Support for LAist comes from
Local and national news, NPR, things to do, food recommendations and guides to Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire
Stay Connected
Listen
Podcasts Take Two
Flying through the sky with 'Sunshine Superman'
solid orange rectangular banner
()
May 22, 2015
Listen 7:42
Flying through the sky with 'Sunshine Superman'
The term 'BASE jumping' was coined in 1981 by Carl Boenish, who is known as the father of the sport. His life is documented in 'Sunshine Superman.'

The term 'BASE jumping' was coined in 1981 by Carl Boenish, who is known as the father of the sport. His life is documented in 'Sunshine Superman.'

BASE jumping refers to the sport where someone leaps off a fixed surface (building, antenna, span, and Earth) and flies to safety by using a parachute. It has been described as a thrill from enthusiasts, and incredibly dangerous by most everyone else. 

The term was coined in 1981 by Carl Boenish, who is described as the father of the sport. 

His life is documented in a new documentary titled Sunshine Superman

We spoke about the film with its director, Marah Strauch, and we asked her to tell us a bit more about her subject - Carl Boenish.