tseymour 0 #1 October 16, 2003 Hi there everyone, Yes I'm another new one and was wondering if I could get any words of wisdom or encouragement.... Doing my AFF and did my level 3 two weekends ago, unfortunately didn't go quite as planned. I was really nervous about doing level 3, mainly cause someone had decided to show me this video of a student doing their level 3 and spinning out of control and the instructors not being able to get to him. Well funny enough that happened to me, when the instructors let go of me, I went to do a dummy rip chord pull since I hadn't felt my toggle the first time, but this started me spinning, I flipped onto my back but did manage to flip back on my stomach. But by then all I could think of was, my instructors can't get me and I have to pull. Unfortunately the instructors couldn't get to me at this stage (I was floating above them, I was arching as hard as I could but should have had weights on) The harder I was trying to get my toggle to pull the more I was spinning like an idiot(I'm on a throw away). I realised then I couldn't get it, so decided to pull my reserve, it came out twisted, I managed to kick out of that and then realised my radio had been flung out, but didn't freak out, just thought I'll show them I can at least land okay and managed to land safely in a field next to the drop zone and into wind. My instructors did say I did all my reserve drills well and had good canopy control, so pretty happy with that. They also think I'm okay to go back up which is why I've booked to go up again on Saturday. But I'm nervous, really worried I won't relax and the same thing will happen again. I really do want to do this and can't wait to be doing the fun stuff, but just need to get there and was wondering if anyone had tips on how I could relax so I don't mess up again especially for this next jump. Thanks for reading, appreciate any advice or thoughts. Pint Size Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites deronde 0 #2 October 16, 2003 Hya! Relaxtion, ah yes, not easy if you've been this stressed out during a jump. I'm glad they adviced you to get back up asap, that is definately important if the jump didn't totally freak you out. I assume they took you trough why you ended up spinning when you went in for a dummy. This manouver you can very well practise by lying flat on your stomach on the ground, do this before you go up the next time! with a rig on! A couple of dozen times! The muscles involved that way will build-up the required memory to do this as an almost instinctive motion. At the same time it builds convidence. When it comes to relaxing, that is somewhat trickier. I depends whether or not you feel panic or fear before your next jump. In case of panic: DONT JUMP! Talk through where it comes from with experienced skydivers, coaches, triainers who ever. In case of fear: see it as a challenge. You can beat this! Don't let fear stand in the way of your goals, use it instead to focus on what you are doing... I have been very scared prior to some of my student jumps but managed to step past this fear, by saying the following to myself: I CAN DO THIS! I have a good trainer, they have seen me go thorugh the motions required on the ground. THEY BELIEVE I CAN DO THIS! Last but not least: breath! deeply, slowly and concentrated. Especially on the way up in the aircraft... Good luck & blue skies to you! You are not alone! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites metalslug 36 #3 October 16, 2003 I'm only a recent AFF graduate myself, but it does concern me aswell that your instructors "couldn't get to you". My instructor on my Level 4 held onto me even though I was perfectly stable. He explained to me after the jump that the only reason he held on was because he could feel that I would have floated above him if he had let me go and he wanted to avoid that scenario. For my Level 5, he put on his baggy jumpsuit, released me soon after exit, and stayed right next to me for the jump. I guess this one of the benefits of staying with the same instructor(s) for all jumps. Talk to your instructors about this before the next jump. As you are the student, the obligation is on them to match your fall rate, not you to match theirs (that training comes later). Weights, tight or loose jumpsuits, whatever it takes, I think it's quite important that they dont let you slip away from them again. Well done on coping with it though, many other students may have panicked. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites lewis321 0 #4 October 16, 2003 First of all "Job well done" on taking care of your situation and handling it. That right there should tell you that you can overcome this. As mentioned already, RELAX...RELAX...RELAX. I know it's easier said than done. Practicing your body position and pulls on the ground with a rig on will help you with that. It will become more comfortable the more you practice and that will give you more confidence in the air. It is your instructors job to fall with you. I would not suggest wieghts at this point. You need to learn to fly your body without modifications first. Your instructor needs to make the adjustments to you at this point. It only gets better, Todd Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites kpjumps 0 #5 October 16, 2003 As someone with only 30 or so jumps I am in no position to offer any wisdom. ( I still land on my rear most of the time!) But encouragement I can do! At the dz I learned to jump at I have often asked why they let me come back! I was awful, each time I landed was nothing short of a miracle;) I saw power lines as a challenge, sort of a game of chicken...how close can I land to them and have the jm not have a heart attack? I bruised up my knees really badly before they told me flares were required at that dz and knees were not brakes. Imagine that! I liked to land as far from the student drop area so I could to get my exercise walking back to the dz. Oh, yeah, I tried to stall my canopy at about 800 feet. But I LOVE skydiving, it is now a part of who I am. I can't explain the way it changed how I look at life. As my jm told me skydiving isn't for everyone and if it isn't for you it's ok. But, if you have a passion for it don't give up. If I can do it anyone can~ really! Good luck and hang in there. PS. It just keeps getting better!Your character will ultimately determine your destiny. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites tseymour 0 #6 October 16, 2003 Thanks so much for your replies. Going to definitely try the practise pulls on the ground with the rig on. Yeah I'll go through my fear of being 'lost' again in the sky with the instructor on Saturday, I know the ultimate responsibitly is mine, but just don't want to be spinning like a freak again! Thanks too for your replies, comforting to know that not everyone suddenly becomes pros after two jumps. Nervous about Saturday but definitely looking forward to it! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites deronde 0 #7 October 16, 2003 That's the attitude!! Drop a line once after you've done your jump, would love to know how you got on! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites catfishhunter 2 #8 October 16, 2003 Long depth breaths! Trust your training. Run throw your body position if you start to spin again amking slow adjustments. Check your altitude. remember your hard deck. Altitude is your friend!!!! I spun on my first release and the JM had to fly in and stop my spin. I thought he had grabbed me but he told me once on the ground all he did was stop the spin which made me feel allot better. I have since ended up in a very violent spin at 4000 feet and because of my training and that first experiance I was able to ovewrcome the initial "OH SHIT what do I do NOW" and relax and take care of the first problem"the spin" and still deploy stable slightly under 3k. Try to hold a conversation on the plane to keep your mind off the last jump. Take the time in the plane to make several PRCP's and your Red,Silver practices. and again BREATHE deep and envision a perfect jump. Blue Skies MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT Life is Short and we never know how long we are going to have. We must live life to the fullest EVERY DAY. Everything we do should have a greater purpose. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Nick 0 #9 October 16, 2003 Hi Tessa Welcome to the fun!! Are you doing your AFF with Tomo? Just remember that the instructors have seen and done it all and shouldn't have a problem. just relex and ejoy the ride. If your at weston at the weekend come and say hello (you'll see me in co-ordinated black and purple rig and jump suit). Nick Gravity- It's not just a good idea, it's the LAW! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites tseymour 0 #10 October 16, 2003 Hi there Nick, Yeah I'm doing my AFF with Tomo, he did my level 1 and 2 with me. He's been so cool about it all (even when I was crying after landing - such a girl I know!!)but I do totally trust him. I asked him too if he thought I could it and he said yes, totally wouldn't if he said no. He's also been really cool and said the guys on Saturday will hold me all the way this time, rather go back a level and build up my confidence I think. Think I'm the first student my two instructors lost - not sure if that's something to be proud of, the poor guys, I did feel really bad. I'll definitely come find you, I'll be the short, nervous looking blonde!! Tess Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Nick 0 #11 October 16, 2003 That take's me back a while, I did my AFF with him early last year and I'm still jumping and loving every minute of it. I'll have to wind him up about loosing you!!!! Nick Gravity- It's not just a good idea, it's the LAW! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skymama 37 #12 October 16, 2003 Welcome to the forums! She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites lewis321 0 #13 October 16, 2003 I agree with Skymama 100%. Visualizing is an awesome tool. If you have a good dive in your head you will more than likely have a good dive in the air. I know this may sound stupid, but it goes along with the visualizing part. When I find myself nervous and tense I close my eyes and picture a rope twisted up into knots and I tense my body as much as possible, then I start to unwind the rope in my head at the same time relaxing my body. It has helped me on several jumps. You will rock on your next one Todd Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites letepetit 0 #14 October 16, 2003 Don't let your AFF3 experience get you down - sounds like you did a fantastic job of handling a very difficult situation so early on! All I have to offer in the way of relaxation is to take three very deep, calm breaths as the door opens - its great for the mindset but what people don't realise is that it actually has physical effects to relax you too! Just remember to enjoy yourself and let it come naturally - you obviously have some natural ability as you have already proven to work well in a very scary situation! Well done so far!Its nice to be important, but more important to be nice. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites kelel01 1 #15 October 16, 2003 I would like to make sure that you understand something-- relaxing is not only important for your mental state, it's miportant to your skydive. I had made it all the way through AFF Level 6 hearing relax, relax, relax from everyone, but it was never made clear to me that physically relaxing my body would help with my stability. On a couple of my jumps, I ended up in a nice continuous lefthand turn, sometimes faster than others. When my instructor told me that my tense body position was leading to my spin, I decided to go right back up in the air. When I relaxed, I found that I wasn't spinning anymore. So even if you can't relax mentally, shake your hands out and loosen up the muscles in your arms and legs (while obviously maintaining a nice solid arch). I hope this helps!! It made all the difference in my skydives!! Blue Skies, Kelly Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites schattenjaeger 0 #16 October 17, 2003 On another approach to this topic, don't think you did a bad job! You landed uninjured as did all parties involved, AND you learned important lessons so next time you can do better and learn even more! I'd say in that regard it didn't go too bad at all! It's also good that you realized you weren't gonna get the PC on the main out without assistance, and went for the reserve, just like you were instructed(I hope...) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites DeNReN 0 #17 October 17, 2003 welcome to the forums and good call on using your reserve....try it once...try it again...then go for that big silver one!!!.....I cant say anything that hasent already been said, besides keep at it...and click your heels together....your legs are harder to keep semetrical(spel) then your upper body....and can cause a nasty flat spin..ask your instructors about it. Blue Skies Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites tseymour 0 #18 October 17, 2003 Nick, sorry to disappoint but Tomo wasn't my instructor for my level 3 so you can't tease him. He only did my level 1 and 2. He did think I was pretty amusing though and no doubt I'm going to be teased tomorrow, but all in good fun! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. 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deronde 0 #2 October 16, 2003 Hya! Relaxtion, ah yes, not easy if you've been this stressed out during a jump. I'm glad they adviced you to get back up asap, that is definately important if the jump didn't totally freak you out. I assume they took you trough why you ended up spinning when you went in for a dummy. This manouver you can very well practise by lying flat on your stomach on the ground, do this before you go up the next time! with a rig on! A couple of dozen times! The muscles involved that way will build-up the required memory to do this as an almost instinctive motion. At the same time it builds convidence. When it comes to relaxing, that is somewhat trickier. I depends whether or not you feel panic or fear before your next jump. In case of panic: DONT JUMP! Talk through where it comes from with experienced skydivers, coaches, triainers who ever. In case of fear: see it as a challenge. You can beat this! Don't let fear stand in the way of your goals, use it instead to focus on what you are doing... I have been very scared prior to some of my student jumps but managed to step past this fear, by saying the following to myself: I CAN DO THIS! I have a good trainer, they have seen me go thorugh the motions required on the ground. THEY BELIEVE I CAN DO THIS! Last but not least: breath! deeply, slowly and concentrated. Especially on the way up in the aircraft... Good luck & blue skies to you! You are not alone! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
metalslug 36 #3 October 16, 2003 I'm only a recent AFF graduate myself, but it does concern me aswell that your instructors "couldn't get to you". My instructor on my Level 4 held onto me even though I was perfectly stable. He explained to me after the jump that the only reason he held on was because he could feel that I would have floated above him if he had let me go and he wanted to avoid that scenario. For my Level 5, he put on his baggy jumpsuit, released me soon after exit, and stayed right next to me for the jump. I guess this one of the benefits of staying with the same instructor(s) for all jumps. Talk to your instructors about this before the next jump. As you are the student, the obligation is on them to match your fall rate, not you to match theirs (that training comes later). Weights, tight or loose jumpsuits, whatever it takes, I think it's quite important that they dont let you slip away from them again. Well done on coping with it though, many other students may have panicked. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lewis321 0 #4 October 16, 2003 First of all "Job well done" on taking care of your situation and handling it. That right there should tell you that you can overcome this. As mentioned already, RELAX...RELAX...RELAX. I know it's easier said than done. Practicing your body position and pulls on the ground with a rig on will help you with that. It will become more comfortable the more you practice and that will give you more confidence in the air. It is your instructors job to fall with you. I would not suggest wieghts at this point. You need to learn to fly your body without modifications first. Your instructor needs to make the adjustments to you at this point. It only gets better, Todd Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpjumps 0 #5 October 16, 2003 As someone with only 30 or so jumps I am in no position to offer any wisdom. ( I still land on my rear most of the time!) But encouragement I can do! At the dz I learned to jump at I have often asked why they let me come back! I was awful, each time I landed was nothing short of a miracle;) I saw power lines as a challenge, sort of a game of chicken...how close can I land to them and have the jm not have a heart attack? I bruised up my knees really badly before they told me flares were required at that dz and knees were not brakes. Imagine that! I liked to land as far from the student drop area so I could to get my exercise walking back to the dz. Oh, yeah, I tried to stall my canopy at about 800 feet. But I LOVE skydiving, it is now a part of who I am. I can't explain the way it changed how I look at life. As my jm told me skydiving isn't for everyone and if it isn't for you it's ok. But, if you have a passion for it don't give up. If I can do it anyone can~ really! Good luck and hang in there. PS. It just keeps getting better!Your character will ultimately determine your destiny. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tseymour 0 #6 October 16, 2003 Thanks so much for your replies. Going to definitely try the practise pulls on the ground with the rig on. Yeah I'll go through my fear of being 'lost' again in the sky with the instructor on Saturday, I know the ultimate responsibitly is mine, but just don't want to be spinning like a freak again! Thanks too for your replies, comforting to know that not everyone suddenly becomes pros after two jumps. Nervous about Saturday but definitely looking forward to it! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deronde 0 #7 October 16, 2003 That's the attitude!! Drop a line once after you've done your jump, would love to know how you got on! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
catfishhunter 2 #8 October 16, 2003 Long depth breaths! Trust your training. Run throw your body position if you start to spin again amking slow adjustments. Check your altitude. remember your hard deck. Altitude is your friend!!!! I spun on my first release and the JM had to fly in and stop my spin. I thought he had grabbed me but he told me once on the ground all he did was stop the spin which made me feel allot better. I have since ended up in a very violent spin at 4000 feet and because of my training and that first experiance I was able to ovewrcome the initial "OH SHIT what do I do NOW" and relax and take care of the first problem"the spin" and still deploy stable slightly under 3k. Try to hold a conversation on the plane to keep your mind off the last jump. Take the time in the plane to make several PRCP's and your Red,Silver practices. and again BREATHE deep and envision a perfect jump. Blue Skies MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT Life is Short and we never know how long we are going to have. We must live life to the fullest EVERY DAY. Everything we do should have a greater purpose. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nick 0 #9 October 16, 2003 Hi Tessa Welcome to the fun!! Are you doing your AFF with Tomo? Just remember that the instructors have seen and done it all and shouldn't have a problem. just relex and ejoy the ride. If your at weston at the weekend come and say hello (you'll see me in co-ordinated black and purple rig and jump suit). Nick Gravity- It's not just a good idea, it's the LAW! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tseymour 0 #10 October 16, 2003 Hi there Nick, Yeah I'm doing my AFF with Tomo, he did my level 1 and 2 with me. He's been so cool about it all (even when I was crying after landing - such a girl I know!!)but I do totally trust him. I asked him too if he thought I could it and he said yes, totally wouldn't if he said no. He's also been really cool and said the guys on Saturday will hold me all the way this time, rather go back a level and build up my confidence I think. Think I'm the first student my two instructors lost - not sure if that's something to be proud of, the poor guys, I did feel really bad. I'll definitely come find you, I'll be the short, nervous looking blonde!! Tess Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nick 0 #11 October 16, 2003 That take's me back a while, I did my AFF with him early last year and I'm still jumping and loving every minute of it. I'll have to wind him up about loosing you!!!! Nick Gravity- It's not just a good idea, it's the LAW! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #12 October 16, 2003 Welcome to the forums! She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lewis321 0 #13 October 16, 2003 I agree with Skymama 100%. Visualizing is an awesome tool. If you have a good dive in your head you will more than likely have a good dive in the air. I know this may sound stupid, but it goes along with the visualizing part. When I find myself nervous and tense I close my eyes and picture a rope twisted up into knots and I tense my body as much as possible, then I start to unwind the rope in my head at the same time relaxing my body. It has helped me on several jumps. You will rock on your next one Todd Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
letepetit 0 #14 October 16, 2003 Don't let your AFF3 experience get you down - sounds like you did a fantastic job of handling a very difficult situation so early on! All I have to offer in the way of relaxation is to take three very deep, calm breaths as the door opens - its great for the mindset but what people don't realise is that it actually has physical effects to relax you too! Just remember to enjoy yourself and let it come naturally - you obviously have some natural ability as you have already proven to work well in a very scary situation! Well done so far!Its nice to be important, but more important to be nice. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelel01 1 #15 October 16, 2003 I would like to make sure that you understand something-- relaxing is not only important for your mental state, it's miportant to your skydive. I had made it all the way through AFF Level 6 hearing relax, relax, relax from everyone, but it was never made clear to me that physically relaxing my body would help with my stability. On a couple of my jumps, I ended up in a nice continuous lefthand turn, sometimes faster than others. When my instructor told me that my tense body position was leading to my spin, I decided to go right back up in the air. When I relaxed, I found that I wasn't spinning anymore. So even if you can't relax mentally, shake your hands out and loosen up the muscles in your arms and legs (while obviously maintaining a nice solid arch). I hope this helps!! It made all the difference in my skydives!! Blue Skies, Kelly Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
schattenjaeger 0 #16 October 17, 2003 On another approach to this topic, don't think you did a bad job! You landed uninjured as did all parties involved, AND you learned important lessons so next time you can do better and learn even more! I'd say in that regard it didn't go too bad at all! It's also good that you realized you weren't gonna get the PC on the main out without assistance, and went for the reserve, just like you were instructed(I hope...) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeNReN 0 #17 October 17, 2003 welcome to the forums and good call on using your reserve....try it once...try it again...then go for that big silver one!!!.....I cant say anything that hasent already been said, besides keep at it...and click your heels together....your legs are harder to keep semetrical(spel) then your upper body....and can cause a nasty flat spin..ask your instructors about it. Blue Skies Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tseymour 0 #18 October 17, 2003 Nick, sorry to disappoint but Tomo wasn't my instructor for my level 3 so you can't tease him. He only did my level 1 and 2. He did think I was pretty amusing though and no doubt I'm going to be teased tomorrow, but all in good fun! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
