The Seasoning of Gato (aka Quickdraw)

[Gato 0]

I'm too giddy to contain this, my wife has heard all about it, and you folks are the only ones who might be remotely interested in this.

I had been holding on to a static line ticket for about a month, waiting for the weather here in the midwest to clear up, and I finally got to use it yesterday. To make this shorter, no chronicle this time, just the facts:

First jump of the day (#8 for me), my 5th PRCP: I kicked when I pulled, then went stable again, had my first stuck slider with closed end cells, which I fixed with no problem. Loose/too slick chest strap on the student container let itself out to the cinch, and I managed to do a couple of gentle harness turns, which felt amazing, like the parachute was a part of me. Stand up landing. JM tells me he wants to see one more, cleaner PRCP.

Second jump, #9, 6th PRCP: Much better pull, very stable and clean deployment. I passed - go to Clear & Pull. Stumble-landing, I forgot to lean forward in the harness, which seems to help on these.

Third jump, #10, Clear & Pull: Sunset load, the only spot open on the last load of the day with a tandem and photographer. The camera guy is the JM for me, and his words were very helpful: "Are you ready to skydive?" I nod and give a thumbs-up. He smiles real big and says, "Go get you some!" I couldn't help but be happy about what's coming, it was even cool to watch the door open (I had a habit of looking away, because I've always been the first one out, right next to the door). The plane was bouncing all over the place while I was climbing out, but I got out on the strut to hang ok. My exit was clean, I kicked only slightly when I reached for the ripcord, and went stable again as I arched. That was when I felt the beginning of the hill. What a cool feeling! While he was filling out my logbook, John, the camera guy, told me that he'd never seen anyone pull to full extension 15 feet from the plane, until me. Thus I have earned the name "Quickdraw" - and that was when the Crew Dawgs leered at me. What did that mean?

And I have this kick-ass notation on jump #10 in my logbook: "You're a real skydiver now - congrats!" I actually giggle when I read it.

Thanks to all of you for the advice you've given, and for taking the time to read about my student progression. Also, many big thanks to Crash, Gary, John, and especially Tom Dolphin, who helped make sure I got on the last load of the day - my first sunset jump. MRVS is 40 miles from Kansas City, and you can see the lights of downtown under canopy - absolutely one of the most breathtaking sights I've ever witnessed.

I'm a real boy, now.

Blue Skies,

Gato (QD)

T.I.N.S.

[airtwardo 7]

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[WatchYourStep 0]

AWESOME AND CONGRATS!!!!!!

"You start off your skydiving career with a bag full of luck and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill the bag of experience up before your bag of luck runs out."

[Orange1 0]

my first freefall is still one of my favourite jump memories. good luck with the rest of your student progression!

Skydiving: wasting fossil fuels just for fun.

[jojo69 0]

[Gato 0]

Thanks, everybody!

Hopefully I'll get to jump with you folks someday soon. I swear, I smell airplane fuel on the wind.....

Take it easy,

Gato

T.I.N.S.

[bob.dino 1]

Well done mate. Glad to hear things are progressing...

[daremrc 0]

Congratulations cat!

I always thought that by the time I got my license and some jumps under my belt, that this would begin to get boring and routine. Instead, every time I make a jump it just keeps getting better... I hope it's the same for you.

Good judgement comes from experience, and most of that comes from bad judgement.

[kkeenan 14]

Good work, Mr. Cat. Congratulations on sticking with the static line program. It will make you a better jumper in the long run.

Kevin

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Dude, you are so awesome...
Can I be on your ash jump ?