Amputee Jumping Questions

[shabino 0]

I had a BASE jumping accident last year and ended up with a right BKA. Before my accident, I had about 300 skydives and would like to start jumping again. Some questions for BKA jumpers out there:

1. What sort of suspension are you using in addition to whatever you use everyday? I noticed that Dana Bowman seems to use a knee brace on his BKA side. Necessary?

2. How are landings? I have no problem PLFing but wonder if there's anything I should know. BTW, I also have a messed up left ankle.

3. What is your canopy wing loading? I was jumping a 1.35 or so but think that's way too loaded given my current state.

4. What else should I know? I'm excited to get back in the game (although my wife thinks otherwise).

Thanks,
Steve

[mx757 4]

I would go to a lower wing loading if I were you.. but I'm a BE amputee but I've jumped with the leg amputees..

[NeilRobertson 0]

I am a BKA on my left leg and have been jumping again now for about 18 months. (also 56 years old btw). Jumped in the military 30 years ago.

I just wear a safety strap made of webbing and velcro to ensure that if my leg should come off (has once with an unstable opening) that I don't lose it altogether. Let me know if you want details and a pic.

Othewise I land normally and usually stand up, but am always prepared tp PLF. Do run off ever now and then, so maybe PLF for you would be advisable.

I have also just bought my own rig and will not load it over 1:1 Check my profile and you can get the details.

Good luck in convincing your wife about getting back into the sport. If you play it cool and be safe (always), really no problem.

[BIGUN 1,061]

Dana is also ~170 pounds and jumping a 290. You can reach him thru his website danabowman.com

Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

[Missingparts 0]

I am also a right bka, I use a sports support on that leg just because my knee is in not that great of shape. I am at a 1:1 wing loading and will stay there for a while. I can run my landings out if I have to but I usually stand them up. I dont have any real issues because of my leg!

[shabino 0]

Thanks for the replies!

Neil - I'd love to see a picture of the safety strap. If you upload it to the forum, it'll become searchable knowledge. Considering that I don't have a backup leg yet, I'd hate to lose this one in a cornfield.

Sounds like the hardest part of jumping again is going to be convincing my pregnant wife that jumping is a good thing!

[mx757 4]

Sounds like the hardest part of jumping again is going to be convincing my pregnant wife that jumping is a good thing! umm.. good luck trying to convince her.. talk about hard job.. that's one..