In the adrenaline-fueled realm of extreme sports, BASE jumping stands out as a daring pursuit that defies both gravity and convention. Amidst the fearless pioneers of this high-flying discipline, the names Antoine Pecher and Eric Jamet shine brightly, embodying the spirit of adventure and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
In the late 1970s, BASE jumping emerged as an exhilarating pursuit pioneered by individuals like Carl Boenish, who documented the early days of this daring discipline. Fast forward to the present, and the saga continues with Antoine Pecher and Eric Jamet, modern-day adventurers, who, against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Eternal Flame route on Nameless Tower in Pakistan, epitomise the spirit of adventure BASE jumping.
These dynamic French pioneers take inspiration from Australian BASE jumping pioneer, Glenn Singleman who first BASE jumped this exact same tower back 1992. Antoine and Eric seamlessly integrate skill, the forces of nature, and adrenaline, creating a sensory symphony of experiences captured in the film ‘Eternal Flame.’
Antoine’s Journey: A Path from the French Alps to BASE Jumping
Antoine Pecher’s journey into the heart-pounding world of BASE jumping traces back to his upbringing in the French Alps. Initially drawn to mountaineering through his father, Antoine’s path meandered through sport climbing, eventually leading him back to the mountains. A certified mountain guide and instructor in Chamonix, Antoine’s serendipitous introduction to BASE jumping occurred while climbing a multi pitch route, witnessing a fellow jumper gracefully soaring above him. Captivated, he embarked on a seven-year journey, beginning with skydiving and eventually making his mark in the world of BASE jumping.
A Friendship Forged in the Mountains: The Birth of ‘Eternal Flame’
The collaboration between Antoine Pecher and Eric Jamet blossomed through their shared roots in climbing and mountaineering. Their friendship, strengthened over the years, led them to the audacious idea of conquering the Eternal Flame route and making an unforgettable BASE jump from its summit. More than a feat of athleticism, this project symbolises over 30 years of combined experience in climbing, mountaineering, expeditions, and, now, airborne pursuits.
Drawing Inspiration from Pioneers: Glenn Singleman’s Impact
In the realm of BASE jumping, pioneers like Glenn Singleman have left an indelible mark on the sport. Antoine Pecher acknowledges the influence of pioneers, including Glenn, who joined them virtually during their expedition. Glenn’s insights and anecdotes added depth to their experience, connecting the threads of past and present in the rich tapestry of BASE jumping history.
Top 5 BASE Jumps: Antoine’s Unforgettable Moments
When asked about his top 5 BASE jumps of all time, Antoine replied, “Not easy! There are so many nice moments! But if I have to choose:
– Drus: a perfect granite needle in Mont Blanc Range. And also the hardest and longest jump we made with the trackpants.
– Pilier du Freney (Mont Blanc) : Actually the world longest wingsuit jump (3250m of height difference)
– Aiguille de Saussure: an obvious goal very well seen from Chamonix that we had the chance to open (and also a 3000m wingsuit flight! )
– Matterhorn: a famous summit and our first mountain jump with Eric.
– Trango: for us, a life achievement”
Pushing Boundaries: The Importance of Pioneering in BASE Jumping
Antoine believes that pushing boundaries in extreme sports is crucial. It not only showcases what is possible but also propels the development of new techniques and technologies. For him, BASE jumping is more than a technical feat; it’s a mesmerising fusion of mountains and air, exploring realms where humans are not supposed to be. As pioneers, Antoine Pecher and Eric Jamet continue to carve pathways into uncharted territories, revealing the endless possibilities that BASE jumping offers.
Antoine Pecher and Eric Jamet’s contributions to BASE jumping extend beyond their individual accomplishments. Their partnership, cemented in the shared love for the mountains and the skies, adds a new chapter to the legacy of pioneers in extreme sports. ‘Eternal Flame’ captures not just a BASE jump but a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration, making Antoine and Eric true pioneers in the exhilarating world of BASE jumping. As they continue to soar to new heights, their story inspires others to look beyond the horizon and embrace the limitless potential of human adventure.
Follow Antoine and Eric on Instagram to see more of their epic adventures!
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