krkeenan

I think this should be the new ToadSucker theme song. Kevin ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking at the time. The last two were newbies. The one who was almost docked was going for it, while the other had the good judgement to boogie out of there at the proper altitude. ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

Suck This ! Oh, Sorry. I'm still winding down from last weekend. I was on the first half of the load. That airplane climbs like a bastard. It takes a good pilot to get the most performance from an aircraft, and Snore, the SDSC pilot is one of the best I've seen. A few days before the event, Master CRWDog Dave Hillebrandt thought this up. We all thought it could be done - but then there's a lot of weird shit that we have come up with over the years - we'll try just about anything. Then, Dave talked Snore into it. But that wasn't too hard either, since apparently Snore will try just about anything, too.

It sounds like the brakes are too tight. Sometimes the lines shrink over time. Also, make sure you keep them untwisted, as like all canopies, that will shorten the effective length of the line. With the toggles all the way up, there should be a definite bow in the steering lines behind the canopy and no tension on the tail. You should be able to pull about 2"-3" on the toggles before seeing any tension on the tail. I frequently put an extra link in the rear riser, so it's important to do the adjustment with that link in, because having the link in shortens the brake setting. Kevin ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

I’ve just completed a short research project. After a week of CRW competition in California and a week of work, I’ve decided that work is definitely the suckier of the two. I think I’m almost decompressed, but it’s a jump (no pun) going from last week’s life to the world of office work. I hope all of the other attendees have made a good transition back to the world. I had an exceptionally good time at this CRW Nationals. It was a pleasure jumping with all of you competitors. Thanks for a great week. Kevin K. ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

Welcome to CRW. It only gets better.

Thanks for the finely-done video, Doc. And good shooting by the cameraman. That formation is actually called a kite. At the Nationals, last week, some were built in around 45 sec. in the 8-way Speed event. This one was much more restful to watch. Thanks, Kevin3 ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

Quote Usually injuries from hard openings, like whip-lash, broken/cracked vertebrae, maybe ribs too, and possibly dislocated shoulders and the like... I had 4 extremely hard openings in one day on my tail-pocket-equipped L-143, ... Now, I roll the fuck out of the nose, three outer cells as far into the center cell as possible, to the point where the "Lightning" logos on both end cells meet in the middle. I also try and make sure our King Air pilot flies jump run as slow as safely possible. /reply] ----------------------------------- All of which (in my opinion) could have been avoided by the use of a D-Bag. If you need a precision, BASE-type opening because of a world-class competition exit, with openings occurring feet apart and have good control over exit speeds, then I think free-packing is appropriate. But, for the majority of CRW jumpers, risking these injuries is simply not justified. I will, however, defend to the death any CRWDog's right to decide for themselves. Some people look good in orthopedic devices...

It's not surprising that people who are good airplane pilots usually like CRW and usually make good CRW jumpers. Good luck with it. Kevin 3 ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

I agree that the packer probably doesn't know jack. However, I pack my L-143 in a bag all the time, and have fine openings. I mainly use it because it packs much faster and easier. And the bag has never been an issue under canopy. But everyone has their opinion. Free-packing works - most of the "pros" use it. I think that most people who have had injuries from openings in the last couple of years were free packing. (Not a scientific sampling, but it would make an interesting study.) It's one of those PC vs. Mac things. It will always be split. It may have something to do with the angle of the brain wrinkles. Kevin 3 ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

Maybe the Nationals being moved up has put it too close for some of the regulars to do both. Kevin ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

I've jumped a lot with Prof. John. Nobody better to talk about quantum physics and orbital mechanics with. You're the only one I ever fight with. Lord knows I try to get along... kevin ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

To know me is to love me...

I'm looking to split a hotel room and/or rental car. Kevin kkeenan@atlantic.net ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

Psycho packing is not old (or not as old as you imply). Beezy will probably comment eventually with facts. But, I've been Psycho packing my Stiletto for a long time. It's faster and easier than Pro packing, and opens fine. Kevin K ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

A lot of the rigging work that CRWDogs need requires unusual skill. I have gotten really good help and service from Dave Hillebrandt, in Titusville Fla. He makes custom CRW risers, toggles, and everything you need on a CRW rig. If you can imagine it, Dave can build it. Dave's e-mail is Davhilleb@aol.com phone: 321-537-0729

Then you don't have the money to safely pursue this sport. Quit now, because your medical bills will soon outpace your gear costs. Listen to the advise of your instructors. They, and most of the folks on this forum, have more experience and better judgemant in this than you do. Kevin K. ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

If you cannot see well, you cannot react to the dynamics of the landing (not to mention seeing the windsock). If you are already having trouble with landings, you should not further hamper yourself with bad vision. Do everything you can to optomize your chances of a good landing by having your contact lenses and visor in top condition - many people open the visor for better vis. All the canopy courses in the world won't help if you cannot see to follow their advise. Don't give up. One day, you'll "see the picture", and it will all seem easy.

That's exactly right. If there's anything attached to you anywhere from that other canopy, cutting away will be very dangerous. There have been a couple of occurrances lately, that may seem to belie that danger. Thinking clearly and properly analyzing problems, while scared shitless, is the only way to survive a long time in CRW. Luck certainly exists, but from a statistical viewpoint, it's not reliable in the long run. kevin k. [ ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

Quote Having witnessed the incident, I had hoped that someone more experienced could comment on the lessons to be learned. Quote What did you see of the person's descent ? I'm still interested in how a canopy that's wrapped around someone can land them at a survivable speed. What altitude did things start to inflate ? What did it do ? One big lesson is: Do not return to freefall unless your reserve has a clear path to deploy. Kevin K. ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

I don't know if they have a download, but if not, call PD and see if they will mail you the publication. Or they may e-mail it. If all fails, speak to Rusty Vest at PD. He will help. Kevin K. ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

I'm looking to split a hotel room for the Dallas big-way event Aug. 18-20. Kevin Keenan kkeenan@atlantic.net (321)693-8959 ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

Your desire to succeed will overcome your mistakes. Feeling bad about a failure is a sign of your drive to be better. Don't let it tear you up too much, but remember the feeling as a motivation to improve. People who pass of their shortcomings with, "It's all good", or "It doesn't really matter", are only showing the weakness of their will to improve. The only real failure is giving up. Kevin K. ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

I agree with the others. It's great to see that this tradition is being kept alive. When i got mine in Texas, I thought it was a universal thing. When I moved east to Florida, I found out otherwise. I hope your weekend is successful. I wish I could be there to pour some beer. Kevin K. SCR 3022 SCS 2226 ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

Of all skydiving disciplines, certainly CRWDogs are the last ones you would expect to have "old" gear. Kevin K. ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...