May 29, 2003, 11:51 AM
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Hi!
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I just skydived (skydove?) for the first time on Monday (Memorial Day). I was very scared on the way up, but it was such an awesome experience, I will definitely do it again.
My friends and I jumped at Skydive Oregon. Everyone there is great, really nice and supportive. Props to Ryan and JJ (my tandem instructor and cameraflyer) for an awesome jump and pictures (I haven't seen the video yet, but I'm sure that is spectacular as well).
I hope to jump again soon, and maybe even make it a hobby (if my inner ear doesn't make trouble for me).
Welcome to DZ.COM and the wonderful sport of skydiving. We're glad to hear that you had a good time and one of the most dangerous aspects of this sport is that you'll enjoy it and want to do it again and again and again, etc, etc, etc. Heck look at me, 10 1/2 months ago I was a whuffo.
A "whuffo" is simply a non-skydiver. Trust me, it's not a stupid question, I only know because I've heard the reference about 500 times in the last month, since I made my first tandem!
Yes, unfortunately, money is an issue. However, when you think about it...I used to go to the movies 2 or 3 times a week, and out to dinner 2 or 3 times a week, and at work, I would go out for lunch every day. When you add that up, along with shopping sprees and other nonsense, then you can probably come up with enough money to jump at least every couple of weeks, until you get an A license and don't have to spend a FORTUNE on every jump! Trust me, I've been totally broke since I started, but the faster you pay for it, the faster the money starts to show back up in your bank account, and I think it's worth it!
Welcome! I also have problems with my ears. Now, don't laugh...but I was born with a small hole in my ears....I've had extensive surgery when I was a baby & still have problems with the wind, etc. For the most part...I got allergies living here in Austin & take Allegra to cure my congestion which seems to help my ears quite a bit. For some reason though it can take quite a few days for my ears to pop...so hang in there!
Thanks. I have a friend who also has similar issues with her ears (tiny hole in one), and I wouldn't laugh anyway. My ear thing is slightly different. I have a thing called Meniere's syndrome which is when your inner ear fills with fluid, which causes mild to severe vertigo. Mine has been fairly dormant of late, with no attacks in about 6 months. I jumped on Monday, got a serious dizzy spell on Wednesday and have been mildly dizzy since. I've emailed my doctor to see if skydiving caused it (in which case I'll be pissed) or if I was just due.
I'm into shooting sports (paper and reactive targets) and I apparently have a natural ability to hit what I aim at. My friends sometimes call me Annie Oakley as a joke.
Hi Annie, i just started like you 2 months ago with a tandem and now i just got off student status and i'm loving every bit of it!!!! by the way i did my tandem in Hollister, and JJ was my tandem Master, if it's the same guy say hello for me tell him "I got Hooked, it's all you fault!!!!!"
HI, I just got my A licend at SDO, they will treat you right and train you well. After the first few jumps it does get cheaper money wise. hang in there! blue skies
I'm glad you enjoyed your first tandem. I always thought I would only try 1 tandem, and now 270 jumps later, I'm obsessed. 
I've emailed my doctor to see if skydiving caused it (in which case I'll be pissed) or if I was just due. 
