FallinWoman 1 #1 August 28, 2001 I only have 74 jumps, never land on my feet, and still feel like I don't know a thing.SO......I was riding up in the King air yesterday sitting on the bench opposite the door. A student doing his first King Air jump (Static line progression) was seated on the floor right by the door. At 1500ft we opened the door. The student turned a bit white in the face and was looking around for something to hold on to. The only thing he could find was my ankle. So from about 2000 up to 14,500 he gripped my ankle tight.I am not ready to be "experienced"!!! I can't quite comprehend that to some people I really do know a ton about this sport!!! (It certainly took me back to my days in the C-182. Every time the door was opened I gripped the pilot's seat-hanging on for dear life. How things change!!!)I just thought it was so cute that he needed something to hold on to!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zennie 0 #2 August 28, 2001 Funny you mention this. It is kinda weird. I don't have that many jumps either and here I am on Saturday with the other folks razzing the hop-n-popper.... "NOOOOO..... Don't do it!!!! ....Don't jump!!!....AAAAGH!!!!!" I'll attest that Slap was pretty nervous on the ride up after the tandem incident, since I was sitting across from him. Just tried to smile & give him the thumbs up to make him feel a little better. When it came jump time he was focused and ready.I find myself doing this more & more, joking with the students to try to ease the nerves. I was there not too long ago and I always appreciated the smile & thumbs up from the "experienced" jumpers. Just tryin' to pass on the love.... --------Zennie"I know the pieces fit. 'Cause I watched them fall away..."--Tool Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cacophony 0 #3 August 28, 2001 You are always learning in this sport. Just because you are experienced doesn't mean that you know everything. I'm not saying that you feel as though you do know everything I'm just stating a fact.Safe landings,Alex D-23912 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zennie 0 #4 August 28, 2001 Trust me, I'm the first one to admit that I'm clueless. But I also will pass on what little I've learned. Especially things I had to learn the hard way. That's why I put "experienced" in quotes. You make a good point though... we are all students... and always will be.My instructor used to say, "If you ever get bored skydiving, you're doing something wrong."--------Zennie"I know the pieces fit. 'Cause I watched them fall away..."--Tool Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FallinWoman 1 #6 August 28, 2001 Thank you spectre...I needed that....I know I am cute, but not that cute..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #7 August 28, 2001 A most excellent point Alex. The day I know everything there is to know is the day I'll hang up my rig and take up something new. That's what I love about this sport; even after 11 years I'm always learning new stuff and there's still so much more to learn!pull and flare,lisa---I chose the road less traveled. Now where the hell am I? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #8 August 28, 2001 Can I rub your leg on the way to altitude?"The cab driver said... he recognized my girly by the back of her head" -Beasty BoysClay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jumperpaula 0 #9 August 28, 2001 I always think of it like "peeling an onion" Once you get all the way through one layer, nice and clean, then there is another layer to peel. Fly Your Slot ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydog31 0 #10 August 28, 2001 Well, I used to think of myself as experienced.. But I did the unthinkable, I sold my gear which I never recemind..Its been 3 years since my last jump until this weekend. I told myself I am not going to give up what I love to do any longer.That was a very hubbling experience, the skydive's were great but the things I thought I would never forget - I forgot!The hardest thing for me to do is to find out what gear to buy, such as canopies... There is so much more new stuff out there its overwhelming at times..So after you have 11years in the sport and 1500 jumps never think that you are experienced because that will only get you hurt..The one thing that I think about most now is that always have respect for yourself and for the ground! Keep the skies blue and the grass green!Darren D-14379By the way I think I need that leg to hold on too!:) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slappie 9 #11 August 28, 2001 I wasn't nervous I was hung over LOL"I'll attest that Slap was pretty nervous on the ride up after the tandem incident, since I was sitting across from him. Just tried to smile & give him the thumbs up to make him feel a little better. When it came jump time he was focused and ready."Blue Skies!http://www.geocities.com/scollins77057/index.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #12 August 28, 2001 Morning, FallnI know what you mean. It wasn't all that long ago that I needed to perform a "knee check" on everyone around me in the plane. I would reach out, touch their knee, and make eye contact. I'd get the reassuring smile, and then move on to the next knee, as far as I could reach. I even tried that with the pilot once, but he didn't look back. LOL!!!!And I still brace myself against the walls of the plane, regardless of where I am sitting. If I had to sit on the floor next to the door, I believe I would be holding ankles tightly, as well. I think it's wonderful that we can reassure people, and get reassured in kind. I am not "experienced", but if I can reassure someone just by patting them, or smiling, I'm not too new for that. Good for you that you helped a first timer make it through. Ciels-Michele"What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #13 August 28, 2001 Oh damn....am I guilty? Last weekend there was this girl sitting across from me on the plane. I forget her name (terrible with names) She doesn't jump that often so was really nervous and sweating, eyes as big as saucers as we were turning on jump run. I just patted her on the knee and said "Hey, whats the worst thing that could happen?" I guess it's always been my way of dealing with things. I remember sitting in the C-130 before my first static line asking the really scared looking guys who was gonna die...er uh .....jump first in the stick. LMAO Now the jokes just roll out naturally. I was proud of myself for remembering to yell out.."Check your Sandals!" before I opened the door last weekend. That's usually John Pinyon's line but since he wasn't there I filled in. The cool thing was I saw about 22 pairs of hands touch their handles after I said it. "The cab driver said... he recognized my girly by the back of her head" -Beasty BoysClay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RemiAndKaren 0 #14 August 28, 2001 QuoteOh damn....am I guiltyClay, you probably were trying to feel her up! RemiMuff 914 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fred 0 #15 August 28, 2001 QuoteI just patted her on the knee and said "Hey, whats the worst thing that could happen?"That's so funny. I'm going to have to use that tonight. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #16 August 28, 2001 "Clay, you probably were trying to feel her up! "Damn...I didnt think anyone noticed! She does have ....Large Breastesesesesesssssss."The cab driver said... he recognized my girly by the back of her head" -Beasty BoysClay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DZBone 0 #17 August 28, 2001 QuoteI always think of it like "peeling an onion"Once you get all the way through one layer, nice and clean, then there is another layer to peel. And you're crying the whole time? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkymonkeyONE 4 #18 August 28, 2001 QuoteClay, you probably were trying to feel her up.I agree that Clay was definitely trying to feel her up.Chuck Muff 2857 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pyke 0 #19 August 28, 2001 Ohh, oooh...I can relate to this!!!After learning how to pack tandems for *like 1 week* I got asked to teach students how to pack theirs for their certs (or at least show them how in a bit of a 1 on 1 class).That was a trip for me....I can hardly sort out my own packing..now I have to show others how to!!!Whatever!!!anyway...I agree w/ whoever said it first...it isn't how many jumps you have...it is what you DON'T know that makes you good in this sport. If you think you KNOW it all....karma will BITE your ass one day.A total BABY in the sport....and PROUD of it!!!!Kahurangi e Mahearangi,Pyke NZPF A - 2584USPA C- ????? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mouth 0 #20 August 29, 2001 I am in no way EXPERIENCED. I KNOW there is so much I don't know nor will I ever know it, but I agree it is such a good feeling to make eye contact with someone on the plane who is nervous and smile at them or touch them in some way. I think it reassures them but also grounds you in that you realize the magnitude of what you are about to do. Yes, we really do amazing stuff every time we jump. I find we have lots of rituals that take place before the door opens. These build a sense of belonging and also focus everyone to the task at hand. Good job sharing the love everyone.Clay...I'm glad someone besides me misses Jon saying that. It has become a habit just from jumping with him. Glad to know you are following in his footsteps as a reminder to us all. Thanks...Blue Skies and Happy Landings,Lisa Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
