Carrapeta

I dunno, I gotta dissagree there. . . because someone wants to sacrifice one thing (house, GF credit, etc. . .) for a sport (lifestyle) doesn't mean they going to do something stupid in a sport that coulde result in death or very serious injury. I've made plenty of really dumb life choices that've gotten me into some serious shit but, when I go climbing I still adhere to basic safety to keep myself from injury of death. I use climbing as an example because I only have 6 jumps but, the same principals apply to skydiving. This is not the only activity that people completely flip thier llives around for. . .The same subject comes up in climbing forums and personally, I know people who have made STUUUUPIDLY irresponsible financial decisions but are great people and safe competent climbers as well. Being willing (not the the OP IS. . .) to screw your credit, foreclose on your house, or whatever doesn't mean you're incapable of being a safety concious person in an inherently dangerous sport. . .

See, I'll not go into debt for a house or car and, be commited for 5yrs or 30 or whatever. I sleep there what 6hrs a night then it's off to work then breakdancin' get home between 11pm and 2 am just to get up and be to work by 6:30 and repeat. I'll be damned if I'm gonna pay more than what insurance and gas costs to sleep somewhere flat I won't go into debt for a hobby either (no credit cards) but I'll sure spend every penny i have on it!! And push other shit to the back It's about to get cold again though . . . glad I have a girlfirend If your gonna be dumb ya gotta be tough. Your mom goes HandHeld

NOPE. I just sleep inder the truck when it rains. . . J/K YEah have a topper but it started leaking not too long ago so I gotta re-seal it between the bed and shell and caulk the windows. I have a plywood platform I built into with a futon on top and room to store things in plastice bins underneath. . .clothes, food, gear, campstove etc. . . If your gonna be dumb ya gotta be tough. Your mom goes HandHeld

Funny, I moved into my truck so I could save money to quit working for a year or so and take a cross country climbing trip. Well, skydiving wiped out that cash and now I think I'll be working / truck dwelling for and additional 6-12 months to buy a rig and save some cash before I quit. But now I need to save a bit extra to cover jump tickets!! If your gonna be dumb ya gotta be tough. Your mom goes HandHeld

You'll never forget that feeling when they let go fo you!!! Good luck, have a blast!! If your gonna be dumb ya gotta be tough. Your mom goes HandHeld

I'd say after the last two weekends at the home DZ I've come away with some valuable lessons. Two students tired to ride a 2 out scenario one finally cut awayat the last minute, the other is in the incidants forum. What I learned is as a student, NEVER just go to your reserve. CUT AWAY then pull reserve. 2 out does NOT look like a fun situation! The other big lesson I learned (and they did teach us this) is be aware AT ALL TIMES of your handles. I am always really nervous about my PC so, I've been good about keeping an eye on it as far as not snagging it bumping it etc and, always seem to be meking sure it's still there. What happened to me was (luckily after the jump) I had my canopy in hand and was getting on the trailer back to the hangar. Well I was excited about the jump, had a arm full of canopy and was rushing to get onto the trailer. I stepped up on the trailer and "ping" reserve handle fell on the ground. It had snagged the side of the traler as I stood up. So, the reserve pilot chute popped out but it landed on the ground before the bridle put any tension on the pin. The lesson here, If this would've happened near the door of the plane, it could've been a VERY serious situation. Imagine you reserve PC blowingout the door and then taking you out with it, possibly snagging on the tail of the aircraft. Not good, you can't exactly "cut away" the reserve (unless you have a knife iguess) !! So ALWAYS be aware of your handles!!! (Plus, if that were my rig I'd be paying for a re-pack!!) If your gonna be dumb ya gotta be tough. Your mom goes HandHeld

WWWwwwooooooooeeeeeeee!!!! Passed L 5&6!! 360deg turns, Barrel rolls and back loops are soooo damn fun!! Next weekend Diving exits from the plane an whatever else they have me do for L7! After that I want to try to get 3-4 solo jumps in!! I can't believe that every time I jump it's funner than the last and thinking this was the most fun I've had in my life!!! 10k ft backflips !!! I love this shit!! If your gonna be dumb ya gotta be tough. Your mom goes HandHeld

BAD ASS climbing and deep water soloing!! CHECK IT Never been but I hear it amazing!! HAve fun and good luck on AFF!! If your gonna be dumb ya gotta be tough. Your mom goes HandHeld

Thanks!! I have dreams of one day being good enough in the air to even think about stuff like that!! So, the update . . . Well I passed L3 &4 so, on to 5 next week!! It felt great actually getting to fly my own body! As soon as they let go I could tell the difference. I got a little wobble and then stayed pretty stable for the heel clicks and the rest of the flight. Solid solo deployment (as usual – I’m good at saving my own ass I guess!!). On level 4 with just 1 JM (about 1200’ by the time I checked alt we were just above 11k) but, I did solid 90 deg right/left turns AND forward motion to dock with the JM!!! We broke off at about 6K and nailed another solo deployment at 5500’ on the dot! They downsized me from a 260 to a 240 canopy and I felt great flying that thing! VID OF THE LANDING I was crankin’ crazy spirals in the air using my body to lean into the half brake turns !!! Canopy flight is THE shit!!! On level 3 (not in the vid) I landed right next to the instructor! On L4 (the one in the vid) the wind took me kind of weird so I landed a little close to the tandem pit but still executed a great pattern and landed into the wind! This is BY FAR the coolest thing I've ever done!! I can say for sure I'm hooked. It seems like every jump is the time of my life, the most fun I've ever had and then I realize shoot, this is just the start. . . I don't even know what fun IS yet!! Alright, I better get back to work. . . Thanks for reading my rambles! Frijol Saltando (This name works for Breakdancing AND Skydiving!!) If your gonna be dumb ya gotta be tough. Your mom goes HandHeld

Yes, that was for sure me B-boyin' at the DZ!! I have problems sitting still!! edited to add. . . I don't know if I can wait two weeks to jump again! I think I'll have to go for L3 this week!! GADDANG this is addicting! Later Rich If your gonna be dumb ya gotta be tough. Your mom goes HandHeld

WOW!!! I knew it was but now I know it is!!!! Skydiving is definitely for me!! Went this weekend and passed AFF levels 1&2!! I love it! The plane ride, the exit, the drop, the alti checks, the throw, the canopy flight AND the landing!!! WHEEEEEEEWWWW!! All of it is ssoooooo much fun!! I'm going to a tunnel this coming weekend and doing 2 or 3 more levels the following weekend!! What can I say?. . . . I'm in love. Someone said and, I believe him. . ."once the canopy opens the wallet never closes. . ." Rich If your gonna be dumb ya gotta be tough. Your mom goes HandHeld

Thanks for the welcome!! Trust me I'm not afraid to get out there and meet people!! I'm pretty much a hyper-active jokster! With a serious side . . .kinda. 9 days 'till L1 !!! Dangit I wish they had a spot for this Saturday!! Oh well, soon enough! I'm having dreams about this and haven't even jumped yet! Thanks for the advice! Stay calm, relax, have fun, and remember my training. CHECK. Later I'll be lurking alot but I'll post any updates. If your gonna be dumb ya gotta be tough. Your mom goes HandHeld

Rich, my friends call me Carrapeta (Ka-ha-peta) my other friends call me Mexico (Mexx for short)and, my other friends (and Grandma) call me Frijol Saltando. You can call me whatever you need to !!! I'm brand new to the sport- REALLY new - as in Aug 30th is my frist AFF class and hopefully , weather permitting, 1st jump as well!! I just wanted to say waddup to everyone and ask if there's any advice you may have for a rediculously excited newcomer! Thanks a bunch and see you in the skys!! Frijol Saltando If your gonna be dumb ya gotta be tough. Your mom goes HandHeld