oldnewbie 0 #26 March 18, 2003 Quote I just wanted to throw in my two-cents worth. I'm just a beginner, with only 35 jumps now. I earned my A license in december, and went back to Eloy February for some practice. After reading these forums i decided to get some canopy control lessons so that when i jump at my home dropzone (which ever one that will be) I would be safe, while I was having fun (i'm sure my home dropzone will have much much smaller landing area. I picked a coach (after talking to my last instructor, who I wanted to coach me, since I felt he is very good) and dozens of people also suggested the same person. I didn't know what size to downsize to, i thought 30 or 60 sq. ft, and the coach said to go the 30 sq ft downsize. He said that there is so much to learn, and you will be safe with this size. I only jumped 10 times due to the bad weather (yes, it does rain in arizona), but each was on video, and after these 10 jumps, I am a much better person under canopy. He taught me many different ways of controlling the canopy that i never knew. There is so much to learn. The two coaches that i have had have both said to learn everything you can, before you downsize. then you will be a MUCH better skydiver. They said to Jump this size for a hundred to two hundred jumps, and you will be shocked and amazed at how much you know. And don't be in a rush to downsize. Yes, i was VERy happy with my control classes Quote Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spencer 0 #27 March 18, 2003 I will give it another try, the 169 does'nt scare me, I will in not be doing any low turns , and will jump only in conditions that are well within my limit, I will ask for radio to also help me, It just came down to flaring at the right time " Timing" . Some were just abit to soon and some to late, looking down instead of ahead. Thanks for all your advice. Keep it coming. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #28 March 18, 2003 QuoteI will in not be doing any low turns , and will jump only in conditions that are well within my limit, What will you do if someone cuts you off on final and it's either turn or collide? What will you do when conditions deteriorate between the time you take off and the time you're landing? Do you think you can put that 169 in someone's backyard in no wind on your next jump, all because Joe can't spot? Shit happens. Fly something that you have the ability to handle when it happens to you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bbarnhouse 0 #29 March 18, 2003 QuoteShit happens. Fly something that you have the ability to handle when it happens to you. I agree whole heartidly. I suggest that Spencer re-read all of the posts here; posts by jumpers that have thousands of jumps and several years in the sport. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spencer 0 #30 March 18, 2003 That's it I'm going to buy a bigger canopy say a 210 , I don't care how big I go as long as I get down safely. Thanks for all your help . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Iflyme 0 #31 March 18, 2003 With about 180 jumps, I fly a 210 Silhouette loaded around 1:1 I've put about 140 jumps on it, and plan to put on a couple hundred more before downsizing. I wouldn't consider myself qualified to give you advice, but that is how I am handling downsizing... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
b1jercat 0 #32 March 18, 2003 Hey spencer, how's it going? I'm in the same boat you are. I started out on the 265's for about 25 jumps and than went to a 220 tri for a few jumps and than to a flight concepts 190 pro for 4 jumps to a 190 tri for 2 jumps.The difference is that in full forward drive the flare on the tri's kinda drops you right on the spot, while the flare on the pro kinda does a little turf surf thing. The funny thing is I never had any stand up landings until I started Jumping the smaller canopy's, which by the way I'm loading at 1.1-1.2 go figure. My first canopy is a 190 p.d. saber 2 which I have yet to jump, hopefully next weekend. (BEER) I hope you resolve your canopy issues successfully. As for me however, judging from the posts in this forum if I'm not F**ked up now I soon will be.blue skies Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pilotdave 0 #33 March 18, 2003 Upsizing would be a good choice. I went from jumping a 230 to a 150 when I had around 40 jumps or so I think. That's a big drop, but I only load the 150 at about .8:1. I also went with an F-111 canopy, mostly because the price was right. I don't have any regrets for not going smaller. I'd have to jump a sub 110 to reach a loading of 1.2. No thanks. I'm having PLENTY of fun and enough challenge jumping my 150. My only reasons I would consider downsizing are wind penetration and a 135 would fit in my container a lot more easily. But I have little interest in jumping anything smaller any time soon. My reserve is a 120. I am reasonably confident that I'll be able to land it safely when I have to. But right now I don't think I'd demo it if I had the chance. The odds are pretty good that by the time I need it, I'll have a bunch more jumps and possibly be jumping a smaller main. But the idea of jumping a canopy loaded at just under 1.1 doesn't sound particularly appealing to me at the moment. Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ianmdrennan 2 #34 March 21, 2003 QuoteIs it a big deal to be flying a canopy well within their limits? Must everyone fly a canopy on the edge of their abilities? First question I ask people when they ask me about downsizing to a different canopy is "Why?". I often get a blank stare as they try to come up with a reason. There is a belief that downsizing is part of the natural progression and if you are not downsizing often, you are stagent and being "left behind" by the "better" skydivers. Couldn't have said it better myself. Blue skies and safe swoops, IanPerformance Designs Factory Team Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
