bloodyrog

Hey folks, I wonder how many of you and how many times have experienced a "near miss" situation. I mean by that a point (or more) in your skydives when the chances of a fatal outcome appeared comparable to the chances of survival. It doesn't need to be particularly visual, but it has to be something that made you think afterwards: "that might as well have been it." Cutaways don't count, unless badly complicated (e.g. performed very low, reserve problems, etc.), but seeing someone in a freefall a few feet away while you were under your canopy would be a perfect example. It would be great if you included the number of jumps you have and a brief account of each incident. Just my ill curiosity. Rog

Well, I'm not really anti-Cypres. I know they make things safer, and I think one day I'll get myself one too. By the way, jumping with one just for the sake of your wife's peace of mind is a good reason. What I cannot accept is the attitude of some experienced jumpers: "I will _never_ (on principle) jump without an AAD". For the reasons stated I find it inconsistent and incompatible with this sport. Rog

Very well said: > in other cases having one could have contributed to injuries or deaths. > There are many ways to die skydiving Regarding the latter there are, accordingly, many ways to increase your life expectancy, and some of them are more effective yet cheaper than using a Cypres. One more thing to think about is the psychological aspect of having or not having an ADD. You may say "I don't rely on it by any means", etc. Well, subconsciously you still do - you can't tell for sure nor you can control it. Perhaps you would be more cautious without one or perhaps it wouldn't make a difference in the long run. For those who "won't jump without one": Cypres may be good for you if it just keeps you from being a little bit too nervous. It is bad for you if it puts you in complacency. How can you jump WITH one? It is not going to save you in _more_than_half_ of death scenarious. Rog

All those things that have been beatifully spoken plus: - I am quite afraid of heights; - it makes me feel really cool and tough; - it makes an excuse for drinking beer and reading this forum.