krkeenan

THEM TOADSUCKERS, the worldwide brotherhood of CRWDogs. Dedicated to grabbing nylon and having fun. kevin ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

From what I've seen, it's all in the technique. I've seen some pretty good surfs from 143s, 126s, and 113s. Then again, I've seen the bag lock landings . It's certainly an acquired skill. kevin ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

Yeah. This gives me the best of both worlds - wingsuit flight and a goofy canopy to land. Kevin ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

Funny I should see your post today. I just tried my L-143 on a WS jump yesterday. This was somewhat out of necessity, as my Stiletto is getting relined. I thought it would be OK, however,because of the lower deployment speeds. It's something I've wanted to try, but hadn't gotten around to. I was a little concerned about the bridle length, because the bridle string isn't too long, so I added some length to it with some 1" tape (a couple od cross connectors worked fine ). I used my usual CRW rig for the jump, and this caused some concern at the DZ. This is the rig I use for competition / big-way CRW, so it has all of the classic fearures thereof (lots of hook knives, crazy risers, rubber chicken, etc. ). It gets those usual "looks" from non-CRWDogs. I do have some extended riser covers, that almost cover the risers, toggles, 2-to-1's, etc., so I tucked everything in nice and tight, and I was good to go. I did a 2-way with a buddy flying a SF3 and he looked my backpack over as we were flying formation. He didn't run away, so I figured all was cool. It turned out to be a really great jump. The opening was slightly harder than a CRW hop and pop. This was probably due to my mesh slider. I think I will either replace it with a solid one or cover it with a piece of fabric for the next WS jump. I use a psycho pack job on my Lightning, and deploy it from a bag, so I usually get pretty easy openings. I wouldn't try this with a free-packed Lightning. I'm glad I finally tried this, because now I can keep a rig integrated with the WS and jump that in between CRW weekends.

The Rodriguez Bros. are at: http://www.rodriguezbrothers.com/ I didn't see any new photos there, but the initiation was a hoot. You missed a great party, but there's always next time. See ya, kevin ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

On the tequilla subject, the Rodriguez Brothers held a pretty large induction ceremony at the party on Sat. night.

It's great to hear that the European CRWDogs are keeping the "Fun Meter" at a high setting over there.

A recent fatality at Atlanta Skydiving Center occurred when a jumper tried to catch a cutaway main in the air and ran into trouble. This points out the hazards of doing this. I think it is important to bring this up in our group, because we are more likely than most jumpers to find ourselves in the air with an unoccupied main canopy. I can't deny that it's a very cool thing to do. But it is a rare canopy pilot who can pull it off successfully. It is a lot easier to catch one than to catch one properly. Anyone who has done it (I haven't) will tell you that there is a right way and a wrong way - and the right way isn't always available. With the canopy flying that we do, it is probably easier for a CRWDog to catch a main than for most other jumpers. But we get old in this sport by managing risk properly, and the odds are very high of getting in a world of shit by snagging a cutaway main, so don't fall for it. Spot it, follow it, land near it, whatever. Just don't grab it. It could be the last dock you ever make. Fly Safe. kevin k ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

Does anyone have the details about the big-way event that were sent out by Roger ? Sorry to sound so clueless, but I got in on this one kind of late. If possible, please e-mail to me at: kkeenan@atlantic.net See you all at Cross Keys. Thanks, Kevin ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

I will be arriving at PHL @ 9:00pm on Wed. Jul 7. Leaving in the morning on Jul 12. I have a room reserved at Rest Inn, if anyone wants to split expenses. The room is a "smoking", because that's all they had left . If someone has another room to share, I can give this one up. Please e-mail; kkeenan@atlantic.net Thanks, Kevin Keenan ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

Back in the "Old Days", the Sentinal AAD was heralded as a great safety device. It was a great improvement over existing units, and did result in many saves. There were some inadvertant deployments, however, and when it came to using the device on experienced loads, many people thought it was a bad idea. The idea of a reserve deployment in a multi-way exit, or in a formation with people possibly above it, seemed dangerous. This may be where we are with the current model of the Vigil AAD now in use. My opinion is that there have been enough unexplained events with the device to not want one on a jump with me. I'm sure others have opinions, so this may be an interesting discussion. Kevin Keenan SCR 3022

I'm looking for hotel info for thr Cross Keys area. Also, anyone looking to share a hotel room. E-Mail - kkeenan@atlantic.net Kevin Keenan ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

The New England CRW record fell this weekend at Jumptown, in Orange MA.

We just finished a great CRW weekend at Jumptown in Orange Mass. The folks there couldn't have been nicer. They took care of everything we needed and really showed us a good time.

Well, for some of us old folks, it just takes a little while to recover enough to make the fingers work on a keyboard. In my case, one of those fingers is still pointing a little off-heading, due to trying to grip a canopy a little too long. (Gotta know when to hold 'em...know when to fold 'em.) I know I'm not the only one with a few bumps and bruises. At least I came home with both shoes. I thought the MP bogie was great. It was the dysfunctional family reunion that it always has been. The weather was great and the dives were relaxed and high-quality. I was very glad to see the good mix of newbie suckwads and old, experienced suckwads. The newcomers were able to observe time-honored techniques and styles made famous by some of CRW's most dignified and serious professionals (see Steve Petto photo.) Seriously, it was gratifying to see large progress steps made by folks who were trying new things and working under new conditions. Some newbies write a lot on this and other forums, but I have a lot of respect for those who will commit to traveling a long way to meet strangers with the chance of improving their techniques. Jimbo continued his research into CRW-related physics. The debut of the "CRWBall" was interesting, and I'm sure more research will lead to great advances for all of society. We had a lot of bubbles in our airplanes. While the video photographers aren't too fond of them, I think CRWDogs love them too much for them to ever fade away. One thing we learned about Jimbo, was his long-enduring affair with Barbie. While many of us have shared this affection over the years, who knew that Jim owned so many of them ? Someone remarked that Jimbo should surely run out of tricks soon. As with other great forces of Nature, that may happen, but I think it will not occur in our lifetime. On the subject of Barbie, several of our female CRWDogs (let's not get into the name argument again) tried out for membership in the prestigious organization known as the Pink Mafia. Membership involves (along with world peace, love, and understanding) making a jump with a Barbie doll. Several of our heroic CRWDogesses completed the death-defying jump with the deadly Barbie. Don't scoff at this feat, because apparently the deadly doll has powers that can make your mind go blank, cause dropped grips, and steer your parachute into the woods. Luckily, our teammates overcame these effects and survived the Barbie jump to become Pink Mafia divas. I'm not sure if this membership carries over to Cass and Steve Petto, who became "honorary CRW Chicks" this weekend. I'm sure that's what caused Steve's victory dance; or maybe it was just that Spring was in the air... Everyone was overjoyed to see Paul Bliss. It's been a long road since his accident last November, and Paul's progress is amazing. He's getting better and stronger every day, and I'm convinced that it is purely on the power of his strong will and his great attitude. I hope that the visit did as much for him as it did for me and the others at Moss Pt. His presence gave a big boost to the happiness and togetherness that went on all weekend. This was the first time I had been to Moss Pt. since the New Year's accident that took Scotty Agent. He was a Moss Pt. local known by a lot of Gulf Coast and Florida jumpers, and he will be missed. The Crawdads & Jambalaya, the pig roast, the CRW cake (Happy Birthday, Chuck), the pool party, the parking lot party, etc., etc. It was all the stuff that Makes Moss Pt. such a great stop on the CRW Pro Tour every year. Mike Igo and his DZ staff were great to work with, as were all the CRW organizers who have become so skilled at cat-herding over the years. Paul Ferrell and Chuck Blackwell put in all the behind-the-scenes work over the past few months to make it all possible. Chuck didn't show up till noon on Sunday. When he arrived, he was bleary-eyed, and walking bowlegged. Some people said that this was due to the continuation of his birthday party on Saturday night. This was actually caused by flying his canopy toward the sun with his leg straps extra tight for precision control. That's just the kind of CRWDog that Chuck is. Thanks, everyone for making this weekend another fine CRW gathering. kevin k. TS-46 ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

Vector 2 ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

I realize that "freefly-friendly gear" means slightly different things to different people. My question is about velcro riser covers. Even though tuck tabs seem to be better, does anyone see a problem with properly-maintained velcro as a riser cover closure ? kevin ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

I realize that "freefly-friendly gear" means slightly different things to different people. My question is about velcro riser covers. Even though tuck tabs seem to be better, does anyone see a problem with properly-maintained velcro as a riser cover closure ? kevin ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

I understand that an attempt at an "All-European" World Record last year was cancelled. I think it is interesting that Americans are now being brought over to help organize a new attempt. I thought that the europeans would try to set a new record on their own. Kevin Keenan USA ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

Good job. Back in the old days, I once dried a round canopy by hanging it vertically in a college dorm stairwell. It took about three stories to stretch it out. kevin k ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

What did you hear that led you to ask that question ?? kevin ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

That's certainly a sad thing. Although Jim had been gone from the world most of us occupy for some time. Lacey turned a whole lot of folks on to CRW back in the old days, and for that I'll always be grateful. RIP, Stack-Daddy. Kevin K. TS #46 ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

That will be cool to see. You can put it in this forum or your friends can post it in the "Incidents" forum for you, depending on how it turns out. kevin ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

Bullshit ! If you want to jump one, then do so. But what kind of socialist are you to want to require ME to wear one? kevin ====================== Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the Wind, the Sun, or the Rain...

Here are a few photos, courtesy of Lyn Hannah and Kirk VanZandt. The jumps were excellent, and the view under canopy was breathtaking. Yes, we built formations while headed out to sea, but we eventually got around to coming back. Everyone landed at the DZ every time.