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BASE 37: Memoir of a BASE Jumping Pioneer
He leapt from cliffs, dodged death in burning planes, and faced blindness with courage. This is the story of how he survived—and why.
BASE 37 is the gripping true memoir of JD Walker, a pioneer in the heart-stopping world of BASE jumping. But this isn't just an adventure story—it's a testament to human grit, divine timing, and the unseen guardians that carried him through it all.
From a turbulent childhood to near-fatal accidents, JD's journey takes readers through the clouds—literally and metaphorically—as he defies odds again and again. Walker, BASE #37, recounts the harrowing, hilarious, and deeply personal experiences that forged him into an early pioneer of the world’s most dangerous sport. This is the story of trading a homemade hang glider for a surplus military parachute, the terrifying moments of a "streamer" malfunction, and the exhilarating free-fall maneuvers with the early community of jumpers. It is a raw look at the brotherhood forged in the air and the profound loss of those who pushed the limits too far. Told with unflinching honesty and sharp wit, his story is a high-octane ride packed with action, heartbreak, and hope.
This book offers a unique, ground-level view of an outlaw sport in its infancy—from jumping off buildings and bridges to the sacred, unforgiving Earth itself. If you've ever wondered what it's like to fall...and live to rise—this book is for you.
BASE 37 is the gripping true memoir of JD Walker, a pioneer in the heart-stopping world of BASE jumping. But this isn't just an adventure story—it's a testament to human grit, divine timing, and the unseen guardians that carried him through it all.
From a turbulent childhood to near-fatal accidents, JD's journey takes readers through the clouds—literally and metaphorically—as he defies odds again and again. Walker, BASE #37, recounts the harrowing, hilarious, and deeply personal experiences that forged him into an early pioneer of the world’s most dangerous sport. This is the story of trading a homemade hang glider for a surplus military parachute, the terrifying moments of a "streamer" malfunction, and the exhilarating free-fall maneuvers with the early community of jumpers. It is a raw look at the brotherhood forged in the air and the profound loss of those who pushed the limits too far. Told with unflinching honesty and sharp wit, his story is a high-octane ride packed with action, heartbreak, and hope.
This book offers a unique, ground-level view of an outlaw sport in its infancy—from jumping off buildings and bridges to the sacred, unforgiving Earth itself. If you've ever wondered what it's like to fall...and live to rise—this book is for you.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 7, 2026
"BASE 37" is an action-packed tale of daring, ingenuity and survival. Told with honesty and humor, it captures what it is like to be there when a new thing starts. JD Walker's tale is not just for current-day BASE jumpers curious about the early days of their sport, but for anyone who has had an urge to push past the edges of what is possible.
You cannot read this book without thinking of the book "Yeager." Both are autobiographies of escapees from the law of averages, survivors against ridiculous odds. But whereas Yeager had the support of the US government and all its engineers, JD Walker and a few friends had to figure it out for themselves, building their own gear, finding places to jump, even dodging the law and disapproving spouses.
I first saw this book as a rough draft, as it involved my late brother. I helped JD edit and focus the text on the early days of BASE jumping. The recounting intrigued and amazed me, and in truth, I mainly just rearranged furniture. The story was there, and it is incredible to read.
You cannot read this book without thinking of the book "Yeager." Both are autobiographies of escapees from the law of averages, survivors against ridiculous odds. But whereas Yeager had the support of the US government and all its engineers, JD Walker and a few friends had to figure it out for themselves, building their own gear, finding places to jump, even dodging the law and disapproving spouses.
I first saw this book as a rough draft, as it involved my late brother. I helped JD edit and focus the text on the early days of BASE jumping. The recounting intrigued and amazed me, and in truth, I mainly just rearranged furniture. The story was there, and it is incredible to read.
May 14, 2026
Very interesting read for me since I grew up with two dare devil siblings. One of them was a BASE jumper and this book helped me understand his constant thrill seeking actions that I simply couldn’t grasp. This book was an honest , gut wrenching, at times, look at how BASE jumping started, all the preparations involved in finding the perfect spot to jump and what could and did occasionally go wrong. When I finished the book I said to myself…. “God bless JD’s wife”!
She must be an incredible woman.
Great book!
She must be an incredible woman.
Great book!
April 15, 2026
JD’s authenticity shines through in his honest and raw storytelling of his adventures, misadventures, and the life lived in between. This book is great for anyone who just can’t understand what would compel a person to hurl themself off a cliff, what life is like once you reach the bottom and all the incredible details us land goers have never considered. I really appreciated JD’s transparency and genuine character shining through on every page! I highly recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews