FOF 6 #51 October 19, 2007 QuoteYup - then, except for a few real dorkwads, that feeling goes away after about 70 jumps and we realize it's just another sport we personally happen to love to do. I agree that being a skydiver doesn't make any of us a better person than anyone else on the planet. A good attitude and kind heart are much more meaningful than the length of your last swoop or the number of years you've been in the sport. But you must be a fast learner, dude! I had to do a lot more than just fall out of an airplane 70 times before I really understood that concept! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mockingbird 0 #52 October 21, 2007 Mike, thanks for the wind speed card. I couldn't print it, but it did give me the idea to go online and find a similar chart for the Beaufort wind scale, which I was able to print... and have now memorized. I used it yesterday at the dz! Thanks.Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird "Why is there something rather than nothing?" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JeepDiver 0 #53 October 21, 2007 A DZ I used to frequent regularly had varying winds of 20 mph to 25 mph. If jumpers didn't want to jump, they didn't. Often times the ST&A would make it a 50 jump (B license) or 200 jump (C license) minimum. I've seen it once go to a 500 (D license) minimum. Personally I liked the added excitement of higher winds. So I would jump - my choice. I became quite proficient at jumping in higher winds. I'll not jump with winds higher than 30 mph - but don't hold me to it. Then the questions becomes do I really want to jump when there are no winds? That's downright scary. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydivermom 0 #54 October 22, 2007 When I asked about the wind meter, I got chewed out pretty good. SHEESH! Did you asked them who took a whiz in their cheerios?! If no one did, I'd have offered to do it for them so they would really have something to be peaved about. Anyway, I watch the windsock. If it's sticking straight out constantly, I'm usually okay to jump. But if it's constantly shifting and all erratic, I ground myself. One time I took off in "marginal conditions", and by the time I was on final, the wind had increased dramatically. I found myself backing up quite a bit, and had my hand on the cutaway handle. Watching other, more seasoned jumpers is a fantastic idea, but I also like watching a couple of loads land before I make a decision. Good luck, and come out and jump with me soon. We have a wind meter And no one will chew you out....unless you want them toMrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites