NWFlyer 2 #1 October 10, 2004 On August 14th, I took my first jump class (S/L) at Skydive Snohomish and I was hooked! (seems to be a common theme in this sport!). Over the next few weeks, between scheduling and weather, I got through another S/L and the three PRCPs. Moved on to Jump #6, my first clear and pull and things started going awry. I didn't get stable, couldn't find the main cord, found myself too low and ended up on my first reserve ride (at least I got it out, not the AAD). Off-field, fairly hard landing, but I walked away with nothing but bruises. Although not an ideal situation, I felt pretty good that I was able to recognize I was in trouble, make the right decision, and properly execute emergency procedures. Debriefed with my instructors, talked about what went wrong, let the adrenaline and nervous energy pump through the body, and went right back up that day (took a step back to a PRCP on the advice of my instructors, just to get back in the game and remember why I like it). That jump went perfectly. Came out the following week ready to get the jump right this time (and with a bottle of Captain Morgan and a case of beer in my trunk, of course!). On the previous seven jumps, my exits (hanging) had been perfect - this time I booted the exit. Got a bad grip with my right hand, tried to adjust before I stepped off, and lost my grip entirely, so I just sort of tumbled off the step in bad body position from the get go. Didn't get into a good arch in time, and found myself in the same position as the previous week. This time... just plain angry and frustrated. After a long talk with various instructors, licensed divers, and fellow students, I made the decision to try an AFF jump. I may switch altogether into the AFF progression, but I haven't decided yet. Mentally, I'm doing okay, I just need time to work on body awareness and relaxation. Clearly I must be drawn to this sport on some fundamental level because I just want to figure out the best way for me to learn - I can't imagine never doing this again! Either that or I'm just damn stubborn :) Now I seem to be in an endlessly frustrating cycle (even though it's only been two weeks since my last jump, it feels like forever!) of trying to get instructor availability, weather, and my availability to line up. With an 8000 foot ceiling that wasn't budging and a steady drizzle, I even went out to Snohomish today just to soak up the atmosphere, smartass around with some fellow divers, and hope for that slim chance of clearing skies (that never came). I'm enjoying getting to know the folks in the Skydive Snohomish community (*waves hi* to any of you who post/lurk here) and I look forward to getting to know everyone here as well."There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #2 October 10, 2004 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
Jeth 0 #3 October 11, 2004 Hi there! I'm a student, too. I am doing AFP. I never did S/L so I can't comment on that, but I can tell U that doing full-altitude freefalls is awesome!! Anyway, whatever you do, good luck! I think every student has bumps in the road sometimes. I had to repeat my level 4 cuz I was trying so hard to do turns I lost track of my alti! Anway, I figured out the turns and now I'm looking forward to learning how to track, roll and flip! Good luck and enjoy! Jeth "At 13,000 feet nothing else matters." PFRX!!!!! Team Funnel #174, Sunshine kisspass #109 My Jump Site Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #4 November 8, 2004 FINALLY! got to do my first AFF jump today and it all went really well, so I think I'm going to switch into the AFF progression. Reading here about all the struggles people have had as students made me realize, hey, I'm not alone and I can get through this. Today's jump reminded me (after overthinking it for 6 weeks) why I love love love this sport! My new photo is of me pre-jump today, and my weblog (link in my profile) has the story of today's jump. It's nice to have a good jump to report on!"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tdog 0 #5 November 8, 2004 QuoteFINALLY! got to do my first AFF jump today and it all went really well, Congrats! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fallinlady 0 #6 November 8, 2004 Congrats on the successful jump! I also started on the S/L and my first RCP didn't go well. I was on my back when I pulled and I hurt my shoulder. I haven't been able to jump yet since then (2 weeks ago) and it has kind of unnerved me a bit. My instructors have been very encouraging and I will get back to it as soon as I can but it makes you step back and think about what you're doing. Good luck!**They say you don't pay for your raisin' till you raise your own - what DID my momma do to deserve this?** Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigfall 0 #7 November 8, 2004 Sounds like you are in the same situation as me accept my instructor says I have great form in exiting the plane and my arch is stable I just can't seem to get my hand on the practice throw out. But there is one thing that I have determined I love this sport and I will find away to progress and start free fall. I am sure that you will to GOODLUCK bigfall STEP OUT AND FEEL THE RUSH LATER!!!!!STEP OUT AND FEEL THE RUSH!!!! LATER SKYBOMB Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
