srsand1960

This site is filled with skydivers from everywhere in the world and all are at different levels in the sport. People here, are like people everywhere. There are some people who respect others and will shot straight & honest. There are others who are just jags. It seems like your curiosity has attracted straight answers from good representatives of the sport. I’m relatively new in the sport, just completing my A license. Skydiving is like nothing else in the world. For me it frees my Spirit completely. I can’t say that I don’t fear death, but I can say that I live my life to the fullest. However, like you, I ask questions. That is how I learn. I spent a lot of time learning this past winter, about wind dynamics; I went and spent 2 hours in a tunnel to learn to fly. A lot of time learning about skydiving and the equipment, canopy malfunctions, different disciplines within the sport and statistics. However, I believe that I will never learn enough about skydiving to satisfy my desire. I also believe that there are those who have made time in the sky their way of life. I believe that when it is your time to go, it is not going to matter where you’re at or what you’re doing. I just had a 54 year old co-worker die of lung cancer and he nor anyone else in his family smoked. If you do decide to use your gift certificate, get a video of the experience. If not, go to the drop zone and cash it in. I’m sure they will be able to sell it to someone else. However, lady thinker… I think you will really enjoy the canopy encounter, even if you do it just once. It doesn't matter how anyone else lives their life.... it matter how you live yours!

I was talking to a packer yesterday (played hookie from work to jump

Right Riggerrob... it is a requirement on the "A" card. Hanging out at my home DZ on weather days in April and May, I've spent a lot of time being taught how to pack by different people, so I learned a couple of different ways. Then I packed and unpacked, packed and unpacked, until the DZ rigger told me not to because I was putting undue wear on the student equipment. But I learned different ways to do the S fold i.e., top to bottom, bottom to top, rolling up edge using the hip and one hand or wristing the tail and using both hands at the same time. I probably packed (and unpacked:) at least 25 times before jumping my own pack job. From repetition you develop your own way of getting all that fabric in that little tiny bag. It doesn't matter how anyone else lives their life.... it matter how you live yours!

I ordered my USPA SIM, read countless entries on DROPZONE.COM, flew to Florida twice to learn to fly in the tunnel and studied for hours this past winter. Why? Because I wanted to learn and it seemed that it was up to me to teach myself. I was determined to learn regardless of the lack of instruction that I received from other DZ instructors, who didn’t have the time to debrief me after my jumps(due to they had to get up on the next jump run) or due to a lack of desire to teach me much more then up, down, go. So, if no one else was going too, I would put together my own plan that would get me the kind of education that I desired. It all paid off for sure. However, that can not take the place of having knowledgeable experienced instructors, who want to help you learn and grow in something they really love to do too. After my first instructor was killed in a plane crash and the DZ closed to AFF students, I was left DZ-less, instructor-less and homeless. I contacted a couple of places and made a few jumps but I felt like I was apart from the DZ rather then a part of the DZ. In speaking with Doug via email for the last couple of months, I decided to go out and see if what he was telling me about the CSC instructors, caring about the education of their students, was the truth. Though I’ve only been a member of CSC for a short time, from opening day I felt that sense of belonging that I was looking for. I also felt the sense that these people wanted to educate, share their airspace and have much fun doing it. Other places that I’ve been too I felt like I had to earn a smile by being a cash cow and when weather didn't permit me to jump I felt like an unwanted, burdening woofo that took up their space. Regardless of how long I stay in this sport, I know I am welcome at CSC and best of all… I can now tell people I have a home DZ and I believe that I can ask these instructors anything and not feel ashamed that I don’t know. For anyone new that is just starting to skydive, or even have an interest in doing one jump, I suggest that you shop around for a DZ that makes you feel this way. Just go hang out for the day and see how other people are treated… then come here to CSC. You will see and feel a difference and welcome home!

I understand where you are coming from. My DZ closed to students after the DZO, who was also the main instructor, was killed in a plane crash . Though I was sad and all, it still left me homeless and I did feel alone in this new sport that I found I loved. I still haven’t found a DZ that I can call home. But after visiting DZ websites, personally speaking with other jumpers about their home DZs and going to Z-Hills in Florida (awesome), I know what I want and know what I don’t want. It’s your life, your time and your money, you don’t have to settle for less then what you want. Like others have said on this thread too, there are many other DZ operations. Go out and visit them a time or two, make a jump or two, watch how others are treated by the staff. If you find yourself sitting alone with the main concern being the business capital $$$ rather then safety, sharing knowledge or having fun, get in your car and boogie down the road. There are some people in the world that are willing to teach and share information and others who are not. I think DZs are like that too; some are willing to help you grow at the pace you are comfortable with and others that aren't. Perhaps you won’t have to worry about it at all but perhaps this is the year you should explore your options. It doesn't matter how anyone else lives their life.... it matter how you live yours!

Thanks for the formula and the advice… I’ll pick up both books Bob. Thanks for the link! I went and got measured at Tony Suits in Dec and just got it two weekends ag It doesn't matter how anyone else lives their life.... it matter how you live yours!

The slower you are flying, the more likely your parachute will collapse due to low internal pressure and low line tension. I’m a 5’10” 200lb guy (God (or my eating habits:) gave me a great natural arch). I’m a new student and the last DZ I was at had me flying (I believe) a 290 which is way over the 1:1 load ratio. What I understand from #2 and #5 is that my chances of canopy collapse is greater then someone at the same internal pressure with a closer wing load, correct? At my first DZ on my 3 static line jump, I experienced a partial right side collapse. DZ owner and my instructor said it was due to a turbulence pocket at about 8 to 10 ft off the ground. As I was reading your article it played over again in my mind and I do recall that the canopy was pitching down (like a nose dive). It was forward to the point I could see way past the leading edge. However I remember being in a full flare. That was a hard landing and I was in long shorts and got skinned up pretty good. After spending the last 4 months learning about this sport I realize that I was really lucky. You have a great style of writing and your use of metaphors is definitely pronounced. Do you have any books on the market for a beginner? If you have a book that would be good for a beginner to read, email me and I’ll get a copy. I’m currently reading the USPA SIM but I’m finding that Poynter & Turoff’s Handbook was better reading and seems to go into more depth then the SIM (I’m on page 31). Bigun turned me on to your article. Yesterday, I emailed him a question about riding ¼ to ½ breaks as a combat method for turbulence. Thanks for the lesson!

I do understand what you were stating. I understand that you had safety and the best way to get acclimated with the sport in mind. Perhaps I was brash in jumping on the offence. The direction that I am taking regarding my education is the only logical one to take, given the circumstances surrounding my situation. Rather then contributing to solution or offering resolution, you provide opinion that is painted with a condescending undertone. Very much like the last statement on your message here. Fact is I know that there are people on here that do monitor the answers provided and I do regard these instructors as experts on the subject matter. I believe, no, I know.. that Ken (Samurai) and the others I mentioned in the thread above, review my questions. If there is an answer that is off base they will step in and provide the correct answer. In fact the answers that were provided first were ample and yet RiggerRob still expounded. Happy tracking

I asked Bigun in a personal message and his reply was close to what you are stating surrounding the f111. Thanks It doesn't matter how anyone else lives their life.... it matter how you live yours!

I reserve the right to learn the way that I am learning and from who I want to learn it from. Reading what I can from USPA and other sources, watching videos that are out and asking questions and analyzing the answer is how I'm doing it for I do not have an instructor!!! Point out to me in this chain where skygawdism is being demonstrated (other than from the one calling my belief and/or learning cute)... get off my cloud! It doesn't matter how anyone else lives their life.... it matter how you live yours!

Hey Bro... I am so looking forward to seeing you next week! You know me and the way that I fly better then anyone. All money bullshit aside should I do more diving or more tunnel? I want to back fly really bad but some of the advice that I am getting is get really good on the belly first. What I kinda want to do is do 15 minutes on my belly then 30 to 45 learning to backfly. I do want to do a couple of jumps but I will be able to jump up here starting in April. Seriously... what do you suggest Micheal? Steve It doesn't matter how anyone else lives their life.... it matter how you live yours!

I am also new but having studied Martial Arts, I understand the importance of both breathing (what Bob stated) and about the kime (or focus) you obtain in visualization (what NWFlyer is stating). One goes with the other and both help not only to settle you down but to solidify the lessons and plan surrounding accomplishing the task at hand. It doesn't matter how anyone else lives their life.... it matter how you live yours!

You certainly have more jumps and are more knowledgeable then I am... however ddircksen 3 minutes after you posted this, I posted a series of questions and one of them was about riding breaks on a turbulent path line. Page 158 and 159 of the skydiver's handbook has a great write up on the subject and page 158 of the 2006 SIM has a quick blurb about it. The flight integrity you described I believe can also happen when behind another ram air.

Again... excellent advice Riggerrob! I think Thursday when I go to Orlando I'll work on my belly fly in the tunnel and spend most of my time at Z-hills talking, jumping and debriefing Thanks again! It doesn't matter how anyone else lives their life.... it matter how you live yours!

Thanks great answer mark! It doesn't matter how anyone else lives their life.... it matter how you live yours!

Thanks... I just got my SIM last week.... haven't put it down yet

What I mean is that my instructor was killed the day before my 10th jump and they closed the DZ to student jumpers. I picked up 2 jumps at some other DZ outside of Chicago, and another jump at Z-hills. I go back to Z-hills next Weds and will do 6 more jumps out there and do more tunnel time to learn the dynamics of back-flying. As far as learning stuff on this site goes scubadude, I have 13 jumps... I can learn anywhere. If the answers seem logical and safe, I take what I want and leave the rest. Besides, there are enough experienced divers with Instructor ratings monitoring this site that if someone gives an answer that is incorrect, they are all over the answer. It starts quite the thread I have seen it here... my opinion of this place is that it is a wealth of information. Are you telling me that you have not learned on this site? If I couldn’t learn here I wouldn’t waiste my time at all? The giving, sharing and genuine concern for safety on this site is demonstrated throughout the words written on its virtual pages. It was suggested to me that I read Poynter’s and Turoff’s “The Skydiver’s Handbook”. Good idea… GREAT idea! I’ve spent the last month really studying it. A lot of the information that I am reading in the USPA SIM coincides with references somewhere in that book. First paragraph on page 158 states the following; Turbulence. As mentioned earlier, bumpy air may be encountered at any altitude and it has been known to close end cells and upset canopies. Jumpers have been robbed of their wings to be left back in freefall at 75 feet. Bumpy air may occur on windy days and on hot, no-wind days. Keep your canopy inflated during turbulence by flying at one-quarter to one-half brakes and make gentle turns. If turbulence causes a partial canopy collapse of your canopy, bring the steering lines down to half to three-quarters brakes to help the canopy reinflate. This is a statement that I question… and what a better place to do then here. Where you have experienced jumpers (like Samuri136, Bigun, RiggerRob, Billvon, AFFI, and even Skymedic with his 1 jump but a class C license

I don't have one It doesn't matter how anyone else lives their life.... it matter how you live yours!

Thank you for answering all the questions. I will look up flat turn threads. As far as question f) goes; I read that if there are thermals present or you are landing within 1000 ft of a deep tree line it can create turbulence and you should come in at ¼ to ½ breaks to combat potential partial collapse. Do you agree with this? It doesn't matter how anyone else lives their life.... it matter how you live yours!

a) To obtain an A license there are several criteria. A lot of the prerequisites appear to be what I am executing through AFF training. Shouldn’t I be getting sign off on the Proficiency Card and Application while going through the excercises? Or do I prove proficiency after I go through the 8 levels. b) What is a flat altitude turn? c) If I want to learn to back-fly and sit-fly is it easier to learn in a wind-tunnel or in the air? d) Is this a correct thought? I should be able to execute everything under canopy using the rear risers. e) If I stall my chute while at a high altitude can it collapse to the point of malfunction? f) If your canopy descends quicker in warm air and reacts to toggle movements with lethargy should you come to ¼ breaks about 100 ft? Would that help the reaction time of a full flare? g) Shouldn’t spotting a jump be done in the cone of maneuverability? It doesn't matter how anyone else lives their life.... it matter how you live yours!

Marc I agree with you Marc. I've been communicating with Mykel and he's been nothing but really helpful and respectful to me and I'm (just above a Wuffo)not even at the level of a 100 jump wonder. In fact he even states in the bottom of his post "everyone makes mistakes". It doesn't matter how anyone else lives their life.... it matter how you live yours!

It's all good! It doesn't matter how anyone else lives their life.... it matter how you live yours!

I’m a corporate dude with Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and have skydiving screen savers, skydiving wallpaper, skydiving mouse pad and the 2006 USPA calendar hanging up. My boss’s boss is going with me this year and his boss has got 15 jumps himself…. But witnessed a bounce and never did it again. However, as long as what you do outside of work doesn’t interfere with you being able to perform your duties or discloses company information… you can do anything you want!

Page 14 of Parachuting-The Skydiver's Handbook says the median age for skydivers in the U.S. is thirty-one

PILOTDAVE............. FRICKEN AWESOME SITE DUDE!!!!! Incredible viddys..... WOW! Makes me want to go!