First Birdman flight done !!!

[bergh 0]

Hi All

The past weekend I did my first wing suit jumps with Taz as my BMI. This has been a long wait for me as I wanted to birdman since about jump 110. SA rules require a jumper to have at least 300 jump prior to doing a birdman jump.

I had been managing my expectation as much as possible to avoid any let down. It was so not necessary, from the moment I opened my wings for the first time after exit I knew I was going to be hooked.

I borrow Tonto's BM Classic demo suit for the jumps. The first jump which include the two dummy touches went very well and I averaged a fall rate of 109.

For the second jump Taz gave me a few pointer on body position. The second jump went even better, I played with my body position and managed to average a fall rate of 83.

On third jump we were joined by Tonto who did some camera work, once again all went well and I managed an average fall rate of 79-80ish.

The forth jump is were things got interesting Taz ask me if I'd like to join a five way folk. I grabbed the opportunity with both hands. I was told that I would lead and not to worry about the rest, just fly the pattern. What an assume jump, I think I am addicted.

I just like to say thanks to Taz and Tonto for the help and the training!

Cheers
Newbie

_______________________________________
You are unique, just like everybody else ...

[Peej 0]

Congrats on your first taste of the nylon crack dude!

It only gets better from here

Advertisio Rodriguez / Sky

[Tonto 1]

He he... (Nylon crack dealer rubs hands in glee..)

It's a pleasure Riaan... (Thinks.. "Wait till we slip him the hard stuff!")

Welcome to the flock!

t

It's the year of the Pig.

[LouDiamond 1]

Welcome to the flock bro

"It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required"
Some people dream about flying, I live my dream
SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING

[SimonM 0]

Hey Dude,

Like I told you on Saturday- nothing will ever be the same again!

Wait for the summer clouds. BTW, you can borrow my classic anyitime you like.

Simon

[mccordia 74]

Welcome to Penguin international airport!
You'll never walk to the plane the same again!

JC
FlyLikeBrick
I'm an Athlete?

[Taz 0]

Riaan,
You were so much fun to fly with! This man did his homework. Try giving a first flight course to someone who knows the manual by heart

The five-way flock you led was one of our best and tightest in recent weeks. Congrats! Come back soon... (nylon crack load organizer rubs her hands in glee...)

-T

It's the Year of the Dragon.

[phoenixlpr 0]

Come on! What else can you do before FFC? Just read anything you can have.

[bergh 0]

Hi Taz

Thanks for the kind words but don't underestimate you hand in things. It's easy learn from someone who has a great passion for wing suiting!

Your tips and encouragement also made a huge difference to my first experience with wing suits.

Thanks again, I knew between you and Tonto I'd be in great hands.

I also need to thanks the rest of people on the five way for there willingness to jump with a newbie birdman.

_______________________________________
You are unique, just like everybody else ...

[Tonto 1]

Speaking of homework... I hope you're planning on coming back end October for our flocking extravigada! Last chance at the "cheap" $22.30 jumps from 11000ft before the price goes up!

t

It's the year of the Pig.

[Taz 0]

He is already in my clutches for the wingsuit weekend. And I absolutely think it's awesome, Riaan, that you read up on everything beforehand. There's still just no substitute for the experience, though, as you now know. Look forward to more.

-T

It's the Year of the Dragon.

[pierre3636 0]

yeah newbie! watched the footage last night of your 5 way on my cam! pretty cool ~ well done
taz is cutting some proper loads for the 29 Oct
be there or be |=| its gonna rock bro (and thats not even mentioning the FFC at the end of the yr!)

~ time is ~ time was ~ times past ~