Skypeg1 0 #1 July 31, 2002 I thought I would start an "official" thread for this topic as there have been a couple of posts in other forums. I just started jumping in June 2002 and got great support and encouragement from Al K. and other members of Pieces of Eight (POE), the famous (infamous?) amputee skydiving team. As a single below-knee amputee, I needed few accomodations. We gray-taped my pant leg as a precaution in case my leg came loose, and I don't move so fast with the extra 30 lbs. (thanx Lupe for confirming this!). I chose to go to Perris for my first jump, since I knew POE members had worked/jumped there. Anybody else out there? Just wanted to be sure none of the other "chosen people" were jumping unawares. I'll leave it to Al K. or other POE folks to post their contact info. Hoppy landings, SKYPEG "Amputee skydivers do it with less! (some assembly required)" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Antithesis 0 #2 July 31, 2002 I think that that is awesome that you wont let something like an amputation stop you from doing what you want to do. Do you jump alot? Is it difficult landing.. Have you ever had a plf? Blue skies soft landings I travel the land, Work in the ocean, Play in the sky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ouroboros 0 #3 July 31, 2002 skypeg1 well, pull up a packing mat, and let me tell you the experiences i have had. when i was 100% human (no modifications) my RW belly flying was decent, my largest way was a 3 plus 2 lurkers, my freeflying sit was lousy, and my head down was never confirmed. some of the best jumps i have had are when i would get the pleasure of locking my legs and ankles around a favorite female companion, and rolling around in the sky attempting to learn fall rates, et.al. now that i am an amputee (like you, single below knee), my RW is the same, my sit is still lousy, and i love the sport even more. nothing changes, even when you are 'mostly human' with nifty shiny titanium parts. i have gotten great support from my home dz, skydive chicago, and from the freeflyers and bellyfliers i jump with there. again, nothing changes. if you are going to be around for SummerFest and / or Nationals, then i extend the invitation to jump with another amputee. we can post some great video of us trying to pull each other's foot off... until then, ouroboros Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skypeg1 0 #4 August 1, 2002 No real problems landing other than the usual ones (took me until my 6th jump to actually land in the student circle!). I had one PLF, several butt landings (only injurious to the ego), and one hard landing from flaring too soon in a heavy wind. I lucked out on my 3rd jump and stuck it perfectly, otherwise pretty average beginner stuff. Not too good trying to move fast to make a load with the extra 30 lbs. on my back--but one of the other leg amp skydivers told me that's pretty common. Can't wait to go back to Perris next week to finish AFF! SKYPEG "Skydiving on one leg is easy! (Landing is slightly harder)" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skypeg1 0 #5 August 1, 2002 Dear Ouroboros, Good to hear from you. I won't make Summerfest or Nationals, but several members of Pieces of Eight are planning to be at Rantoul. I'm still a newbie--hope to finish AFF next week! I'll send you contact info by email, in case you don't know any of them yet. They are starting to make plans for a fall get-together. Their current record is 14-way for an all-amputee formation. Look forward to crossing flight paths with you someday. Hoppy Landings, SKYPEG "Yes, I actually skydive with one leg! (OK, TWO legs, but one is store-bought)" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
