Moab BASE Jumping as Grief Therapy
Outside Magazine discussed tandem BASE jumping in Moab as "extreme therapy" for grief and illness, gaining 3 likes and 1.5K views. The concept positions high-risk adventure activities as therapeutic tools for processing trauma and major life challenges. The coverage highlights a growing trend of using physically challenging experiences for mental health benefits.
- Tandem BASE jumping in Moab is offered by companies like Tandem BASE Moab and BASE Jump Moab, with the latter being recognized by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and requiring no prior experience from passengers. - The practice is part of a broader trend called "adventure therapy," which uses challenging outdoor activities to foster resilience, coping skills, and process trauma. Research suggests these activities can lead to higher life satisfaction and a greater sense of purpose. - Psychologically, the intense focus required during extreme sports can create a state of "flow," forcing individuals to be present and distracting the brain from anxieties and worries. Participants learn to manage fear rather than being controlled by it. - Matthew Lajeunesse, the owner of Tandem BASE Moab, has a background as a school teacher, fireman, and EMT, and has completed nearly 11,000 tandem jumps. His company has organized retreats for veterans and first responders dealing with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. - BASE jumping is legal on the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands surrounding Moab, where it is considered a valid, self-regulated use of public lands. However, some areas like Mineral and Hell Roaring Canyons are restricted to protect wildlife. - Despite its therapeutic potential, the sport is not without significant risks. In a recent six-month period, Moab saw three BASE jumping fatalities, a number equal to the total of the previous 30 years. - The cost for a tandem BASE jump in Moab is just under $1,000, and participants are typically required to go through an interview process to assess their physical fitness and response to fear. - Operators in Moab report taking a diverse range of clients, including individuals with disabilities such as paraplegia and quadriplegia, and even a 102-year-old woman.
