VanillaSkyGirl 6 #76 March 13, 2010 This is a response that I gave on a similar thread. Tia, I ALWAYS jump with weights. It keeps me in my mid-range when flying my body. Sure I'm flexible and can manipulate my body, but it's best to fly as fast as possible and strong as possible. If something funnels, it should NEVER be an issue of not being able to stay with the group or get back to them. If this is an issue, then you are probably not flying your body when docked, as much as hanging on for dear life. You should wear enough lead to be able to comfortably dock and muscle through any strain or tension that may occur in a formation. Also, my own jumpsuit is fitted nylon, but it is not "tight". I like to be able to move quickly and arch without constriction, and I can add 4 layers underneath in the winter. Quote Weights and lots of weights! I don't know how Rosa does it but she jumps with 20-30 pounds regularly on big ways. Actually, I have NEVER jumped with 30 lbs. of lead on a skydive! I wore 18 lbs. during JFTC. We had a pretty fast bigway fall rate for "girls". That said, the most challenging fall-rate is never on bigways. It's falling fast enough while turning points/blocks during fast-falling 4-way, especially in the tunnel. I've flown with guys who are much more heavy and muscular. Last November, my Airspeed camp included myself with our coach and two extremely fast fallers (large, stocky men). I wore 23 lbs. of lead during the tunnel and the skydiving portion, and I arched well. Because of the lead, I was not maxed out. I had a good range, and we did some great 4-way with our coach, Todd Hawkins. We were on 20 minute calls during the whole camp, and yes, the weights were tiring. However, Todd matched us based on ability, not size. It was the best thing I could have done to learn more. Tia, I would have to agree with the people urging you to wear weights. Maybe you should also consider using a larger canopy, if you are worried about adding weights. If you continue to fly on your belly, you will learn awful habits, if you don't use weights & need them. I would also suggest that you try some tunnel time or coached jumps with a reputable RW coach. Remember that a coach with 700 or so jumps is still learning, but someone with decades of experience, who has competed/medaled at RW 4-way or 8-way is obviously the best choice. I'm not saying that a coach from your DZ cannot help you, but I think that sometimes, it's best to go to the best coach possible to learn the basics in order to have a good foundation. That said, I only have just over 500 jumps, and everything should be taken with a grain of salt. Bill Von is someone whom I would listen to seriously, though. He and his wife were on the World Team. They have both competed in RW, and Amy is currently on Perris Moxie (a hot female 8-way team in Open class), so they know what they are talking about. Good luck with all! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 4 #77 March 14, 2010 Tia, If you listen to anyone listen to Rosa, (VanillaSkyGirl). I have watched her go from a timid 30 jump newbie to be on a completed world record, JFTC all Women 181 way. There are not a lot of people around that can ring that bell. I have heard it over and over again and it true. “Dress for Success” Sparky And she is tiny, hell I have jumped rigs bigger then her. My idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
