MorfiusX

I am new to the sport and have two sons who are 5 and 2 years old. They know that I skydive, but I am trying to figure out a better way to talk to them about it. My older son is very impressionable right now and I want to make sure I give him a balanced message. I don't want them to to grow up being afraid. I want them to know that they can do anything in life. I also want him to know some things are for "grown-ups" only. I don't think it is fair to them if I never talk about it (in case I were to get injured or killed). So that is pretty much what I have told them so far. Since I started, they have "Daddy Skydived" off of step stools and chairs with their pillow cases. While it is very cute, I don't know if the is something I should be condoning. I am really just looking for opinions on this. At their age, it can be hard to strike the right balance of "You can do anything, but only when you are old (mature) enough to understand the risks". I did some searching, but it seems most of the replies where from people with older children.

After my first jump, I was nauseous, had a headache, and my ears kept popping. It took about a day to fully go away. I'm not a doctor, but if keeps up for more than a day or so, I would call your physician.

OT: I have over 100lbs extra exit weight to one of my instructors (He is ~180, I am ~280), and I have lost him twice on exit (CAT B and CAT C1). We modified the exit procedure for CAT C2 and everything has been much better.

I am really glad you asked this question. After (only) 5 jumps, I still get those brief moments of "What the hell am I doing?..." on the way up. The replies posted show that I am normal, or at least as normal as a skydiver could be considered...

So, I have a question in regards to this. Last week, a whole load of tandems was brought back in due to approaching storms. Do they all have to pay again? What if the DZO makes the call and not the jumper? Honestly, I don't mind wasting a lift ticket in order to be safe, I'm just curious.

Almost all the training material I have read says don't crossover the runway under 1000ft. Some even say 2500ft on the ends. It's pretty obvious why such a rule would exist.

I'm right behind you, but I don't think I'll have all my jumps done by the boogie, unless someone wants to donate the $1500 I need to complete the course... I'm gonna come and hang out though.

The more I listen to that cover the more I like it. Simple Man - Shinedown: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgFQ6WmxdMs&feature=av2n

Because he has two tickets to that thing you love.

When I decided to jump, I weighed 255. I have dropped 25 lbs and when I jumped last week I had to to use their largest rig. Dropping the weight is the best thing to do. I viewed the first jump as reward for losing the weight. (not that anything I say around here holds any water, I'm still a newbie...)

Lol, we are following the same path. I just ordered some Sorz and Peerser goggles after my first jump. I wear contacts and wanted something that would work better than the pretty worn and cracked goggles at the DZ. Figured I would get both those brands and see how they do. Lasik is on my list as well, but for now $30 sure beats $4500...

When going through the FJC, I was told "first we are going to teach you how to land, but we will have the radio to help you out". When under canopy, I was told to kick may feat to make sure I could hear my instructor. I still made a few minor mistakes (missed my first legs out hand signal, instructor hand to say hands up a couple times under canopy), but I attribute that to me being a student. We know going into this that their risk involved, and there is always a learning curve for everything. So you have to ask yourself "what did I learn from this?" My answer would be: remember your training. Specifically, remember your landing patterns. During the entire jump, I was repeating the steps out loud to myself. For the landing, here is what I was saying out loud to myself: - where am I at - where is the wind - turn left and right until 1000 - downwind till 600 - left turn - etc... Hope that helps.

+1 My instructor there, Dave, was really good. He took his time and made me keep practicing everything (which really helped). My first jump today went great. My landing was practically standing up. ( started to plf, but transitioned to standing up). So, my only question is: who's going to the work stinks boogie?:)

I'll second that one. You could also check out Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind or Once.

This thursday? Me too! I scheduled my first jump for Friday. Hit me up if you are there. My name is Rick.

Probably this Friday. I have to go by an drop of the payment.

I'm starting the AFF course there next week. It's a nice place so far (though I was only there for about 10 minutes).

Coincidentally, I am headed over there today on my way home from work to get info on the AFF program. I planned on starting in a week or so. If there are any question you want asked in person, shoot me a PM.