Basejumping from a rocket

When I randomly saw that rocket in the distance, my first thought was « Is that a secret space launch in the middle of the city? And now that I’ve noticed it, are the Men In Black gonna come to erase my memory? ».

After getting on top of it, I was disappointed to see that I couldn’t push a button to go to the moon, but happy to see it was high enough to be jumped!

I had always refused to do positive staticlines in the past, so I wasn’t stoked about the numbers (-4m/+2m) and quite scared to drag my packjob on that surface covered by screws and rivets. However, I thought the object was so cool that it was worth sending it, and I called a few friends who are more experienced than me with that kind of configuration to have their opinions.

Turns out the positive part wasn’t a problem at all since a decent push was enough to get at line stretch and have the canopy inflate without touching the object! The most scary part of that jump was to be on top of that tight and unstable structure while setting up my staticline. This is probably the jump where my fear of heights was the most challenged!

Thanks to Clem and Paul for the mental support, the help on top of the rocket, the drone shots, the sick photos and all the laughs while we were rolling in pigeon sh#t during our 4 ascents and 3 descents (they don’t basejump yet, but they abseiled down to have their share of fun as well). Check their Youtube channel, they visit insane places and tell cool stories, including this one! ;)

Paul and Clem Youtube channel: ‪@HitTheRoad‬

My Instagram:   / davidlaffargue