milkybar

drop me a pm with your contact info and i'll pass it on. Blue Skies

Pull my finger! All in!!

contact "sonic" at pro-shop, gardiner, NY. Phone or web.

Your information is correct: A small canopy is a small canopy regardless of wing loading. Your question regards 210 pilot and wingloading [1.04], depends on your abilities and where you are jumping [above sea level, humid location]. If you are considering buying such a canopy talk to your Instructors, they will guide you in your decision. Just because we "sign you off" doesn't mean we've "signed you out". What you got?? What you got??? Johnny 1488

First, many thanks to Randy Schroeder. We had a clash of heads during the course, however he remained professional and recognized [I think] my desire to be the best Instructor I could be [which meant lots of questioning methods and procedures during the course]. A season later I'm just being to learn, stepping back and watching our most experienced Instructors Pete Clark and Carol Sternberg work is an education in itself. Advice for new Instructors? Listen in on as many FJC’s, Ground training, and Corrective training sessions as you can, everything else comes from your heart. If you need a break - take it! Nothing worse than going through the motions, re-charge your batteries: You and your student will benefit. "What you got?? What you got???" Johnny 1488, April 1st.

"with us than against us"??? We are all "us" Brothers and Sisters. Freefly: Controlled flight on any axis. Re: Original posters question. You've got the right idea, save your money for jumping. There's plenty of clothing available of the shelf that's suitable and safe. {note: double check with instructors before you jump anything}. Team Sonic: Jeans and T-shirts with grippers sewn on, competing at Nationals. Enjoy the sport anyway you want to.

Experienced jumpers are more likely to be in these accidents than students for a lot of reasons: 1) doing high risk jumps and landings 2) landing at the same time as everyone else - unlike students and tandems that exit last, open higher and have slower descending chutes. 3) no longer under supervision, so can get sloppy or complacent. IMHO 3) is the number one factor. Do your utmost to stay humble. Too many of our brothers and sisters get hurt every year.

Save your money, go old school. You don't need a suit to jump, there's lots of suitable/save clothing off the shelf to jump in [always doublecheck with your instructors]. Don't rush into buying something, also lots of 2nd hand suits usually knocking around in other jumpers closets. Welcome to the Skies

Anecdotal statistics??????????? 6*7 is the answer to everything. What's wrong with being drunk? Ask a glass of water.

I have seen many of the things you have seen, at the Ranch and at many different Dropzones, including CK. It is not my intention to bash or trumpet one DZ over another, I simply asked Vertifly to provide the source of his "Statistics". P.S. Yes, Billy Richards is a crazy bastard: He's on medication and it appears to be working.

*** If you have a problem with what I say then have the gonads to pm me and debate away. Otherwise, show us what you got. Publicly you stated "Statistically more safe" Publicly I asked you to state your source or withdraw your claim. There's no debate to be had, either you have a reputable source, or you are stating an opinion. P.S Apoliogies to Yonatan, my mistake. Post edited.

David, Please provide source of information or withdraw the very serious claim.

Started at The Ranch 2002, amazing scenery all year round. If your looking to get started they have some of the most experienced and friendly Instructors around (recommend weekdays, weekends get very busy). For fun jumpers of all disciplines and levels there is free organizing. Rain or shine weekends are party time, always mischief on the ground and a roaring bonfire. Pizza 1/2 mile, Cafe (killer breakfast & lunch) 1/2 mile, Deli/grocery 2 miles, Bar 2 miles. CAVU bar 6 miles: you can skydive in and fly out to skydive back into the Ranch [did that in the Bi-plane = Living Large]. College Town 8 miles away, tons of restuarants, bars and nightlife. You can camp, or sleep in the Great Hall at the weekends. Showers are free. If you like hiking/biking/climbing the Shawangunks are 6 miles away, and rental equipment/bikes are available in New Paltz. There are many fine winerys that offer tours in the area. Back to jumping, if you have the stamina,funds, and equipment you could make 20+ full altitude jumps in a day. Quieter days (weekdays) they'll fly the Porter, 13.5k fast. The sunset loads are always spectacular. Shawanga...Fly baby fly

Go to http://theblueskyranch.com/events. for full details.