahead. Peace, love and joy. Avery Badenhop

6.20.09 Lodi Team ILL Vision update

2009-06-22T15:43:00.001-07:00

Hello, this is Harry Parker with a Team ILL VISION Monday update. If you are sitting in a cubical somewhere, check out the action from this weekend and let your self breath for a moment.

Visiting Base/Organizer Sean Horton showed up this weekend to work with Ed Pawlowski for a Saturday filled with some great dives. Sean "Monkey" Horton will be organizing at Davis this weekend during the American Boogie.

This marks the first day of attention Team driven dives towards the 100-way records coming in November with Jeff Nebelkopf.

Sean and Ed created some interesting cat dives with one dive bringing two pieces together while turning back to the DZ. Just about all Team members showed up for the dives and with some add on's for some nice 12 & 13 way dives. Everyone got the chance to blow the rust off and begin syncing fall rates.

Great day of jumping for sure. Really am enjoying learning how to fly wing suit camera. These are the days to shoot too. Do hope you enjoy the pics.

Coming up this weekend, Team ILL VISION will be taking over Twin Falls, ID for a full three day weekend of BASE'n, spittn', cussing, drinking beer and pissing on trees. Team members will concentrate on currency. Four weeks from now the team will then be going to Switzerland!

Follow all the mayhem right here!

Enjoy, remember you can right click and save any time. These and others will be available to tag on Harry Parker facebook and Team ILL VISIION Facebook. Make sure to check out the FULL GALLERY of pics.

Next Stage for Team ILL VISION begins

2009-06-15T15:05:00.000-07:00

Hello, this is Harry Parker with a TEAM ILL VISION update.

This weekend marks a new beginning for Team ILL VISION.

This past Saturday team members met at Lodi for organized team jumps and their first meeting of the year.
Core leaders Avery Badenhop and Ed Pawlowski took the reigns as the driving force for the team unfolding the future for this summer and beyond with an invitation starting the selection process.
Everyone who attended was stoked and excited at the possibilities while at the same time realizing the work and commitment necessary to achieve a successful team. Everyone now has time think about how involved they want to become.
Leaders will now utilize the feedback they received to lay the foundational structure of the team. Members will then get the chance to comment and co-create the teams initial structure and direction.
The summer will focus on practicing for the upcoming World Record organized by THE JEFF KNEBELKOPF and others. ILL VISION is already practicing the grid, which is notably difficult after learning to fly in very close proximity with each other.
Stay tuned and watch the teams progression unfold right here by following this blog.
Team members are dynamic to say the least. I will be gathering and posting head shots and bios as the selection and commitment process ends. We have some very bright and dedicated jumpers with tons of experience and talents in many areas.
Below are some pics of this weekend. I have created a Team GALLERY HERE that will contain ALL the select pics I can get my hands on from the past, and as I shoot.
Enjoy and leave a comment. Team members will be posting to this blog soon.
HP

5.30 Wings over Lodi

2009-06-02T21:27:00.000-07:00

Just found these pics and remembered I didn't make a post! Here you go. Great flying with ya. let's keep it up on Saturdays for sure. Lot's to do this summer.
The boys should be back in a few weeks from Switzerland and some others from their paragliding adventures.
Enjoy, remember you can right click and save any time. These and others will be available to tag on facebook as well.
Looking forward to more flying!
HP

TEAM ILL VISION IN SWISS VALLEY

2009-06-02T02:17:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Lauterbrunnen. Medusa, Ren and myself have been making laps off the High Nose exit point. The weather has been perfect for jumping. The new canopies from Asylum Designs are sweet. I have been using the `Seven 240 & 260` with my custom high aspect ratio sliders and pro pack, the openings have been so nice, quick but no spank, and on heading every time. We also have `Feather 240 & 260` canopies in stock configuration, same results. We are working on team building, encouraging each other all along the way. We found our `Rock` and will be back in California in a few days to share with team members.
Peace, love and joy. Avery Badenhop

Team ILL VISION Begins 2009 Training Camps

2009-05-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

This last Saturday the 23rd of May saw a few Team members rally for a few jumps at their home DZ Lodi in preparation of an all summer mission to train for several upcoming events. Jumps concentrated on basic three and four way sequential where everyone must be BASE, a hard task for sure but one with a steep learning curve.
Armed with two new Sony CX-100 HD Video Cams jumpers Avery Badenhop and Harry Parker began to document inside and outside footage of jumpers, hopefully the standard for all jumps this summer. The team currently owns almost 20 Pheonix Fly wingsuits and is ready to bring together some of the best fliers in US.
The team is expected to have a busy summer and leader Avery Badenhop is determined to bring the team to the next level with an actual vision and selection process for named team members. Selected members will represent the team in monthly travel events. Selection process is in the works. If any of this interests you, make sure you follow and RSS this blog for more info.
You can also join the facebook group page to keep up with all the antics travel and specials coming this summer.
Team support group Johnny "Madusa" Florez and Ren Huschle will meet up with Team Leader Avery Badenhop this week in Switzerland for jumps centering around the new line of canopies from Asylum Designs. Sure to be an exciting trip. I hear the weather is good and jumping is going on as we speak. Johnny and Ren will be covering the trip so check back often for updates, pictures and maybe even some video.
Leave a comment
HP

Little Colorado

2009-01-16T09:09:00.000-08:00

This Last December 12-14, 2008 Team ILL VISION organized 12 jumpers for an incredible Heli BASE trip to Little CO. The team was six strong and included our sponsor Asylum Designs.
Everyone arrived on Friday and met up at the hotel. Jumpers awoke to white out winter conditions on Saturday and did what they had to with the time on their hands staring at a helicopter.
Sunday the weather broke to pristine conditions with everyone making five jumps each. The group worked up to a few three ways but it was obvious everyone need more time and jumps at the site to go bigger.
Late in the day there was a wall strike by a team member. Often considered a right of passage by BASE jumpers, a wall strike on a new cliff commands the respect from all individuals who might be complacent. Muscling it in like a man only a toe and elbow injury was the end result.
Monday morning brought freezing temps and snow flurries so the group packed it in after breaking the injured team member out of the hospital.
Another trip is scheduled for April, so keep your ears open right here for more info.
HP

World Record WingSuit 71

2009-01-15T19:19:00.000-08:00

And Team ILL VISION was there in FORCE!
Leading the right 18-way wing, TEAM ILL VISION's 9-way lead the pack and set the standard for the entire event.
TEAM ILL VISION's t-shirts and sticker inundated the place by the time we left. Making over 30 jumps for the week the team became very comfortable with each other in the air.
Needless to say, by the end of the event everyone came together as one team and we did the biggest wingsuit formation yet, a 71-way, a new world's record.
Check out the pics below.
Find more pics from these contributing photographers.

Nick Stern
and
Scott Callantine
and
Harry Parker