Course Location & Duration
This Bridge Day BASE course is held at the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville, West Virginia, for Bridge Day on October 17, 2026.
Bridge Day is one of the largest and most iconic BASE jumping events in the world. For one day each year, qualified BASE jumpers have the unique opportunity to legally jump 876 feet from the New River Gorge Bridge.
This 2-day course includes one full day of ground school, followed by supervision and instruction on jump day. Completing 2–3 jumps during the event is typical, weather permitting.
An optional BASE packing workshop will be offered the day before the main course for students who want additional hands-on preparation and a better understanding of BASE-specific packing.
Course Overview
This course is designed for qualified skydivers, paragliders, and speed flyers who want to make their first BASE jumps in a structured, supervised environment. The goal is to safely prepare students specifically for Bridge Day, including BASE-specific equipment, exit technique, canopy flight, landing area procedures, safety, and event logistics.
This Bridge Day course is not a replacement for our full First Jump Course. It provides a rare opportunity to experience BASE jumping at a legal, organized event, but it does not provide enough time, repetition, or training to prepare someone for independent BASE jumping on other fixed objects.
Our focus remains the same: survival, sustainability, safe progression, and fun. Within the limited structure of the Bridge Day event, our goal is for every student to gain as much useful knowledge and experience as possible.
Requirements
Students must meet one of the following experience requirements:
Skydiving: 150 skydives minimum
or
Paragliding: P3 rating
or
Speedflying: S2 rating
Please be honest with yourself and with us about your skills and abilities. These details will be reviewed during your application.
Students are required to have BASE-specific gear and an impact-rated helmet. Gear rentals are available, and we can also help students purchase new BASE equipment. Enrolled students receive access to exclusive gear discounts.
Lead Instructor: Chase Reinford
Chase Reinford brings over 10 years of BASE jumping experience and thousands of jumps across nearly every discipline within the sport. He is known for his advanced aerials, low technical freefall, wingsuit proximity flying, and highly disciplined approach to object assessment and risk management.
Chase has jumped in more than 30 countries and opened approximately 150 objects, giving him a broad perspective across many environments, exit points, object types, and technical conditions.
As the founder of Exile BASE, Chase’s approach to instruction is built around survival, sustainability, and safe progression. His goal is not only to help students complete their first Bridge Day jumps, but to give them a realistic foundation for understanding the risks, decision-making, equipment, and progression required to continue in BASE responsibly.
Supporting Instructor: John Lavan
John made his first BASE jump at Bridge Day in 2019. Since then, he has completed more than 1,200 BASE jumps and over 1,800 skydives, gaining experience across a wide range of jumping disciplines.
Along the way, John has worked as both a tunnel instructor and a USPA AFF Instructor, building a strong foundation in body flight, student progression, and risk management. He has also been part of Exile’s Research & Development team, helping evaluate and refine equipment through extensive real-world testing.
John’s background in instruction and equipment development gives him a detail-oriented approach to coaching, canopy control, and decision-making. Known for his calm coaching style and emphasis on strong fundamentals, he is passionate about helping new jumpers develop the judgment, confidence, and skills needed to build a safe and sustainable future in BASE jumping.
Gear Rental
Complete BASE gear rental packages are available. Rental equipment is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students are responsible for any damage beyond normal wear and tear. A signed rental agreement and damage authorization are required.
Enrolled students receive exclusive pricing on Exile gear purchases.
Course Fees
Bridge Day Intro Course: $750
Optional BASE Packing Workshop: $195
Optional Gear Rental Package: $395
Students are responsible for their own travel, lodging, food, Bridge Day registration, and personal expenses.
Packing
Students are encouraged to prepare by watching our BASE packing tutorial video before arrival. Please note that the video does not cover slider-up specific packing, and Bridge Day jumps will be completed slider-up. Slider-up packing will be briefly discussed during the main course.
Students who cannot pack their own equipment will be required to pay for pack jobs. Pack jobs are $55 each.
We strongly recommend attending the optional BASE Packing Workshop the day before the main course if you are not proficient with your BASE pack jobs.
Registration
All students must complete an application. If accepted, you will receive an email with additional course details.
A non-refundable $400 deposit is required to reserve your spot upon application approval. The remaining balance is due before the course begins.
Slots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Students must complete the course application before being accepted.
Schedule
Thursday: Optional BASE Packing Workshop
Friday: Ground School
Saturday: Bridge Day Jumps
Questions? Contact info@exilebase.com.
