61702 0 #1 November 7, 2002 I'm 41, and just this year jumped. Had always wanted to, but just last year actually decided to do it! With weather and then 9-11, we had 3 postponements before the first jump- and a repeat on our 2nd, which finally we made this year!); unfortunately, my DZ is 100+ mi. from where I live and just off the Shore, so with travel and weather/wind I've only made two jumps. LOVED IT THOUGH! Strangely enough, I was more "apprehensive" the 2nd time then the first. My second was an Instructors' nightmare. Apprehension, then a poor exist (my thought as jumping was "I'm doing something wrong," but damn it... JUMP!) which put me in a Backwards tumble- name it and I did it wrong! I fealt terrible! Of course, as I was throwing my hands up to arch, saying to myself while tumbling, "This ain't right," I kinda (must've laughed a bit too!) grinned because it reminded me of TV shows where the cops say, "Hands-up!" I did get the Crew a case of beer- as I tumbled they were right there, and though I've never been one for panicing,... I did have an added sense of security in the knowledge of their being there! And, since they didn't "Kick My Ass" for being an idiot, or ban me from their DZ, I look forward to seeing them next season... and every season for a long time! Josh and his crew (Skydive, Ocean City, MD) are good people and one reason I decided earlier too continue the further trek to Ocean City for my student training (there are a few places closer) was that I fealt I could Trust them, and that they're good! Funny, not once was I scared! It wasn't a "Text Book" jump, but I'm here to talk about it, that counts! The people I've meant have been good people, and I'm asking everyone I know to try it at least once... It's fun, it's Safe... if you don't get foolish! And, though it seems expensive too learn, it really isn't! Not for the thrill(s). I apologize for this being so "long winded!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lolie 0 #2 November 7, 2002 QuoteStrangely enough, I was more "apprehensive" the 2nd time then the first. I think this is a really common thing. Maybe because the first time it's such a surreal experience that you don't even fully comprehend what you're about to do. I know I was a lot more nervous the second time I jumped. -Miranda you shall above all things be glad and young / For if you're young,whatever life you wear it will become you;and if you are glad / whatever's living will yourself become. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dropdeded 0 #3 November 7, 2002 I did get the Crew a case of beer- as I tumbled they were right there, and though I've never been one for panicing,... I did have an added sense of security in the knowledge of their being there! __________________________________________________ Yeah, the trust thing with my instructors helped so much.I never expected them to "save" my life,I trusted them to teach me to save my own life.If that trust thing had not been there,I dont think I would have continued the training. Welcome dropdeded PCSS#26------------------------------------------ The Dude Abides. - Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sangiro 4 #4 November 7, 2002 Mike, Welcome on board! Thanks for telling your story. You're not being long winded at all.... We all had (and still share) your excitement! Safe swoops Sangiro Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 35 #5 November 7, 2002 41...heh, heh...anyone set you up with your POP'S membership yet? Welcome and have fun! She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #6 November 7, 2002 Always good to have another person join our family. Welcome to the fun. ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheBile 0 #7 November 7, 2002 41 eh ? Geez. And I thought I left it late doing it at 29. Hope you have as much fun on DZ.Com as you do at DZ.the real world. Gerb I stir feelings in others they themselves don't understand. KA'CHOW ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luminous 0 #8 November 7, 2002 Quote Funny, not once was I scared! You should be. What I was told when I started was "If your not scared, your stupid". As a jumpmaster I dread going out the door with someone who's cool, calm & collected on the ride up. 99% of the time they exit and freak. I guess Apprehension qualifies. Welcome to our world.'In an insane society a sane person seems insane.' Mr. Spock Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
katiebear21 0 #9 November 7, 2002 Well, you've already won points by doing two very important things: 1 - Making your first and then second skydive; 2 - Joining DZ.com and posting. Welcome to the crowd! Katie Get your PMS glass necklace here Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumperconway 0 #10 November 13, 2002 Welcome to the fray! Looking at the pic. it looks like you were in a track for that practice pull. Were they giving you the legs out signal. Again welcome, C 1035 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slotperfect 7 #11 November 16, 2002 So, on your first post, you packed it full of exicitement and intrigue, and included a picture even!?!?!You Da Man!! Welcome, I look forward to more reading . . . Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AirMail 0 #12 November 16, 2002 Your beginning sounds a lot like my own, only I'm 58, and on my 1st AFF jump my rightside Instructor had to pull for me. I couldn't find the PC hacky. Welcome, Patrick (POPS #8701)-- It's never too late to have a happy childhood. Postal Rodriguez, Muff 3342 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sharpfive 0 #13 November 16, 2002 Welcome to the sport. Your experience is not as uncommon as you might think. I started jumping in 1977 near Hagerstown. You know what? I remember looking out the door on my second jump and wondering why I was more scared than I had been on the first! If you're not scared, you aren't right. Won't be long before the fear turns to joyous anticipation. Excellent pic! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #14 November 16, 2002 Quote The people I've meant have been good people, and I'm asking everyone I know to try it at least once... It's fun, it's Safe... if you don't get foolish! And, though it seems expensive too learn, it really isn't! Not for the thrill(s). Hi Michael and welcome to the wonderful sport of skydiving where the only bad thing about it is that you may actaully like it. So don't be surprised if you spend hours upon hours of each day thinking about it, and spend most of your expendible income on jumps and gear. But what the heck, what's money for anyway, right? Now I'm still pretty new to the sport myself (my first jump was in July) and I've only been able to get one friend to do a tandem since then. But like you I often tell people that they should try a tandem at least once. But most won't. Now whuffos think that skydiving is more dangerous than it really is, but I also wonder how many of us (myself included), don't realize that's it's more dangerous than we think it is. Just something to ponder? Anyway, welcome to "dropzone.com" ... Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
