An exploration of the emotional experience of BASE jumping

Abstract

BASE jumping is an extreme sport, where participants jump from fixed objects and deploy a parachute to land safely. The aim of this study was to explore the emotions that BASE jumpers experience and determine what role and impact these emotions may play for participants. Twenty male BASE jumpers with at least 10 jumps and 3 months of participation in the sport were interviewed, and thematic analysis was undertaken. Participants reported intense emotional experiences of fear, flow and thrill. These emotional states influenced how they negotiate and make meaning in their sport. The experience of fear may become normalised, whilst flow and thrill may lead to an escalation of risk taking. Participants rationalised their participation in such a dangerous sport and emotional dissonance emerged as denial and guilt. Emotions may at times negatively impact risk taking and decision making, while flow and thrill can encourage ongoing participation.