bentonjoe 0 #1 April 3, 2012 I am new, but still in pretty good shape for my age. I want to get started working towards an A license. what are the opinions out there regarding age? I am starting with static line jumps for the first 3, or 4 jumps. other than that...my legs are in fair shape. i have a good attention to detail, and i am an eager learner. Thoughts? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfriverjoe 1,495 #3 April 3, 2012 Well, you're going to have to wait a few years to join SOS, but you're already eligible for POPS. Lots of folks started when they were "no longer young." There's quite a few that have kept going no matter when they started. As long as you are in reasonably good shape, reasonably flexible, and don't have any health issues that would present problems, then go for it. You are probably a lot less impulsive and a lot more willing to listen than some of the "young'uns." That can be a real positive."There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bentonjoe 0 #4 April 3, 2012 thanks! i guess i was hoping to hear something like that. I DO feel great, and have always wanted to do this....so....onward Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blondeflyer7 0 #5 April 3, 2012 Quote thanks! i guess i was hoping to hear something like that. I DO feel great, and have always wanted to do this....so....onward dont get discouraged....if you feel great i say go for it...you only live once right? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
obelixtim 150 #6 April 3, 2012 Back in 1994 I trained 20 WW2 veterans. All former paras, SAS or 101st Airborne. They were easy to train. The youngest was 74, the oldest 81. None had done a jump for 50 years, for many, the Normandy or Market Garden jump was the last that they did. Not a problem, apart from one who was a bit senile, I put him out on a tandem. I found out later that several of them lied on their medical declarations. Lying old buggers.....but nothing less than I'd expect from such a mob....none of them wanted to miss out in front of their mates. Some of them did several jumps that day. Go for it.My computer beat me at chess, It was no match for me at kickboxing.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Divinfool 0 #7 April 3, 2012 50? You got 30 more years of jumping if you keep fit! I am 51 and just started jumping in Sept. I now have close to 90 jumps. Wisdom comes with age! Go for it! Fear is the thief of dreams..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fasted3 0 #8 April 4, 2012 I wondered the same thing when I started at age 56. So far so good. Welcome to Skydiving!But what do I know? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bentonjoe 0 #9 April 4, 2012 Thanks everyone. I feel so much better....and confident. Love you folks... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cloudtramp 0 #10 April 4, 2012 I knew a guy who did his first tandem at 64, went through AFF and now has well over 500 jumps. Never too old! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 35 #11 April 4, 2012 Welcome to the forums! 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
airtwardo 7 #12 April 4, 2012 Quote Welcome to the forums! Yup! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gregpso 1 #13 April 4, 2012 50!! I have got underpants older than that. You are young go for it !!I tend to be a bit different. enjoyed my time in the sport or is it an industry these days ?? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy9o8 2 #14 April 4, 2012 Quoteone who was a bit senile, I put him out on a tandem. Front or back? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybill 22 #15 April 4, 2012 Hey Joe!! 'Where ya' goin' with that gun in yo' hand!!!!???!! 'From an old Hendrix tune.... 50 to old?? go to www.airtrash.com and check out the "Old Farts" Get togethers and sign up for the up comming!! Hell! there are jumpers who havn't jumped in over 10 years, my ex is one, and who most of em' are way over 50 and are gettin' back into it and now they came up with this if ya' havn't jumped in over 10 yrs and start back yp ya' get your "ZOMBIE Number!!!" Also note Pat Morehead, old fart and current skydiver did 80 JUMPS ON HIS 80TH b'dAY!! No you are not too old!! SCR-2034, SCS-680 III%, Deli-out Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robes 0 #16 April 4, 2012 Our club, NSPC in Oz, has a member that just turned 78 last Sunday. He started 6 years ago and now has over 1200 jumps. flat fly, wingsuit, base jumps. no keeping the old bugger down. he even still packs his new ZP faster than most of the rest of us. Only thing we can't get him to do right is track in a straight line. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
obelixtim 150 #17 April 4, 2012 QuoteFront or back? Back obviously.....most TM's display some symptoms of senility, so he was right at home!!.My computer beat me at chess, It was no match for me at kickboxing.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bentonjoe 0 #18 April 4, 2012 thanks folks...what a wonderful, supportive group of people. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #19 April 4, 2012 Quote thanks folks...what a wonderful, supportive group of people. It's how we get free beer... ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
obelixtim 150 #20 April 4, 2012 Quote Quote thanks folks...what a wonderful, supportive CUNNING group of people. It's how we get free beer... Fixed!!!.My computer beat me at chess, It was no match for me at kickboxing.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dthames 0 #21 April 4, 2012 I started last year not long after I turned 54. I have done 7 AFF and 7 static line jumps to date. I can't hold a deep arch but I am working on that. So, I am not easily stable. I have really enjoyed the static line jumps. One reason is I tend to put less performance pressure on myself with those type jumps. Stretch that back for the arch. Start now. DanInstructor quote, “What's weird is that you're older than my dad!” Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rickendiver 6 #22 April 4, 2012 Go for it! I'm 55, and just got my A a few months ago - I'm having a blast! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
abaij 0 #23 April 4, 2012 Too old? I'm a 56 year old women. I started my training last May and got my A license in July. There are lots of skydivers over 50, 60, whatever. Once you start getting to the DZs you'll see what I mean. And most of them are really encouraging and helpful. Have fun! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bodypilot90 0 #24 April 4, 2012 50's are the new 30's only with more wisdom! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #25 April 5, 2012 Quote 50's are the new 30's only with more wisdom! ...and money! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites