mlackner

It sounds like you're interested in paddling on the lake, which is great, but eventually you're going to want to do whitewater because whitewater is where things start to get fun in a kayak. My advice would be to get an older model whitewater boat like a Pirouette or a Dancer. They work great in flatwater cause they're fast [long straight hull] and are awesome beginner riverrunning boats as well. They are easy to roll and you can get them used for cheap [$200-300]. Remember you'll need to spend money on a paddle, sprayskirt, pfd and helmet too... Definately don't buy any boat new! They last forever. I have one boat that fell off the van into a Talus filled ravine at 45mph... it was fine!

Ha Ha, One week away and I'm already freaking out... in a good way though.

Out of curiosity, what does the pilot do if he can't get the other wheel down?

Check out http://www.mtbr.com, one of the best mountain biking sites on the web, for reviews and lots of listings of quality used bikes too. My advice is to get a dual suspension bike, your ass will thank you for it!

What's Happening! I'm signed up for AFF 1 in two weeks at Skydive Orange in central VA. So stoked! I've been contemplating getting back into the sport ever since bridge day 2004. [I did 2 static line jumps in college 12 years ago] Thanks to dropzone.com and everyone in these forums for all the knowledge shared here. I've been reading my Skydiver's Handbook over and over again too. Hopefully we'll have good weather and I'll be sharing my first jump experiences with you all soon! Slackner

How does it work? {freefall speed determination}

are there GPS type devices? backcountry skiiers and paragliders use them. Do skydivers?

How do you calculate freefall MPH speeds? both belly RW and Freefly etc?