What is Bridge Day?
This event is held on the third Saturday in October. The National Park Service closes half of the New River Gorge Bridge to allow experienced rappelling teams to descend from the catwalk under the bridge-800 feet to the ground below!! While the rappellers descend, the Park Service also authorizes BASE jumpers to hurl themselves off the top of the Bridge. Allegedly these BASE jumpers are NOT attempting suicide. They are attempting in entangle themselves in the rappellers' lines (suspended from the catwalk on the underside of the bridge) to the cheers of the crowds on the ground below.
Why the New River Gorge Bridge?
The New River Gorge Bridge is the worlds longest single arch steel span bridge and the second highest (876 feet above the New River) bridge in the U.S.
for more facts on the New River Gorge Bridge: follow this link:
Who may participate?
To rappell from the Bridge, the adventerous soul must have documented experience of previous high altitude rappells. BASE jumpers must sign a waiver denying any sentience.
Special equipment?
To rappell, you must have a seat harness, a chest harness, a helmet, a rappell rack and some carabiners. According to rumor (unverified) BASE jumpers are supposed to use a parachute.
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