How to start freestyle flying???

[skron 0]

I have recently become interested in freestyle and was wondering if anyone had suggestions on where to find videos. There doesn't seem to be many out there. I have read about Merriah Eakins and others but can't seem to find any of their videos.

Do any freestyle flyers have advice on where to begin when trying this discipline?

Thanks for the advice.
Blue Skies

Well behaved women don't often make history.

[wildfan75 1]

Merriah's user name is kmfreefly. Try PM'ing her and I'm sure she'll get back to you with plenty of info.

[rehmwa 2]

She's fantastic, and one of the best natural instructors I know as well. Good luck.

Don't forget to point your toes and smile.

...
Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[skron 0]

Really?? Do you know her? You don't think she'd mind if some random skydiver PM'd her asking advice?

Well behaved women don't often make history.

[virgin-burner 1]

funny enough, i havent met a skydiver yet that doesnt like talking about a.) skydiving in general, and b.) their respective discipline..

“Some may never live, but the crazy never die.”
-Hunter S. Thompson
"No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try."
-Yoda

[klingeme 1]

Merriah is great. I haven't talked to her in a couple years, but I don't think she would have any problems with you contacting her about Freestyle. She is very passionate about keeping the discipline and bringing new fliers to it.

Mark Klingelhoefer

[wildfan75 1]

Yes, I know her and no, she wouldn't mind. She'll be really excited that a "young'n" is interested in freestyle. She gets excited about working with students of all levels and all disciplines.

Tell her that Lynn sent you. Also tell her that you heard that the most important part of the dive is making sure that you're face shield is down before exiting and ask her if that's true.*

* She did one of my coach eval dives. I forgot to put the face shield down on the my Oxygn before the door. We got the door, we were a little long on the spot so I climbed out immediately on the step (182) and she was doing a door dive. I thought "She's a "student". I'll put my face shield down while I'm on the step and she's getting ready in the door." Well, she got set right away and so I went with it, gave the count and flew the exit mantis style to try to put my face shield down on the hill but yet still be able to watch her to give her a proper debrief. She was laughing pretty hard during the dive and during our debriefs. She wrote in my log book: "Is that my coach or a Pez dispenser?"

[bbarnhouse 0]

Check out Dale's website www.winddance.com
It is highly recommended that you learn to freefly first if you haven't already.
Contact Merriah as well, she would love to help you in your journey and is one of the nicest people I know.

[skron 0]

Thank you all for you help an advice. I did contact Merriah directly and she has already been very friendly and helpful.

Here's to the start of another weekend of jumping. Blue skies for all.... be safe.

Well behaved women don't often make history.

[TheCapt 7]

Merriah is spotlighted in the May Parachutist magazine. Reading that will persuade you that she'd welcome your questions.