Brian425 0 #1 October 26, 2003 Well, here goes. This is what I have observed in about 3 months. Skydivers are in general a pretty nice, laid back group of people. They are also a pretty diverse group. At my DZ (the ranch), it seems that every nationality, religion, and profession are represented. In my short time I have met a pair of lawyers (yes it's fun to watch lawyers fall out of a plane), construction workers, students, bankers, etc, etc, etc. The vetrans all seem willing to help us students. Today Dan, a guy I only met today, gave me some lessons on packing when I asked him if I could watch. Later in the day when he noticed a tear in his canopy, he took the time to show it to me and then said why don't we pack it a few times since he was not going to be jumping anymore today. He spent about an hour working with me. He showed me a few different ways to pack and some of the main things to take extra care with in the beginning when packing. He also told me that when I get my A, he would be happy to work on some simple two ways with me. When I bought my cypress, the owner gave it to me packed as if it was brand new from the store. He also spoke with my coach to make sure I knew how to use it. He also helped me a little looking around for the rest of the gear I am planning to buy. I found a container and harness and the owner told me that if I wanted I could pay part of the price now and jump it until I pay it off. It has to be stored at the DZ though. A very fair and nice offer. A few people are looking for a canopy for me. I was offered one to use when I am off student status; but, it is not for sale. Did I mention beer? Or some of those not quite right but definitely loveable people that always seem to be around? The way people are always willing to give each other a ride. The way the cooler is always full at the end of the day and the beer is always for everyone. (and yes I buy my fair share) If for whatever reason I quit skydiving, I will continue to visit the DZ. It's has a great atmosphere, and the people are kind and fun. Now I am forced to add another great group of people to my list of hobbies and it makes it even harder to choose what to do on nice day. Damn you all for making me enjoy myself so much. The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #2 October 26, 2003 Skydivers are definately a different group, that is shown quite well here on this site. Even those of us who will bicker about politics to the very end are still more then willing to help each other out, and take care of each other (as well as jump with each other). This is like no other group of people I've ever seen.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aviatrr 0 #3 October 26, 2003 Quote At my DZ (the ranch), it seems that every nationality, religion, and profession. In my short time I have met a pair of lawyers (yes it's fun to watch lawyers fall out of a plane), construction workers, students, bankers, etc, etc, etc. You will definitely find that you will meet a skydiver from just about every profession. Here in Florida, I have met many people in the space industry(yes, even real rocket scientists), somebody from just about every facet of the medical profession(nurses, brain surgeons, ER docs), lawyers, stock brokers, TSA employees, pilots, aircraft mechanics, car mechanics, students, unemployed, professional skydivers, teachers, housewives(and househusbands), etc... It's a VERY diverse group...much more so than I see in other sports I take part in. Glad to hear about all the help you've gotten while looking for gear...I kinda lost faith in skydivers as decent people for a while after a couple incidents, but my faith has been restored since then.. Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brian425 0 #4 October 26, 2003 I just got another offer to use a canopy from a member on this board who jumps at my dz. I turned it down only because I don't have the extra cash to replace it if I damage it. I truly appreciate it though. Some of my friends wonder why I get involved it what they feel are extream sports. I have found that racers, motorcyclists and skydivers have much in common. Yes there is some bickering and some personality clashes; but, in the end we try to look out for each other. I've had a fellow drag racer lend me a distributor to race him in the semi finals rather than take a win on a bye run. And a motorcyclist drive me home to NYC in my truck after a crash at the track in Virginia. It seems that even though we do everything to keep safe, there are some very real risks. I think that it is these risks that help create the strong bonds. Thanks to everyone for the advice and offers of help to a newbie. I feel very welcome in my short time in this community. I hope that in the future I can pass this assistance on to other newbies and make a small but positive impact on the community. B The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LouYoung 0 #5 October 26, 2003 Funny. Today while we were all grounded due to wind and I asked about learning to PRO pack an instructor suggested that I'd probably have to pay someone for their time to teach me. On the plus side, two other instructors gave me copious hints and tricks and checked my progress after a few tries... for free even! Guess which direction the beer goes next time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darius11 12 #6 October 26, 2003 You are 100 % right. I am so new to skydiving but it has been a dream of mine every since I found out it could be done. I actually lost over 60 ponds and one of the main reasons was skydiving. The first time I went for a jump @ skydive long island I was the only one there. The guys and girls made feel so at home and they took 3 hr and showed me every thing. Joe my instructor was awesome I think he new that I wanted to be a skydiver all my life and he took so much time to teach me things above and beyond just because he knew I would love to learn. There is no price you can put on someone giving a sh!t I really appreciate what he did. Then they told me about DZ.com and every one here is so cool even if I have not meet any one in here they are all awesome. I have done many sports but non have been like this. There is just so much love I can’t believe it. I hope someday I can be an instructor and I hope I will have the patience that Joe and Will had with me it is truly a life changing experience. It was for me. Good luck and be safe.I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not." - Kurt Cobain Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airann 1 #7 October 27, 2003 Yup, you will be real suprised at what real world job descriptions you will find at a DZ and NO where else. If you need something done, you will likely find a skydiver who does it for a living. I had a buddy staying over for a while (skydiver) and he noticed my sink was not working great in my kitchen. He fixed that and the incineration thing. He is a plumber. I had NO idea and I have jumped a LOT with this guy. Veterinarian, lawyers, Doctors, nurse, computer types, accountant, carpenter, physical therapist, district attorney, a scientist, a nuclear atomic particle dude-(BASE), college students, the temp unemployed, a female astronaut, chemical engineer, car mechanics, plumber, landscape design, realtors..... and more that I am leaving out or have no idea. Yet, at the DZ we are all on the same page. ... or the same aircraft . ~AirAnn~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brian425 0 #8 October 27, 2003 I am very happy to have picked the ranch as my DZ to learn. However I get the feeling that the general vibe around DZ is pretty much the same. Even the days I don't jump are pretty good. When I get to jump they are always GREAT. The people make a big difference. The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vonSanta 0 #9 October 27, 2003 Heh the funny thing is that I don't KNOW what the people at the two DZ's I frequent do for a living. I know that some have more money than others (since they have newer gear/bigger cars/more money to jump for/never pack to earn jump tickets), but beyond that I really have no idea. Which is great. One of the aspects of the culture of the DZs I like is that you're sort of away from the status race that most people fall prey to. Big car = he/she can give me and my rig a ride home. Lotsa money = he'll/she'll buy me some beer tonight, coz I am broke. Oh shite, just noted I am an Old Hand here now. Not fair; am still young and pristine! Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brian425 0 #10 October 27, 2003 Funny, I have the big car (not rich though) so i learned quickly the you are expected to give rides to people. I just announce I will be leaving soon and ask who needs a ride to NYC. The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
McDuck 0 #11 October 27, 2003 QuoteIn my short time I have met a pair of lawyers (yes it's fun to watch lawyers fall out of a plane) You know what 1,000 lawyers falling out of a plane without parachutes is right? A good start. Sorry, I'm bitter about attorneys because I worked at a corporate law firm and found that every bad thing I had ever heard, read or seen in the movies was true...at least with regard to that firm.Kevin - Sonic Beef #5 - OrFun #28 "I never take myself too seriously, 'cuz everybody know fat birds don't fly." - FLC Online communities: proof that people never mature much past high school. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
