Today a French basejumper asked my climbing buddy Thor to assist him in his process to basejump. He lightly injuried his shoulder last time he climbed up on the cliff and as today was his last day in Tonsai he wanted to jump a last time, but he needed help to carry his gear up. So instead of going climbing this afternoon I joined them on the way up. The climb in the jungle was beautiful. I was happy I brought my climbing shoes – thank for the advise Ari – because it was more a 5a-5c climb that a hike. I enjoy to learn to « read » the wall as Christophe advised me and to climb technically and smooth. After maybe 1 hour of effort, arrived up on the cliff, the view was worth it. 120 m above Tonsai, view on the ocean and beach. Christophe began to prepare his material he just told us not to talk to him, to give him time to be focus. Then he was ready to jump. The minute before the jump was intense. Thor told him « good luck » and his answer was « No. It’s nothing about luck in basejump. Everything is prepared. You can say me enjoy the jump if you want ». Ok, so enjoy the jump my friend. We saw him repeat the movement of opening the parachute, breathe slowly. We could feel how intense was his concentration. I was with him. And then he jumped. The parachute open and he landed gracefully. In 4 seconds maybe he was down. And Thor and I still have to downclimb. It was a news experience for me and I really loved it; maybe with an exception for the moment it began to rain and everything was sliding and muddy. We finally arrived down safe and happy, and just had time to see Christophe before he left Tonsai.
Notes de voyage 