Two dozen people gathered at Climb Moab on Friday, November 15 to watch “Fly,” a production from National Geographic Documentary Films. Admittance was free for attendees thanks to BASE Access, a nonprofit that advocates for the responsible practice of BASE jumping and promotes respect for the natural environments where BASE jumpers recreate.
The film followed the storylines of three couples over seven years and featured the story of Marta Empinotti and Jimmy Pouchert, a couple beloved within and beyond Moab and who are said to be the Mom and Pop of BASE jumping. Pouchert died in a wingsuit accident in January of 2022. The film also featured the life and passing of Matt Kenney, another BASE jumper whose death in 2016 was deeply felt by members of the Moab and the greater community.
While loss was a prominent theme in the film, it was not the primary focus. “I think that was very emotional for people, but it’s great to watch videos of your friends and to have a film capture their essence,” Britt Zale, co-owner of Climb Moab, said about the showing. “Fly” was inspiring for viewers who don’t jump as it illustrated passion, dedication, decision-making, community, freedom and love through its interwoven stories.
Attendees were a mix of Moab locals and visitors. November is a popular time for BASE jumpers to visit Moab because of favorable conditions for flying. The viewing event was scheduled with this in mind as an opportunity to draw members of the greater air-sports community together.
Many of the movie-goers shared hugs upon greeting one another. An attendee was overheard affirming that he would certainly cry during the film. As folks settled in to watch, Zale asked the crowd if anyone had tissues available. Once the movie started, people were nested about the soft floor below the bouldering wall, bodies curled towards one another in displays of comfort. Scenes of joy and pain both prompted wells of tears in the eyes of viewers. When the film concluded, a few of the attendees stood up and began to dance, perpetuating one of the film’s themes of living life fully.
Gathering for the viewing is just a slice of the community-building, education and mentorship that has been saturating the BASE community recently. On November 12, BASE jumpers met with Grand County Search and Rescue to build connection and understanding between the two groups.
On November 14, E.R. Doctor and air sports enthusiast Kyle Barbour hosted a seminar for outdoor medical and first-aid preparedness at the MARC. On November 18, Climb Moab hosted another free event; a rope skills and rescue workshop led by Matt Blank and Andrew “Mango” Mangele.
More events have occurred and are planned in an attempt to address the forecasted growth of the sport. According to Zale, “The community is just doing its best to make sure that when people are here in Moab, that we are doing things productively… trying to take advantage of when everyone’s here in town to communicate and focus on education and community.”
Folks who missed the showing of “Fly” at Climb Moab and who are curious to gain insight into BASE jumping from the safety of their sofa can find it available through online streaming services. For those who are interested in keeping up with upcoming events relevant to the BASE community, they can follow Moab BASE Access on social media.
