TIM HOWELL
WINGSUIT BASE JUMPER
INIGO PRESENTS
THE LOST EXIT
A gripping 3-part series that surfaces the extraordinary world of Tim Howell. If you’re looking for reckless, adrenaline filled stunts, we’re happy to say you’re in the wrong place. Ours is a uniquely scientific journey. We discover what it takes to climb the most challenging peaks and execute the most demanding jumps ever carried out in the sport. Where we’re heading, adrenaline alone, will only get you so far.
Discover what drives Tim, exploring his unique relationship with risk, and the profound backstory that shaped him. Meet his wife and fellow adventurer, Ewa, as he sets his sights on an elusive challenge – locating the lost exit, once conquered by Patrick Kerber, a legendary wingsuit base jumper.
EPISODES
EPISODE TWO
PLANNING FOR THE UNKNOWN
Preparing for the ascent of Gross Spannort. Explore every facet, from route planning to cutting-edge software and data analysis. Gain insights into the technical aspects of Tim's wing suit and climbing gear. As the pieces come together, witness the intricate planning that precedes a monumental leap into the unknown.
EPISODE THREE
A LEAP INTO THE UNKNOWN
As the weather takes an ominous turn during epic and treacherous climbs, the question looms – will Tim locate the lost exit and make the jump? Brace yourself for a thrilling finale as we witness a masterclass in risk management under the most extreme physical and psychological circumstances.
There is no adrenaline in what I do, only calm.”
Base camp beneath the jagged peaks of Mount Kenya.
TIM'S STORY
To jump, first you have to climb.
What makes Tim unique in the wing-suiting community are his abilities as an alpinist. As a former Royal Marines Commando, he has acquired a level of training superior to that of most explorers and climbers. His profound understanding and experience in operating across most terrains and climates throughout the globe enable him to jump from places others simply cannot reach.
WHAT GOES UP MUST COME DOWN.
Packing the kit is an essential skill for any climber. The skill level increases dramatically when you consider that all the equipment Tim uses to climb and jump needs to be flown back down the mountain. Ski and tent poles, down the legs of the wingsuit. Crampons, between them, ropes down the arms, pick axes around the torso…Tim has even flown an entire tent down with him. As much as this seems incredulous and somewhat amusing, you can imagine how it might adversely affect the flying characteristics of the suit. Heavier weight means more speed, more speed means a harder landing.
THE WINGSUIT
We have commissioned a wingsuit for Tim in order to fully appreciate and understand its manufacture. Working closely with Phoenix Fly, we have designed a suit that visually highlights its most safety-critical aspects.
Phoenix Fly, a manufacturing company based in Ljubljana, Slovenia are at the bleeding edge of wingsuit technology. Their mission is to make the sport more accessible and so safer to wider audiences. Tim acts as a test pilot for them and aids in the technical innovation around the design of the different suits. Each suit has a different flying characteristic depending on its use.
IT’S NOT LIKE SUPERMAN, WHERE YOU’RE POINTING ISN’T WHERE YOU’RE FLYING.”
Tim shortly after jumping from Lord Berkeley’s
seat in the Scottish Highlands.
IT’S NOT LIKE SUPERMAN, WHERE YOU’re pointing isn’t where you’re flying.”
Tim shortly after jumping from Lord Berkeley’s
seat in the Scottish Highlands.
ANGLE OF ATTACK
Most wingsuit fatalities occur by adopting the incorrect angle of attack (AOA). Telemetry from recovered equipment sadly indicates that average speeds fall significantly below the optimum, often by very large margins. The safety critical angle lies somewhere between 20 to 35 degrees to the horizon. On average, this allows for a forward distance of 2 meters for every meter of drop, generating the necessary speed to avoid obstacles or take evasive manoeuvres. We are working with Tim to keep reminding the wing-suiting community to put in place the necessary checks to ensure that AOA is properly considered in every flight.
I feel comfortable in my ability and decision-making to reduce the risk as much as reasonably possible”
I FEEL COMFORTABLE IN MY ABILITY AND DECISION-MAKING TO REDUCE THE RISK AS MUCH AS REASONABLY POSSIBLE.”
Tim performing a recce of Aconcagua in the Andes mountain range in Argentina before climbing and jumping at an altitude of more than 6000m above sea level.