shubbard55

I am just starting AFF, and I am still at the stage where that apprehension on the ride to altitude is still palpable. However, you have touched on the very thing that keeps me going--I know that some day (perhaps soon) that "metal clarity" will kick in. From my very first jump, I realized that this sport, unlike any other, could provide that sense of complete focus, of being entirely in the moment. (Has anyone ever written "Zen and the Art of Skydiving"?) It is the anticipation of that moment, not the adrenaline rush, that keeps me going. Thanks for letting me know that it is out there...and, hopefully, only a few levels away!

I appreciate any help you can give a newbie. I am looking at a used rig as follows: - Mirage M6 container DOM 98 - Sabre 190 Main DOM 97 - Raven 3 Reserve - Cypres Overall, the rig looks like a great deal at $2300. However, the owner says it hasn't been jumped in over two years. Is this a concern? What should I watch out for. Of course, i would have the whole setup inspected by a rigger before jumping it, but it's not practical to do that before buying. Also, I have a felling this will move fast, so I'm trying to get some quick feedback. I'm new to the sport, so I appreciate the input of any old hands out there. Thanks!

I didn't mean to imply that I wanted to stop thinking about jumping. It's just that my family, friends and co-workers are getting tired of hearing about it, and I've resorted to calling up long-lost acquaintances and stopping total strangers on the street!

Ok, I'm hooked. I jumped for the first time three weeks ago, and have jumped twice more since. I begin AFF this weekend, and I can't wait. I have two questions: 1. Who is the oldest newbie? I'm 48, and my only regret is that I didn't start 20 years ago. 2. How long does it take to get a regular life back? In other words, how long before I'm not spending every waking moment thinking about or talking about skydiving?