High-Flying Heroics: Grubb’s Drone-Assisted BASE Jump Stunt

Grubb’s Daring Drone-to-Dive Debut!

In an awe-inspiring display of daring and innovation, American wakeskating pioneer and three-time world champion Brian Grubb recently achieved a world-first feat, merging the realms of drone wakeskating and BASE jumping in a breathtaking stunt titled WakeBase. This extraordinary event unfolded in the luxurious setting of Dubai’s Address Beach Resort, pushing the boundaries of extreme sports to new heights.

Grubb’s journey to this groundbreaking achievement started with a drone-tow wakeskate across the rooftop pool of the Address Beach Resort. The pool, a Guinness World Record holder for its height at 294 meters above sea level, provided a dramatic starting point for what was to become a historic stunt.

Towed by a powerful drone over a 94-meter distance (approximately 308 feet) at a speed of 30 km/h (18 mph), Grubb demonstrated exceptional skill and balance in an environment where precision is paramount.

The climax of the stunt was nothing short of cinematic. After traversing the rooftop pool, Grubb took a leap of faith over the pool’s edge, seamlessly transitioning into a thrilling 77-story BASE jump.

The descent, which included a 7-second delay followed by a 30-second canopy ride, saw him land successfully at the beach below, marking a successful conclusion to a stunt that combined skill, courage, and technological prowess.

The preparation for this ambitious undertaking was extensive. Grubb undertook around 100 training jumps to ensure the precision and safety of the stunt.

His experience in drone wakeskating dates back to 2018 when he was pulled over water by a large-format drone developed by Sebastian Stare, in collaboration with semiconductor producer Infineon Technologies. This prior experience laid the groundwork for the complex demands of WakeBase.

The event was meticulously documented using cutting-edge technology. Alongside the drone used to tow Grubb, a First-Person View (FPV) drone equipped with a 360º camera from Insta360 captured the action, providing a stunning visual record of this innovative project.

Training for such a groundbreaking stunt took place across various locations, including Idaho (USA), Lauterbrunnen (Switzerland), and Munich (Germany), where Grubb performed 112 BASE jumps to hone his skills.

WakeBase by Brian Grubb, held on November 29, 2023, at the Address Beach Resort in Dubai, stands as a testament to human ambition and the ever-evolving nature of extreme sports.

This project not only showcases Grubb’s exceptional talent and bravery but also highlights the synergistic potential of technology and extreme sports. It’s a daring blend of adventure, skill, and technology that pushes the envelope of what’s possible, setting new benchmarks in the world of action sports.