emmiwy

Thanks davelepka for the thorough response, exactly what I was looking for to confirm my understanding of how this kind of mal should be dealt with. PC in tow usually happens if it isn't packed properly or if you don't do a gear check before you go up? Really good point. But the solution to this seems to vary by instructor...one of my instructors told me there is only need to remember one order of pulling handles: main, cutaway, silver. Its always a safe bet to cutaway in any mal. But I'm going to assume he also didn't mean you need to cutaway if you are under 1000ft or low on altitude. Right? What if the handle were not in place? I know if the bridle is not packed properly it's not a good thing but what would happen [sorry to ask so many questions, I haven't taken a packing course yet]? :)

I know this is an old thread, but this video reminded me of the situation you described. In your case, you were able to untangle the PC, while the TI had to go to reserve. I know this is a bit of a different situation, being a tandem jump, but just because I'm curious, could the TI have cutaway before pulling his reserve? He didn't deploy the main from what I can tell, so there would be no point in trying to cutaway...? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fvsh26ryl_E&feature=grec

That's my thought too. I haven't had a chance to talk to an instructor about buying gear yet, but I was told by the shop ower that they don't allow "students", even on solo status, to wear full face helmets. But I've seen people with them though without any sort of license. Can anyone confirm this? I'm still torn about trying to fly full-face; I think it'll help when I go to tunnel, but I want to avoid having to buy two helmets...I'm used to the sound of the wind. :)

The pro shop at my DZ has an incredibly nice lady who is extremely helpful in helping newbies buy gear. She had me try on many different pairs, not only for comfort but more for fit. It seemed pretty important that there was no gap on the bridge of the nose, otherwise air flowing through can dry out your eyes? So maybe something worth considering--the flexvision as people suggested seemed to be best for me. Not the most stylish but works well.

+1 I think it's all about stepping out of the comfort zone and be mentally prepared to fall. I think the first jumps I didn't stand up on was because I was afraid of landing too hard or breaking my legs or something similar. So it really is learning how to time the flare. Bringing legs together and lifting the knees a little also helps me mentally prepare for the landing. As what people have said already, it helps to look at the horizon and not look directly below you--also using your periphery is helpful to gauge height of landmarks around you. Such as the top of trees or other objects. My instructor actually had me stand atop a flight of stairs near our DZ to visualize how high you would begin the two stage flare.

I passed my levels 5-7 today with stand up landings! All it took was really digging down using the technique that my instructor told me [in two-stage, bend at elbows pointed upwards and push down, instead of pulling down]. It was AWESOME to land softly and not slide on my butt for a change. Thanks all, BLUE SKIES! :)

jasonrose: Thanks for the encouragement! I haven't been able to jump so much the last two weekends because of weather holds, but yeah I'm hoping practice and more jumping will help me get accustomed to extending arms all the way for a full flare. erdnarob: Awesome suggestion! I have been trying to work out more my upper body in hopes of building more strength in the arms as well. Mostly I ask about the full flare to do the soft landings as you said. One day I'm going to stick the stand up landing, and be rest assured you'll hear from me about it. :)

Thanks soulbabel for the vote of confidence. Yes, I've only jumped once in the last two weekends I've been to my DZ. From now on I'm definitely going to try to jump several times for the one day that I go. I have a feeling I may be, as you mentioned, overly focused on AFF performance and doing everything perfectly. But I may be taking this too seriously.

Thanks Itchy. :) My tunnel coach said the same thing--I'm building good habits. In fact when we were reviewing a video covering the dive flow for my next level jump, he pointed out that my body positioning is even better than the instructor in the video. That made me very happy. Yes I've had the good fortune of going through my levels with different instructors every time, and different JMs who mentor me on each jump. While I miss out on progressing/flying with one instructor/coach, I get the superb benefit of different styles of teaching and explaining from different people. And I get to know more people at my DZ better. :)

Thanks for the advice--all very thoughtful and definitely stuff I will keep in mind. I should clarify that I don't mean to say that I'm trying to substitute tunnel with a lot of the nuances and skills (i.e. altitude awareness, canopy control, emergency procedures) that are necessary to be a skydiver. I agree with you all 150% on that. You probably think it is premature to be going to tunnel when I'm not even done with the AFF; fine tuning the skills is a goal I have yes, but what I have found particularly useful with tunnel is developing confidence in flying on my own. Personally, going through AFF levels 1-3 with two JMs who are still holding onto me became pretty comfortable. Once they let go, I want to be sure that I can handle the feeling of flying on my own, more so recovering from instability. My tunnel coach has told me that I'm not going to have any problem with finishing the rest of my levels, based on my tunnel performance. So you're right, what I'm learning through tunnel is probably more than enough. I suppose I just find it a little frustrating that simple things like forward/backward/up/down, side sliding, etc. seem so easy but I can't do it completely naturally.

Hey all, Sounds like a silly question but, are there suggestions for keeping up what you learn in tunnel, apart from jumping a lot? My coach told me most of what I've done in tunnel so far emphasizes body stability/positioning, which is very useful as I'm interested in becoming a better belly-flier. The downside, they're not skills I can necessarily practice when I do my AFF jumps [e.g. 360 deg turns/side sliding while going up and down]. Time permits me to jump only once a week, and I felt like I lost the muscle memory and my skills regressed in between the times I went to tunnel. I really want to improve my belly fly skills, as I anticipate becoming a more serious skydiver beyond just completing the AFF. Perhaps doing longer tunnel sessions will help with muscle memory? Thanks for the input :)

Sorry to interrupt the thread, but just following the stuff you guys are talking about makes me appreciate so much more my TI and first tandem jump. Never would have thought all the stuff mentioned could go wrong, and all the stuff you have to think about when taking care of your passenger and yourself. I'm thankful that I didn't knock my instructor out! You guys are awesome!! We love you for what you do :)

Definitely looks like these are the non-newbie lists. I look forward to all of it [well not the friends dying or screwing up any dive part]. Someone told me yesterday, "Wait, you're skydiving on Sunday, the same day as the SuperBowl? That's hardcore." Not really hard to skip the SuperBowl when I never really cared that much for it to begin with...

That's pretty sick thanks for sharing the video. Looks pretty dangerous though...

+1 to pretty much all previous posts. I have also encountered a few individuals who have expressed some concern with my skydiving habit. Not quite to the same level as you and your girlfriend's relationship but all the same beast. The newbie skydiver in me would tell you, "Do what you love and f*** the rest". If she won't even try to understand why you want to skydive then she isn't worth your time. Making you choose between skydiving or her without trying to educate herself about how the sport works, safety issues, etc. just gives me the impression that she is a controlling; she just wants you to do what SHE wants instead of compromising what YOU want. Do you think this makes for a healthy relationship? When you actually do the tandem, start the AFF and you begin to really understand why you want to pursue it, risks involved, how to handle malfunctions, etc. then you'll have better grounds for convincing her that the sport is not as dangerous as she may think it is. Lastly, the fact that you are asking people's opinions [albeit complete strangers on the Internet] about this tells me that you care about her and the relationship as much as your own interests. Good for you, give yourself a pat on the back--that shows some emotional maturity and I think you'll make the right decision when the time comes. Have fun this weekend!

That's pretty awesome, and not such a bad idea at that. :)

Hardcore. Unfortunately I chose the life of an academic, and conscience/rationale tell me I have to finish my last degree and start working before I can even consider selling my soul for all the gear. :) 8. When you consider chopping off your hair so I can fit the helmet on easier

Actually, any day I go skydive is a holiday. :)

Yeah really awesome videos, thanks for sharing! Looks like the weather was awesome the day you went :)

Funny! But I empathize with that supposed fear--I don't like roller coasters. I still think there's no feeling better than flying. Roller coasters do not make you feel like you're flying.

Great explanation thanks billvon! Second approach is definitely what I was taught I think I just haven't gotten the push down on the toggles technique completely.

I added mine in! :) D.S #27

And Valentine's Day.

Due to an injury, I haven't jumped since October. I still have some nice skydiving dreams (in fact, I'd like to have more, please.) :) Best wishes to a speedy recovery! If you want to recount any memorable stories for us I'm sure that'll help you dream at night...

Haha I saw that thread but thought at first glance it was dudes only, but I am wrong. :) Joining right now.