Exploring The World's Most Dangerous Sport | The Birdmen Chronicles

Exploring The World's Most Dangerous Sport | The Birdmen Chronicles | Spark

Рет қаралды 172,785

3 жыл бұрын

Wingsuiting has been described as the most dangerous sport on earth. We take a journey into the adrenaline-fuelled world of this sometimes fatal activity and meet the people who take part.
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This documentary shows a completely different side of this high adrenalin extreme activity. It zooms in on the individuals inside the birdman suits and reveals how their flying has forever changed them and altered their views on life and death. We follow a group of wingsuiters in South Africa at different stages of their wingsuiting careers, shortly after the country’s first wingsuit fatality. They speak with uncanny frankness about their reasons for being wingsuiters, the almost supernatural thrill of being able to fly like a bird, but also about the unique sacrifices the sport requires.
Featuring breathtaking visual imagery filmed in African, European and American skies, “The Birdmen Chronicles” tells a poignant story of human striving and sacrifice, and is sure to turn popular conceptions about birdmen and -women completely upside down.
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Content licensed from Off The Fence to Little Dot Studios. Video originally produced in 2010.
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#SouthAfrica #Wingsuit #Adrenaline

Пікірлер: 226

@davidallyn925 3 жыл бұрын

I am 80 years young and have spent my entire life under the sea, on the sea, and in the air. I have 10,500 hours in the cockpit of 140 different types of aircraft and was a sky diver in my youth. some of the most incredible feelings in my sole was leaving the jump plane at 15,000 feet for 60 second free fall screaming through the air and feeling so alive. I never did any base jumping and would not really care too but I totally understand how they feel. I am at the end of my very happy life and thank god for the great and happy life that I lived. i

@chadwickgoodrich9153 3 жыл бұрын

Bravo ol` chap. Bravo.

@soaceba 3 жыл бұрын

I know a guy Marty hes 84 and still BASE jumps.

@HonestJunkie 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so very much for sharing your perspective of a life gratefully lived

@edwardjtruskyjr1921 3 жыл бұрын

Sea shanty songs

@tomelrod3492 3 жыл бұрын

Attaboy...congrats living your best life....the past, present and future!

@Chakirisan Жыл бұрын

I think Geo’s story is the most relatable for me, he had varied interests and balance and perspective. My friend Jon died on his second wing suit jump, he spoke openly about being careful and not wanting to die from a mistake but in the end it came down to a small glitch that snowballed. This is one of the best documentary’s on wingsuit flying I’ve seen, well done.

@ciAMkia 2 ай бұрын

In my 15 years in the military, I worked to getting my Master Jump Wings, becoming a certified diver, and graduating from sniper school. I accomplished all of those challenges. I also climbed mountains from Alaska to Argentina. I've been in combat around the globe, and survived as my brothers fell around me. I still visit them whenever I'm able at Arlington National Cemetery. I'm sure the civilians passing me believe that In quite insane as I talk to their markers, but I'm not. I just miss them, daily. With all of that said, I don't have any desire to fly in a wingsuit. None at all. I think that the people that do fly in wingsuits are incredible athletes and I have a lot of respect for their skills, though, and I wish them all well.

@chenrui333 2 жыл бұрын

"it's death that gives life its value", that is actually pretty sad.

@swagglesmcgee7357 9 ай бұрын

Not really. We're all born for the grave. Some people make their dash count, and some don't (referring to the tombstone)

@GammaFields 5 ай бұрын

An unlimited resource has no value. Life is only precious because it's finite.

@johnbray3143 3 жыл бұрын

Most interesting comment "I no longer need to feed the beast". Many BASE jumpers seem to want to keep upping the ante, flying ever closer to that ridge to increase the rush.

@joybarker7906 Жыл бұрын

This documentary is so beautifully done; thank you for sharing the connection each one of you have emotionally & mentally, both to the sport, & to each other. Much respect to you all. ❤

@eddiebarendse9249 2 жыл бұрын

Well done Charlene and Eddie Stanley, beautifully done (from a fellow South African). I did one parachute jump and two fixed-wing glider flights many, many years ago - and my nerves failed me, sadly, that was it for me. I am awestruck by base jumpers and admire their outlook on life.

@michaelfairall5812 3 жыл бұрын

What a great video and a wonderful tribute to your friend . I'm a old dog skydiver from the late 70's and early 80's and know exactly the way you feel . love the sky and fly .........be safe

@googlinstuff8910 3 жыл бұрын

That's phenomenal man! I completely relate to the flying fetish. Great vid!

@andycopland3179 3 жыл бұрын

I've been BASE jumping for 14 years. I have a 3 year old girl, a 2 year old boy and a pregnant wife; it very much feels like time to hang the nylon up and start the next chapter. The problem is, it's always just "one more."

@ObnoxiousCamoToe 2 жыл бұрын

What about sky diving? I'm sure you've done it before and probably doesn't give you the same thrill, but as a compromise of still being able to jump with less risk of your family losing you. But I also don't really know what I'm talking about, I've never done either and most likely never will

@timnorris6287 Жыл бұрын

You already know the answer. Not one more.

@pjewellful2012 Жыл бұрын

Hang it up a responsible parent understands that life is no longer just about you, you have a greater obligation now. So yea hopefully you haven’t jumped again since last year🙏🏽

@ProTuner06 Жыл бұрын

🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴

@ProTuner06 Жыл бұрын

@@pjewellful2012🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴

@heathfitzgerald363 2 жыл бұрын

Ill stick to flying F-16s. There's no way i would skydive, base jump, or wingsuit. You guys and gals are crazy. I think its awesome how yall found your passion and live for it. Great documentary either way.

@jaffacalling53 2 жыл бұрын

I think flying a fighter jet is statistically a lot more dangerous than skydiving.

@jamesadams893 Жыл бұрын

@@jaffacalling53 show some data or statistics that make you think that, not just your fucking opinion.

@tonyh5524 2 жыл бұрын

Great documentary. Thanks. Brought back all my memories of flying and hang gliding in SA. I flew for 22 years and dream of it still today .

@LK-bz9sk 3 жыл бұрын

What a fantastic documentary. To see people really living this life is quite something.

@natarajrangayana 2 жыл бұрын

Great doc!

@rikmarx107 3 жыл бұрын

Mooi gemaakte video , bedankt zuid Afrika , mooie bergen daar !

@20teamplayer 2 жыл бұрын

As someone who is considering getting into BASE after a hundred wingsuit skydives, this was a great help to put things into perspective. I guess the real thing it requires is trust in yourself. I was surprised to find that many of the top BASE athletes are engineers or scientists like myself. I thought I was abnormal for wanting to dig into the details and break the sport down into its components so that I felt safer. I guess that's the rule not the exception.

@Igor-my6ml 5 ай бұрын

It's not the rule, many are not

@johnnelson4043 Ай бұрын

Curious, how’s your current parachuting career going?

@AviationSports1978 2 жыл бұрын

Nice one Leander. Hope your well buddy,

@spencerwinston4334 8 ай бұрын

“The higher we soar the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra

@kortnie5947 3 жыл бұрын

I’m in an accelerated flight program to become a certified skydiver. I can’t wait to to wingsuit base jump. But I’m aware I need at least 300-500 jumps before I should wingsuit. I LOVE this sport ♥️⚡️

@bradleysmith9431 2 жыл бұрын

Do you really need that many, or is it suggested 🤔 be safe

@crashoverride4920 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely intriguing Documentary on wing suiting I’m truly fascinated by the concept….gives me ideas 💡 on a next generation wing suit design!

@stevenmiller9403 3 жыл бұрын

Hurry up I want to try it

@buckbuck9225 3 жыл бұрын

This was good.

@moodyrick8503 2 жыл бұрын

I would say that mountain climbing without any ropes is by far the most dangerous "sport'. Not to say that "base jumping" is not dangerous in it's own way, but the numbers of "free climbers" is far smaller.

@QueenDaenerysTargaryen 3 жыл бұрын

That looks quite fun😝👍🔥🐲

@makeracistsafraidagain 3 жыл бұрын

After riding a Dragon this would be pretty tame.

@johnforeman634 Жыл бұрын

God, that would be unbelievable to be able to do that. These guys do it just for the thrill. They are special people. If someone offered me fifty million dollars, I could not do it.

@drmartinyoung3761 3 жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed this … I have 99 jumps - civvie and military freefall included. I guess I have to do the 100th sometime … for Geo and myself.

@jaffacalling53 2 жыл бұрын

Do a wingsuit rodeo for your 100th.

@kellyweingart3692 3 жыл бұрын

RIP Geo and Eric

@napraznicul 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely Gorgeous movie, even if it's somehow ..sad. But i think he was happy to live that life and i'm shure he never think to end that journey of life doing something different.. or old and helpless in a hospital. No. I could watch that movie again and again uncounted number of times and i'm sure i'm not the only one.

@garyhardman8369 3 жыл бұрын

I am 62 years old. I guess that I wouldn't have got here if I had done wing suit flying. On the plus side: I have raised a daughter and two grandsons, albeit into a world of shit. On the minus side, I have never experienced the thrill of flying - or skydiving. Now I never will, as my body is almost done due to arthritis. My only concern, is that you plan to bring another life into this world, but have no concern for that person, if the worse comes to the worse!

@TheMasterblaster32 3 жыл бұрын

What like splatting to death?

@joshvanguard852 3 жыл бұрын

Precisely master blaster , selfish act if others rely on you.

@The_Reality_Filter 3 жыл бұрын

@@joshvanguard852 If you feel like that then whatever you do don't use stairs. Stairs are very very dangerous, they kill thousands of people every year and yet millions of people still continue to use stairs. Don't even get me started on walking and how dangerous walking can be....

@turtlejeepjen314 6 ай бұрын

as a girl, I can confirm that a woman ‘wanting’ to learn how to WingSuit fly shows how far we will go to get a guy to like us. 🤔 (SUCH a great documentary- it’s amazing how much courage folks have to do this!!💚)

@ap8riot931 Жыл бұрын

You aren't flying... You are having a managed fall from a cliff.

@mcrane2653 2 жыл бұрын

Just a curious Observer. Why don't they have Tri Wing or quad waiting for more lift at lower speeds

@braccoz 3 жыл бұрын

what is the song at 11:20 ? @spark

@jeremysetdec 3 жыл бұрын

Wingsuiting from a plane = skydiving. Wingsuiting from the ground = base jumping. Wingsuiting within 10' of the terrain is the most dangerous sport in the world. FTFY

@Carmoflage 9 ай бұрын

jumping from a plane witch a parachute: skydiving jumping from a plane with a wingsuit: wingsuit flying jumping from a Bridge,Antennae,Spans,Earth (BASE) with a parachute: BASEjumping Jumping from a Cliff with a Wingsuit: Proximityflying

@ArizonaAirspace 3 жыл бұрын

I think we are meant to fly. I am a professional pilot, and airplanes and helicopters have fascinated me since I was a kid. Now I am looking to buy a high performance home built aircraft.

@marktimberlake7410 9 ай бұрын

Do they do this type of jumping from planes???

@MAGGOT_VOMIT 3 жыл бұрын

Jumping locations are never named after characters like JIGGLY-PUFF!! 😆😂🤣

@KazehareRaiden 2 жыл бұрын

I want to wingsuit and skydive and base jump, so badly

@eyenovatefilms Жыл бұрын

Looks like he was jumping in his DBS at 20:39, a lot of vertical speed and a hard landing... right?

@fredflintstoner596 2 жыл бұрын

Mrs Richards: "I paid for a room with a view !" Basil: (pointing to the lovely view) "That is Torquay, Madam " Mrs Richards: "It's not good enough !" Basil: "May I ask what you were expecting to see out of a Torquay hotel bedroom window? Sydney Opera House, perhaps? the Hanging Gardens of Babylon? Herds of wildebeest sweeping majestically past?..." Mrs Richards: "Don't be silly! I expect to be able to see the sea!" Basil: "You can see the sea, it's over there between the land and the sky." Mrs Richards: "I'm not satisfied. But I shall stay. But I expect a reduction." Basil: "Why?! Because Krakatoa's not erupting at the moment?"

@wiliss3670 Жыл бұрын

Can anyone tell me what the maximum glide ratio achieved with these modern suits is today. ?

@jaffacalling53 Жыл бұрын

About 3:1

@emwave100 Жыл бұрын

You are taking big risks.

@scottstokes822 3 жыл бұрын

Risking life to live life, is like saying you haven’t lived till you’ve killed. No matter what you get into can and will become a obsessive habit it’s all we can think of. When it’s all over, R.I.P. it’s suicidal and don’t try telling me it’s not. Fooling yourself for how long? Do all the calculations you want. It’s not human error, it a simple fluctuation in air pressure! Up draft vs down draft. Obsession is the thrill. Be really brave and choose to live.

@jaffacalling53 2 жыл бұрын

Nobody cares

@scottstokes822 2 жыл бұрын

@@jaffacalling53 jump

@rocket3254 9 ай бұрын

The guy who died, it seemed a bad place to jump off in the first place

@lawrenceveinotte 3 жыл бұрын

Back a long time ago there was a black and white movie about air shows and it had wing suit flying, must of been in the 1930's or 40's.

@SYNTAX_ERA 2 жыл бұрын

The first time i skydived from 12,000 feet. Felt nothing. No adrenalin, nothing. No rush. But pulling 5g on the tower of terror at an amusement park, felt like i was gonna die 😃 after that, afraid of heights forever. But this looks fun.

@richardguzzetta9924 2 жыл бұрын

How much does each jump cost.?

@stevendelcarlo3294 3 жыл бұрын

When do we start

@tarajoyce3598 10 ай бұрын

His last question is why she always picks only other fliers. 😂 If you know, you know.

@maya-vf8zd 2 жыл бұрын

I'm thinking about their families. Imagine the worry they live with

@mdshershahafghan8543 3 жыл бұрын

You guys are fantastic.....what an extraordinary way to celebrate Life!!!!! May Almighty Allah save your precious life during this adventure....Amen

@KRLE2582 Жыл бұрын

stupid move to jump of that 36M bridge! . Great Doc by the way, thanks for the upload

@markmosobo6378 2 жыл бұрын

"i can't see myself going to a 9-5 job; it's impossible"...i just love the passion and conviction in that voice

@edwardjtruskyjr1921 3 жыл бұрын

I love this stuff. When I was younger we used to jump into 200 ft. Coal mine pits in n.e Pennsylvania. I'm 70 years old now and paying for it. Oh we also, fill gallon jugs with eather, we found? Near The pits and dropped on the way Down.

@edwardjtruskyjr1921 3 жыл бұрын

Oh don't forget to stuff a wick in the jug and light it.

@edwardjtruskyjr1921 3 жыл бұрын

I live 15 minutes from the "Infamous central. My grandfather showed how to play with dinomite on the 4th. Of July. In 1959

@edwardjtruskyjr1921 3 жыл бұрын

Soul brothers from different mother's.

@seanriopel3132 2 жыл бұрын

When they try to fly down the edge of the mountain flying in between trees... Or base jumping and they don't use a wing suit so when their parachute opens it sounds them into the mountain.

@Rares.E 3 жыл бұрын

❤

@jonathanvandenberg3571 2 жыл бұрын

For a wingsuit vid it has so little actual wingsuit flying:(

@davidholman6276 Жыл бұрын

We are the children still can’t believe

@Apranik882 2 жыл бұрын

Life is about living not just surviving 👍

@timnorris6287 Жыл бұрын

There are many ways to live without being reckless

@MAGGOT_VOMIT 3 жыл бұрын

They should give the spots on the ground or in the Forests names like, "Stuff On A Rock" or "Forest of Eyes......Ears, Noses and Chitlins".........{0.o}

@lunassr7212 3 ай бұрын

suport respect movie made humanbird..Amizing live ...action...Salout..!!

@dalemullins4562 3 жыл бұрын

i say free diving is way more dangerous

@milescumminski8077 2 жыл бұрын

They talk of flying, but they are falling. They are not hurting anyone else, so if this is what they want to do, if this is their drug, then I support their decision. I wish them all safe landings!

@ericoverdorff8880 2 жыл бұрын

I envy those that put on the wingsuit and fly. I'm sure it's the best feeling a person can experience. I'm pretty sure God is watching and saying to Jesus, " are you seeing this shit son, my creations are rocking life beyond my expectation "

@UtraVioletDreams 3 жыл бұрын

I wish I had the money to do this.

@soaceba 3 жыл бұрын

You can make up any excuse you want to not live a dream.

@UtraVioletDreams 3 жыл бұрын

@@soaceba Ok well if you deposit some cash we can meet and team up. I'd like that. Hope to see you soon

@soaceba 3 жыл бұрын

@@UtraVioletDreams no hand outs. Make something of yourself. Put in the work.

@UtraVioletDreams 3 жыл бұрын

@@soaceba That is why I went back to school at my current age of 46...So I'd say. Work in progress....

@dannyverhamme7970 2 жыл бұрын

Nuts

@kerryogrady3637 24 күн бұрын

Theres only one "BIrdman",and he don't wear no squirrel suit......

@albertchehade9916 3 жыл бұрын

Just 'someone' asking? There would probably be a few million asking "WHY"?

@joelvioletOneHairLeft 3 жыл бұрын

I wonder why airborne has not imemented this technic

@user-nd9re8vr6l 3 жыл бұрын

Only special ops do it

@kotimoto 3 жыл бұрын

I too jump from the last step of the ladder!

@makeracistsafraidagain 3 жыл бұрын

My Man!

@carolhartley4448 3 жыл бұрын

Good one! Lol😂😂

@Robert_McGarry_Poems 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, good point! It only specifically says not to stand on the last step. It doesn't say, don't base jump from the last step. Let's give it a shot!!!

@jdcamane1571 3 жыл бұрын

Sure to die? So it's not that 'Most Dangerous Sport' yet

@tylercooper1551 3 жыл бұрын

Holy crap Taya is hot as hell!!!!

@rambokhasican3271 3 жыл бұрын

You are right , man !!

@JoshuaTree97 3 жыл бұрын

Sentir. Nada mais interessa.

@lisaschuster9187 2 жыл бұрын

People describe heroin the same way, but tend to live a lot longer.

@eutropiomagarao7850 2 жыл бұрын

The braent man like aEnstroment

@alpteknbaser7773 2 жыл бұрын

🎾

@weswall7302 3 жыл бұрын

Does anyone know what the deadliest job in the US is, statistically??? It blew my mind when I found out that the president is the answer!!!

@southoripper Жыл бұрын

This sport is awesome AF but I'd rather get my kicks by hauling ass through the desert behind the wheel of a 1200 horsepower trophy truck!!

@virgillasher5656 3 жыл бұрын

i thought this was a vid on wind sailing not a vid on how is somones life

@jurgenblick5491 Жыл бұрын

Have you ever done this in the real world

@mattwltr 3 жыл бұрын

Downvote. The title, description and a lot of things said in the documentary by the commentator are extremly misleading. It's not Wingsuit flying that's (probably) the most dangerous sport, it's BASE jumping.

@Silverwidows 3 жыл бұрын

Wingsuit base jumping to be specific

@Mountain_Manu 3 жыл бұрын

This title couldn't be more wrong and is just really bad clickbait. Wingsuiting is by far not the most dangerous sport, even paragliding is more dangerous. What is actually dangerous, is wingsuit basejumping. Too bad too many people mistake one for the other - while 99% of the wingsuiters don't base jump.

@user-df6zq7gq6g 5 ай бұрын

Literally the first scene of the documentary is a wing suit BASE jump

@GammaFields 5 ай бұрын

What is the difference for those of us who do not know?

@Mountain_Manu 5 ай бұрын

@@GammaFields Wingsuit base is jumping from cliffs and flying proximity to the ground, which is the most dangerous sport. Most skydivers/wingsuiters jump out of aircraft and stay far away from any obstacle before opening their canopy, this is actually a rather safe sport (safer then paragliding, downhill biking or riding a motorbike)

@GammaFields 5 ай бұрын

@@Mountain_Manu absolutely terrifying my hats off to you folks. Just went down the wimgsuit rabbithole and gotta say its very impressive. How does one conquer the profuse sweating and the shaking/gut wrenching fear from being high up? My hands and feet become damp just from watching this on a phone.

@savagex466-qt1io 3 жыл бұрын

I dont like sport with NO safety. Iv been skydiveing a few times its good. I dont like it when people that wire walk with no fall harness or people who climb cliffs "free style" with no ropes. Or people that use a pogo stick on the hand railing of a bridge. Thats the stuff thats semi sucide and I dont like it and I feel bad for those folks.

@karma_97_ 6 ай бұрын

👉27:22👈 ♾️

@craigmain248 3 жыл бұрын

Always look at the reward vs the risk. If you are risking your life in a high risk endeavor, the reward better be damned high. In this case, it isn't. Risking your life for a short term high is foolish. This is why so few people do this.

@The_Reality_Filter 3 жыл бұрын

If you feel like that then whatever you do don't use stairs. Stairs are very very dangerous, they kill thousands of people every year and yet millions of people still continue to use stairs. Don't even get me started on walking and how dangerous walking can be....

@craigmain248 3 жыл бұрын

@@The_Reality_Filter Nice rationalization. No, walking stairs and walking are not NEARLY as high a risk as wingsuiting and there is an actual benefit (getting to school, work, meals, living your life,...). They are worth the risk.

@soaceba 3 жыл бұрын

So few do it because they dont believe in themselves or trust themselves. Life is a deathwish no matter the path you take.

@tylerc6559 2 жыл бұрын

They view death as the biggest adrenaline rush

@colemarie9262 2 жыл бұрын

@@The_Reality_Filter don't be a goof, this is literally THE MOST dangerous sport in the world. You can't compare that to the unavoidable everyday necessities of modern life.

@williesnyder2899 7 ай бұрын

I cannot comprehend “losing easily twenty or thirty friends a year” to a hobby-related risk. It looks very cool through the camera lens, but I even more like to watch birds fly and know that they will land under control nearly every time they take wing. More power to those who contest the mass of air at-speed vs the tug of gravity!

@timnorris6287 9 ай бұрын

"I Fly" no you fall

@denisesinclair1913 Жыл бұрын

You tried DMT have you cause I’ll give you the same kind of experience and then some

@MIDLMIND Жыл бұрын

Not even close.

@fcamiola Жыл бұрын

I'm going to ascertain that most of these folks don't have children of their own. They are living in the "me" phase rather than giving themselves to others (i.e. their family). This is not a criticism - I am a music fanatic in all aspects and my life would be hollow without it, but my children also make me 'grounded' in the choices I make.

@mutantryeff 3 жыл бұрын

There is a difference from flying and simply falling slowly.

@makeracistsafraidagain 3 жыл бұрын

I highly recommend you try skydiving.

@beethovensg 3 жыл бұрын

Since the silly 'suit' came along, falling to earth sideways became a sport.

@treplay8846 3 ай бұрын

Dont you want hone a skill? Thats just pure adrenaline

@vtechk Жыл бұрын

..you mean the only fun sport. right?

@MalTheBear64 8 ай бұрын

Can you attach a inflatable to a 🦈 , then when it's floating knock a tooth out?? Handsomely. 😎 You could parachute from the sky onto its back attach the inflatable, ride the 🦈 to the surface, laugh your head off, knock its tooth out. Split the scene, the put it back in the water & see how it goes.

@cmw6966 Жыл бұрын

Walking upright on land is just to boring for some people. Get out and live a little!

@chillax498 2 жыл бұрын

@tomwinters7651 3 жыл бұрын

Yep th I s could be banned fun

@joshvanguard852 3 жыл бұрын

My opinion of these people is slightly different. Addrenalin junkies , addicted to attempting to kill themselves. This documentary sadly points out the end game for these people thruout the video. Most die , in a quite horrible way ....

@soaceba 3 жыл бұрын

Guess what the end games is for life no matter what path you take? Death.

@Silverwidows 3 жыл бұрын

Adrenaline junkies don't want to die. They want to keep doing their sport for as long as possible