aliengirl

When I'm "playing" under canopy, I never know how much I can do. I usually stay pretty conservative with my toggle turns, etc.. How far would I have to push it in order for my canopy to collapse or something equally as frightening to happen? Keep in mind, I'm talking about canopy turns way above the ground (I usually pull really high), so that isn't an issue here. Any replies would be greatly appreciated!

I thought it would be interesting to start a list of random tips/words of wisdom/facts for newbies (or anyone, for that matter). When I first started jumping I would have loved to come across a bunch of skydivers contributing different tidbits of skydiving information in one place. Here, I'll start with a few of my own...you all please add anything that you would have wanted to hear when you were just starting out. 1. A "whuffo" is a non-skydiver (i.e., "wha' fo' you jump from dem planes?") 2. Pick a few select people at your drop zone that you trust and ask THEM any skydive-related questions you may have. 3. When packing, although every step is important, keep in mind these three things: stow brakes, collapse pilot chute and make sure slider is up. 4. Learn to enjoy buying beer because you will have a lot of "firsts."

Is it every 90 days you need a reserve repack? I'm drawing a blank and can't find the info anywhere!!

Great advice! Thank you.

I just bought new (used) gear and it came to me in pieces...both canopies in separate bags, etc.. Since I've never owned my own gear, I have no idea how to go about getting it all put together. If I bring it to my home dropzone, will someone there do it for me? What is the standard way to go about this?

It seems like there are two types of people: People who land after their first jump and say 1) Wow, that was neat. Now I can say I did that, or 2) OHMYGOD sign me up for AFF!!! WHY?? Do adrenaline junkies have different chemicals in their brains?

That's really odd. I'm not sure why anyone would feel the need to be that way....it should just remain one big happy skydiving family!

After graduating from AFF and getting my A license, I noticed how much more difficult things became because you actually have to do things ON YOUR OWN. That's when I really started to notice the different attitudes from people. I guess that's just the way things go...I'm capable of doing things myself now, so I need to make just as much as an effort to be friendly to people. A lot of people DO have their little clique-y groups that they aren't very willing to stray from, but I guess I can see how that would happen. It's just like life...you stick with those you are comfortable with, if you can. So here is another, related question: what do newbies do about further learning, past getting their A license? I'm not going to learn all that I need/want to know on my own. And since I'm not big on inviting myself, how will I accomplish all of my goals if people seem put out by having to jump with someone with only 50 jumps? A few weeks ago I made a jump with two seasoned skydivers. I heard one of them make the comment, "And why do we have to jump with HER again??" and was pretty hurt. I consider myself a good skydiver. I'm obviously not at the level they were at, but I didn't realize that I was thought of as someone people have to babysit. At what point am I not a burden anymore?

Like I said, most people are friendly and willing to help me learn. But there are just one or two who won't even give me the time of day. I may as well not exist. I've tried speaking with them...saying hello, etc.....but get frustrated when I get nothing back. Maybe this has nothing to do with skydiving and everything to do with the way those people feel about themselves.

Breathe through your nose. This is what one of my instructors told me and it worked like a charm. Very simple.

I've thought of that. Maybe my low number of jumps and experience makes them think I do not understand them... therefore, I am not worth talking to or being friendly to?

I'm pretty new to skydiving and....is it just me or are some people (especially some select women) very territorial when it comes to "their" dropzone? Although a majority of the people I have met are extremely welcoming and friendly, I have gotten some go-away vibes from people and I'm confused.....WHY??

Thank you everyone for your input! I really do appreciate it....skydivers definitely look out for each other and I knew I'd be able to get some good solid opinions. I think I've decided to find a 135 and stick with that for a while before I jump into a 120. I'd much rather be safe. THANKS.

My instructors are the ones telling me they think it's a good size for me. And I did read some things on PD's website. They implied that you NEVER go a lb over the max weight. Would you suggest I jump it once (once I feel comfortable enough to do so) and see how it feels?

Not sure about the type of canopy in the student rigs I used but by my 10th jump, I was jumping a Sabre 170. I quickly transitioned to a Sabre 150, and have just started jumping a Sabre 135.