ArmyBitch

I jump student gear. It depends on where I go. In Germany, more often than not, it's some kind of Performance Variable. The hardest one to pack is the Laser 300. The easier is a Spark 230. The Spark is in A LOT better condition. Plus, I've jumped it way more. I need to get my own rig and just pack it all the time: jumping or not. It's now a question of $$. ~~*HotPocket*~~ "If I wanted it handed to me, I wouldn't have jumped for it."

That's just the thing...it's a weird world, Germany. Back home in the states, i never packed because I was a student. Here in germany, when I told them I had seven jumps and still didn't know how to pack, they acted like I was a freakin' alien or a mental retard. In fact, when you rent gear here, you pack it before you give it back or pay 10 Euro. I've never even seen a "packer"...everyone does their own...ESPECIALLY students. I actually learned to pack Auf Deutsch (in German). Sometimes I can't think of the english for some parts of the process. The problem with asking people for advice is that most end-up taking-over for me and finishing the job. That's the beauty of the forum...people actually have to tell me and then let me try it myself ~~*HotPocket*~~ "If I wanted it handed to me, I wouldn't have jumped for it."

Hello all! I am so cursed with not being able to pack. Maybe I just lack confidence, maybe I lack a comfortable level of knowledge of how every fiber of fabric works on a parachute...but I just can't get my pack job just right. I've jumped my own pack, and it wasn't bad, but it wasn't good. I tend to get unnervingly slow openings, off-heading, or line twists when I pack my own. I have heard several people say that I am too meticulous, neat and uptight when I pack. How, then, can my openings come out so screwed up? Plus, I've seen a bajillion different ways to pack...all I want to know is how to pack for a soft, strait opening. I can sort lines easy...it's getting it into the D-Bag that really irks the crap outta me. What do I do? Thanks a heap! ~~*HotPocket*~~ "If I wanted it handed to me, I wouldn't have jumped for it."

Hey, I'm obviously new to the whole skydiving scene...but I have a passion for it. I've only made three jumps, all of them tandem, because for lack of funds my jumps were way too far apart and I had to start over again. Now, I want to take it more seriously and get totally in-depth with my new and most loved obsession. I have the means and the where-with-all to purchase some equipment, and I hope to get the input of some seasoned jumpers in order to make sure I buy everything I need and that I get the best brand. I'm glad to be part of the scene and I hope I can make some cool friends... and if you're ever in Europe, I'll show you around! Holly ~~*HotPocket*~~ "If I wanted it handed to me, I wouldn't have jumped for it."

As lame as it may sound, I'm in need of info on what to buy when it comes to my own skydiving rig. I never thought I'd see the day when I could afford one, but selling your soul to the milirtary has its advantages in the financial department, especially if you're single. Now I am faced with the problem of knowing my ass from my equipment...what are the essential elements of the purchase, where is the best place to buy new gear, and what brands are most dependable and suitable for a beginner like me? I need to know what the difference is between a rig and a container...sad, isn't it? Yeah...so, I'm like, really new to this scene, but my heart is in it... I think that no matter how stressed I get over my work in the Army, as long as I can go skydiving at least once a week, I'll be able to remain sane. So, if anyone wants to help me out with my little dilemma, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks, Holly