vanessa.potts

Send me a PM. We have a camera flyer and AFF Instructor who quit her job to devote her life to the sport she loves!

Thanks; so according to that chart I'm in the 150-160 range for square footage. So I see you jump at Spaceland; how far do they go when it comes to laying down the law? If you're new on the DZ do they actually demand to see "your papers" in a german voice, put you on a scale and unpack your main? Or is it just if they happen to see someone face-plant in the landing area, pull them aside later and check some stuff out? They're a very safe DZ. When you get there they'll want to see your paperwork, licenses, find out what you're jumping, and other questions to make sure you're as safe as possible. I'm not sure how rigorously they'll check you, but I've seen staff tell people they can't jump a certain canopy because of safety issues. They're as safe as possible while also allowing jumpers to grow in their canopy skills. It's best to call the DZ, talk to them, and see what all they allow. You shouldn't want to push a DZ's limit on your first set of gear. The gear is replaceable, but you're not. Also, How many jumps do you have? What have you been jumping? What is your current wing loading? What is your exit weight? When you buy new gear what will your new wing loading be? Have you taken a canopy piloting course? This is also a helpful link. Once you can do everything on this list with the canopy you're currently on, then you may be able to downsize. This is the downsizing check list: http://www.dropzone.com/safety/Canopy_Control/Downsizing_Checklist_47.html

My dad also was the sole source of income to my family and jumped. From 6 on I grew up on my local DZ. It helped me become best friends with my dad. When I was 12 he had his first accident and was off of work for 6 months. It was extremely hard but we managed. This year, at 18 he had a second accident that sadly he passed away from. As a family we knew what the sport could bring, the joy and the hardship. You should consider how much you love the sport and your family. If you can't ever imagine having an accident than you probably shouldn't jump. If you get into the sport, just know what can happen. That being said, this is a truly rewarding sport that I could never give up

Jump number and canopy piloting, currency, discipline, etc play a huge role in what you should buy. Also, I saw you had a post for a thread Katana vs a crossfire2. If you're a new jumper you don't need a high performance, elliptical, or highly loaded canopy. Here's the downsizing chart we have posted at our DZ that our staff sticks to. http://www.bigairsportz.com/pdf/bas-sizingchart.pdf Don't be scared to buy big, canopies are replaceable, you aren't.

This is my dream down to the t but I also have 56 jumps and am an 18 year old broke college student. I hope the right girl gets the opportunity!

I was a dz baby. I never was forced, but trust me, I counted down. At one point I made a reservation when I was 16 for my 18th birthday to ensure I'd get the jump! (The dz was closed by my 18th birthday however, but I found a new home)

Somebody just hand him a loaded pistol. There's easier and less expensive ways of going about what he's trying to do. I was reading through this, and what's funny is my brother made a similar comment about skydiving. I have never jumped with him just because he made that comment.

Skydive Spaceland in Houston, Texas

I don't know if you're in Texas yet at Spaceland, but I'll be out there tomorrow afternoon!

That's so awesome! My DZ owners and just the jumpers in general are all like that. It's so nice seeing how awesome everyone is! I'm glad he got you up in the air asap as well.

It's one thing being at the dz and on the ground, but it's a totally new experience when you finally get to become a jumper yourself! 18 didn't come fast enough :P

The first 10 times or so I went to the DZ for my Cat A jump I couldn't do it for one reason or another, mainly weather. On the 11th day, wouldn't you know it, not enough people to put up a load up. MY DZO, said, Brendan we're getting you up, and she sent up the Otter with just me and my two AFF instructors. If only I could of appreciated how fast we got to altitude.

I saw you're from spaceland, that's my home DZ! I guess everyone from there are just inherently nice!

lol I just love the sport even more because of the amazing people! I don't know of any other sport where the first time you meet someone you're automatic family; it just can't be beat!

Anyone else have awesome stories of amazing skydivers?

As a little girl I always went to the DZ with my dad and worked for the packers, but now that I'm 18 I've taken up jumping myself. I recently ordered all new gear, but wanted to buy a used main since I know I'll downsize in the future. Being a broke college student, paying any money at all was a burden. Today, my brother heard a girl at our DZ talking about a 170 up for sale, and had her call me. Our conversation went like this Me: I heard you have a sabre 170 for sale? How much is it, what shape is it in? Her: Well it's a good canopy, I'm just downsizing, has generally quick openings, but in about 100 jumps it'll need new lines. As far as price, I bought it for a case of beer, so being tradition, I guess you can buy it for a case of shiner? BEST SPORT EVER I love skydiving, but the people just can NOT be beat!

I personally did lose touch with some none skydiving friends, but a made a TON of friends at the dz. My non jumping friends that I lost I guess weren't that great of friends if they couldn't handle my hobby! I still have a ton of great non jumping friends, I just balance out my weekends now!

Nice! I'm a second generation jumper as well, what DZ are you at?