deronde

I'm going to log off now, and hide in a corner until the feeling of inadequacy starts to fade... I blame it all on being friday and having spent way to much time in front of a PC screen this week. Time to get down to my DZ and get some fresh air...

Modified version, which at least will tell if there is a big difference between Europe & the Americas. I couldn't add other countries as you can 'only' enter 5 options...

Duuh, good point, I just tried to change the options but that deosn't seem to be possible... I'll start a new one...

Relatively new to the sport (37 jumps...) I started reading up on some areas of the sports. AADs being one of them, and noticing a poll where something 52% replied they didn't use an AAD, I thought this pole might be interesting... It is mandetory to have one in Sweden as of this year for A-C license, I believe jumpers with a D license are still allowed to jump without.

If I'm correctly informed then it's even more strickt here in Sweden: no license - no jumping (unless you're student of course...)

14 in Sweden as well (with parental consent & 1.40m height limit). At my DZ a 15yr old just got his A-License...

That's the attitude!! Drop a line once after you've done your jump, would love to know how you got on!

Hya! Relaxtion, ah yes, not easy if you've been this stressed out during a jump. I'm glad they adviced you to get back up asap, that is definately important if the jump didn't totally freak you out. I assume they took you trough why you ended up spinning when you went in for a dummy. This manouver you can very well practise by lying flat on your stomach on the ground, do this before you go up the next time! with a rig on! A couple of dozen times! The muscles involved that way will build-up the required memory to do this as an almost instinctive motion. At the same time it builds convidence. When it comes to relaxing, that is somewhat trickier. I depends whether or not you feel panic or fear before your next jump. In case of panic: DONT JUMP! Talk through where it comes from with experienced skydivers, coaches, triainers who ever. In case of fear: see it as a challenge. You can beat this! Don't let fear stand in the way of your goals, use it instead to focus on what you are doing... I have been very scared prior to some of my student jumps but managed to step past this fear, by saying the following to myself: I CAN DO THIS! I have a good trainer, they have seen me go thorugh the motions required on the ground. THEY BELIEVE I CAN DO THIS! Last but not least: breath! deeply, slowly and concentrated. Especially on the way up in the aircraft... Good luck & blue skies to you! You are not alone!

I just bought a secondhand Atom Millenium with a Merit 190. The thing is it hasn't got a RSL fitted. I've only got 37 jumps including student jumps, and 0 emergencies, so the question is not wether or to fit one or not, I will. The question is which type? I've heard that there is a newer type which is attached to both risers. Does anyone out there know/own a type like this? Pros, Cons? Are there any more types I need to know about?

I totally agree! I would not get on an airplane with the intention of diving out of it at any altitude what so ever without an altimeter. No matter what any coach, trainer or anyone says... Learning to skydive without an altimeter is like learning to drive a car without a speedometer...

Been there, got past it! It took me 15 jumps to get awareness, and now att 37 I can lie there in box, slowly rotating and enjoying the magnificent view! All the advice above is extremely valid, especially: relax... as long as you're enjoying it! What may help is going through the jump mentally on the way up in airplane a couple of times preferably. This may then trigger awareness during the jump because you're doing what you just before went throught in your mind (hope this makes sence...).

Here in Sweden we have a tradition called 'caseing'. At certain point during your skydiving career you're supposed to get a case of beer which you share with fellow skydivers (first manual jump, A-cert, first 5-way , and lots more). Does this exist elsewhere?

Who ever said sequels are a bad thing? Count +1 for dutch people on DropZone! Just got my A-license and bought a merit 190, which is undescribebly more fun to fly than a student rig! Unfortunately the jumping season is almost over here in Sweden (it was -13°C att 3000m last weekend...). Anyone got any suggestions for skydiving travel destinations during the winter season?