rapper4mpi

The open container photos are not good public relations for a container manufacter. Basically it is solid proof that their containers open and even worse is the fact that it is a public picture! Anyway, was wondering if anyone else noticed it... -Rap

Oh yeah, you are most definately right. It could have come out under a number of circumstances, and also could be the first and only time this has ever happened to this guy. BUT, you would think the pictures would be screened and with todays computers, stuff like that can be taken out. If you look at last years calendar there are at least 5 open containers. -Rap

Check out the April 2002 USPA Calendar photo: There are a bunch of people in a headdown formation and the guy closest to the camera on the left has his main closing flap OPEN! Plus he's jumping a Mirage! Boy I would not like it if I was Mirage and had this on all those walls! What do you all think? -Rap

Some jumpers out there spray their gear with protectant before assembling it when they get it new. I've heard of Scotchguarding it, and also I've heard of people spraying their gear with UV protection. What do you all use, and/or recommend? Brands, methods, etc... Thank you. -Rap

Mac G4 w/ 600 mhz speed, and 80 gig external 30 gig internal. -Rap

I'm not sure about how to cut it, but be sure to wear eye and mouth protection and even gloves. You don't want to get near the fibers. -Rap

That's funny, because the old Mindwarps had internal mounting space for audibles. That is what I have and prefer it over mounting something on the outside that can be taken off by a riser. -Rap

I jump a side mounted mini-DV and to date (knock-on-wood) have not had a problem. I filled the gap between the mount and the helmet to minimize any risk. I used expanding foam (which proved to be very moldable) then covered it with gaffers tape. I know that this can be a problem, some of the modern rigs fit a little snugger around the shoulders, thus bringing the risers a little closer, so on opening be sure to slightly tilf your head to the side, just a bit. -Rap

I jump a side mounted mini-DV and to date (knock-on-wood) have not had a problem. I filled the gap between the mount and the helmet to minimize any risk. I used expanding foam (which proved to be very moldable) then covered it with gaffers tape. I know that this can be a problem, some of the modern rigs fit a little snugger around the shoulders, thus bringing the risers a little closer, so on opening be sure to slightly tilf your head to the side, just a bit. -Rap

Does anyone know how much it cost last year to register for the WFFC? Thanks. -Rap

Okay Macs and Pcs both have their plusses and minuses. But if you are into doing video, and could possibly like it and want to do more, the Mac is the best thing to go with period. One could argue that if you plan to do video you should have one computer solely for this use, and any other applications should be on another computer to keep memory space free. Regardless the absolute best place to get a Mac is at www.smalldog.com You can get the best deals there. If you plan on placing your videos on CDs then like you said keep them short. CDs aren't a real good place to store video and sound because of limited space. DVDs are the superior choice. Anyway, you can get the whole set-up for under $1000.00 right now. The software that already comes with it is called iMovie2. Yes it has its limitations, but is so easy to use that it doesn't even come with a manual, yet will allow you to do everything you want and more. Plus when the time comes to upgrade to something more professional it is easily transferable. Hope this helps. -Rap

I think the most important thing to know as a student is that many, many people will be giving you advice on many, many aspects of our sport. It is up to you to ask around, get second, third, and fourth opinions. Never stop learning. This fact is always taught in our first jump course, and restated throughout a jumpers progression. Taking advice from someone that is new to a sport can kill you, the same goes for taking advice from an expert. If it doesn't seem right, it probably isn't. -Rap

It's much easier to tell on TV, but anyone know what kind of rig it is? Obviously it was custom for the shot, and obviously modified, but some company out there made it. I wonder how much a leg strapless, two riser, white toggled rig costs? -Rap

I don't think so....

Has anyone seen the Old Navy TV Commercial yet? It is for their Cargo Pant line and it is abosultely hilarious! They have a model in a skydiving harness (hard to tell which make) that is all white. He jumps and is flyinh down. The funny part is that he is not in his leg straps! Obviously they don't want to cover up the pants, but there is no way he could stay in the harness, very amusing! -Rap Check out the print ad here, no legs traps, not even inside the pants! http://www.oldnavy.com/html/promo/shop_default_cargo.asp

I've looked into this issue in the past. The only problem I had was that the helmet sticks out from the head a few inches. When skydiving I prefer a low profile helmet. If it works and is safe, go for it! -Rap

I have no beef with your reserve policies, mine are very similar. I just wanted to know what people were paying for reserve repacks. I pay $25 unless I bring a 6-pack of beer instead, then it is free. The reason? My rigger is a volunteer at a small not-for-profit DZ and he makes his money with a full time job. He's still very good. "There's no place like Malone" -Rap

Can everyone tell me from what state you jump in and what you pay for a reserve inspection and repack, barring no other repairs are needed? Thank you. -Rap

I guess you could say that mine was a bit tired...at probably over 1,000 jumps. I stand corrected! -Rap

One thing I can say from personal experience. A F-111 PD 190 with an exit weight of 200 or more is not going to give you the softest landings. -Rap

I'm going, i've never been, and could care less about what happened in the past. I'll give it a chance and make the best of it. If people are unhappy with the WFFC then they won't go, if attendence drops that will be the feedback. If people are unhappy, speak with your absence. There are plenty of great boogies all over that can satisfy everyones urge. Some of the best ones are the small ones! -Rap

Here's a trick to use when setting your audible altimeter. If you normally break off at say 4,000 ft. Set your audible for 3,500ft. This way if you here your audible before breaking off, you know you messed up. BUT if you keep altitude awareness, and here it during your track or deploment, you know you did well. This way you don't rely on it. -Rap

This coming from the experts like Mike Swanson and Brian Germain, I recommend the following. Put on something baggy, something that you will eventually go head down in. But first learn to "feet" fly. This is your basic sit or standing position. Do about 10 solos until you fell stable, then ask someone knowing to jump with you and crtique your jump, get video if possible. Also watch other videos and study body positions. Don't make the mistake that many people do, and that is rush into going headdown. Today the best flyers are equally adept on their feet as they are on their head. Then put a hundred or so of these jumps under your belt before really focusing on head down. Every once in a while go on your head to mix it up, but you should be able to more forward, backwards, sideways, and do all transitions on your feet, Learn to walk before you run! Good Luck! -Rap

If you are serious about video work, and want a very smooth running system get a Mac. Go check out www.smalldog.com They are the leader for online sales and have the best customer service. -Rap

This is only coming from what my rigger told me once about the Monarch. He said that they had a higher rate of malfunctions. Again, I'm just passing on what I heard. -Rap