PhillyKev 0 #26 September 5, 2003 QuoteAs scary as this thought is, swooping will loose it's appeal and eventually just become another disipline, taken over by the next 'big' thing. Yeah...landing wing suits Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skydivinmartin 0 #27 September 5, 2003 We discussed this at my (small Cessna) DZ just last weekend. The X games dropped FF fairly quickly, what did that do for its popularity? I think skysurfing was perceived by many as "extreme skydiving". - On many dropzones, it will be harder to find someone to jump with on a regular basis compared to RW or FF; for "traditional" skysurf, you basically always need cameraman, or you jump alone. - It may be a more difficult discipline to progress with, particularly when you get on a bigger board, requiring a commitment of a lot of jumps (and probably relatively more jumps than recreational RW and FF, although I'm sure some will disagree here) to achieve a decent level of proficiency - Skysurfing could be more physically demanding with the high-rev spins and flips. - It is a discipline that may require alteration of deployment and emergency procedures (higher pull altitude, different pull technique, conservative choice of canopy, etc) - this probably turned off many good, experienced skydivers - I know more than a few that have never tried wingsuit for the same reason, however unreasonable - The loss of a skysurfer of Jerry Loftis' (practically invented the discpline?) caliber probably reinforced the impression that it is a more dangerous discipline. Rob H., Patrick, Rozov and others made it look awesome though! Martin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites SBS 0 #28 September 6, 2003 There are a couple of factors that come to mind immediately: 1) The more you know, the more dangerous you realize it is, and the harder you realize it is. 2) It is a very lonely way to skydive...it takes a hell of a lot of work to get good, and in doing so, you will spend most of your time jumping on your own. 3) Skydiving is expensive...with the number of jumps that it takes to get good, it is prohibitively expensive for many. 4) There is no incentive...yes, there are still competitions, but how many times do you think people want to compete against the same handful of people? Also, the field that exists is so experienced, i.e. Eric Fradet, Tanya Garcia-Obrien, etc., the only chance that others have of winning is if the above named people don't show up. What fun is that?...doesn't make for much of a competition. 5) You can't start jumping on a board right away (though I know some people who have), but generally, by the time one has the skills necessary to jump a board, they have found something else that interests them more in the sport. It's a shame that more people don't do it...it's a very fun discipline, very challenging, and very beautiful when it's well done. Anyway, just some thoughts. -S_____________ I'm not conceited...I'm just realistic about my awesomeness... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites The111 1 #29 September 6, 2003 QuoteAs scary as this thought is, swooping will loose it's appeal and eventually just become another disipline, taken over by the next 'big' thing. I dunno, I find that hard to believe, since swooping is a method of landing (as opposed to freefall), it will only be replaced by a landing method which is cooler than swooping. WS landings?!? EDIT: QuoteYeah...landing wing suits Damnit Kev, I didn't notice there was a second page of replies when I made mine. You beat me.www.WingsuitPhotos.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites akarunway 1 #30 September 7, 2003 Any comments on this ie: Eric , Stefan or Cliff?I hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel it, when I sorrow most; 'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites houstontx 0 #31 September 7, 2003 I'm thinking about trying it as an alternative to free flying alone on those days when I can't find a partner. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites lewmonst 0 #32 September 7, 2003 Quote 2) It is a very lonely way to skydive...it takes a hell of a lot of work to get good, and in doing so, you will spend most of your time jumping on your own. Steve summed it up pretty well. This point I think is the clincher for most. There are many challenging disciplines in skydiving, but working through them with your friends keeps people going. Imagine how popular flying headdown would be if you could really only do it by yourself. peace lew going to dust off my board sometime...http://www.exitshot.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites WrongWay 0 #33 September 8, 2003 Quote Out of those only Jerry was involved in a skysurf at the tome of his death. Wait a minute, I thought Rob had gone into G lock from a spin and his Cypress didn't fire during the filming of the Pepsi "goose" commercial. Am I wrong?? (Sorry for anyone who thinks this is a touchy subject, I'm just curious....) 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 PurpleBadger 0 #34 September 8, 2003 Patrick was involved in a wingsuit accident, it was nothing to do with Skysurf. www.bpa.org.uk/skydive/pages/people/gayardon.htm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites WrongWay 0 #35 September 8, 2003 I meant Rob. I edited my post and changed it after I realized I put down the wrong guy. 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 PhreeZone 20 #36 September 8, 2003 Rob died during the filming of an intentional cutway while filming a commercial. http://www.skydivingfatalities.info/search.asp?MinDate=1%2F1%2F1995&MaxDate=31%2F12%2F1995&Country=US&CountryOp=%3C%3EYesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites WrongWay 0 #37 September 8, 2003 Ah, I see. Thanks for clearing that up. 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 Newbie 0 #38 September 8, 2003 i just got back from Empuria in Spain - there was a German skysurfer there (relatively inexperienced) an Australian girl (pretty experienced) and Babylon skysurf coaching a LOT. It may have lost momentum, but i wouldn't say it's dead by any stretch. "Skydiving is a door" Happythoughts Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites PhreeZone 20 #39 September 8, 2003 If anyone is still interested in skysurfing check out www.skysurfer.com. If you want to see how hard it can be for even experienced surfers look at the Near Disaster video. Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites bclark 0 #40 September 9, 2003 The #1 question I get asked as a tandem I. by students is "dude, did you ever jump with a snowboard?". My answer (of course in jest) is, " when those guys show up in their tights we kick their asses and send them on their way". Or, "Why would I want to turn my body into the drive shaft of a big propeller?". No disrespect for skysurfers, I just think that there are much more versatile and appealing disciplines. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites DivaSkyChick 0 #41 September 9, 2003 Well with my limited experience I have found three issues with skysurfing. A) It's a pain in the ass to for others in the plane when I put my board on. B) It's rrrrrreally lonely practicing all the time alone. c) It's scary when you start spinning really fast! Having said that, I LOVE skysurfing for the following reasons: A) Surfs up biotch, back the fuck up! B) I'm one of the few, the elite (lol) C) It's scary when you start spinning really fast!Yeeeeehaaaaaaaa! --- www.facebook.com/mandyhamptonfitch Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites bendywendy 0 #42 September 10, 2003 all the reasons everyone else gave and the fact that a fair number of DZ's will not allow you to jump a board there for a variety of reasons. The least not being that like Sebastian - the airport is surrounded by housing developements that really hate it when you drop boards or skyballs in their back yards - they don't even like it when you drop canopies in their yards. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites andy2 0 #43 September 10, 2003 [QUOTE]Unless... surf BASE! [/QUOTE] I saw some pics of a guy taking a board off a cliff.. --------------------------------------------- let my inspiration flow, in token rhyme suggesting rhythm... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites PurpleBadger 0 #44 September 10, 2003 Try looking at 'GoodStuff' , plenty of skysurf as well as surf base on there Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites brits17 0 #45 September 11, 2003 everyone's pretty muched summed it up already, but i just wanted to add my tiny opinion. i think its unappealing because i've felt its the most difficult discipline to learn. there's not many to learn from (reasons have been previously posted) so beginners are on their own, for the most part, unless they get coaching. and its just a damn hard concept to learn to fly the board as a part of you, not an added element. i've taken three folks out for their 1st board jumps. 1 said never again, 1 did a couple more jumps on the beginner board, and 1 did about 20 more jumps on the beginner. its rewarding, its frustrating. unappealling because to be successful, every jump has to be a skysurf jump. it takes every ounce of discipline and dedication to that one skill. most skydivers want something a little easier to pick up, a little safer, and leeway in their choice of jumps with the option of exceling at their preferred discipline. _______________________ aerialkinetics.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites TrickyDicky 0 #46 September 11, 2003 I have a question: Im really interesting in being really good at RW. Im also interesting in doing Skysurfing and flying a wingsuit, but freefly hasnt really appealed to me that much (probably cos of my rig, and tbh Ive never tried FF) Are most skysurfers FFers? I know you need good FF skills before you can do it, but is it strange for me to be more interested in SS than FF? I know I have no where near enough jumps, and not the right kit for it, so I wont be starting any time soon. UK Skydiver for all your UK skydiving needs. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Bradders 0 #47 September 11, 2003 skysurfing, probably uncommon cos its not something you just tend to try one afternoon. when you try it you've gotta have the right coach like anything to stay with it - and there just arn't that many coaches. Reasons I like it - see divaskychick just about sums it up - have we met eloy xmas time I just started surfing then (english guy)? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Push 0 #48 September 11, 2003 As I understand it you need Freestyle experience, not FreeFly. That's all I'm going to really say because FS and SS have never really appealed to me, so I don't know anything about them. As to freeflying, I would recommend you at least learn to sitfly at one point as it can be a blast. But remember, you don't have to freefly. -- Toggle Whippin' Yahoo Skydiving is easy. All you have to do is relax while plummetting at 120 mph from 10,000' with nothing but some nylon and webbing to save you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites brits17 0 #49 September 11, 2003 hello, i did mostly FF before hopping on board. i only had 200 jumps when i surfed as well. good prerequisites are being able to stand the whole dive (no wobbling), layout to stand (forward and backwards), easily execute 360's in a stand (left and right). if you can accomplish these maneuvers comfortably, you're ready to test out a board. _______________________ aerialkinetics.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jmidgley 0 #50 September 12, 2003 Quotei just got back from Empuria in Spain - there was a German skysurfer there Friendly guy, short light coloured hair, name of Jorg or something like? He must live there! He's the other other half of the closest I've ever come to dying. Nice chap, too. John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 3 Next Page 2 of 3 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. 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skydivinmartin 0 #27 September 5, 2003 We discussed this at my (small Cessna) DZ just last weekend. The X games dropped FF fairly quickly, what did that do for its popularity? I think skysurfing was perceived by many as "extreme skydiving". - On many dropzones, it will be harder to find someone to jump with on a regular basis compared to RW or FF; for "traditional" skysurf, you basically always need cameraman, or you jump alone. - It may be a more difficult discipline to progress with, particularly when you get on a bigger board, requiring a commitment of a lot of jumps (and probably relatively more jumps than recreational RW and FF, although I'm sure some will disagree here) to achieve a decent level of proficiency - Skysurfing could be more physically demanding with the high-rev spins and flips. - It is a discipline that may require alteration of deployment and emergency procedures (higher pull altitude, different pull technique, conservative choice of canopy, etc) - this probably turned off many good, experienced skydivers - I know more than a few that have never tried wingsuit for the same reason, however unreasonable - The loss of a skysurfer of Jerry Loftis' (practically invented the discpline?) caliber probably reinforced the impression that it is a more dangerous discipline. Rob H., Patrick, Rozov and others made it look awesome though! Martin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SBS 0 #28 September 6, 2003 There are a couple of factors that come to mind immediately: 1) The more you know, the more dangerous you realize it is, and the harder you realize it is. 2) It is a very lonely way to skydive...it takes a hell of a lot of work to get good, and in doing so, you will spend most of your time jumping on your own. 3) Skydiving is expensive...with the number of jumps that it takes to get good, it is prohibitively expensive for many. 4) There is no incentive...yes, there are still competitions, but how many times do you think people want to compete against the same handful of people? Also, the field that exists is so experienced, i.e. Eric Fradet, Tanya Garcia-Obrien, etc., the only chance that others have of winning is if the above named people don't show up. What fun is that?...doesn't make for much of a competition. 5) You can't start jumping on a board right away (though I know some people who have), but generally, by the time one has the skills necessary to jump a board, they have found something else that interests them more in the sport. It's a shame that more people don't do it...it's a very fun discipline, very challenging, and very beautiful when it's well done. Anyway, just some thoughts. -S_____________ I'm not conceited...I'm just realistic about my awesomeness... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The111 1 #29 September 6, 2003 QuoteAs scary as this thought is, swooping will loose it's appeal and eventually just become another disipline, taken over by the next 'big' thing. I dunno, I find that hard to believe, since swooping is a method of landing (as opposed to freefall), it will only be replaced by a landing method which is cooler than swooping. WS landings?!? EDIT: QuoteYeah...landing wing suits Damnit Kev, I didn't notice there was a second page of replies when I made mine. You beat me.www.WingsuitPhotos.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
akarunway 1 #30 September 7, 2003 Any comments on this ie: Eric , Stefan or Cliff?I hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel it, when I sorrow most; 'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
houstontx 0 #31 September 7, 2003 I'm thinking about trying it as an alternative to free flying alone on those days when I can't find a partner. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lewmonst 0 #32 September 7, 2003 Quote 2) It is a very lonely way to skydive...it takes a hell of a lot of work to get good, and in doing so, you will spend most of your time jumping on your own. Steve summed it up pretty well. This point I think is the clincher for most. There are many challenging disciplines in skydiving, but working through them with your friends keeps people going. Imagine how popular flying headdown would be if you could really only do it by yourself. peace lew going to dust off my board sometime...http://www.exitshot.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WrongWay 0 #33 September 8, 2003 Quote Out of those only Jerry was involved in a skysurf at the tome of his death. Wait a minute, I thought Rob had gone into G lock from a spin and his Cypress didn't fire during the filming of the Pepsi "goose" commercial. Am I wrong?? (Sorry for anyone who thinks this is a touchy subject, I'm just curious....) 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
PurpleBadger 0 #34 September 8, 2003 Patrick was involved in a wingsuit accident, it was nothing to do with Skysurf. www.bpa.org.uk/skydive/pages/people/gayardon.htm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WrongWay 0 #35 September 8, 2003 I meant Rob. I edited my post and changed it after I realized I put down the wrong guy. 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
PhreeZone 20 #36 September 8, 2003 Rob died during the filming of an intentional cutway while filming a commercial. http://www.skydivingfatalities.info/search.asp?MinDate=1%2F1%2F1995&MaxDate=31%2F12%2F1995&Country=US&CountryOp=%3C%3EYesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WrongWay 0 #37 September 8, 2003 Ah, I see. Thanks for clearing that up. 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
Newbie 0 #38 September 8, 2003 i just got back from Empuria in Spain - there was a German skysurfer there (relatively inexperienced) an Australian girl (pretty experienced) and Babylon skysurf coaching a LOT. It may have lost momentum, but i wouldn't say it's dead by any stretch. "Skydiving is a door" Happythoughts Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #39 September 8, 2003 If anyone is still interested in skysurfing check out www.skysurfer.com. If you want to see how hard it can be for even experienced surfers look at the Near Disaster video. Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bclark 0 #40 September 9, 2003 The #1 question I get asked as a tandem I. by students is "dude, did you ever jump with a snowboard?". My answer (of course in jest) is, " when those guys show up in their tights we kick their asses and send them on their way". Or, "Why would I want to turn my body into the drive shaft of a big propeller?". No disrespect for skysurfers, I just think that there are much more versatile and appealing disciplines. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DivaSkyChick 0 #41 September 9, 2003 Well with my limited experience I have found three issues with skysurfing. A) It's a pain in the ass to for others in the plane when I put my board on. B) It's rrrrrreally lonely practicing all the time alone. c) It's scary when you start spinning really fast! Having said that, I LOVE skysurfing for the following reasons: A) Surfs up biotch, back the fuck up! B) I'm one of the few, the elite (lol) C) It's scary when you start spinning really fast!Yeeeeehaaaaaaaa! --- www.facebook.com/mandyhamptonfitch Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bendywendy 0 #42 September 10, 2003 all the reasons everyone else gave and the fact that a fair number of DZ's will not allow you to jump a board there for a variety of reasons. The least not being that like Sebastian - the airport is surrounded by housing developements that really hate it when you drop boards or skyballs in their back yards - they don't even like it when you drop canopies in their yards. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andy2 0 #43 September 10, 2003 [QUOTE]Unless... surf BASE! [/QUOTE] I saw some pics of a guy taking a board off a cliff.. --------------------------------------------- let my inspiration flow, in token rhyme suggesting rhythm... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PurpleBadger 0 #44 September 10, 2003 Try looking at 'GoodStuff' , plenty of skysurf as well as surf base on there Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brits17 0 #45 September 11, 2003 everyone's pretty muched summed it up already, but i just wanted to add my tiny opinion. i think its unappealing because i've felt its the most difficult discipline to learn. there's not many to learn from (reasons have been previously posted) so beginners are on their own, for the most part, unless they get coaching. and its just a damn hard concept to learn to fly the board as a part of you, not an added element. i've taken three folks out for their 1st board jumps. 1 said never again, 1 did a couple more jumps on the beginner board, and 1 did about 20 more jumps on the beginner. its rewarding, its frustrating. unappealling because to be successful, every jump has to be a skysurf jump. it takes every ounce of discipline and dedication to that one skill. most skydivers want something a little easier to pick up, a little safer, and leeway in their choice of jumps with the option of exceling at their preferred discipline. _______________________ aerialkinetics.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrickyDicky 0 #46 September 11, 2003 I have a question: Im really interesting in being really good at RW. Im also interesting in doing Skysurfing and flying a wingsuit, but freefly hasnt really appealed to me that much (probably cos of my rig, and tbh Ive never tried FF) Are most skysurfers FFers? I know you need good FF skills before you can do it, but is it strange for me to be more interested in SS than FF? I know I have no where near enough jumps, and not the right kit for it, so I wont be starting any time soon. UK Skydiver for all your UK skydiving needs. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bradders 0 #47 September 11, 2003 skysurfing, probably uncommon cos its not something you just tend to try one afternoon. when you try it you've gotta have the right coach like anything to stay with it - and there just arn't that many coaches. Reasons I like it - see divaskychick just about sums it up - have we met eloy xmas time I just started surfing then (english guy)? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Push 0 #48 September 11, 2003 As I understand it you need Freestyle experience, not FreeFly. That's all I'm going to really say because FS and SS have never really appealed to me, so I don't know anything about them. As to freeflying, I would recommend you at least learn to sitfly at one point as it can be a blast. But remember, you don't have to freefly. -- Toggle Whippin' Yahoo Skydiving is easy. All you have to do is relax while plummetting at 120 mph from 10,000' with nothing but some nylon and webbing to save you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brits17 0 #49 September 11, 2003 hello, i did mostly FF before hopping on board. i only had 200 jumps when i surfed as well. good prerequisites are being able to stand the whole dive (no wobbling), layout to stand (forward and backwards), easily execute 360's in a stand (left and right). if you can accomplish these maneuvers comfortably, you're ready to test out a board. _______________________ aerialkinetics.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jmidgley 0 #50 September 12, 2003 Quotei just got back from Empuria in Spain - there was a German skysurfer there Friendly guy, short light coloured hair, name of Jorg or something like? He must live there! He's the other other half of the closest I've ever come to dying. Nice chap, too. John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
