Lessons learned by a new guy at Nationals

[GLIDEANGLE 1]

There were a lot of things that I either learned, or was vigorously reminded of, during my days at Nationals during the 4-way FS competition:

1. 4-way is a misnomer. It is really 5-way. See my other posting on that topic. http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=3702934#3702934

2. The green light in the plane is PERMISSION to exit, not a command. I saw several teams appropriately refuse to exit over clouds. One team refused several green lights on a single load (they were absolutely right to do so).

3. You have to be able to trust the guy with his head out of the door spotting. Not everyone on a team gets to check the spot. Teams need to be sure that the guy (or gal) who is spotting is competent…and then trust him or her. I saw one team have a disagreement about the spot after three team members were floating outside!!! Not a pretty picture.

4. Bringing extra dry socks to the DZ is a good idea. I was SOOO glad that I had dry socks on Tuesday. After only two landings (good landings in the LZ) my socks were soaked and I was delighted to be able to change them. (Due to copious rain, there was standing water EVERYWHERE!)

5. Keeping hydrated and fed is important. I know that this sounds obvious, but the pace of competition and the need to prep the next jump can interfere with attending to these needs. Occasionally, I was actually happy that we had weather holds so I could get caught up.

6. Bring sun block and insect repellent. This is an outdoor sport and packing accordingly is important. My insect repellent made me a popular guy when the mosquitoes were in full “attack mode”.

7. Keeping an eye on teammates when under canopy is important. Many, many jumpers landed out. Knowing that folks were seen under a good canopy and where they were was very helpful when teammates didn’t make it back to the DZ.

8. Carrying a cell phone is a good thing when in a new place or when conditions make landing out likely. My cell phone got me a quick pick-up from the friendly staff at Skydive Spaceland. If one of my teammates had carried a phone, we would not have been so worried when he was missing for 45 minutes.

9. When you know that you aren’t going to make it to the DZ, plan both your landing and your return to the DZ. Landing safely is paramount, but taking a few seconds to plan how you are going to get to the nearest road can be a big help. Walking away from the road because of poor planning can make life miserable.

10. Even in intermediate class… the best teams are REALLY good. Train hard and bring your very best game.

11. Remember to have a good time no matter what the outcome.

The choices we make have consequences, for us & for others!

[mjosparky 4]

Thanks for taking the time to post. I am sure is will help others.

Sparky

My idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals

[ZigZagMarquis 9]

Thanks.

Man I wish everyone, everyday at every DZ would read and understand your #2.

[Parafoil27 0]

Agreed on #2 I took two bad spots sunday just trying to avoid the bitching that comes if you don't get out when the green light comes on. We made it back ok though.

EARTH! Short bus of the universe,
since the year T+10.3 billion!

REV. DUDEMIESTER D.S.#120

[mjosparky 4]

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We made it back ok though.

If you made it back it wasn't a bad spot.

Sparky

My idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals

[dgskydive 0]

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If you made it back it wasn't a bad spot.

Dom

[Andy9o8 2]

12. Always exit off the left side of the Otter.

[GLIDEANGLE 1]

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12. Always exit off the left side of the Otter.

Excellent!!! .... Sad that it has to be said.

The choices we make have consequences, for us & for others!

[robskydiv 0]

I enjoyed watching the jumps that were broadcasted on the Live feed. (esp. the Open cat.) I liked watching 8-way the most. Carolina Ice wasn't too bad. One of the teams had a "Big Guy" & he did just fine. But I was wondering if his teammates would be willing to wear weight so that he wouldn't have to de-arch the whole time. Perris Stun moved as if they had just got stunned by the police. Easy for me to armchair quarterback. but that's the way I saw it. All in all a good finals. Air speed and Golden Knights seemed to improve as the meet went on. Just my ever so humble observations...

[ZigZagMarquis 9]

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We made it back ok though.

If you made it back, it wasn't a bad spot.

[ZigZagMarquis 9]

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12. Always exit off the left side of the Otter.

Ummm... but what if you're getting out the aft-right emergency exit door in a Twin Otter?

[GLIDEANGLE 1]

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12. Always exit off the left side of the Otter.

Ummm... but what if you're getting out the aft-right emergency exit door in a Twin Otter?

Perhaps it is the difference between "exit" and "escape".

The choices we make have consequences, for us & for others!

[Parafoil27 0]

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We made it back ok though.

If you made it back, it wasn't a bad spot.

I saw that comment coming LOL. Maybe i was just instructed to a higher standard...... in either case
never mind.

EARTH! Short bus of the universe,
since the year T+10.3 billion!

REV. DUDEMIESTER D.S.#120

[topdocker 0]

#13 Bring something to entertain yourself. There is a lot of time when you are not jumping but not leaving the dropzone. (It can be a book, a couple of dvd's, a goofy teammate who is socially intept, etc.)

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