Daskal 1 #1 September 20, 2004 The 10th anniversary boogie at the School of Human Flight in Quincy, FL went off as planned this past weekend. Due to all the drama on the past threads, I figured I should give a fair and balanced look back on what ended up being an awesome weekend of skydiving, fun, and friends. Overall a great event, yet you couldn't help hearing it cry out for something more, perhaps for something that just wasn't there, but not because it didn't want to be. First of all, I have jumped at Skydive Tallahassee since I took up the sport last year. This was by far, the largest and most well-attended event on the DZ to date. To give credit where credit is due, DZ owners/managers Cindy and Eric did an outstanding job of organizing the event, from the aircraft to the onsite manufacturers reps. The registration and manifest process was smooth and hassle-free, and the pilots were friendly and accomodating to the skydivers. Both our own King Air, and Skydive Spaceland's oxygen system equipped Twin Otter were flown, and we were consistently getting altitudes of 14.5-15k on every jump. Making it even better, one Twin Otter load each day was flown to 21k, after a thorough and professional briefing. Speaking of the manufacturers, the customer service all around was absolutely superior. Justin was there representing Mirage, and was offering gear checks and cutaway cable maintanance as a free service to Mirage customers. I bought a Mirage last year, and these have to be without a doubt the best container systems on the market. It has worked out so well for me, I dont think I would buy anything else. Most of the major canopy manufacturers were also represented, with PD, Precision, and Aerodyne making free canopy demos available to the boogie attendees. Special thanks go out to Nick and Aubrey at Aerodyne for having such a wide selection of canopies available, including demo reserves. TJ Landgren of Precision's Team Xaos was also on hand to offer coached jumps to interested individuals. Many of the freeflyers who jumped with TJ were extremely rewarded with the quality of the coaching they recieved, to add to the fun and excitement of their jumps. Last but not least, I want to extend a personal thanks to Erika, and Birdman Instructor Perry for offering wingsuit lessons to experienced skydivers. This has been something that I always wanted to try out, and I recieved a thorough and professional ground training session in the operation of the wingsuit, as well as one-on-one instruction in the air for my first flight. I liked it so much that I jumped 3 more times solo, and am placing an order for a Birdman suit of my own. For those of you who have thought about doing this, trust me and don't wait. I don't think I want to fly without a wingusuit on again. The load organizing as well as the entertainment also served to make the event even better. Both RW and Freefly groups were organized, and included large freefall dives, from 4-ways to a spectacular 21-way sunset dive on Saturday evening. DJ Robbie "Rasta Rican Air" Rob was on hand Saturday night, and provided some world-class entertainment for the crowd. Robbie really went out of his way to put this thing together, and despite being caught up in all the drama of the past few weeks, stepped up and put on a great show. He really helped make the party special, and I respect him for his patience and effort. And finally, we come to what makes this sport worthwhile, the friends we make, and the long weekends we spend together. To the ones who taught me how to skydive, particularly Cindy, who went out of her way on more than one occasion to make sure I was always ok; Cindy, Super Dave, Tiffany, and Tom B., thank you for a great weekend. To Miki, Tom L., Marcus, Brian M., Chris K., Robbie R., Kevin D., Drew W., Stewart, Static-Line John, Mr. Bill, and Kelly, you were the ones who made this event worth coming to. Special Congrats also go out to Videographer and fellow USPA Coach Scott G., who made his 700th jump this weekend, on the Sunday 21k load. Unfortunately, there are more names I have to add to this list, because it should be told that some of my friends were missing from this boogie. Not because they had to work, or because their lives were affected by mother nature, but because they were banned from coming for reasons that I will never fully understand. Lee, it was not the same without you. We got our ratings together and always thought of something to laugh about, from Tom's half-price videos to the residents of downtown Quincy. You would shoot the best videos and then make DVD's for tandem students. You would have been the life of the party, and were largely responsible for the advertising and support that this boogie recieved. I was waiting for you to show up on the ground with your camera to video the smile on my face after jumping that wingsuit for the first time, or to toss the football to (or at) me as I landed, but it wasnt to be. After all thats gone on, I can't blame Brandy for not coming either. It was absolutely shameful that you were kept out of this, and even more disgraceful was the fact that some people took pleasure in it. Perhaps this was the reason that the turnout wasn't as high as everyone thought it would be. To Instructor Chris Whitley, who told me in Cindy's Cessna 182 that it was ok to be scared when I did my first clear-and-pull at 3,500', "unless you shit your pants in which case I will throw you out at 1,000'", it wasn't the same without you either. There was an empty spot in the plane where you would have been with your tandem student, being the best at what you do, but again, it wasn't to be, but not because it was your choice. Again, absolutely shameful. The good news is that we all can always drive up to Skydive the Farm, and have the good times over and over again. Going there last weekend was probably the best time I had skydiving all year. What a difference it was. No fighting, no yelling, no skydivers threatening each other, no bitching and complaining, just a weekend of fun, shared amongst treasured friends. Thanks goes out to Hans on a job well done. This weekend should be even better. As for Skydive Tallahassee, it has been ten years of a very successful operation. You will always be my "home" DZ, even if the welcome mat isn't always out for all of us. I suppose to sum it all up, i'm left with memories of a great event, yet with dreams of what might have been. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CSpenceFLY 1 #2 September 20, 2004 Very well written.It is too bad we must speak of the drama but we must.The drama has killed more than one DZ and will probably kill more.Everyone wake up and take notice.Our sport is not growing like it was.I believe it takes diversity to keep a DZ healthy and growing.I believe that at some point we all take some of this stuff way too serious and this is a shame because skydiving is supposed to be fun,it's supposed to be our recreation.(those that do it for a living I'm not here for a debate)We are all here to skydive,Lets have some fun.I picked that up for a guy in Deland.I was on the plane bitching about someone loading the plane late and he looked a me and said "Man,we're all here to skydive"and smiled.I thought to myself yeah he's right.Do I ever Bitch,yeah.Do I ever find myself in the drama,yeah.But I try real hard not to. This is my version of the diner scene in Pulp Fiction. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
junkyarddog 0 #3 September 20, 2004 Here here, Very well written. We can only dream of the day all the drama goes away, and hope for the day old drama dies.........I just want to jump my canopy Orfun #4 Juego Hombre Rodriguez Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
junkyarddog 0 #4 September 20, 2004 Oh yeah...I forgot, since our beach is probably gone there are going to be night jumps out of the same otter we were in this past weekend at the farm this coming weekend. Orfun #4 Juego Hombre Rodriguez Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
junkyarddog 0 #5 September 20, 2004 Sorry so many posts. Things just keep coming to me. I want to thank all the people who came to the texas hold'em party at my house. We will have to find a bigger house next time to hold enough tables so everyone is comfortable. Congrats to the winners of a very healthy prize fund. Another thanks must go out to all the blackjack players who paid for my entry fee and a jump or two. You're always welcome at my place , whether it is to let me take your money or just hang out and jump with the gang. Oh yea, a new rule...no more swimming in my pool unless your a naked woman. God knows what foreign substance(s) are floating around in there. I think that will postpone any swimming for the better part of the next couple of months (for me anyway). ... and I still just want to jump my canopy Orfun #4 Juego Hombre Rodriguez Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thanatos340 1 #6 September 20, 2004 The bottom line was we had a great Time. The Friday Night Party/Poker Game at Kelly’s (That funded my Jumping for the weekend thank you very much!!) was a Blast (at least until Some Ogre with a British Accent decided to convince the girl who had just done 20 Jello shots back to back that she needed to start doing straight shots of Tequila. Some things do not mix so well.). Ohh and Brandy, Convincing all the women to withhold certain Sexual Favors if you did not to win the Poker Tournament was the most creative Poker Strategy I have ever seen. Thanks for opening your home to us. I am glad we had chance to party with you guys even though you could not be at the DZ. As for the School of Human Flight, the Staff and DZO there, Thanks for having us and throwing a great Boogie. We will be back soon. Like Spence said, Fuck the Drama. We just come to Jump and Party and that is exactly what we did. Hope to see the Tallahassee Gang again at the Farm real soon (as long as you bring Jess, She has a real nice grip!!.) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mgerra28 0 #7 September 20, 2004 hey hey hey thantos she was rewarded rather well for the 4 shots of tequila which i will happily pay up next time at The Farm. Also, i sent you a pm about a Texas hold em tournament at the farm next boogie. With enough people we can do a 4th and 5th place. The way you kicked mickey out of the game i'm sure he's up for a 5th place prize..hehe. Thanks again guys for coming down. yes i wish i could of jumped with you but skydiving is 75% social and having fun and Friday was no exception. Anytime you want to come back your more than welcome to stay at my place again. even ann marie. She owes Blane big time for holding her hair while puking. What a sweet guy and it was all pure intentions whch was weird!! Will you do the same for me dude?? lol With all the braking we did from kellys to my place i now need new pads so i think we'e even now AM. I will be heading up to the farm this week to do some hop and pops so if anyone wants to play hookie then call me and we'll arrange a good time. A big booyakasha shout out to NY brian for helping get people up on that altitude load. Also, Spencey boy is the beach boogie still on this week-end with all the hotels knocked over make for a larger landing area.. So send a pm to me or post if you want a texas game saturday i think the boogie is the week-end before thomaston halloween boogie.we have 15 in so far so. No money just jump tickets..nudge nudge wink wink say no more. And i need a list who wants to come in on the RV again for the mountain boogie.http://www.skydivethefarm.com don't sweat the small stuff, in fact don't sweat at all,, you get smelly!! ORFUN #2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blueskyserenity 0 #8 September 20, 2004 Thanks everyone for a great weekend. Lots of fun was had by all in Tallahassee!! You were all wonderful hosts/hostesses and it was/is appreciated. I absolutely LOVE meeting new people in this sport. With each boogie comes new faces, new smiles to enjoy, more laughs and memories. We are, indeed, all here to skydive, so let's have fun. I like coconuts. You can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mgerra28 0 #9 September 20, 2004 your a boogie hopper but now your a rastarican hopper too that is one hopper i don't wanna be..hehe So you up for the hold em 23 and 24th October then you hopping fiend. Call me and let me know what you did to my buddy robbie this week-end. He still has the smile that any crack addict would be proud to wear for a week. If it stays like that i think his face my get derranged. Wait, that happend years ago in some aboriginie settlemet.http://www.skydivethefarm.com don't sweat the small stuff, in fact don't sweat at all,, you get smelly!! ORFUN #2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
goofyjumper 0 #10 September 20, 2004 All I can say is WOW! You people are awsome! Your right Lee, this sport is 75% social. This is why I love this sport, eveyone is like family the very first time you meet them. I am so glad we went to the Farm, I have met a new great group of people. But don't get me wrong I do miss the old ones too. It sounds like everyone had fun this past weekend. It has been 3 weeks since I have jumped.......I am definatlly jumping this weekend! Can't wait to see you all.........Oh and I can't forget NY Brian's note.........thanks man! Thanks for thinking of us too!----------------- I love and Miss you so much Honey! Orfun #3 ~ Darla Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thanatos340 1 #11 September 20, 2004 That rastarican`s smile may also be somewhat of an after effect of his attempt at an "Electric One way" Saturday Night, Kind of hard to break the chain when you are the only link. Last I saw him; He was still twitching a little. (Hard to be sure exactly what was causing him to lay on the floor convulsing and foaming at the mouth like that, but it did seem to get a little better once we got him unplugged. or that may have also been an after effect of Ms. Blueskyserenity as well.) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
junkyarddog 0 #12 September 20, 2004 Your a boogie...thats funny...cause Lobbie is a nose picker, he'll grab ya. Cheezy humor...gotta love it Orfun #4 Juego Hombre Rodriguez Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blueskyserenity 0 #13 September 20, 2004 Electric 8-way, cool Electric 4-way, wowElectric 2-way, the lights went out No really, the lights went out!! Electric 1-way, OUCHI like coconuts. You can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mgerra28 0 #14 September 20, 2004 Yes lobbies lips took a pounding from what i hear. whos a good dog..Man i just can't do it like Ted. I just wish it burned his mop of a hairdo. get out of the 80's robbie. Poison are no longer with us..i'm sure we'll hear from his aboriginie/cuban/puerto rican ass after 3pm. Lets see how many posts he does today..any takers my guess 5.http://www.skydivethefarm.com don't sweat the small stuff, in fact don't sweat at all,, you get smelly!! ORFUN #2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
junkyarddog 0 #15 September 20, 2004 I'll put a dollar on 6 Orfun #4 Juego Hombre Rodriguez Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mgerra28 0 #16 September 20, 2004 damn kelly youd bet on how long it takes to shoot your load on your girlfriends boat race.. Give me 2 dollars on under 3 minuteshttp://www.skydivethefarm.com don't sweat the small stuff, in fact don't sweat at all,, you get smelly!! ORFUN #2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RastaRicanAir 0 #17 September 20, 2004 I'd hate to interrupt this delightful, third-person round table of speculation about my personal life, but as I just got here, I'd like to respond to Brian’s original post: Wow. It's always the quiet ones isn't it? Believe it or not, I don't have a whole lot to add to this. Mainly because, as most of my friends (inside and outside of skydiving) know, it's been the all-consuming, central issue of my life for the past six weeks, and I just can't stand to talk about it anymore. In the process of sorting out my feelings about this I've said some harsh things about some people whom I still consider close friends, or at least valued comrades in the air, and to all of them I want to apologize. To quote Dennis Miller: "I vent, therefore I am." But the fact that I'm actually choking up as I type this should indicate how I feel about this sport, the people I share it with, and the way I feel when something pulls them apart. Thank you Brian, for giving me such an honorable mention, and for going out of your pocket and your way to get me on the 21K load. Any respect you give me is mutual. No sweat about the scratch. I really didn't mind because I was kind of beat from the night before, and trying to provide the most deserving crowd I can think of with the best possible entertainment. I hope it was adequate. I also want to thank you for sweeping away the eggshells that some of us have been walking on lately. It wasn't easy for you to make this post, and I know that because I wouldn't have had the guts to do it. But as you pointed out "Home" is home, even if your whole family can't be there. And family is family, even when you can't keep them all together. What I realized this past weekend is that I am who I am as a skydiver, not because of certain people on my home dropzone, but because of ALL OF THEM. To try and erase any one of them would make me less of what I'm so damned proud to be. When I recall my graduation jump, of course I remember Cindy's big ass smile when I nailed all of my maneuvers. But I also have to remember laughing during my debriefing because I gave an extra two-count in the door and accidentally hosed Lee who was in the video slot. By the time he was able to track back to us there was nothing left for him to shoot. The game we play is one where it's all too easy and ever too common to lose a friend forever. So I, for one, have decided that I'd rather not give up ANY of mine prematurely. Those of you I know, I look forward to jumping with again, and those of you I haven't jumped with yet, I look forward to meeting. Here, at the Farm, on the beach, in the mountains, or wherever we happen to be. I haven't been many places, but I find the air feels pretty much the same as long as it's filled with people I like. "Friends are the family you choose." -I can't remember exactly who said that to me last weekend. I think it was my Uncle/Papa. P.S. I fucked up. In posting about my cutaway last week, I somehow managed to forget to mention the person whose reserve pack kept my ass from feeding the grass. Sorry Cindy, THANKS. The rum is on it's way. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mgerra28 0 #18 September 20, 2004 Dude you didn't hose me i'm too good. I was on you like white on rice///hehe You have the video to prove it. Free by the way you cheap bastard. Yes brian good post i have to agree with all. And yes Brian i know the people you are referring to when you say feeding off it. sooner or later it will change. I have lots of good friends out there.Its a shame! But all is good glad everyone at the Farm came down. That Lisa chick is kinda cute ( not as cute as you honey..lol) What do you think JOHNNY???? So the beach boogie, yey or ney. all in favor say yeyhttp://www.skydivethefarm.com don't sweat the small stuff, in fact don't sweat at all,, you get smelly!! ORFUN #2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
No_Shoes 0 #19 September 20, 2004 Very well put Brian, and I for appreciate the fact that there are worse things that could of been said. I've listened to many of these things be said the last few weeks and I've done my best to choose no side. I still choose no side, and I'm not going to at a later time. Like Robby quoted "Friends are the family you choose", I have not chosen to stop hanging out with anyone involved in this because of this. I myself heard a good quote two weeks ago which was "Skydiving is all about fun. If you forget to pull you're not having fun, so just have fun and everything else will be good." I've been traveling on these weekends a lot lately and the thing that I'm completely dumbfounded by is that skydiving is the "reason" that all of us are going but to be honest with me that is just a bonus. The last farm boogie I went up there with 7$ in my bank account and not a penny in my pocket. I went up there to hang out and have fun. It worked out that I packed my ass off got in three jumps was able to buy somethings like food and candy, but even if I hadn't been able to jump or eat I still would of had a blast simply from the people that I was there with, not to mention the people that were up there not from our group who were also a blast to sit around the campfire with. Brian, thanks for being able to write this post and write it well, two things that I was unable to do. Also thank you for working to get that high altitude jump up, that was my FIRST and I must say the lack of oxygen was AWESOME. If only I could always have a 40 second sit fly followed by a 10 minute canopy ride. I look forward to the day that all of us can be around a fire again, drink a beer and look forward to the morning as a family again with all of our inherent differences and similiarities. P.S. My landing on highway 12 was a blast also~!~ Beernuts to Skydive Tallahassee for a great Boogie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
goofyjumper 0 #20 September 20, 2004 I so want to keep this post going, so more of my 2 cents. Brian you really said a number here and I am very greatful. because I know deep down Lee was wondering if he was going to lose some of his good friends, but what I love about about skydivers (most skydivers anyway) is that no matter what happens, they are true friends and they will support you until the end. and Kudos to Robbie for his first cutaway (on my rig by the way....he he) and to Cindy for saving his life, it would of been my life so I would have been mailing you the Vodka, but it just wasn't my time to cutaway yet. oh well! P.S.: Whiltey, what is your favorate liquor?----------------- I love and Miss you so much Honey! Orfun #3 ~ Darla Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
No_Shoes 0 #21 September 20, 2004 Oh yes forgot a few things... what a surprise. A big reason that I went to the last farm boogie was because Lee told me it was ok that I didn't have any cash that he'd let me pack for him and help me out if I needed. Also a major reason that I went to the boogie on saturday was because Lee convinced me that I should. Even after everything that has gone on, all the rumour, inuendo, theories and lies I've heard Lee still said I should go. He said I should do it because I'd have fun, and after he told me that I knew he was right. I knew it would feel odd without him there like it has the last few times I've been but skydiving is about fun so I went. I also had a blast. P.S. Oh and if anyone comes across a pair of brown laofers, I'm missing them again. I had to wear combat boots to work and that just sucked. also, if anyone happens to find a pair of blue sunglasses on the side of highway 12 on the way from the dz to quincy I wouldn't mind getting those back, I'd just bought them in the morning sunday. Oh and I located my fone, now all I have to do is pay the bill hehehe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mgerra28 0 #22 September 20, 2004 All i got to say about kevs post is Hey kids dont do drugs..hehe Pay your F!@#ing phone bill you tyrant. No doubt i will be buying your chocolate again at the next Farm boogie...lol I may head up there in the week do some hop and pops if anyone is interested.http://www.skydivethefarm.com don't sweat the small stuff, in fact don't sweat at all,, you get smelly!! ORFUN #2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mgerra28 0 #23 September 20, 2004 oh and KEVIN your loafers are at my house. you leave them here all the time you'd think you'd notice when you leave the house that you have NO SHOES on.. like i said before kids DONT DO DRUGShttp://www.skydivethefarm.com don't sweat the small stuff, in fact don't sweat at all,, you get smelly!! ORFUN #2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
No_Shoes 0 #24 September 20, 2004 Sweet now I've located my shoes, now if I could remember what else I was missing I could maybe find that. Dropzone.com rules it's like the lost and found of my things. And drugs are terrible, I'd never do drugs. But I think my cat is a little stoned right now. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
junkyarddog 0 #25 September 20, 2004 Speaking of shoes...when do I get my sandals back...SHREK!!! and wooohooo I got out of class early just so I can come post...That's dedication. Orfun #4 Juego Hombre Rodriguez Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
