baycat 0 #1 October 30, 2006 I completed my first jump this weekend, and boy did it take some restrain not to run back to the plane and jump again. Think my checking account was the one holding me back! Wink Ended up doing a 30K static line jump. Or we can pretend I really did a 15K tandem, 70 sec free fall, nice 5 minute canopy ride to the DZ. Ended up succesfully pulling my parachute at around 5.5K and passed my first category of AAF training. So now probably going to go through all the other stages! It was incredible. I thought I would be scared and would try to close my eyes or not look out upon exiting the plane. But I was very anxious to jump and loved every minute of it. Think the tingling sensation and perma-grin lasted a good two hours, then I was very tired. The plane ride up was fun, watching your altimetere climb and make a pass around the 0 Shocked! And then it was not real until someone jumped out. Then it was a reality. What suprised me was that people were just sucked out of the plane and it was a complete floating sensation. So... IS the time commitment long and hard to get certifieid to solo skydive? How does one learn all the equipment techniques, like packing a chute? Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris-Ottawa 0 #2 October 30, 2006 Hey Baycat, Congratulations on your jump. It's a big step to get started (pun intended). Actually that's unture, getting your solo license is pretty easy. The only things you really require are time, dedication, money, money, money, and lots of money. Did I mention money? Hahah, that makes it seem so much worse than it really is. Just pace yourself, stay current, listen to your instructors and be safe. A few things I can suggest for you to help out. 1)Don't rush to do anything in skydiving 2)Fill in your profile so everyone knows where you are and your experience etc... 3)Get very friendly with your bank loans officer (for you know...gear) 4)Become your Boss's best friend (for that well deserved raise) 5)If anyone criticizes you on these forums, take it lightly, they're doing it for your safety. Feel free to ask questions, everyone here is friendly and always willing to help. See you in the skies! Chris"When once you have tasted flight..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MotherGoose 0 #3 October 30, 2006 Dont forget . . . 6.) Rent Terminal Velocity, Dropzone, Point Break and Cutaway again and laugh your ass off until the wee hours of the morning !!!You think you understand the situation, but what you don't understand, is that the situation just changed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baycat 0 #4 October 30, 2006 In the plane ride up my buddy said, "What is that movie with Patrick Swayze skydiving?" I said, "Roadhouse" Got a good laugh Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baycat 0 #5 October 30, 2006 Chris Thanks for the warning about money, something I am familiar with as another one of my passions is a money pit. So I figure why not find another! Do you have to do your whole student program/certification at one DZ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris-Ottawa 0 #6 October 30, 2006 Hey, Yes, you can do your ceritfication at multiple DZ's but you're probably going to incurr more costs that way. Usually a new DZ will want to assess your skills first, but AFF may be different since you have 2 instructors anyways. But do keep in mind that you may have to repeat a jump before they'll continue AFF with you, but you may not, depends on the DZ. I'd personally recommend finishing AFF at one DZ, then go where you please. Once you have your solo, you're pretty much good to go. Keep in mind that I'm in Canada and even though the programs are almost identical, there is subtle differences. As far as money goes, I did a tandem last October with no intention of ever coming back. I spent the winter thinking how to afford skydiving (I was hooked instantly). I did my PFF (AFF for Canadians) in may and have been out nearly every weekend. Had no intention of buying gear but rental costs are not worth it for me, so I bought gear. Now I'm down about 8k(CDN) for the year including PFF, gear, and additional jumps. Luckily the DZ in only 30 mins away and gas isn't a major issue. Nonetheless, all my sports are pretty costly as well. It's life, enjoy it while you can! Chris"When once you have tasted flight..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DSE 5 #7 October 31, 2006 Quote Do you have to do your whole student program/certification at one DZ? No, but it's much easier to do so. I started my AFF in one state, but when my instructor told me I'd have a hard time with certain aspects (due to small landing area, reasonably constant and almost too high winds on most days) and that the DZ that would become my home DZ would be different, I started calling around. The DZ I moved to made me repeat my level one jump, and made me repeat jump school because their tests are different than the one I took. There was also 5000 feet difference in MSL, as well. Plus, you'll want to get to know the instructors. With luck, you'll jump with different instructors through the process. I'm *really* glad for that opportunity, because I learned from a variety of people, all of whom were saying essentially the same things, but from different perspectives and differing methods of explanation. It was very helpful for me, but YMMV. Spend a little time at each DZ option you've got, figure out which DZ "fits" your personality/gut instinct, and that location will likely become your home DZ. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougH 270 #8 October 31, 2006 30K static line jump.... sweeeeet. But where did you keep the 02 bottle. Congrats... "The restraining order says you're only allowed to touch me in freefall" =P Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
countzero 7 #9 October 31, 2006 QuoteHow does one learn all the equipment techniques, like packing a chute? /reply] as you progress through AFF you'll learn more about your gear, how to do a gear check, and how to pack. ask your instructors to go over the gear with you next time you jump. i took a packing class offered at my dz. if your dz dosen't have a packing class, i'm sure you could find someone there that will teach you to pack for some beer.diamonds are a dawgs best friend Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites mrGuy 0 #10 October 31, 2006 Welcome! Once you've been bitten by it, you'll have to do it more and more. Don't feel you have to rush it though...getting your A license that is. Some people need to get it as fast as they can...hurry, hurry hurry! Thats fine, everyone is different. I am taking it slow...just sort of laid-back about it... My friend, who started me in this has more jumps since July than i will probably have in a year..but I have no deadlines. I switched DZ's also. I went from a tiny cessna DZ to one of the biggest in the northeast right after I completed AFF. Gave me a new perspective. There are good and bad things about both. I miss the small time atmosphere and the spotting opportunities of the cessna DZ, but I LOVE the big, fast twin otter where I am now- not to mention a huge landing area as opposed to the postage stamp field I learned on. Blue Skies! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites cyn 0 #11 November 1, 2006 Can I just say how crazy/awesome it is that we are involved in a sport where beer will buy you knowledge. I love it!!"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ResolvedElement 0 #12 November 1, 2006 Quoteactually that's unture, getting your solo license is pretty easy. The only things you really require are time, dedication, money, money, money, and lots of money. Did I mention money? And beer. Beer, beer, beer, and lots of beer. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites chrismgtis 0 #13 November 1, 2006 QuoteCan I just say how crazy/awesome it is that we are involved in a sport where beer will buy you knowledge. I love it!! Are we supposed to be proud of this? lol Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites chrismgtis 0 #14 November 1, 2006 QuoteEnded up doing a 30K static line jump. Or we can pretend I really did a 15K tandem Yea if you did a static line HALO jump I'd say you were beyond nuts. That would be a hell of a long canopy ride and way too close to airliner cruise altitude. lol I'd love to do a HALO jump someday, but a big hell noooo on a static line HALO. roflRodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites baycat 0 #15 November 1, 2006 Only reason I said that because the DZ had some plaques up of some people who jumped close to 30k. Seems insane or insanely fun! Would seem hard to try to steer to a dz at that level :) Funny how beer plays an integral part of this sport. Another sport that has great adrenaline rushes, downhill mountain biking has a barter beer system. You play mechanic for some buddies you get beer, but we also drink it a lot after rides to replenish our carbs Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites chrismgtis 0 #16 November 1, 2006 QuoteOnly reason I said that because the DZ had some plaques up of some people who jumped close to 30k. There are DZs that actually do HALO jumps (not sure what else you would call a 30k' jump)? I know there are some (I assume ex-military personell or existing military personell) that do this, but I had never heard of the typical DZ doing anything like that.Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites brianfry713 0 #17 November 1, 2006 Skydance Skydiving in Davis, CA does 1-2 weekends of civilian 30k jumps every year. http://www.skydance.net/sd/highj.htm Also some are done at the World Freefall Convention. http://www.freefall.com/aircraft.php They'll even do tandems (for a mere $3,495 US), night jumps ($30 extra), and dogs. http://halojumper.com/index.html I think the typical opening altitude is normally below around 5k, otherwise it would be a HAHO.BASE 1224, Senior Parachute Rigger, CPL ASEL IA, AGI, IGI USPA Coach & UPT Tandem Instructor, PRO, Altimaster Field Support Representative Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites rehmwa 2 #18 November 1, 2006 QuoteIn the plane ride up my buddy said, "What is that movie with Patrick Swayze skydiving?" I said, "Roadhouse" Got a good laugh I know I was getting older when I watched the movie and, instead of relating to the swayze character like one normally would (I mean, he does end up with Kelly Lynch), I related instead to his old mentor character. ... 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites mrGuy 0 #19 November 1, 2006 Off topic somewhat: look in your latest USPA magazine. I don't have it here but there is some really nice military art work of halo jumps...I'm going to go on the guys website and take a look: maybe buy something...its real cool stuff. Makes me wish I was young enough to join the Delta Force. lol Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites bob.dino 1 #20 November 2, 2006 QuoteI know I was getting older when I watched the movie and, instead of relating to the swayze character like one normally would (I mean, he does end up with Kelly Lynch), I related instead to his old mentor character. You know you're getting older when you get Keanu Reaves and Patrick Swayze confused . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Chris-Ottawa 0 #21 November 2, 2006 Hmmm, do I see the beginnings of a sub-style of skydiving? 30 K Static line jumps... Sounds simple enough, but the challenge comes in when you realize you have 2 mins of oxygen.... The goal - Burn up 15 K as quick as possible before your oxygen runs out... Ugh...all the 360's....and cold... Why do I think this won't become popular? Chris"When once you have tasted flight..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites astromusette 0 #22 November 2, 2006 I also did my first jump (a tandem from 12.5k feet) this weekend, thinking it would be a one-time event to celebrate my 50th birthday. Somehow I have a feeling I was wrong! I thought I'd balk & have to be pushed when it came time to exit, but I never felt any fear, just a great sense of excitement and happiness. Am anxious to go again as soon as possible - but have to figure out how to choose which of my diving passions to do on a particular day - guess I could do sky in the morning & scuba in the afternoon, though not the other way around, of course. And figuring out how to pay for both and still have time for both! Just one quick newbie question - are there issues with skydiving when you have congestion from a head cold like there are with scuba? Don't know if the pressure change is enough to create much of a problem. If there is an issue I may not be able to go again this weekend - bummer! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites steveorino 7 #23 November 2, 2006 You are riding up in a non pressureized plane -- then descending rapidly. What do you think? If you can't clear (valsalvo) you'll have issues. I'd wait. steveOrino Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites chrismgtis 0 #24 November 2, 2006 QuoteYou are riding up in a non pressureized plane -- then descending rapidly. What do you think? If you can't clear (valsalvo) you'll have issues. I'd wait. Had that problem myself on my first jump. Left ear pressure wouldn't clear. Valsalva wouldn't help and found out I had a retracted ear drum a few days later.Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites MagicGuy 0 #25 November 2, 2006 I've jumped with congestion before with no problems. Seems like once I'm on the plane and the door opens, the fresh air clears me right up. Congrats on the first jump.. now get started in AFF so you can jump on a regular basis! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 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
mrGuy 0 #10 October 31, 2006 Welcome! Once you've been bitten by it, you'll have to do it more and more. Don't feel you have to rush it though...getting your A license that is. Some people need to get it as fast as they can...hurry, hurry hurry! Thats fine, everyone is different. I am taking it slow...just sort of laid-back about it... My friend, who started me in this has more jumps since July than i will probably have in a year..but I have no deadlines. I switched DZ's also. I went from a tiny cessna DZ to one of the biggest in the northeast right after I completed AFF. Gave me a new perspective. There are good and bad things about both. I miss the small time atmosphere and the spotting opportunities of the cessna DZ, but I LOVE the big, fast twin otter where I am now- not to mention a huge landing area as opposed to the postage stamp field I learned on. Blue Skies! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cyn 0 #11 November 1, 2006 Can I just say how crazy/awesome it is that we are involved in a sport where beer will buy you knowledge. I love it!!"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ResolvedElement 0 #12 November 1, 2006 Quoteactually that's unture, getting your solo license is pretty easy. The only things you really require are time, dedication, money, money, money, and lots of money. Did I mention money? And beer. Beer, beer, beer, and lots of beer. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chrismgtis 0 #13 November 1, 2006 QuoteCan I just say how crazy/awesome it is that we are involved in a sport where beer will buy you knowledge. I love it!! Are we supposed to be proud of this? lol Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chrismgtis 0 #14 November 1, 2006 QuoteEnded up doing a 30K static line jump. Or we can pretend I really did a 15K tandem Yea if you did a static line HALO jump I'd say you were beyond nuts. That would be a hell of a long canopy ride and way too close to airliner cruise altitude. lol I'd love to do a HALO jump someday, but a big hell noooo on a static line HALO. roflRodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baycat 0 #15 November 1, 2006 Only reason I said that because the DZ had some plaques up of some people who jumped close to 30k. Seems insane or insanely fun! Would seem hard to try to steer to a dz at that level :) Funny how beer plays an integral part of this sport. Another sport that has great adrenaline rushes, downhill mountain biking has a barter beer system. You play mechanic for some buddies you get beer, but we also drink it a lot after rides to replenish our carbs Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chrismgtis 0 #16 November 1, 2006 QuoteOnly reason I said that because the DZ had some plaques up of some people who jumped close to 30k. There are DZs that actually do HALO jumps (not sure what else you would call a 30k' jump)? I know there are some (I assume ex-military personell or existing military personell) that do this, but I had never heard of the typical DZ doing anything like that.Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brianfry713 0 #17 November 1, 2006 Skydance Skydiving in Davis, CA does 1-2 weekends of civilian 30k jumps every year. http://www.skydance.net/sd/highj.htm Also some are done at the World Freefall Convention. http://www.freefall.com/aircraft.php They'll even do tandems (for a mere $3,495 US), night jumps ($30 extra), and dogs. http://halojumper.com/index.html I think the typical opening altitude is normally below around 5k, otherwise it would be a HAHO.BASE 1224, Senior Parachute Rigger, CPL ASEL IA, AGI, IGI USPA Coach & UPT Tandem Instructor, PRO, Altimaster Field Support Representative Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #18 November 1, 2006 QuoteIn the plane ride up my buddy said, "What is that movie with Patrick Swayze skydiving?" I said, "Roadhouse" Got a good laugh I know I was getting older when I watched the movie and, instead of relating to the swayze character like one normally would (I mean, he does end up with Kelly Lynch), I related instead to his old mentor character. ... 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrGuy 0 #19 November 1, 2006 Off topic somewhat: look in your latest USPA magazine. I don't have it here but there is some really nice military art work of halo jumps...I'm going to go on the guys website and take a look: maybe buy something...its real cool stuff. Makes me wish I was young enough to join the Delta Force. lol Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bob.dino 1 #20 November 2, 2006 QuoteI know I was getting older when I watched the movie and, instead of relating to the swayze character like one normally would (I mean, he does end up with Kelly Lynch), I related instead to his old mentor character. You know you're getting older when you get Keanu Reaves and Patrick Swayze confused . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris-Ottawa 0 #21 November 2, 2006 Hmmm, do I see the beginnings of a sub-style of skydiving? 30 K Static line jumps... Sounds simple enough, but the challenge comes in when you realize you have 2 mins of oxygen.... The goal - Burn up 15 K as quick as possible before your oxygen runs out... Ugh...all the 360's....and cold... Why do I think this won't become popular? Chris"When once you have tasted flight..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
astromusette 0 #22 November 2, 2006 I also did my first jump (a tandem from 12.5k feet) this weekend, thinking it would be a one-time event to celebrate my 50th birthday. Somehow I have a feeling I was wrong! I thought I'd balk & have to be pushed when it came time to exit, but I never felt any fear, just a great sense of excitement and happiness. Am anxious to go again as soon as possible - but have to figure out how to choose which of my diving passions to do on a particular day - guess I could do sky in the morning & scuba in the afternoon, though not the other way around, of course. And figuring out how to pay for both and still have time for both! Just one quick newbie question - are there issues with skydiving when you have congestion from a head cold like there are with scuba? Don't know if the pressure change is enough to create much of a problem. If there is an issue I may not be able to go again this weekend - bummer! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steveorino 7 #23 November 2, 2006 You are riding up in a non pressureized plane -- then descending rapidly. What do you think? If you can't clear (valsalvo) you'll have issues. I'd wait. steveOrino Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chrismgtis 0 #24 November 2, 2006 QuoteYou are riding up in a non pressureized plane -- then descending rapidly. What do you think? If you can't clear (valsalvo) you'll have issues. I'd wait. Had that problem myself on my first jump. Left ear pressure wouldn't clear. Valsalva wouldn't help and found out I had a retracted ear drum a few days later.Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MagicGuy 0 #25 November 2, 2006 I've jumped with congestion before with no problems. Seems like once I'm on the plane and the door opens, the fresh air clears me right up. Congrats on the first jump.. now get started in AFF so you can jump on a regular basis! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
