RALFFERS 0 #1 March 22, 2007 Hello All, Is there anyone here from Chicago, or the surrounding area? I'm a pre newbie to this sport, in that I haven't jumped yet, but will be on my Birthday later in July; plan on going far beyond the tandem jump. How could I say that wiothout having jumped yet? Simply because I've always been a thrill seeker and fell in love with bungee jumping and see no reason the same wont be the case with skydiving. I want to make thisd a lifelong hobby (yes, I intend on collecting my social security benefit). Not only am I looking to make new friends, but also want to learn as much as possible between now and my first jump; call it pre-ground school. Obviously ( would hope) safty is a top priority for all of us. Note, I do have a very minor case of Cerebral Palsy (CP), but it's as if it hardly exists. Sure, there are people who have little to no mobility or are unable to speak, but luckily, I have none of that. Have very good upper body strenght and walk just fine with forearm crutches or by slightly holding on to something. I have all feeling and movement, so I don't think skydiving will be a problem; people with much worse conditions jump. I look forward to learning and hearing from you. Enjoy the sky, be safe when you fly RalphDialogue/commentary between Divot, Twardo & myself - "from your first Oshkosh when the three of us were riding to or from one of Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diverdriver 5 #2 March 22, 2007 I would have a look at the SDC website and contact some of the instructors there to talk about issues may or may not have. Giving them the heads up will let them think about the situation and give you good advice.Chris Schindler www.diverdriver.com ATP/D-19012 FB #4125 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RALFFERS 0 #3 March 22, 2007 I'm already in contact with SDC; will talk to them more after my tandem. I wish my birthday was sooner, haha; I can't wait for that first jump. Correct me if I'm wrong, but other people, diabled more than I can jump I at the very least should be able to. Than again, I don't know a thing about skydiving and will wait to see what the instructors say. Best-case scenario: I have to put more effort forth and spend more time in the tunnel in order to jump not only effectively, but more importantly, safely. It's really nice that you guys are taking time to reas this and help me out. Many thanks.Dialogue/commentary between Divot, Twardo & myself - "from your first Oshkosh when the three of us were riding to or from one of Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GravityJunky 0 #4 March 28, 2007 As long as both, yourself & your instructor/DZ are cool with it, & prepared... GO FOR IT!*My Inner Child is A Fucking Prick Too! *Everyones entitled to be stupid but you are abusing the priviledge *Well I'd love to stay & chat, But youre a total Bitch! {Stewie} Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Armour666 0 #5 March 28, 2007 why wait the season has started get goingSO this one time at band camp..... "Of all the things I've lost I miss my mind the most." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mr17Hz 1 #6 March 28, 2007 I jump at Skydive Chicago. The instructors here are some of the best you'll find in the world. You'll be find on a tandem or two, and after that you'll have an idea on if you're ready to move onto solo jumps. In the end though, listen to the advice of BOTH your doctor and your instructors.Matt Christenson mattchristenson@realskydiving.com http://www.RealDropzone.com - A new breed of dropzone manifest software. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeyRamone 0 #7 March 28, 2007 SDC is my home DZ. I live 20 miles away. The place rocks and you will be with some of the best of the best in the sport. Great place to hang out even if you are not ready to jump yet. Well come to the sport. Tim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JeepDiver 0 #8 March 28, 2007 Look up Enzo when you get there. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #9 March 29, 2007 QuoteLook up Enzo when you get there Actually you generally need to look down to see enzo...specially at night when he's been drinking. He passes out in some very interesting places. On a serious note, Enzo is a freakin awesome TM. ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
laughn_gas 0 #10 March 29, 2007 I'm currently on AFP level 6 @ SDC. Although I have nothing to compare it to, I feel that SDC is one of the BEST DZ's to receive my training at. They are very professional. DON'T WAIT! JUMP!!!!!! There is an AFP class starting April 13th. If you have any questions at all they will be more than happy to answer them. You can also go out there and talk to some of the jumpers and instructors. You won't be disappointed. PM me with any questions regarding the facilities. TOP NOTCH!!!!!!!!See ya in a minute. Peace out! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RALFFERS 0 #11 March 29, 2007 Quote DON'T WAIT! JUMP!!!!!! I wish I didn't have to, but short on cash, starting a new job next week; unfortunately, I'm forced to be patient. By the way, what do they drink over there? I could never come empty-handed. RalphDialogue/commentary between Divot, Twardo & myself - "from your first Oshkosh when the three of us were riding to or from one of Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkyTory 0 #12 March 29, 2007 Seriously, SDC IS THE BEST and have instructors very very willing to help you on your jump. I reccomend asking for David E who manages the TMs and he will be happy to help! I look forward to meeting you there- I'm one of the Manifest girls so I'll look for you! -Tory ps We drink Corona :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RALFFERS 0 #13 March 29, 2007 QuoteSeriously, SDC IS THE BEST and have instructors very very willing to help you on your jump. I reccomend asking for David E who manages the TMs and he will be happy to help! I look forward to meeting you there- I'm one of the Manifest girls so I'll look for you! -Tory ps We drink Corona :) I'm not too hard too hard to miss. Corona it is Dialogue/commentary between Divot, Twardo & myself - "from your first Oshkosh when the three of us were riding to or from one of Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeth 0 #14 March 29, 2007 Hey Tory, speak for yourself! Oh wait, I like Corona, too, never mind.... Seriously, I jump at SDC too and it is a great place. Come on down. Even if you don't jump there will be tons of nice people in the hangar to chat with. And don't forget the Corona to enjoy later at the bonfire. Beth QuoteSeriously, SDC IS THE BEST and have instructors very very willing to help you on your jump. I reccomend asking for David E who manages the TMs and he will be happy to help! I look forward to meeting you there- I'm one of the Manifest girls so I'll look for you! -Tory"At 13,000 feet nothing else matters." PFRX!!!!! Team Funnel #174, Sunshine kisspass #109 My Jump Site Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites RALFFERS 0 #15 March 29, 2007 I'm most certainly junping, just maybe not the first time I come down (short on cash) Thank God I start work on Monday (hopefully.) When do you guys open and when would be a good weekend to come down and hang out? Don't be suprised if I call on the way in lol; I live on the North side of Chicago, about two hours away and have a knack for getting lost... Looking forward to meeting you guys, and starting the AFP in August LAters, RalphDialogue/commentary between Divot, Twardo & myself - "from your first Oshkosh when the three of us were riding to or from one of Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites klafollette 0 #16 March 30, 2007 Not to take anything away from SDC. It's a great place, first class amenities and where I did my AFP training. But there is another DZ near Chicago you might want to check out. Chicagoland Skydiving in Hinckley. www.skydivecsc.com . It's West of Aurora, Just take the Eisenhower to I-88 west to Route 30. It's a straight shot, you'll drive right past the DZ on Route 30 after going through the town of Hinckley. It's a smaller DZ than SDC, but they have a Super Otter, and this year also a PAC 750 turbine. There's a great group of friendly jumpers whatever your discipline of choice, with plenty of coaching and organizing. The season starts next week April 6th. Safety Day is April 7th, where we have various talks about DZ operations, gear and jumping safety. If you're serious about jumping, it would be a great way to start to learn about the sport. It's not an either / or SDC or CSC. Both are great places to jump, Try 'em both out! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites awakefie 0 #17 April 2, 2007 SDC is also my home DZ, and I have to say we have great instructors! Rook, Frank, Troy etc etc They are all top class. Well I dunno about Frank its hard to trust someone who sells water. Just Kidding! I would highly recommend it for your training. I am itching to get back to the DZ myself. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
RALFFERS 0 #15 March 29, 2007 I'm most certainly junping, just maybe not the first time I come down (short on cash) Thank God I start work on Monday (hopefully.) When do you guys open and when would be a good weekend to come down and hang out? Don't be suprised if I call on the way in lol; I live on the North side of Chicago, about two hours away and have a knack for getting lost... Looking forward to meeting you guys, and starting the AFP in August LAters, RalphDialogue/commentary between Divot, Twardo & myself - "from your first Oshkosh when the three of us were riding to or from one of Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
klafollette 0 #16 March 30, 2007 Not to take anything away from SDC. It's a great place, first class amenities and where I did my AFP training. But there is another DZ near Chicago you might want to check out. Chicagoland Skydiving in Hinckley. www.skydivecsc.com . It's West of Aurora, Just take the Eisenhower to I-88 west to Route 30. It's a straight shot, you'll drive right past the DZ on Route 30 after going through the town of Hinckley. It's a smaller DZ than SDC, but they have a Super Otter, and this year also a PAC 750 turbine. There's a great group of friendly jumpers whatever your discipline of choice, with plenty of coaching and organizing. The season starts next week April 6th. Safety Day is April 7th, where we have various talks about DZ operations, gear and jumping safety. If you're serious about jumping, it would be a great way to start to learn about the sport. It's not an either / or SDC or CSC. Both are great places to jump, Try 'em both out! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
awakefie 0 #17 April 2, 2007 SDC is also my home DZ, and I have to say we have great instructors! Rook, Frank, Troy etc etc They are all top class. Well I dunno about Frank its hard to trust someone who sells water. Just Kidding! I would highly recommend it for your training. I am itching to get back to the DZ myself. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites