Any advice for a low-timer at Quincy?

[RedBull 0]

As it turns out, I have the time and $$ to go to Quincy this year, but as a low-timer (77 jumps), I'm know I'm going to have to be even more safety aware in an unfamiliar and crowded environment.
So, do any of you experienced skydivers and Quincy non-virgins have any advice for me? I suppose I'm most concerned about canopy traffic and being overwhelmed by the hugeness of it all. I'm sure there's more I should be concerned about, which is why I'm asking...
And non-safety-related: does anyone have any experience w/ the low-timer load organizing (tent 3). Have you found that the jumps from specialty aircraft are worth the expense? Any experiences that I absolutely shouldn't miss?
I'll be going w/ some experienced folks from my DZ, but I thought I'd also like some perspective from the DZ.com'ers.
thanks
pml
A-38712

[ClayFowler 0]

I havent been but Condoms, aspirin, and Gatorade would be high on the list of tier two support items.

[RemiAndKaren 0]

JUMP UR ASS OFF!!!!!
Seriously... (well as serious as one can get at Quincy) my view is from 2 trips, the last one was 4 years ago...
My 1st trip there was at about the same number of jumps you have now. I ended up doing the organized loads with the Muff Bros (they had 2 groups, I was in the lower timers)and I really enjoyed it (who 75 jump person wouldnt like doing 12 ways!). Be prepare for some zoos... And please track flat, for your own sake... I did a Skidive U type package of 10 jumps before going not to look to stupid/dangerous in freefall...
Canopy traffic is not as huge a problem if you come from a large plane DZ: there is only 1 plane at a time that drops. However, you will be probably jumping with bigger groups then your used to, so it might be an issue. In any cases, track far and flat, and keep your eyes opened under canopy (these are golden rules no matter where)
As far as Must do jumps,
- the choppers are awsome (so is the ride to altitude!),
- the biplane is really kwel (and allthough I didn't know about it at the time, I heard you can bribe the pilot for some aerobatics!);
- jumping from the 727 is nice, but the ride up in it and the energy you feel for the load of people in there is 2nd to none! (ear to ear grinning); very worth it for that excitement...
- didnt do the ballon, but its one thing i reaaaaly wanna do... but who wants to get up at 5AM!!!
- and the connie was special! Now THATS a prop blast!
- Try some CRW if you want; they'll have canopies and excellent coaches/organizers (and back then, I wasn't charged a dime for the canopy or the 1 on 1 and 4 way coach jumps)
Dunno about the bombers and other planes, they werent around when I went.
All and all, jumping is jumping; what makes Quincy special is all the funky planes, the different stuff you can try, and the people you meet...
Have fun!
Remi

[SkymonkeyONE 4]

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So, do any of you experienced skydivers and Quincy non-virgins have any advice for me?

There are two trains of thought here. One is for the person with a big wad of cash and the other for the guy that wants to get the most jumps and meet the most people.
First, if you are packing a big wallet and are not in a position to jump any of the odd planes/helos/etc at your home DZ, then try all of that stuff "just to say you did it" once in your life. The specialty jumps there can be quite pricey and offer very little in the way of actual benefit to your airskills. I am very jaded on this subject, though, because I have literally hundreds of jumps from helicopters and jets MUCH bigger than a 737 of which I paid exactly zero dollars for. If you are not in a position to rape uncle sugar for free skydives like that, then I think your money would be well spent on the experience IF you have already got a handle on your airskills.
If you are a bit strapped for cash, or would rather get the most bang for your buck, then the organized dives are the way to go. This is ESPECIALLY true for people from C-182 dropzones. Boogies like this are a fantastic place to "get invited" onto dives 8-way and above. True, some turn out to be total zoos, but the organizers give you every opportunity to excel. Also, in my opinion anyway, faster is better, so if you really want to skydive NOW, you can get right on a load on the "common" aircraft like Mike's King Air.
Besides those two things, I can tell you that staying very heads-up under canopy is of utmost priority. There will be LOTS of people there flying around under TINY parachutes (like me), who are trying their best to weave their way through the slower canopies enroute to a safe landing. Even though it is summer, wearing a helmet is very smart. Did I say that?
The nightlife, well actually even the daytime partying in some cases, is full-bore. Most people drink like VIKINGS there. If you wander around, you will find little enclaves of people doing their own thing. One of my favorite activities is RV hopping. The intent is to meet as many people as possible and hopefully not barf on any of them.
Chuck

[ClayFowler 0]

re: Chuck????
WEAR A HELMET?????? I must be going blind!!!!!!!!!!! LMAO
This from a guy who's favorite saying is "Go Fast, Take chances, and for God's sake dont wear a helmet!"
That place must be danegerous!!!!!
I'd probably wear mine while RV hopping....especially if it's camera equipped. Might need a time out too in case of a too many beer induced nose over!

[Aviatrr 0]

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Even though it is summer, wearing a helmet is very smart. Did I say that?

I always wear a helmet.. What else would I strap the camera to?
Mike

[ramon 0]

If you go and don't like it (I can't understand that, but anyway) come to Chicago for the freefly thing...if that is yor bag.
I'm going to Chicago.
bloo ones
ramon

[Faicon9493 141]

1. Jump with people you know. Otherwise take advantage of on-site load organizers.
2. Be honest about your ability. Don't get in over your head.
3. It's going to be hot. Don't push yourself physically. Don't get dehydrated. Keep as cool as possible. Know when to call it a day.
4. DON'T DRINK AND JUMP AND WATCH OUT FOR THOSE WHO DO!
5. Keep your head on a swivel. Know what is happening around you.
6. HAVE FUN!!!

[RedBull 0]

Thanks a lot for the responses!
Now, ... any advice on surviving a 17 hour drive?
pml
A-38712

[Michele 1]

This I know about.....COFFEE!!!!
have fun -
Ciel bleu-
Michele

[Pammi 0]

Perhaps a little of your namesake, eh Redbull? I love all the energy drinks they have out now. I don't know if it's all a load of bull (haha) or not, but they seem to work :)
Thanks for the thread, also. As another newbie that's gonna be at Quincy this year (doesn't look like I'll have time to get any more jumps before next week, so I'm at 56), I found the advice helpful also! Watch for us, I'd be glad to jump with you! Merrick, April and I will be there together. April is a redhead (at the moment anyway *g*), I'm going to have pink hair and I have a nose ring, Merrick has spiky brown hair...you can see all of our pics by our posts here. We're leaving here early Thursday morning of next week, the 9th, it's about 7-8 hours maybe, and staying thru the end.
Have fun!
Pam
Merrick's SCR Ceremony

[RedBull 0]

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Perhaps a little of your namesake, eh Redbull?

Good idea. I've never had Red Bull without vodka in it, though. Maybe it's good.

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Watch for us, I'd be glad to jump with you!

Cool! That sounds like a blast. I'll be the hungover looking guy with the purple/black jumpsuit and a tiki drink (w/ umbrella) on my helmet. I'll be there from 8/03 'til they kick me out.
drive gently and have fun
pml
A-38712

[SkymonkeyONE 4]

Pam, that means that you guys will only catch the tail end of the party. At least you will be there to see the swoop meet! Where are yall staying anyway? Camping and RV life is the standard. Screw leaving the airport. See yall there,
Chuck

[Pammi 0]

Yeah, just the tail end...but wanted to be there for our first anniversary the 12th :) Perhaps with my soon to be unemployed status, I will 'be sick' and leave a day early! We will be camping! We were actually wondering if we'll be able to park Sis's pimp mobile-van in between her tent and ours...is that allowed? Will we have tent space that late, Thursday afternoon?? Electricity hookups or no? Hope to meet you there too! Still hoping NC is in the near future :) Cross your fingers for us...2 interviews down for Merrick!
Merrick's SCR Ceremony

[SkymonkeyONE 4]

Pam,
unless you are paying for one of the RV hookup slots (which are most definitely full by this time), then you will not have any electric hookup other than what you bring. Generators are OK, and yes, you can park near your tent. Nowadays, we park our RV's on the closed runway on the left as you go in and run our on-board generators. Fuck paying the $200+ for the hookups.
Chuck

[DZBone 0]

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any advice on surviving a 17 hour drive?

Power naps are your friends! When your eyelids are getting heavy, pull over for 1/2 hour or so.
All the other stuff people will tell you: open windows, loud music, taking your shoes off, yelling at the top of your lungs, will give you temporary relief, but not for long.
Other than that, eat well, rest up the night before, and like Michele says, apply stimulants as necessary. Oh, just remember that what goes up must come down, so use the coffee as you need it, no more.
Oh, one more thing. It helps to have a travel companion to help you make the right decisions when you brain starts falling asleep and not thinking too good.
Made it on a 24-hour drive from Naples, FL to Rhode Island in one push this way!
Carl

[Pammi 0]

Cool! That works...don't NEED an electric hookup, just woulda been handy :) I'm sssooo excited! Thanks for the help!
Merrick's SCR Ceremony

[mikefarmer 0]

1. Jump everything you can afford.
2. Get fu(ked up.
3. Hunt down gangsta bitch barbie.
4. Get fu(ked up.
5. Get naked.
6. Ask the boyz from Minnesota to pay homage to the "Tiki Freak"
7. Also, tell the fuzz the Tiki Freak says hi. And Fu(k you!!
8. Get hammered.
9. Don't pull above 3,000'.
10. Get drunk and naked!
Mike
Mike's Sky World

[cloud9 0]

sigh..... as the tears roll down his cheeks and drip from his face into the miller lite draft he's staring in. While he mumbles you lucky bastards. QUINCY! YOU LUCKY BASTARDS!
Have fun folks, and be safe. At least I should be able to get on a load at the local DZ now. some fun eh!

[Hardcore 0]

Be Verwy verwy verwy careful! And check out the Sportsman tent, tellim JOHUGE sent you. They spoiled me with frozen Daiquiries for the evening Totties and morning expresso for that get and go-skydive and at the end of the day was followed usually by lectures, reminders keep your eyes open, always look around you under canopy, and who the hell cares if you land a little out it's better than not walking away at all.
"Nice to know, people care." As an old friend once said, "dont fear the sport, respect it" Quincy 98
www.geocities.com/boo85040
"The future belongs to those who believe in their dreams".

[skyhawk 2]

HAVE FUN

[Pammi 0]

Thanks everyone! You guys rock! I'm so excited...only a few more days! Now if my rig would just get here!!!!!
*I promise now to get too drunk an embarrass myself horribly...really!*
Merrick's SCR Ceremony