Ted Rud, 35 - killed base-jumping (amazing video tribute)

[BobF]

Amazing video tribute:

http://www.iloveskydiving.org/view/videos/suitable-a-tribute-to-ted-rudd/

Article:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10736208

Tributes flow for NZer killed base-jumping

By Paul Harper

9:00 AM Monday Jul 4, 2011

Online tributes have flowed for a New Zealander who died last month
base-jumping in Norway.

Ted Rudd died as a result of injuries sustained in an accident at a
mountain near his home on June 13.

Base-jumping involves jumping from mountains and freefalling before
deploying a parachute. Mr Rudd's parachute reportedly inflated as
intended, however he was found with severe leg and head injuries after
the botched jump.

According to his profile on Basedreams.com, the 35-year-old had
base-jumped more than 550 times after first trying it in the early
1990s,and had also completed more than 7500 sky dives, many as an
instructor in New Zealand.

"The sport and the equipment has progressed incredibly in the decade
since I first tried it," he wrote.

"Immediately I knew I had found my niche - being in the outdoors with
my close friends in jaw-dropping surroundings. It was like surfing,
but with the best parts of skydiving thrown in."

In a recent online interview with probaseworldcup.com, Mr Rudd said
the sport had become safer due to advances in equipment, however this
also led to more accidents.

"Easy to use equipment lends itself to a feeling of complacency.
People lacking in experience are confident enough to take on technical
jumps well beyond their competence."

Mr Rudd moved to Norway in 2009 to live "in the heart of big wall
territory" so he could pursue the sport more seriously, and got a job
as an engineering inspector.

"I love Norway, the people are culturally very similar to Kiwis and
the terrain is amazing," Mr Rudd told probaseworldcup.com.

Following his death, tributes have been posted online by those who
knew Mr Rudd.

"You were a funny, colourful person and an inspiration to us all. You
will never be forgotten. Fly free brother," read one accompanying a
video tribute.

"You had amazing energy and loved the Earth like it was one huge
wonderful playground. Will always remember and miss your infectious
smile," jusedwards1 wrote.
--

"It's not that I'm afraid to die. I just don't want to be there when it happens." - Woody Allen

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