Neil Amonson either has more guts than 100 army generals or has more than one or two loose screws because this man is absolutely FEARLESS. You could call what he does 'base jumping', but it is nothing short of flying and flirting a small bit with the devil. Neil, did you make a deal? Neil is considered one of Vasque's 'extrememe ambassadors', but extreme seems such a pansy word once you witness the death defying stunts of this crazy man. Neil, who makes his home in Salt Lake City has big plans for 2009 participating in the GoFast Games (Colorado), Bridge Day (West Virginia), and the World Base Race (Norway). We asked Neil a few questions in hopes of understanding this adrenaline junkie.

How long have you been base jumping?

6 years

What do you love the most about base jumping / ski diving?

Probably getting to see the world from a different perspective.  Whether I'm in the door of a plane getting ready to jump out, or standing on the edge of a cliff, the views are always amazing.  It really helps clear my mind and allows me to enjoy the experience of the jump itself.

Favorite area to jump?

Switzerland is at the top of the list for me.  I've headed over there for the past few years, they have an abundance of tall cliffs to jump from.  However, this year I'll be spending 4 weeks in Norway and I'm pretty confident I'll be making some of the best jumps of my career.

 Favorite Vasque shoe?

Breeze Low VST: light, fast, and supportive.  A great combination for those 2 hour hikes to the exit point.

Goals?

I'd like to become the fastest flying American.  During my trip to Norway this summer I'll be competing in the World Base Race  (wwww.worldbaserace.com) for the title of "Fastest Flying Human".  I'm not sure if I can compete with the local Norwegians, but I'm going to do my best to give them a run for their money :)

Something silly or quirky about pre-jump you do?

I tighten my leg straps a bunch of times before each jump, like at least 5 times.  I have this fear that I could fall out of my harness, which is kind of ridiculous.  The gear is bombproof and you definitely won't just fall out of it.

 Learn more about Neil and his crazy stunts at www.facelevel.com.

  (photo taken with GoPro Helmet Camera, www.goprocamera.com)