Just starting

[richard1954 0]

Hello. I'm just starting and having a really fun adventure. 54, making up for lost time, carefully. I don't know how long someone my age can do this, but if it's just for a few years, that's just fine.

My first jump was static, then a tandem (opening), then another static. Odd start. Had ground training for Cat. B but clouds prevented jump. Waiting on a clear-sky weekend for that. I practice the exit and dive flow several times a day and look weird doing it.

Nervous as a cat until I get to the dropzone, then settles down. Hate the plane, hate the door (afraid I'll fall out), love the jump and flying, love under canopy, worried about landings. Sometimes I wonder why I bother, but it's just too cool. It's just not quite like other things I usually do. In fact, it's insane and suits me well.

I get excited talking about it, which is unusual for me. That is reason enough to keep on with it. It must be good for me.

Thanks.

[NotBond 0]

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Hello. I'm just starting and having a really fun adventure. 54, making up for lost time, carefully. I don't know how long someone my age can do this, but if it's just for a few years, that's just fine.

My first jump was static, then a tandem (opening), then another static. Odd start. Had ground training for Cat. B but clouds prevented jump. Waiting on a clear-sky weekend for that. I practice the exit and dive flow several times a day and look weird doing it.

Nervous as a cat until I get to the dropzone, then settles down. Hate the plane, hate the door (afraid I'll fall out), love the jump and flying, love under canopy, worried about landings. Sometimes I wonder why I bother, but it's just too cool. It's just not quite like other things I usually do. In fact, it's insane and suits me well.

I get excited talking about it, which is unusual for me. That is reason enough to keep on with it. It must be good for me.

Welcome! I'm 47 and only have two jumps, so we are similar in experience. I can relate to the "falling out the door" part - just remember that's what your supposed to do!

Yeah, it IS insane! And unless you have done it, no one you talk to seems to get it. I swore I would never go back after my first jump, but four days later, I was making the call for another! It is the most crazy, insane, ludricrous thing I have ever done - and I keep wanting to do it again!

Courage is being scared to death - but saddling up anyways... - John Wayne

[jclalor 12]

Congrudulations on getting around to doing this, I jumped for a couple of years 25 years ago and just got back in the sport. Best decision I have ever made.
You have plenty of time left to enjoy this sport and I wish you the best.

[richard1954 0]

Thanks, NotBond, and I know what you mean. I can't really stop thinking about it and love to talk about it. But most people just give me a blank stare and change the subject. Lots of things are like that. It's a "niche" thing. An obsession I find hard to share with "outsiders." Peace to all.

Last Saturday when we gave up waiting for okay weather and left, I was relieved and pissed. Both. Very mixed feelings about it, but I won't let it go.

Other students, the few I've met, are different, of course. We have a great time, especially if they are, like, one step ahead of me. Bits of advice, perils to avoid. And they, like me, keep coming back for this thing.

I know: I'm afraid I'll fall out the door that I'm about to jump out of. Makes no sense -- being afraid, not being afraid, jumping, not jumping -- none of it makes sense.

I wish I could just hang in the air forever.

Will you do your AFF this winter up there in WI? I lived in MN for 15 years and can't imagine it (not most winters).

I'll try to get my license this winter here in VA. The temperatures aren't so bad, but the lousy clouds and stuff are. I'll probably hang around the DZ lots of weekends and try to learn something if I can't go u

[grannyinthesky 0]

Hi,
I sure understand the making up for lost time comment. I did my first jump Oct 7th of last year and I was 57 at the time. I started AFF Thanksgiving weekend and struggled with weather and assorted other issues over the winter, but I kept at it. By the end of April I did my 9th jump. And then things picked up, I guess you could say. I got my A in May and I've got 170 jumps now. There's no reason to let the young un's have all the fun. That's for sure. Skydiving has helped me make some pretty incredible changes in my life. I used to be a very lonely, homebound person. Since I got my A in May, I have jumped in 6 states at 9 dropzones and from 6 kinds of airplanes and even a helicopter. I have friends from all over the country. My kids occasionally wonder what I did with their mother. I wouldn't trade the last year for anyting. I don't know how long I will be able to jump, so I am definitely going to make the best of things.

Welcome to a wonderful new life. Blue skies, Pat

"safety first... and What the hell.....
safety second, Too!!! " ~~jmy

POPS #10490

[skymama 37]

Welcome to the forums! Anyway, you're never too old to start skydiving, there are even organizations for skydivers over 40 (POPS) and over 60 (SOS).

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

[dreaming13000 1]

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Nervous as a cat until I get to the dropzone, then settles down.

I call this the "horse near the barn" syndrome! so I know what you mean!

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Hate the plane, hate the door (afraid I'll fall out), love the jump and flying, love under canopy, worried about landings.

Very normal, you will learn to enjoy the plane and the door, remember to breath deeply at least the last 1000ft on the climb to altitude (it will help you relax)

The way I see it, landing is one of the most dangerous aspects of this sport, so you should worry to a certain extent, watch experienced skydiver's land every chance you get!!

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Sometimes I wonder why I bother, but it's just too cool. It's just not quite like other things I usually do. In fact, it's insane and suits me well.

Yup, you are a skydiver! Blue skies
jess

"A man only gets in life what he is believing for, nothing more and nothing less" Kenneth Hagen

[LOSTandCRAZY 0]

Yup, he's hooked.

"Get these balls!"

[sky722 0]

Yeah I ask my self what the hell am I doing this is insane....but I love it and can't get it out of my head...I'm starting my training this Sunday the 26th... I only jumped twice about 8 yrs ago.