Chris-Ottawa 0 #1 May 27, 2006 Hey Everyone! Just wanted to give everyone an update on my progress and ask for some advice. I currently have 1 tandem, 4 IAD jumps, and 2 PFF Level 1's. In my PFF level 1 first attempt I did great except I didn't touch my hackey on the practice pulls, so my instructor pulled at 4500 for me, I actually grabbed the bridle cord as he was pulling it out and quickly released when I realized what happened. Did PFF Level 1 second attempt today and did amazing, did all my grabs, pulled by myself and did my whole approach on my own, and got a bit of help on the flare. So far I've stood all of my landings and I'm pretty proud of that. On today's jump I did have 1 problem, I seem to stop paying attention to what my legs are doing. When this happens, I seem to induce a slight spin. I was hoping some people had some advice on how I can be more aware of my legs. I've heard of clicking my heels but nothing else. I imagine as the "freefall" rush wears off slightly, I'll be able to concentrate on other things better, but for now any advice would be appreciated. Tomorrow is etup for level 2 so I lose an instructor and stability becomes more important. Thanks ahead everyone!! Chris"When once you have tasted flight..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
countzero 7 #2 May 28, 2006 repeated my level 4 a couple of times due to stability issues. before i did the jump on which i completed the objectives, my instructor worked with me on my legs by holding my feet while dirt diving/ practicing my arch. he had me press my feet against his hands to simulate how they should feel pressing against the relative wind. this helped me alot. i hope my "freefall" rush never wears off- it's why i jump. but i can tell you that as you and your body get more accustomed to free fall, things will start clicking in your mind and body control becomes easier. best of luck!! blue skies!!!diamonds are a dawgs best friend Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AFFI 0 #3 May 28, 2006 QuoteJust wanted to ask for some advice. I was hoping some people had some advice on how I can be more aware of my legs. Not a good idea to seek advice on issues like this online, please talk to your instructors... M'kay?Mykel AFF-I10 Skydiving Priorities: 1) Open Canopy. 2) Land Safely. 3) Don’t hurt anyone. 4) Repeat… Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris-Ottawa 0 #4 May 29, 2006 Hey, I was not so much looking for things to try, but more of something that I can suggest to my instructors that can help me. The only thing I have heard was clicking your heels. I did PFF Lvl 2 and 3 today and did good. I still had trouble with my legs, but when my instructors let go, initially I was a bit scared because I didn't know my main instructor let go until I saw him in my peripheral vision. When I noticed this I guess I changed body position and started a turn, I countered it and my reserve instructor held my leg to stop me as well, but after that I fell pretty stable and everything was fine after that. Needless to say, my first solo freefall was wicked! I'm doing all my own canopy control and flares now and I've still stood every landing 'cept my tandem. Anyways, gotta carry some beer to the DZ for this friday. It's the first, but probably not the last! Blue Skies! Chris"When once you have tasted flight..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Broke 0 #5 May 29, 2006 First I will say Talk to you r instructor they will know what you are doing the est, because they are actually jumping with you. ALso if possible try to get a video flyer up with you next jump get a ideo debrief. What worked for me. My instructor told me I was seperaiting my legs too much. I had to try to keep my legs no less than a shoulderwidth apart. this helped a lot with my stability issues. Toe taps. THere were a couple of time I did toe taps even before a circle of awareness to get my body in order. Take the advice you get here with a salt lick, because sometimes a grain just ain't enough.Divot your source for all things Hillbilly. Anvil Brother 84 SCR 14192 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GrumpySmurf 0 #6 June 1, 2006 Spinning is part of the learning game ... Some of us even turned it into an artform during our student progression. Talk your PFF-I about suggestions on how to correct it - they are the best source to spot in the air what you are doing ever so slightly incorrect and will help correct it. One suggestion I have seen to help with leg awareness was to have students not wear socks on thier jumps (but wear footwear, of course), so that they can feel the relative wind across thier ankles. Any suggestion you take from here, discuss with your PFF-I before trying it in the air. Results that may work for one, might be less than desireable for another. BTW - how are the lads at Arnprior doing these days? Haven't had a chance to go back there since I first started there, 7 tears ago. Hope they are all well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris-Ottawa 0 #7 June 2, 2006 Hey Grumpy, I can't speak on behalf of any other DZ since I haven't ventured there yet...until I get my A anyways. I have such a blast at mile high. I can go there, not end up jumping and go home completely satisfied. Just the atmosphere at the DZ is great. I brought out a friend who wants to jump, but can't afford it yet, and she stayed there all day while I jumped and she came home more excited than me to go jump again. Did you jump here alot, or did you do your training and head off? How did you like the DZ and your instructors? Always nice to meet people who've been to Mile High. I love the sydiving community because it's an incredibly small community, yet it's global which I find awesome!"When once you have tasted flight..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mdrejhon 8 #8 June 2, 2006 QuoteHey Everyone!It takes time.. Even I was backsliding like crazy in many of my early post-student jumps (hips, arch etc)... I still have somewhat flaky leg control today (From watching videos of myself, I noticed I'm obviously not as good as more experienced jumpers) but am improving, give or take... For me, clicking heels help, but from time to time I need to remember to push my legs out to feel the freefall on my shins and feet. Since I need to anyway, in order to do turns using my legs instead of arms (something you'll eventually do). Leg awareness develops even further as one practice making turns using legs too and correct drifting turns with legs. Not stuff to worry about for now, listen to your instructors... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
