nessvegas

Still working on it but pre-paid AFF around $1300.00 Bought 10 jump package to get one free. $200.00 or so.... Have not paid for gear rental in advance as I am searching for my first rig...... I figure another 5 or 6 hundred. But what is cost when you get to do this? _________________________________________ I married the right one......it just took me 2 times!

I am a recent graduate of AFF and someone who is, like many of you, addicted to higher risk activities. While I have many years riding my motorcyle I still take riding courses nearly every year to remain current, practice EMP, and continue my education. While not yet an accomplished skydiver, I am taking every precaution I can and reading evrything I can, to become as safe as possible at the DZ. I do not wish to kill myself, or God forbid, someone else. I read this post after I too flared high on my #10 jump. Why? Stupid reason....I was concentrating too hard on making that unassisted landing with'in 20 meters. Had my mind been where it should have been, i would have comfortably landed beyond my mark and then discussed with my coach where I went wrong in my pattern. Thankfully my instructors had drilled holding an early flare, and while not a comfortable landing, I just came away with that lucky/stupid feeling. Since it seems many students are reading this site daily, how would those in control feel about a student section where the individual student can post mistakes he/she have made in training, why they think they made it and the end result? This is information each of us can take to our instructors and use to perhaps keep us safer while learning. I would not expect it to turn into place for jump/canopy education, but rather a place for learning some "what ifs" that we can take to our DZ instructors for clarification. Also, I wonder how many students are injured because they do not wish to be embarrassed by making a minor mistake, like landing long or in a safe area off the DZ, so they overcompensate and make a bigger mistake? Could this be my last problem? Maybe....won't happen again. Good thoughts to all.... Erik Bad pics (pulled off video), but high flare and end result...... _________________________________________ I married the right one......it just took me 2 times!

I also took advantage of paying for my AFF up front. You are right, it is a great motovator not to fail any particular level. Keep in mind that many students pass AFF (not familiar with static line course) without having to re-jump. I know it is easy to spend a weekend at the DZ meeting great people and wanting to knock out 3-4 jumos a day, but my advice is don't do it fast. I really enjoyed spending the time talking to each of the instructors after my debrief, get different thoughts on the jump. We are so new to thius sport that the mental overload can be exhausting. I believe some great students failed jumps simply becausethey were in overload from too much too quick. I know I had one very close to failure, and that happened to be the day I pushed myself to do more than my mind wanted to do that day. You will do great.....Have fun. _________________________________________ I married the right one......it just took me 2 times!

Since I have not officially done the introductions yet, but have broken protocol by posting and in the wrong spot, I now realize I should give an official hello to all. My name is Erik, and the profile nessvegas comes not from a bad gambling habit, but from my motorcycle's designer and make/model. I am now contemplating selling it to free up time for skydiving....so profile name may need to be changed...or I could just develop a bad gambling habit. I just finished my AFF in Greensburg (thanks to everyone there for being so great in the air and on the ground...enjoy the beer!) and while I am lighter in the pocket book, I am also much lighter in my soul. I know I don't need to describe the feeling to most of you, but aside from the birth of my two boys, this has been the most life altering experience I could possibly imagine. My perspective on so many negative areas of my life, most recently a difficult divorce, has been changed for the better. I would not have believed that a "recreational sport" could so radically change my basic day-to-day thought processes. And yet, this "sport" has done just that for me. I am already indebted to the sky for opening up this new world to such a degree that I will never be even....or even close to even. I also feel indebted to all the people like you who made me feel immediately welcome when I showed up at the DZ alone and willing to learn. I am greatly looking forward to meeting as many of you folks in the future and hoping to be able to count you all among my friends. Blue Skies and Safe Landings, Erik _________________________________________ I married the right one......it just took me 2 times!

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Sorry, I did not mean to post in the wrong place. I assumed that this was the area for the post because I am new to the site. I will be more "aware" in the future. _________________________________________ I married the right one......it just took me 2 times!

Yep, your hooked. Sell all your other toys, forget college....take the AFF...live at the DZ. _________________________________________ I married the right one......it just took me 2 times!

I am looking to purchase my first altimeter, I really like the look of the analog altimeter for visual glances that I have been using, but I also really want the features in a Pro-Track type of unit. I found a unit that is new this year called the Altitrack. I wondered if anyone had any experience with the unit. Cost looked ok at $299.00 and it would seem to be just want I want. Problem is I have not even seen one at the DZ where I am training. So I am hoping someone out there is using one and can give me a review. Thanks Blue Skies Erik _________________________________________ I married the right one......it just took me 2 times!

I am an AFF student in Greensburg, IN. Just because one student needs to repeat does not mean you will. Remember your flight flow and ask good questions on the ground. I had a tough number 5 today, too tense, too tight. Just remember to relax and it will happen from there. My #6 was awesome. Take the time to talk to all the instuctors on the ground, I have yet to find one that was unwilling to chat me up a bit and make me feel like I can pass any jump. I am certainly no ace in the air, but with proper ground practice you can feel confident on the jump. Remember to smile and enjoy yourself. Blue Skies! _________________________________________ I married the right one......it just took me 2 times!