Florida skies, clear the way!!! :)

[Tigerfly 0]

I believe this is my first post. I was reading everyone's posts back in 2013/2014, then it just got too dang depressing for me! I have done 12 jumps as a student in 2013. Finish AFF courses at Kapowsin in Washington state October 2013. Got my altimeter. One of the highlights of my LIFE!! Then...an unexpected pregnancy. Which was so exciting/good news to me! But..... Being inexperienced and it being so darn cold up there...i couldn't comtinue. (Not saying it's Wrong to skydive when pregnant if experienced...but I just wasn't!!) Come August...baby born and nursing every couple hours...then fall/winter again!! Lol and with finances of having 3 kids and being busy with them, I just had to get my head out of the clouds. BUT! We just moved to Florida (Land o lakes!) a couple months ago! Come September, I'm getting a babysitter for my youngest and I NEED to get back in the sky! Desperately! Every clear day, it breaks my heart to look up at the sky because I want to be up there so so so bad. Anyways, so I looked it up and it looks like skydive city is the closest DZ to me. Anyone have any input on that place? Great place, or is there a better place you recommend in Tampa Bay Area? Also, I haven't spoke to anyone yet, but what is generally recommended/required for me to do, since it's been almost 3 years? I have great books on canopy and skydive skills, as well as the uspa guide, which I will be studying up on of course..and i will definitely jump with an instructor!!! But, generally, will I be required to retake the ground course and restart again? I still have my logbook. I realize I will (and should!) do some jumps with instructors again, but will I have to start ALL over? I just hope not, but I understand if it is the case. Thanks!!!

[normiss 801]

Skydive City is an awesome DZ.
You won't find a better one near you!
Give them a call and they can get you up to speed on getting you back in the sky.

Welcome to Florida!

[Rick 67]

Welcome to Florida and welcome back to the sky. Skydive city has a great student program and a huge fun jumper community. Give them a call. since it has been 3 years they may want you to sit through a first jump course, even if they don't require it it's a good idea. It has been a while since you jumped and a good refresher never hurts. Hope to see you there.

You can't be drunk all day if you don't start early!

[jeffrey27rj 0]

Yup, Skydive City is one of the best in the nation. Plenty of people would be jealous that you will get to call that your home DZ. I live in NC but went there to do my AFF and head back there to jump 2-3x a year in the winter. Good luck!

*If you fail to plan, you plan to fail*
*It's not flair, it's flare*
*Please use "your" and "you're" responsibly*

[Tigerfly 0]

Thanks everyone! I set a date with my husband to get a babysitter and get to the DZ! So anxious but in a good way! I hope to meet ya'll and have a good time! Now the countdown and babysitter interviews begin!

Quote

[riggerrob 643]

Yes!
Read the manuals, watch videos and sit through ground school to bring old memories/procedures to the front of your brain.
A few minutes in a wind tunnel will also help remember old skills.
Your first jump back should be with an AFF Instructor, but as soon as you demonstrate old skills, Instructors will allow you to skip a level or three.
Then do enough jumps with coaches to complete your A License.

Welcome back.

[muff528 3]

Tigerfly

Thanks everyone! I set a date with my husband to get a babysitter and get to the DZ! So anxious but in a good way! I hope to meet ya'll and have a good time! Now the countdown and babysitter interviews begin!

I used to let the local riff-raff at Skydive City babysit my kid and he turned out fairly OK.

[Tigerfly 0]

I called the DZ today and sounds like my husband and I will do a refresher course and a jump with instructor. As long as that goes okay then we can go back to solo status. We completed all the levels of AFF in Washington. Just aren't licensed yet. But it will be nice being able to jump year round here. So for the next month I will be reading and visualizing everything. I informed my husband today what day we are going the first week of September and luckily he agreed :) I felt adrenaline just talking with the DZ today. Felt like I was in the door for the first time! Love it! I can't lie I will be nervous, but I never let fear get in my way! In the meantime, I will be just enjoying rollercoaster sat Busch gardens :)

[riggerrob 643]

Glad that you are anticipating the adrenaline rush!
The difference between new jumpers and old jumpers is that new jumpers are scared by random circumstances.
Meanwhile old jumpers are still scared, but they have learned to channel their fear/adrenaline into productive habits: collecting gear ( helmet, goggles, altimeter), pre-flight checks on gear, watching manifest, planning their dive, watching clouds and winds and other canopies, pin-checks on friends, cleansing breaths, confirming the exit spot, ensuring horizontal clearance from the last group, monitoring altitude with three or more clues so they open at their planned altitude, watching for other canopies, flying a predictable landing pattern, de-briefing, packing methodically, etc.
Old jumpers are so busy channeling adrenaline into good habits that they no longer show fear.

[tkhayes 348]

I believe I spoke to you yesterday - feel free to stay in touch tk@skydivecity.com if you have any questions, thanks
TK

[Tigerfly 0]

Yes,TK, we did talk. Thanks for your help answering my numerous questions! We can't wait to jump at skydive city!