cvandam

I severed ligaments in my ankle playing "old-lady' soccer when I was in my 30's (many years ago). The surgical repair was successful and that ankle has caused me no problems since (and I am very physically active). For someone who's young and really active in sports, the surgical repair seems like the MUCH better long term option to me...... Best of luck to him whatever the final decision is....

My experience was a good one. I'm a gym-rat (running, cycling, stairs, etc etc) with an arthritic right knee that was becoming increasingly painful late last year. I did the Synvisc injections in January not really expecting much; my doctor had told me they work for some folks but not everyone. I was absolutely amazed at the results - the pain was almost totally eliminated. It's been eight months now and my knee's still doing fine. Good luck to you whatever you decide!

I guarantee you that many, many first time tandems have gone through exactly the same thought process. I remember when I did my first tandem, the videographer asked me (when we landed), "So, how was that first step?" And my response was "There wasn't really time to think about it!". I was a nervous wreck waiting for my jump, and in the plane I kept asking myself what the h*** am I doing here? Then the door openend and we're moving towards the door, then we're in the door...and then, of course, we're out the door... It's more that you are "jumped" the first time, and not that YOU are jumping.... PS And the minute I landed, I knew I had to do it again, and again, and again.....

Purchased two altimeters and a helmet so far over a few years - no problems whatsoever, and really fast delivery

Mine's 22 years old....has some arthritis, is on thyroid medication, and realllly whines a lot, but other than that, she's doing pretty well for her advanced age! cc

Skydive Space Center is my home dz.....well worth the trip from my home - Atlanta, GA. My AFF experience there was terrific......wonderful staff and a great atmosphere. Think you're going to really enjoy yourself!!! Good luck.....I'll be there this weekend; will look you up!!

I can speak from experience....I was 49 when I made my first tandem (as a birthday present to myself). Am 51 now with 360 jumps. If I had NOT been in good shape (distance running & cycling + some weights) I think it would have been a tough sport to take up... Sounds like you're in great shape - I'm bettin' you'll have no problem at all in that respect. Regarding the shoulder, I'll leave that to others with more experience in that area. Good luck...and keep everyone posted on your progress....

Skydive Space Center is my home dz. You'll find a very friendly environment..... both staff and "regulars". We are currently jumping from 15,000 feet (Grand Caravan and C-207). In the near future we'll have a new King Air that will be taking us to 18,000!!!! We're wayyyy excited about it!! The "team house" (where I believe you'll be staying) is an actual house just down the block from the dz...much nicer than many dz "bunkhouses". The team rooms in the hangar have a different use. Jumpers with over 500 jumps are allowed to land between the runway and hangar. Those of us with less than 500 land on the West side of the runway and there's plenty of room. Think you'll be very pleased with our dz!!!!