Tributes flow for NZer killed base-jumping

Ted Rudd during one of his base-jumps, and inset.

Online tributes have flowed for a New Zealander who died last month base-jumping in Norway.

Ted Rudd died as a result of injuries sustained in an accident at a mountain near his home on June 13.

Base-jumping involves jumping from mountains and freefalling before deploying a parachute. Mr Rudd's parachute reportedly inflated as intended, however he was found with severe leg and head injuries after the botched jump.

According to his profile on Basedreams.com, the 35-year-old had base-jumped more than 550 times after first trying it in the early 1990s,and had also completed more than 7500 sky dives, many as an instructor in New Zealand.

"The sport and the equipment has progressed incredibly in the decade since I first tried it," he wrote.

"Immediately I knew I had found my niche - being in the outdoors with my close friends in jaw-dropping surroundings. It was like surfing, but with the best parts of skydiving thrown in."

In a recent online interview with probaseworldcup.com, Mr Rudd said the sport had become safer due to advances in equipment, however this also led to more accidents.

"Easy to use equipment lends itself to a feeling of complacency. People lacking in experience are confident enough to take on technical jumps well beyond their competence."

Mr Rudd moved to Norway in 2009 to live "in the heart of big wall territory" so he could pursue the sport more seriously, and got a job as an engineering inspector.

"I love Norway, the people are culturally very similar to Kiwis and the terrain is amazing," Mr Rudd told probaseworldcup.com.

Following his death, tributes have been posted online by those who knew Mr Rudd.

"You were a funny, colourful person and an inspiration to us all. You will never be forgotten. Fly free brother," read one accompanying a video tribute.

"You had amazing energy and loved the Earth like it was one huge wonderful playground. Will always remember and miss your infectious smile," jusedwards1 wrote.