Flight of Icarus on Zakynthos, BASE Jumping Hot Spot

Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach, Zakynthos.

Seeking that exhilarating effect that will keep that intoxicating rush going? Well professional athletes eager to jump off new heights visited the Ionian island of Zakynthos earlier this month for the annual Go Fast Games, where the world’s best BASE jumpers took more than 300 leaps in four days.

Extreme sport enthusiasts chose the island’s landmark Navagio beach to jump off a 200m rugged cliff overlooking the bay… and fly. The daring participants had about 2 to 5 seconds before they deployed their parachute and landed safely on the sandy beach below.

Photo Source: BASE Jump Greece Facebook.

In the last few years, Navagio beach (known as shipwreck beach) has become a meeting point for BASE jumpers, hosting the yearly Go Fast Games. Held on August 20-24 this year, the Base jumping event attracted crowds from across the globe.

Event organizer Jimmy Pouchart said that many BASE jumpers worldwide dream of leaping into the popular Zakynthos bay.

“When you can BASE jump in a place like this, it’s heaven, you’re in heaven, there’s nothing that’s any better on this planet,” Pouchart said.

BASE jumping is parachuting or wingsuit flying from a fixed structure or cliff. “BASE” stands for building, antenna, span, and earth – the four ideal spots to leap off of.