How to Choose the Right BASE First Jump Course in 2026 (Twin Falls Guide)

Choosing your first Intro to BASE jumping course is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the sport. A good course can set you up for safe, confident progression. A poor one can create bad habits that are hard to unlearn — or worse.

In 2026, most serious training still happens in Twin Falls, Idaho at the Perrine Bridge. But not all courses are the same. Some focus on getting you your first jump as quickly as possible. Others emphasize building real skills, canopy control, and decision-making under pressure.

Here’s exactly what to look for when comparing Intro to BASE courses — and why structured progression matters more than just “getting your first jump.”

Minimum Prerequisites – Why 200 Skydives Is the Standard

Most reputable courses require:

• At least 200 skydives with solid canopy control

• Age 25 or older

• Some prior BASE packing experience (usually 5 pack jobs)

Why this matters: Most BASE incidents happen under canopy, not on deployment. 200 skydives ensure you can fly and land safely when things don’t go perfectly.

Key Factors to Evaluate Before You Book

Class Size & Instructor-to-Student Ratio

Small groups (max 3–4 students) allow personalized coaching. Large groups often mean less individual feedback.

Curriculum Focus

Look for courses that cover:

• Site assessment and object analysis

• Packing discipline specific to BASE

• Exit technique and deployment options

• Canopy control in real-world conditions

• Decision-making under pressure (the skill that actually keeps you alive)

Location & Environment

Twin Falls (Perrine Bridge) remains the best and safest legal training spot in the US due to consistent access, altitude, and large landing area.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Pressure to buy gear from the instructor

• “Guaranteed first jump” promises with minimal preparation

• Very large groups with little one-on-one time

• No emphasis on what happens after the course (progression planning)

What a Strong Course Actually Delivers

A quality first jump course course should leave you with:

• Reliable systems you understand (not just “do what I say”)

• The ability to assess risks yourself

• Clear next steps for progression (not just “go jump more”)

• Respect for the sport’s real consequences

Why BASE Guiding’s Approach Is Different

My courses in Twin Falls are built around long-term skill development rather than rushing the first jump. We focus on building habits in packing, exits, canopy control, and especially clear thinking when stakes are high.

Next Intro to BASE course runs June 4–7, 2026 with only 2 slots remaining.

Ready to find the right starting point for your BASE journey?

→ View All Courses & Dates → Contact me with questions

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Small Steps Create Big Shifts

Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.

The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.

You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.

Turn Intention Into Action

Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.

The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.

You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.

Make Room for Growth

Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.

The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.

You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.