Kplum 0 #1 March 29, 2005 I have never done this before.. I am in a position now to do it... So I was wondering.. Should I do a tandom jump first to see if I like before i start the static line? i understand that i get to free fall a bit before the instructor pulls the cord.. where static line i think you free fall for like 10sec. Just trying to jump in (or should i say out) with both feet forward.. But want to do it correctly and make sure that i do enjoy it.. thanks for the help Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigorangemd 0 #2 March 29, 2005 Does your dropzone offer the accelerated freefall course? This is how I've learned and to my mind is a fast, cost effective, and enjoyable way to learn. Yes a tandem jump is a good idea. Upon exit I was hooked for life. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kplum 0 #3 March 29, 2005 not too sure.. Thats something i will have to call about it.. The nearest DZ to me is http://www.skyranch.com/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigorangemd 0 #4 March 29, 2005 Where do you live? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kplum 0 #5 March 29, 2005 I am in Arkansas.. North west corner.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigorangemd 0 #6 March 29, 2005 If you can make it to Memphis, GREAT DZ and instructors. I'm there every weekend. Let me know your coming if you want to jump and I'll get you a coupon. Also if you have the cash and an enitre weekend, you can knock it out in a weekend if you catch on quickly enough and the weather permits. You can stay there free. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kplum 0 #7 March 29, 2005 How much would it cost to do it in a weekend.?? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kplum 0 #8 March 29, 2005 Its about a 5 1/2 hour drive to there. not too bad.. If you can email me a weekend cost.. And maybe in a month or two I will come over that way.. [email protected] Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigorangemd 0 #9 March 29, 2005 Tandem - $175 Ground School - $75 AFF jumps 1-3 - $175 AFF jumps 4-7 - $150 You'd need to get there Fri. night for the ground school 7pm untill done (usually close to mn.) Plan on the tandem jump the week before. You could Tandem jump closer and AFF here if you wanted. The website for West Tennessee Skydiving: jumpelvis.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigorangemd 0 #10 March 29, 2005 By the way, those prices are per jump. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kplum 0 #11 March 29, 2005 thats pretty competitive to here.. and it gets me away for the weekend.. How many jumps per level do you have to complete before moving to the next level.? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigorangemd 0 #12 March 29, 2005 One. You can do the whole course in seven jumps. Trust me you catch on in no time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kplum 0 #13 March 29, 2005 alright.. i can do the tandom here.. I will let you know if i can make my way over there.. thanks for the info.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigorangemd 0 #14 March 29, 2005 No problem. My e-mail is in my profile. Let me know before you come and I'll help you make the arrangements. It's a great DZ and they're already like family. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amanduh 0 #15 March 29, 2005 I am by far no expert skydiver, but from my personal experience I will say that Tandems are a great introduction into the sport. You have an experienced instructor with you throughout the entire skydive and landing. During your first skydive you will more than likely experience "sensory overload". It is a lot to take in.... I just felt more comfortable with having someone with at least 500 jumps attached to my back just in case I locked up at any point during the skydive. My DZ requires 2 tandems and then a ground training class, where after you jump solo with one instructor for the next 18 jumps. I do not think static line is really offered at many DZ's anymore.... I could be wrong though. Good luck and welcome to the sport & forums. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crotalus01 0 #16 March 29, 2005 are you the doctor that took that kid into Sommerville last saturday to stitch his eye up? if so, yeaah you are hooked.... "Just let me get my next AFF jump in and then we'll go get you stitched up..." As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigorangemd 0 #17 March 29, 2005 Yep that's me. Yes I'm hooked. Stitches went great and I'll take them out Sat. at the DZ. Remind me who you you are there. I'll be there Sat. so intro yourself bro. I'm there every weekend from now on! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lizzieuk 0 #18 March 29, 2005 It's pretty much just over here in the UK that static line courses are used a lot... known as a RAPS (Ram-Air Progression System), it's the course I originally started out on, being a student with very little money, it allowed to me try jumping after lots of ground school training and at a cheaper cost to a tandem, with the potential to progress. My boyfriend is one of a few people I know who qualified through the RAPS course and there's a reason for that - it takes a lot of determination, skill if you want to progress with ease and although I thoroughly enjoyed the rush from my static line jump, the feeling of freefall in AFF for the first time from 12500ft was unbeatable. RAPS is great if you have the good weather, a natural abiltiy (who knows if they have that before they try?) and want to save money in getting qualified. Once I was certain I couldn't wait any longer to jump from the top, I booked my flights over to Spain and spent a week out there doing AFF in February this year. I have many friends who have been working at RAPS for months, but they're financially much better off than me! It is an ongoing debate amongst students which is the "best" method of training, however at the end of the day it comes down to personal preference. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kplum 0 #19 March 29, 2005 I talked to the DZ today.. This is what the guy said.. Well. Emailed me anyways. Tell me what you guys think..l It is $165 for the ground school and first jump. After your first static line jump consecutive jumps through the student training syllabus are only $60. This price is all inclusive, there are no hidden charges. This includes your equipment, jump master, individual instruction, de-brief, insurance, repacks and lift tickets. Parachute packing classes are included too! On the average, it takes between 12 and 20 jumps to complete all of the training and qualify to become and licensed skydiver. Through the training we will get off of the static line and truly free falling on about your 5th or 6th jump. We will then increase the exit altitude and freefall time with each jump until we work you up to 10,000 feet and 45 second delays (freefalls). After you graduate the program and are permitted to jump unassisted, lift tickets are just $15 to 9,500 feet Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigorangemd 0 #20 March 29, 2005 Going by those figures it would cost you about $1065 for training through that DZ and method (assuming 15 jumps as an average). West Tn. would be as posted earlier. The total would be about $1400 to train here. If you jumped 5 jumps per day (a lot for a student) you would spend 2 weekends with static line and 1 with AFF. You'd have to be very motivated and catch on very quickly progress that quickly with either method. I've never jumped static line so I can't speak much for that, but with AFF every from 14,500 ft. for 60 sec. of freefall per jump. After you are off student status, jump tickets are $16 for 14,500, if manifested before 8am. They go up to $18-20 depending on how late in the day you manifest. Pros and cons to each. Someone else will have to talk about their opinion of static line courses, but after AFF, I couldn't imagine learning any other way. Good luck. No matter which you choose, I hope you get out and start soon. It is a great sport. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kplum 0 #21 March 30, 2005 Ok I see the differences.. Yeah.. I am excited about it.. Starting to look at gear.. But it will be awhile before i get any.. But my next oppertunity to tandom will be in a few weekends.. I will let you know how it goes.. I have been checking out.. WWW.skydivingmovies.com I love that site.. Talk to you guys later.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lizzieuk 0 #22 March 30, 2005 QuoteI talked to the DZ today.. This is what the guy said.. It is $165 for the ground school and first jump. After your first static line jump consecutive jumps through the student training syllabus are only $60. This price is all inclusive, there are no hidden charges. This includes your equipment, jump master, individual instruction, de-brief, insurance, repacks and lift tickets. Parachute packing classes are included too! On the average, it takes between 12 and 20 jumps to complete all of the training and qualify to become and licensed skydiver. Wow, that is so much cheaper and in fewer jumps than the UK!! It's expected to take at least a few months to qualify and a minimum of 18 jumps over here... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crotalus01 0 #23 March 31, 2005 go AFF, and come to West Tennessee Skydiving like Bigorangemed recommended. we have a kick ass program and kick ass instructors.... As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigorangemd 0 #24 March 31, 2005 Yeah, and with how much cheaper it is, I'm sure the airline ticket will equal out. Also I bet they offer a discount for the accent! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kplum 0 #25 March 31, 2005 yeah.. I appreciate that one.. lol.. AAF seems like the way to go.. I am thinking of making the trip.. Just to do the AAF.. And in case you need to stitch anyone else.. I carry 1% Lidocaine in my first aid kit.. Actually i think i have some Prolene as well.. LOL. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
