Canadian BASE jumper finds close to 100 take off points in Oman

1/10/2016 12:52:55 AM

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat-

Canadian BASE jumper Graham Dickinson has found close to 100 new takeoff points in Oman a 'discovery' that could make Oman the next big address for fans of this thrilling sport.

Dickinson who has over 4000 skydives and more than 1000 BASE jumps around the world to his name spent most of 2015 in preparation and scouting for perfect exit points.

BASE (Building Antenna Span and Earth) jumping involves jumpers parachuting or taking off in wingsuits from natural or manmade structures at speeds of 200kmph or more.

'Over the past year I have spent countless hours researching exploring and jumping in the beautiful mountains of UAE and Oman. I have discovered over 100 new exit points to jump from. The spectacular terrain and lines that can be flown are like nothing else I have ever seen or done before.'

Dickinson explained that to open an exit/jump point is to be the first person to base jump from the location. To showcase his jumps from Oman Dickinson has produced a video series titled Blood Sweat and Tears.

The first video has been released on social media platforms and the next is due shortly.

In the video Dickinson can be seen swooping like a giant bat past jagged cliffs in Oman showcasing the extremity of the sport. His jumps also show Oman's terrain in a never before seen light with the beauty of cliffs and gorges captured from above.

'From compiling data to create accurate terrain profiles to befriending local people in the surrounding areas I take great pride in my work. Some of the jumps you see are at the limit of what can be done with wingsuit BASE jumping. In other words it is only suitable for a select few wingsuit pilots. And due to the technical nature of some of the starts and terrain features I have kept the locations of the jumps secret.'

Dickinson spend weeks studying the terrain both online via topography map and on foot via hiking expeditions. 'I spent endless hours driving the tiny dirt packed mountain roads and days and weeks living outside in these breathtaking locations. In short this project has consumed my life this past year; hence the title Blood Sweat and Tears.'

Dickinson said he chose Oman because the country has some of the highest peaks in the region. He however cautioned that although other BASE jumpers would be definitely interested in Oman after watching the video series it will be a little difficult for the average jumper to find all these exit points which requires a lot of hiking scouting driving and exploring.

'I have definitely put Oman on the BASE jumping map. Time will only tell if others would follow. BASE jumpers generally only go on trips to where they are welcomed and wanted. Since Oman has some of the friendliest people I have met I have a feeling that this will most definitely not be a problem.'

Dickinson said his experience in Oman was nothing short of amazing. 'You always are concerned going to a new country. But when I came to Oman I immediately realised this place fits me well. Everyone is so nice and welcoming everyone always invites me for lunch or tea. (It) makes me feel like it's one big family and nobody cares where you are from or what your beliefs are. It's the most you can ever ask for going somewhere new in life - being accepted and welcomed with open arms.'

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