skydude 0 #1 January 21, 2003 Hi all ! I've been volunteered to give a lunchtime discussion chat on skydiving to a bunch of wuffo's at work. (this should be funny !) Anyone have any idea's or suggestions ? I was thinking just the basic stuff but am open to any idea's ! Kind of thinking along the What Where When Who Why line's of thought ... for now... but like I said .. any input I'd be glad to have ! ThanksIs it Bridge Day Yet ? :-) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
darkwing 5 #2 January 21, 2003 don't forget to mention why jumping in the rain is so uncomfortable.... You run into the pointy end of the raindrops. If you look down and see blue, turn over. The phrase "throw up" takes on a new, more literal meaning. No such thing as a "perfectly" good airplane -- Jeff My Skydiving History Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wrightskyguy 1 #3 January 21, 2003 I've done several of these talks to local civic groups. I like to start off with "hi, I'm John, I'm an alcoholic. John Wright World's most beloved skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveMonkey 0 #4 January 21, 2003 Exept it should be "I'm an altiholic" Explain that on tandem videos when they deploy, they only go up relative to the camera, they don't gain altitude ____________________ Say no to subliminal messages Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dumpster 0 #5 January 21, 2003 When people ask me to describe the sensation of freefall, I tell them it's like trying to describe an orgasm. The best way to find out is to experience it yourself! On our safety commitee, I was asked what the most important piece of safety equipment for skydiving is. I told them "Your brain". When people tell me they are afraid of heights, I always tell them I was, too. And they always love hearing the story of the one guy at your DZ who can land on a picnic table without spilling anyones' drink! Easy Does It Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trilete312 0 #6 January 21, 2003 Don't forget to explain how when falling in terminal you can't breathe and you have to rely on your skin absorbing the oxygen. ----------- Ready, Set, Gooooooo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #7 January 21, 2003 I helped my son with this for a speech. We titled it, "so you want to make a skydive", and went through the whole process of what we do from getting to the dropzone and manifesting, to the end of the dive and packing. We tore out pictures from Parachutist and showed the different disciplines, and I brought all my stuff into the class and put it all on as he was talking about them. Finally at the end we showed a video of yours truly. He got an A+! She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Casch 0 #8 January 21, 2003 QuoteWe tore out pictures from Parachutist YOU DEFACED A PARACHUTIST! wait a sec...I shouln't yell, especially at a Greenie...I'm sorry Skymama...can you ever forgive me? I would just pretend like your teaching a FJC. Remember these are the people that thought we wear jump suits so the wind doesn't tear our skin off Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #9 January 21, 2003 Quote YOU DEFACED A PARACHUTIST! wait a sec...I shouln't yell, especially at a Greenie...I'm sorry Skymama...can you ever forgive me? I've even been known to throw some of them away too! You're not allowed to yell at me, I'll have to spank you now. She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Casch 0 #10 January 21, 2003 Being this IS a topical forum, I'm just going to ignore the spanking comment.I suppose when you do it every day, why should you need to read about it (I'm talking about SKYDIVING PEOPLE!) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #11 January 21, 2003 Yeah, I have given a few talks to whuffos about skydiving. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, try starting with a video. Also take a long a fully-dressed skydiver and have them stand there quietly while you point out all the safety features. You know, things like one hand for beer while the other hand holds a bong. Oh sorry, I got off topic there. The toughest part is keeping a straight face when they start re-counting popular mis-conceptions. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,072 #12 January 21, 2003 -Lots of pictures -Lots of stuff they can touch (a rig, for example) -A video or two Talk a few minutes between each video/demo, and just hit the highlights (how ram-airs fly, how we land, how we exit.) Some things that I find whuffos are impressed by: -Floating -Accuracy landings -Exotic aircraft jumps Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Merrick 0 #13 January 21, 2003 Quote "Don't forget to explain how when falling in terminal you can't breathe and you have to rely on your skin absorbing the oxygen." ROFL - And, don't forget to explain how the grippers act as static dissipaters... they keep you from getting electrocuted because of all the protons & neutrons in the earth's atmosphere. Oh, and how you have to dis-charge them with a dryer sheet.Blues! Merrick Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #14 January 21, 2003 ...and since you always 'GO UP" when you open your parachute...never pull the ripcord in the house...you'll go right through the roooooffff!!! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CWiggum 0 #15 January 21, 2003 Quote Quote "Don't forget to explain how when falling in terminal you can't breathe and you have to rely on your skin absorbing the oxygen." and that if you fly through a cloud, you'll drown because you absorb all the water vapor through your skin! "I'll tear up this ticket, but I'm still gonna have to ask you for a bribe." Chief Clancy Wiggum Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eyeinthesky 0 #16 January 22, 2003 "its the most intense feeling you'll ever have while fully clothed"....seems to get their attention. doughey, i was stupid before stupid was cool! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rickfri59 0 #17 January 22, 2003 The responses to this post are a rip. Does anyone know if there is a "list" of misconceptions posted anywhere? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rigging65 0 #18 January 23, 2003 Now, aren't you glad you posted your request for help here...We're all so helpful! "...and once you had tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward. For there you have been, and there you long to return..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skycop 0 #19 January 23, 2003 I always start my speeches this way, when asked to describe the feeling of jumping. "It's kinda like having sex, and being in a train wreck............ALL AT THE SAME TIME. I'm married, so i NEVER have sex, but I really dig train wrecks!! That's why I skydive!" That seems to get their attention and break the ice at the same time. I don't know your marital status, so wing it!! "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airsaint 0 #20 January 23, 2003 Here is a great link on how skydiving works. Hope it helps. [url]http://www.howstuffworks.com/skydiving.htm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jsaxton 0 #21 January 23, 2003 Hey, I'm usually tail and I'm still impressed by floating :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydude 0 #22 January 26, 2003 Thanks Bill ! Yep .. .me thinks I'll go with the video first ... then bring some toy's (rig, a buddys camera helmet, jumpsuit, alti and such !) It's at work ... so this should be interesting ! Ha! ha!Is it Bridge Day Yet ? :-) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
