Hello! Wow, tandem was a rush...what's next?

[BerryBoy 0]

Hey there! I just had my first tandem out at Tennessee Skydiving at the Tullahoma DZ this past Saturday. Did my research and stayed away from SR affiliated places, so I truly had a blast and my instructor was awesome! I have always wanted to go skydiving, so I went in with the intention to see if it was something I just needed to cross off my list...or perhaps continue onto AFF. Much to my surprise, I still am in the same boat trying to figure out what exactly happened up there!!! I experienced such sensory overload that I have trouble recalling what it was actually like and now can't figure out how I can tell if this is something I will enjoy in the long term. I mean, I think I did...it just happened so fast!!! Do take note that it wasn't fear that was really involved, because I was able to fully put trust into my instructor during the jump. I think i just think too much, i dunno? My instructor also mentioned to me that when I get the video in the mail and watch it, I will remember it better...is this generally true?!?!? How can I tell if this is really for me....all I know is the sport seems SO intriguing to me and I can't stop thinking about it or researching it or watching YouTube videos of freefalls even after the jump. Of course my entire family and co-workers think I'm completely insane and will end up dead...not much reassuring. I'm just SO CONFUSED!!! Any suggestions or thoughts on what I said??? Anyone experience anything similar and how did you figure out things for yourself? Be nice, I'm new.

[Mantis 0]

Well, I'm new also but I was in the same situation as you. I wasn't even sure if I liked it, but I did know I wanted more exposure to the sport. It felt like my tandem lasted like 5 seconds... I went on to AFF and I can tell you that every jump slows down more and more. I'm only on AFF 4 now but I can comprehend whats going on more and more as I gain experience. I now remember any signals I get, what altitude I was at when X happened, and things of that nature. It just takes a few jumps before you know what to expect. I say stick with it, you have a leg up on the folks who do AFF for their first time. You at least know what to expect on the plane ride and what it looks like when the door opens. Although it wasn't fear you experienced, the nervous anticipation is a really cool feeling and it a part of the reason I keep at it. Have fun!

[BerryBoy 0]

Hey man, it's awesome to know I wasn't the only one who felt this way on jump #1. I too felt like the tandem lasted all of 5 seconds... Anyways, thanks for the encouragement, I'm sure I'll need it!

[skymama 37]

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

[DiamondGirl 0]

I did my first tandem 3 weeks ago and felt the exact same way. So, I went and did a 2nd tandem last weekend. It was even better than the first, and I'm doing AFF during my time off from work next week!
And yes, everyone thinks I'm insane too. I can't even mention "the S word" without my mom storming out of the room. Oh well, she'll get over it.

~* Quae Sursum Volo Videre *~

[Mantis 0]

Every time I jump (remember I an new) I feel new things like the wind on my legs, arms, or I feel my cheeks flapping. It's just a matter of knowing whats gonna happen, and then you'll slowly become more and more "conscious" if thats the word.

[skyflychris 0]

Sounds like your just like myself when I began skydiving. You sound like you are a detailed type person. You said your're not sure what you remember but you remember it all. You just don't have anything to process it against. Trust. Trusting your instructor. AFF is for you. Then that "trust" will get modified by your new experiences at each AFF level. Experience gains trust, but seek out that knowledgeable instruction, it is worth it. Don't get comlacent, don't rush the packing, enjoy the brotherhood/sisterhood of skydiving, and get in on some group jumps. You won't be disapointed. If you think a tandem is cool, and it is, I still do it, then solo will change your life. It did mine.

Blue skies.

Ordinary's..... just not good enough today.

[BerryBoy 0]

Wow, it sounds like I'm DEFINITELY not alone in my initial feelings during the tandem. The input really put things into context. Thanks for your advice everyone, really! So what do you think is next...AFF or another tandem to help me acclimate to the sensation of flying through the air without too much sensory overload?

Also, on another note. I am beginning to become aware of the dangers of the sport. I've read through several AFF student guides (you're right, I'm a detailed kind of guy) already and I realize this is not all fun and games - skydiving is dangerous and could hurt or even kill me. Is this something you eventually learn to live with, because obviously you'd be stupid if you choose to forget it. So many people think I have lost my mind and my mom also won't even discuss this with me, she just gets mad. How does your family deal with this and will they just get used to it over time?

[Halfpastniner 0]

Wow that situation is VERY similar to mine! im not sure how old you are...but im 18 and after i told my parents i did my fist tandem (which also felt like about 2 seconds till canopy) she told me that if i jumped again that she wouldnt pay for my college... unfortionatly for her i loved it too much so of cource i did it anyway. I debated doing another tandem but ended up just trying the AFF. I swear to god AFF was 10,000 times more fun than tandems! Being more independent gives you a different feeling and i couldnt get the smile off my face for hours! I would recommend doing AFF and eventually your parents will have to come around (my mom still hates it but shes accepted it and is still helping me pay for school) Good luck!

BASE 1384

[Mantis 0]

Regarding the danger part- I race motorcycles and there is inherent danget in that as well. I've come to grip with the fact that I may die roadracing, but i've also never had more fun. IMO that's part of what makes it fun. Realizing that jumping is relatively dangerous, but also quite fun. If you want a safe sport try tiddlywinks. If you want to have some serious fun jump out of planes. If it were completely safe everyone would do it.

[BerryBoy 0]

I mean, that's just it. I think that I am a pretty level headed guy with a good career and to be jumping out of a plane? I mean COME ON! Yet, I found it to be SO fun and I can't get this experience and the possibility of more that I am seeming to crave out of my head! Did you guys ever question what you are doing at first and think it might be a bit foolish throwing yourself out of a plane?

Halfpastniner ...I'm 24 and I do find your story funny (in a good way). I'm glad your mom eventually came around...that's good to hear!

If I do continue, can I handle AFF given my previous sensory overload or should I do another tandem?

[Halfpastniner 0]

Do AFF you should have a lot better sence of things because youve done it before. My first AFF felt like forever compared to my tandem with a whole lot of time to smile for the camera...and as i said before a lot more fun and rewarding. theres not really any reason to buy another tandem when your just going to do AFF (whether you realize it yet or not lol)! I think once you start you will also meet alot of people with reputible careers who jump on weekends.

-Conor
o and ps, get a video! first Aff vids are awesome and you will want to show it to everyone! If you want you can see my AFF1 here: http://www.lifepursuitvideo.net/asppublic/Video44645.aspx?VID=3404&VF=ConorRyan_072207-1759.flv

BASE 1384

[skymama 37]

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If I do continue, can I handle AFF given my previous sensory overload or should I do another tandem?

Ask your dz if they do IAF. That's when there are 3 tandems incorporated in the training program. I and many others started that way.

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

[BerryBoy 0]

Everyone's suggestions were awesome and have really helped me along to make a decision. My local DZ doesn't do IAF so it looks like I'll be doing AFF. Which I think will be OK from the feedback I've received.

Conor, your AFF vid was SO COOL! Looks like you had a ton of fun and did well on level 1. Can't wait till I have my own video to share!!!

Andrew

[birdshit 0]

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jumping out of a plane? I mean COME ON!

Chicks dig it, even more than scars. Nuff said.

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Did you guys ever question what you are doing at first and think it might be a bit foolish throwing yourself out of a plane?

Yeah, I told my dad about my new hobby, and he said "Son, only fools and birdshit fall out of the sky"

HAH! I been waiting months to use that line! Thanks!

I have a good career too. 6 figures good. I dropped out of school in the 7th grade and fought hard for every penny I make now. Big whoop. If there is one thing I have learned, it is that none of that will mean squat when they are shoveling dirt on you. If jumping out of airplanes gives you a chubby, then do it now while you still got good knees and big balls.

How many times have
You heard someone say
If I had his money
I could do things my way

But little they know
That it's so hard to find
One rich man in ten
With a satisfied mind

Once I was waitin'
In fortune and fame
Everything that I dreamed for
To get a start in life's game

Then suddenly it happened
I lost every dime
But I'm richer by far
With a satisfied mind

Money can't buy back
Your youth when you're old
Or a friend when you're lonely
Or a love that's grown cold

The wealthiest person
Is a pauper at times
Compared to the man
With a satisfied mind

When my life has ended
And my time has run out
My friends and my loved ones
I'll leave there's no doubt

But one thing's for certain
When it comes my time
I'll leave this old world
With a satisfied mind

How many times have
You heard someone say
If I had his money
I could do things my way

But little they know
That it's so hard to find
One rich man in ten
With a satisfied mind

Johnny Cash - A satisfied mind

Now you start working on your D License. There are a few stops along the way though... LOL

I had sensory overload on my first AFF Jump. Thats why there are two guys holding on to you the whole time. The more jumps you make, the less you will be affected by it. I totally screwed my first AFF Jump, but I tried it again 2 hours later and they said it was textbook perfect. Aff Level 2 was even easier.

I suggest trying to find a Wind Tunnel to practice in. 10 minutes of tunnel time will give you control of your body in freefall much more so than doing ten jumps (I think) because the fear is removed from the situation, and you give yourself the ability to make mistakes and learn how to fly your body (like a graceful brick)...

If doing another tandem helps with the sensation of freefall, then go for it. Keep in mind that AFF isn't exactly cheap and your allocation of resources is also an important factor...

See you out there!

[rhyswynn 0]

I'm finally done with my first 3 tandems. I think I could have handled AFF without all 3 tandems, and you probably can too, but like everyone else has already said, the more you jump, the easier it gets.

I wasn't nervous at all my first jump, but after ground school, I was a little bit nervous - just because the reality of what can go wrong was made absolutely clear to me.

I thought my first jump lasted for 5 minutes, not 5 seconds! It wasn't until I watched the video that I realized how quickly it all happened. Sensory overload is right! And it diminishes with experience.

Hopefully this weekend's weather is better and I can get through AFF...

As far as the sanity check is concerned, you can die doing just about anything. If jumping out of planes was entirely safe, you wouldn't be here, and neither would most of the people who post. I snowboard and I'm actually more concerned for my health on the mountain than I am jumping out of a plane - hundreds of people with waxed boards on their feet zooming around oblivious to everyone else is much more of a risk, IMHO.

Good luck and have fun as you progress!

[jleftwich 0]

Same experience here. I was in West Tennessee with the same guys that do it in Tullahoma on Sunday. I cant stop thinking about it!

[laceyadair 0]

I am actually an AFF instructor at West Tennessee Skydiving (the DZ where you would go through the course). While we don't have a true IAF program, we have taken people on tandem progression jumps, which teaches them certain skills such as turns and forward movement under a tandem. You will have to go through the complete AFF program, but making the extra tandems help some people who are concerned with freezing up in the air while still allowing your skills to progress. If you decide this is the way you want to go, just call out on a weekend and talk to someone about it. We are very understanding and accommodating.

[BerryBoy 0]

That's great to know! I may do one of the tandem progression jumps you referred to in your post. Sounds like you guys over at WTS are a pretty helpful....glad to know I've probably made the right choice for my future home DZ. I'll try giving them a call to ask a few more questions...