Jeth 0 #1 August 22, 2005 So at the dz yesterday I was there in the loading area waiting for the plane. I was chatting with this tandem student. He was there for his 1st jump with his son. He was asking me/the TM if he'd have trouble breathing in freefall. The TM told him to just shut his mouth if he's having trouble. Then the student goes "I'll probably end up swollowing my gum, then it'll sit in my stomach for the next 10 years." The TM just chuckled. WTF?! Why would the TM let that guy go up with gum in his mouth? He could so easily choke on that!! I remember a girl who died on a roller coaster cuz she had gum in her mouth and she choked on it while trying to scream. That just seems like a silly risk to take with someone who's never been in freefall before. Who knows if he's gonna try to scream, keep his mouth open or closed or whatever. What do you guys think, am I overreacting to this?"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
valcore 0 #2 August 22, 2005 maybe a tad. The most terrifying words in the English language are: ‘I'm from the government and I'm here to help’. ~Ronald Reagan 30,000,000 legal firearm owners killed no one yesterday. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skytash 0 #3 August 22, 2005 A friend of mine who had problems breathing in freefall was told to chew gum as the chewing would stop her from thinking about breathing... guess the choking thing never occured to either of them and she had no problems breathing in freefall after that! tashDon't ever save anything for a special occasion. Being alive is a special occasion. Avril Sloe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #4 August 22, 2005 Over reacting. I've seen video of lots of tandems that have been chewing gum in freefall. I used to suck on mints on the ride up and jumps some times.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy9o8 2 #5 August 22, 2005 There are some people who can't jump and chew gum at the same time. It confuses them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BillyVance 34 #6 August 22, 2005 Sometime on a demo jump last year, my buddy had a wad of gum in his mouth. We were setting up the exit from the C-182, a 3 way. Right on exit, my buddy, who gave the count and was on the bottom on the hill, opened his mouth and the gum flew right out, into the jumpsuit pant-leg of the other jumper who was in the V... We didn't know until we all were packing up and he was folding his jumpsuit up and exclaimed "GUM!! WTF!!" We had a good laugh... "Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeth 0 #7 August 22, 2005 Ok, guess I'm over reacting. But you guys will all be eating your words when the next guy chokes on gum in freefall!! "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
demoss99 0 #8 August 22, 2005 http://www.snopes.com/oldwives/chewgum.asp Edited by slotperfect to make the link clicky! "I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimmytavino 16 #9 August 22, 2005 QuoteOk, guess I'm over reacting. ... I dunno... maybe not... I'd go with those who lean towards the sensible and cautious, anyday.... I have Always thought that candy gum etc .. should be finished or swallowed before the door opened.... and there usually isn't a need to have one's mouth busy with such things,,, during a skydive.... and I bet most would agree with that simple safety consideration..... but maybe I'm just an old fogey... "aside from the usual wear and tear,,,, I'm doin' pretty good !!!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites The111 1 #10 August 22, 2005 I agree with Jeth and Jimmy that for a first timer, it maybe could be an issue. But hey, they are already taking a risk with their life, and if I was the TM I'd say, "as long as you're aware you might flip out and choke on your gum, and you're ok with that, chew away". I don't think it's a huge deal. I've made many wingsuit jumps while chewing gum. It helps me relax. I have a movie I got from skydivingmovies.com called "chewing gum rodeo" that this thread made me think of. I was gonna post a link but the site seems to be down. Check it out later if you can...www.WingsuitPhotos.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites flyangel2 2 #11 August 22, 2005 I don't jump and chew gum, cause I'm scared I'd be one of those that might choke on it.May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites sunshine 2 #12 August 22, 2005 I won't do it. Maybe it doesn't happen often, but i don't wanne be "the one" it happens to either. ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Andy9o8 2 #13 August 22, 2005 QuoteI also like spitting it out while under canopy and pretending I can aim where it goes. Fine, if a wad of gum ever hits my windshield at terminal velocity, I'll know who to blame. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites The111 1 #14 August 22, 2005 QuoteFine, if a wad of gum ever hits my windshield at terminal velocity, I'll know who to blame. And terminal velocity for a piece of gum is...? www.WingsuitPhotos.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Andy9o8 2 #15 August 22, 2005 QuoteQuoteFine, if a wad of gum ever hits my windshield at terminal velocity, I'll know who to blame. And terminal velocity for a piece of gum is...? Oh, that depends on the flavor. And the, um, salivation factor. I'll get back to you on that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites tdog 0 #16 August 23, 2005 A TI was chewing gum a few weeks back... I said, "you skydive with gum?" He said, "Ya, but once it gets a hair in it from the student, I have to spit it out." I said, so, in freefall, which is faster, gum or a human pair with a drogue? The humans fall faster. I guess the packers are lucky it does not seem to stick to the drogue upon spitout. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Samurai136 0 #17 August 23, 2005 Over reacting. I know skydivers who have been in the sport more than 33 years and chew gum in freefall. Personally, I don't chew gum. It makes me more physically tense; I like being totally relaxed and prepared to skydive. Ken"Buttons aren't toys." - Trillian Ken Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Rookie120 0 #18 August 23, 2005 I chew gum all the time. It helps with my ears and I have never had any problems. But thats not to say someone else wont.If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites efs4ever 3 #19 August 23, 2005 Nope. So you can PLAY with it in FF. Photo by turtlespeed.Russell M. Webb D 7014 Attorney at Law 713 385 5676 https://www.tdcparole.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites WrongWay 0 #20 August 23, 2005 I always accept a piece of gum on the plane when it's offered. I always land with it. It hasn't hurt me yet. On that note, I think I'll have a nice piece of.....*cough* *cough* ACK! *gag* *cough* (help!) Wrong Way D #27371 Mal Manera Rodriguez Cajun Chicken Ø Hellfish #451 The wiser wolf prevails. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites slotperfect 7 #21 August 23, 2005 I chew gum on occasion myself in free fall. The last thing I want a Tandem Student to remember is the onions I had on my salad for lunch as part of their experience. Regarding students, I will not let them chew gum. At the boarding area I give the student one last look from a few feet away to see if anything jumps out at me. I catch gum in students' mouths that wasn't there before all the time. I don't want their quick inhale of breath from exasperation after exit to cause them to choke on it.Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites huka551 0 #22 August 23, 2005 I chew gum in freefall, mostly I pop a piece in my mouth before I get on the plane. It can be tight quarters in the plane and I don't want to be breathing dry mouth stinky breath in someones face. Plus my mouth gets dry in FF so the gum helps keep everything kosher. I never worry about choking, cause come on, who really every chokes on a little piece of trident? Muff Brother 3723 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Jeth 0 #23 August 23, 2005 QuoteI always accept a piece of gum on the plane when it's offered. I always land with it. It hasn't hurt me yet. On that note, I think I'll have a nice piece of.....*cough* *cough* ACK! *gag* *cough* (help!) Smart ass!! "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 Jeth 0 #24 August 23, 2005 Quote I don't want their quick inhale of breath from exasperation after exit to cause them to choke on it. Exactly. Thank you. That is what I would be worried about if I was a TM. But I also agree with others that even for myself, I will not chew gum in freefall. But thats good that so many others do it and haven't choked! )"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 BillyVance 34 #25 August 23, 2005 Personally, I prefer something like Altoids mints over a piece of gum. Pop one in your mouth just after take-off. You'll be moving it around your mouth, still giving your tongue and mouth muscles a workout, but it'll have dissolved by the time the plane gets on jump run. "Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban 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 Go To Topic Listing
The111 1 #10 August 22, 2005 I agree with Jeth and Jimmy that for a first timer, it maybe could be an issue. But hey, they are already taking a risk with their life, and if I was the TM I'd say, "as long as you're aware you might flip out and choke on your gum, and you're ok with that, chew away". I don't think it's a huge deal. I've made many wingsuit jumps while chewing gum. It helps me relax. I have a movie I got from skydivingmovies.com called "chewing gum rodeo" that this thread made me think of. I was gonna post a link but the site seems to be down. Check it out later if you can...www.WingsuitPhotos.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #11 August 22, 2005 I don't jump and chew gum, cause I'm scared I'd be one of those that might choke on it.May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #12 August 22, 2005 I won't do it. Maybe it doesn't happen often, but i don't wanne be "the one" it happens to either. ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy9o8 2 #13 August 22, 2005 QuoteI also like spitting it out while under canopy and pretending I can aim where it goes. Fine, if a wad of gum ever hits my windshield at terminal velocity, I'll know who to blame. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The111 1 #14 August 22, 2005 QuoteFine, if a wad of gum ever hits my windshield at terminal velocity, I'll know who to blame. And terminal velocity for a piece of gum is...? www.WingsuitPhotos.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy9o8 2 #15 August 22, 2005 QuoteQuoteFine, if a wad of gum ever hits my windshield at terminal velocity, I'll know who to blame. And terminal velocity for a piece of gum is...? Oh, that depends on the flavor. And the, um, salivation factor. I'll get back to you on that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tdog 0 #16 August 23, 2005 A TI was chewing gum a few weeks back... I said, "you skydive with gum?" He said, "Ya, but once it gets a hair in it from the student, I have to spit it out." I said, so, in freefall, which is faster, gum or a human pair with a drogue? The humans fall faster. I guess the packers are lucky it does not seem to stick to the drogue upon spitout. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Samurai136 0 #17 August 23, 2005 Over reacting. I know skydivers who have been in the sport more than 33 years and chew gum in freefall. Personally, I don't chew gum. It makes me more physically tense; I like being totally relaxed and prepared to skydive. Ken"Buttons aren't toys." - Trillian Ken Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Rookie120 0 #18 August 23, 2005 I chew gum all the time. It helps with my ears and I have never had any problems. But thats not to say someone else wont.If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites efs4ever 3 #19 August 23, 2005 Nope. So you can PLAY with it in FF. Photo by turtlespeed.Russell M. Webb D 7014 Attorney at Law 713 385 5676 https://www.tdcparole.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites WrongWay 0 #20 August 23, 2005 I always accept a piece of gum on the plane when it's offered. I always land with it. It hasn't hurt me yet. On that note, I think I'll have a nice piece of.....*cough* *cough* ACK! *gag* *cough* (help!) Wrong Way D #27371 Mal Manera Rodriguez Cajun Chicken Ø Hellfish #451 The wiser wolf prevails. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites slotperfect 7 #21 August 23, 2005 I chew gum on occasion myself in free fall. The last thing I want a Tandem Student to remember is the onions I had on my salad for lunch as part of their experience. Regarding students, I will not let them chew gum. At the boarding area I give the student one last look from a few feet away to see if anything jumps out at me. I catch gum in students' mouths that wasn't there before all the time. I don't want their quick inhale of breath from exasperation after exit to cause them to choke on it.Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites huka551 0 #22 August 23, 2005 I chew gum in freefall, mostly I pop a piece in my mouth before I get on the plane. It can be tight quarters in the plane and I don't want to be breathing dry mouth stinky breath in someones face. Plus my mouth gets dry in FF so the gum helps keep everything kosher. I never worry about choking, cause come on, who really every chokes on a little piece of trident? Muff Brother 3723 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Jeth 0 #23 August 23, 2005 QuoteI always accept a piece of gum on the plane when it's offered. I always land with it. It hasn't hurt me yet. On that note, I think I'll have a nice piece of.....*cough* *cough* ACK! *gag* *cough* (help!) Smart ass!! "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 Jeth 0 #24 August 23, 2005 Quote I don't want their quick inhale of breath from exasperation after exit to cause them to choke on it. Exactly. Thank you. That is what I would be worried about if I was a TM. But I also agree with others that even for myself, I will not chew gum in freefall. But thats good that so many others do it and haven't choked! )"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 BillyVance 34 #25 August 23, 2005 Personally, I prefer something like Altoids mints over a piece of gum. Pop one in your mouth just after take-off. You'll be moving it around your mouth, still giving your tongue and mouth muscles a workout, but it'll have dissolved by the time the plane gets on jump run. "Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban 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
Samurai136 0 #17 August 23, 2005 Over reacting. I know skydivers who have been in the sport more than 33 years and chew gum in freefall. Personally, I don't chew gum. It makes me more physically tense; I like being totally relaxed and prepared to skydive. Ken"Buttons aren't toys." - Trillian Ken Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rookie120 0 #18 August 23, 2005 I chew gum all the time. It helps with my ears and I have never had any problems. But thats not to say someone else wont.If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
efs4ever 3 #19 August 23, 2005 Nope. So you can PLAY with it in FF. Photo by turtlespeed.Russell M. Webb D 7014 Attorney at Law 713 385 5676 https://www.tdcparole.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WrongWay 0 #20 August 23, 2005 I always accept a piece of gum on the plane when it's offered. I always land with it. It hasn't hurt me yet. On that note, I think I'll have a nice piece of.....*cough* *cough* ACK! *gag* *cough* (help!) Wrong Way D #27371 Mal Manera Rodriguez Cajun Chicken Ø Hellfish #451 The wiser wolf prevails. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slotperfect 7 #21 August 23, 2005 I chew gum on occasion myself in free fall. The last thing I want a Tandem Student to remember is the onions I had on my salad for lunch as part of their experience. Regarding students, I will not let them chew gum. At the boarding area I give the student one last look from a few feet away to see if anything jumps out at me. I catch gum in students' mouths that wasn't there before all the time. I don't want their quick inhale of breath from exasperation after exit to cause them to choke on it.Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
huka551 0 #22 August 23, 2005 I chew gum in freefall, mostly I pop a piece in my mouth before I get on the plane. It can be tight quarters in the plane and I don't want to be breathing dry mouth stinky breath in someones face. Plus my mouth gets dry in FF so the gum helps keep everything kosher. I never worry about choking, cause come on, who really every chokes on a little piece of trident? Muff Brother 3723 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeth 0 #23 August 23, 2005 QuoteI always accept a piece of gum on the plane when it's offered. I always land with it. It hasn't hurt me yet. On that note, I think I'll have a nice piece of.....*cough* *cough* ACK! *gag* *cough* (help!) Smart ass!! "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
Jeth 0 #24 August 23, 2005 Quote I don't want their quick inhale of breath from exasperation after exit to cause them to choke on it. Exactly. Thank you. That is what I would be worried about if I was a TM. But I also agree with others that even for myself, I will not chew gum in freefall. But thats good that so many others do it and haven't choked! )"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
BillyVance 34 #25 August 23, 2005 Personally, I prefer something like Altoids mints over a piece of gum. Pop one in your mouth just after take-off. You'll be moving it around your mouth, still giving your tongue and mouth muscles a workout, but it'll have dissolved by the time the plane gets on jump run. "Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites