Jackson ‘Jacko’ Strong set to take a leap off Soul Surfers Paradise
Jackson ‘Jacko’ Strong, a seasoned adrenaline junkie and skilled pilot, is set to take in Gold Coast views from a new perspective with a spectacular BASE jump from atop the iconic Soul Surfers Paradise building.
This thrilling leap, part of the three-month lead-up to Pacific Airshow Gold Coast scheduled for August 16 to 18, marks one of Australia’s first legally sanctioned BASE jumps off a building. Strong, 32, has carved a niche for himself as an explorer of the skies and heights.
From a background in freestyle motocross, he has transitioned into a skilled BASE jumper, accumulating over 250 jumps worldwide, including memorable leaps from the skyscrapers of Panama.
“Every time I do one, I have some fear, but I think that’s why I'm attracted to it,” said Jacko.
“With my day job (in motocross), there’s a lot of fear involved as well, but it’s what makes the juice worth the squeeze at the end of the day. It’s what makes it all fun.
“With BASE jumping, it’s just the feeling of getting up there, sitting on the edge of a building, letting all your problems drift away into the wind, and just literally stepping off.
“It’s a feeling like no other but it is also like the most addictive drug in the world; you just can’t wait until the next time you get to do it.”
Strong, who lives on his farm west of Wagga in New South Wales, is also a passionate aviator.
Having started flying over 10 years ago, he recently completed re-building his own Pitts Special after 5,000 hours of dedicated work. This aircraft made its maiden flight just days ago, adding another feather to his cap.
Strong said the BASE jump from the 242-metre-tall, or 797 feet, Soul Surfers Paradise building is notsomeone just anyone can do, emphasising the rigorous safety measures and protocols in place, backed by the approval of the Queensland Police Service and Gold Coast City Council.
“The jump involves a two-second delay before parachute deployment. I have a special Squirrel purpose-built BASE-jumping parachute, so all things going to plan I’ll have the canopy out at around 500 feet, I’ll take in the nice view and get a lovely beach landing with some sand on my toes.”
In addition to his daring exploits, Strong is set to become an ambassador for Pacific Airshow Gold Coast, promising to dazzle attendees with formation flights alongside fellow pilots in his newly refurbished aircraft.
His engagement in such high-octane activities is supported by his fiancée, Saskia, a dental surgeon, who he notes keeps him ‘grounded’ despite her busy schedule.
