pkasdorf 0 #26 April 24, 2006 What can I say? It is very personal. When I started I was 48, separated two years earlier, with 4 kids, the youngest 7 years old. Now I am 54, divorced and ready to marry in September, no more kids but still jumping. And I am certainly going to go on jumping as long as health and money allow it. Skydiving is the sport that is better suited for my wishes, likings and abilities. And it helps me ease the stress and cope with the hardships of my profession. My future wife will never be a skydiver, not even do a tandem jump and she does not go to the DZ because she scares to death until the moment I open the chute. But she knows that skydiving is a very important part of my life, that I am a very safety concerned skydiver as are my friends with whom I jump. Of course skydiving is not safe. A few years ago I started a thread and a poll (you may do a search) stating "skydiving is risky but safe" and I got pounded! With reason... But what I meant was that it is safer than many other risky sports... what does not mean that you cannot get killed even if you do everything right... although the odds are very low! Concerning kids, one did a tandem jump, another will shortly and the younger one will later. They never had a negative attitude over skydiving. Life is short, as years go by it is more difficult to be alive and healthy, one should reward oneself and try and do what one desires. Anyway, back to the start of my reply. It is very personal and as long as you feel comfortable and know that you will continue to do so with whatever you decide... it's OK!!! HISPA # 18 POPS # 8757 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
drdive 0 #27 April 24, 2006 I did my first tandem at age 51, and then signed up for the first jump course. My only regre is I didn't start sooner!! Go for it. Ed"We saved your gear. Now you can sell it when you get out of the hospital and upsize!!" "K-Dub" " Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yamtx73 0 #28 April 24, 2006 QuoteDO NOT let people on this site convince you that this sport is safe(especially someone with 23 jumps.) This sport is NOT safe,yes you can do things to be as safe as possible, but shit still happens. At NO point did I state or insinuate that skydiving is safe... there's a BIG difference between telling someone to be safe and telling them skydiving IS safe... Before you go ripping on someone at least take the time to actually comprehend what is being said....The only naturals in this sport shit thru feathers... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,027 #29 April 24, 2006 Made my first jump at age 52. Won a bronze at the US Nationals at age 57. Now 60.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,447 #30 April 24, 2006 Invest just as much active thought and time in your family as you do in skydiving. The fun part of your family, too. E.g. don't consider the time that you're cleaning the house with them (you do clean the house with them, right?) to be quality time. If you plan a big weekend at the dropzone sometimes, plan a big weekend camping, or going to a festival, or doing some sporting events with them, that they enjoy. Your family is as much of an investment as your skydiving and job. And only one of them is likely to still be listening to your stories when you're old... Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Boddington 0 #31 April 24, 2006 Cleaning wasn't really a part of my plan! I live in a great part of the country, within 5 mins drive I have the Silverstone Motor Racing Circuit, within 30 minutes drive there is the Airkix tunnel, an indoor real snow ski slope, one of the best outdoor karting tracks in the country, and the Bedford tunnel is less than one hour away ....... so there is no shortage of ways to amuse the family (just a shortage of cash to pay for it all!). With ref to the comment about insurance earlier, can one of the Brits tell me what the BPA cover, is it injury and life, loss of earnings etc or just a 3rd party liability? Thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpingjimmy 0 #32 April 24, 2006 just third party cover Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cdragon 0 #33 April 25, 2006 I agree with FlyinseivLP2. I've only been in this sport a few years but I've seen people pound in pretty hard and know of one death in our area. It's not a sport for everyone and surely is one activity that has to be based on calculated risk. Be informed Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
