New with a ton of Questions[cool]

[srsand1960 0]

That is exactly what my instructor said.... Dang I hate to wait - but I know you and the others that have told me not to rush ... are right and speaking from watching others do what I want to do and then realize that their rig is really just a bed sheet with string attached to the four corners!!!

It doesn't matter how anyone else lives their life.... it matter how you live yours!

[srsand1960 0]

I found a soft copy of Parachuting: The Skydivers Handbook on Amazon and purchased it. I just joined USPA. I inquire about the information manual.
Seriously thanks again for the advise Tom.

It doesn't matter how anyone else lives their life.... it matter how you live yours!

[bob.dino 1]

Quote

Not sure how to use the search function. However, before I took my first step I didn't know how to walk... so, i'll figure it out. Also good advice thanks O'wise Green One!

There's a 'Search Posts' link near the top of the page. Click on that!

[BIGUN 1,312]

Steve,

What's important here is the general message you're getting about focusing on what's important versus what's cool. We're also pointing you to your Instructors for a very important reason; 1) this is a performance-oriented sport and your Instructors are the one's that have seen you perform, 2) We've seen people get excited about the sport and make fast decisions, rather than right decisions.

You need to spend some time gathering more information prior to making a buy decision. Lisa (Skybytch) gave you a hyperlink to the Safety section of dz.com. She has a great article on there about buying new gear for newbies. Please read it, Please slow down and please talk with your instructors.

Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

[EDYDO 0]

Man, I wish I could harness that enthusiasm, put it in a can and sell it. I would be rich. You are entering the biggest adventure of your life.

Ed

[NlghtJumper 0]

Now I am going to say this up front. I have less experiance in the air than you do. But I have been scouring these forums for a couple of months with the exact same out look as you currently have.

I also fell in love with this sport after my first time out of the aircraft. I also got the shirts, necklaces, etc. etc. And similar to you I was REALLY anxious to get a rig of my own ASAP. I guess it was kind of like further solidfying my position in this sport and letting people know I was for real. I read a thread where someone [I dont remember who] mentioned you should hold off on your first rig for at least your first 50 jumps. For one, your possibily of downsizing is high. I know you said you have no ambitions of swooping or going fast, but I have no doubt that after a bit of time in the sport, you will be looking at something next to try. Holding off til the 50th jump will allow you to determine if you are truely satisfied with that size, or if you want to go lower. Secondly, it allowes you to know more about what you are looking for. Understand the gear better, and get a better understanding of what works for you. Everyone is different, and likes different setups. Before you buy, demo some chutes. See what else is on the market before you jump right into the first cool one you see. I say this because it is similar to how I am, not to say you would be the same way.

While you are getting those jump numbers up, keep talking to your instructors. Ultimatly they know you and your technique and skills better than anyone.

And welcome to the most exciting sport on [and above] the face of the earth!

A man will do anything for the right woman,
and when that woman destroys him,
that man will become a hunk of meat with the common sense of a rodeo clown! ~ Christopher Titus

[srsand1960 0]

Ed,
I'd help you bottle it and sell it to the world. My demeanor is like this in everything I do. I think it has something to do with coming back from the gates of hell and learning how to live. This year has been the very best year of my life. Skydiving is my passion and though the people are just people, I like most of the ones that I have met that have chosen to love the airThanks for your reply.
Steve

It doesn't matter how anyone else lives their life.... it matter how you live yours!

[srsand1960 0]

Bigun, Riggerrob and the rest of these folks are experienced and I believe what they are saying is freely given, without any kind of payback due and intelligent advise. I know the kind of design I'm going to have on my canopy and have already spoken to Performance Design about it, but you are right ServiceMan... I don't know what different rigs can do or even what discipline in skydiving I want to pursue. I figure by the end of next season I should have close to 100 jumps and I will know (from diving demos like you said:) what rig I will want. I figure that it will be my next Christmas present to myself. Thanks so much for taking the time to share and the words you shared didn't fall on obstinate or deaf ears... I kind of decided this while I was thinking about it on the train coming home from work tonight.
Thanks again.... for your time

It doesn't matter how anyone else lives their life.... it matter how you live yours!

[steveorino 7]

Welcome to a great sport. One thing I discovered real fast is my local instructors had just about EVERY bit of information out there, and they knew me. They knew my strengths and weaknesses. I'd ask them all of your questions. I bet they'd love to answer them. I remember several years back asking Lloyd, the DZO, about a certain canopy some dude on dropzone.com was trying to sell me, and he said, "Steve that is 7 cell F-111 canopy! You don't want that!" Imagine that ... someone on dropzone.com not putting my interest above his! Trust your local instructors!

steveOrino