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Cave Base Expectations

To join this expedition is to embark on a journey that will take you deep beyond your wildest BASE expectations. You will travel into third world territory and explore a site that can only be described as the eighth wonder of the world.

You will experience sights and sounds that alone make this adventure worth all that you invest in it. Yet being true extremists, you will taste even more by jumping the famous Black Hole of Mexico (Sótano de las Golandrinas)

This mysterious and magical site is unique in many ways: from its 1,400 foot depth and overhanging walls to the migrating swallows from which the cave gets its name.

But before anyone can even enter the cave, one must be properly instructed on how to use the many pieces of specialized climbing and ascending equipment necessary to get in and out of the cave safely.

For most people, this adventure will introduce them to new areas of challenge. The first of which is a 1,200-foot rappel. Because of the cave. s overhung walls, the only way out is by rope. After a 10-15 minute rappel, each jumper will explore the cave floor. Becoming familiar with the diverse terrain is very important as the cave changes from a flat floor perspective at 300 feet above, to a rugged slope with large boulders.

The landing area is respectable by most BASE standards, approximately 36' wide by 90' long. The danger is outside the marked landing area. Steep slopes containing thousands of rocks ranging in size from ankle breakers to Volkswagen size boulders.

Landing by parachute in the designated landing area is a must. The greatest risk in Cave BASE is that a minor injury becomes life threatening due to the length of time it takes to extract a helpless injured jumper to the nearest third world medical facility. It is " estimated " to be between 2-3 hours.

After you are satisfied with your review of the cave floor, it is time for the next and some say scariest part of the adventure, the extraction. Jumpers, two at a time, are harnessed to the rope using specialized climbing gear. Once comfortably harnessed, the jumpers are pulled to the surface by a custom-made motorized wench. Extractions take only about 10 minutes to reach the surface.

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