May 9, 2003, 10:12 AM
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1st Rig
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I'm fairly new to the sport only 25 jumps. I've been thinking it would be a good idea for me to get a rig before I go broke renting one. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what size canopy I should try and find. I wiegh 135 pounds. I don't want something that I'll kill my self on but I still want something thats funner than the 288 sq ft student canopy I've been flying. Any ideas?
Typically a good wing-loading for a first canopy is around a 1:1. Talk to some of the more experienced instructors and canopy pilots around your dropzone. They will best be able to advise you on a canopy and help you progress from the 288 to something best suited for you.
First, what they said: talk to your instructors as to the brand and style to buy, but you can roughly calculate the size. You weigh 135lb + 25lb of gear = 160lbs. You therefore need at least a 150 sq ft chute, preferrably non-elliptical since you have 25 jumps. They make "semi-elliptical" canopies that are almost as much fun, but don't kick your ass as much when you screw up like a fully elliptical will. We always say "talk to your instructors first" because every new diver has different abilities. They know your abilities better than we do, so they can advise you more wisely.
P.S. I wouldn't buy my first chute brand new from the manufacturer because you will likely end up selling it in the next 2-3 years and will get back 2/3 of what you paid for it new. Just my $0.02.
