sparkie 0
Recommended Posts
riggerrob 599
First, jump more often.
Secondly, stop over-intellectualizing skydiving. All that book learning is nice, but if you focus too much on malfunctions - negative stuff - you will suffer malfunctions.
On the other hand, if you focus your thoughts on the perfect skydive, you will step out of the airplane and have perfect skydives.
In other words, learn to channel your fear into a good arch, glancing at your altimeter and other positive actions. Then you will be too busy skydiving correctly to feel fear.
Secondly, stop over-intellectualizing skydiving. All that book learning is nice, but if you focus too much on malfunctions - negative stuff - you will suffer malfunctions.
On the other hand, if you focus your thoughts on the perfect skydive, you will step out of the airplane and have perfect skydives.
In other words, learn to channel your fear into a good arch, glancing at your altimeter and other positive actions. Then you will be too busy skydiving correctly to feel fear.
Butters 0
"If you can solve your problem, then what is the need of worrying? If you cannot solve it, then what is the use of worrying?" Shantideva
I am also an overthinking engineer. I started with a tandem jump so that I could just enjoy the ride. I then started the AFF program and have passed Category A and B on the first try. My next jump is Category C where I will jump and fall without assistance
. I am not afraid when I jump but nervous (I can't screw up because I can't afford to repeat, I know bad thinking but ...) I am also new so my advice is worth half a grain of salt.
Study malfunctions, practice emergency procedures, repeat ...
Study dives, practice dives, repeat ... (Use a stopwatch to give an accurate time frame of a dive, don't practice in 25 seconds what you will be doing in 55 seconds.)
Then relax, watch other jumpers (this helps).
It may also help as an engineer to review the statistics. (The odds are low and lower if you know what you are doing and are conservative of which most students are.)
Before my jumps my AFF-I asks me what is the most important thing to remember on the jump. The answer is HAVE FUN. (Although this may not be true when it comes to safety it is meant to let you know to relax, you are suppose to enjoy the jump.)
Do you do any other activities that are deemed "dangerous"? Just asking because as you get used to these "dangerous" situations the fear will subside and the fun will take over (you can lose the fear but don't get rid of the respect, gravity deserves it).
I am also an overthinking engineer. I started with a tandem jump so that I could just enjoy the ride. I then started the AFF program and have passed Category A and B on the first try. My next jump is Category C where I will jump and fall without assistance
. I am not afraid when I jump but nervous (I can't screw up because I can't afford to repeat, I know bad thinking but ...) I am also new so my advice is worth half a grain of salt. Study malfunctions, practice emergency procedures, repeat ...
Study dives, practice dives, repeat ... (Use a stopwatch to give an accurate time frame of a dive, don't practice in 25 seconds what you will be doing in 55 seconds.)
Then relax, watch other jumpers (this helps).
It may also help as an engineer to review the statistics. (The odds are low and lower if you know what you are doing and are conservative of which most students are.)
Before my jumps my AFF-I asks me what is the most important thing to remember on the jump. The answer is HAVE FUN. (Although this may not be true when it comes to safety it is meant to let you know to relax, you are suppose to enjoy the jump.)
Do you do any other activities that are deemed "dangerous"? Just asking because as you get used to these "dangerous" situations the fear will subside and the fun will take over (you can lose the fear but don't get rid of the respect, gravity deserves it).
"That looks dangerous." Leopold Stotch
Quote"If you can solve your problem, then what is the need of worrying? If you cannot solve it, then what is the use of worrying?" Shantideva
Ohhhhh...I love that quote!
Hope you don't mind if I steal it. Reminds me of one of my favorites that my grandmother said. "Worry is like paying interest on a loan you may not take out."
I tell that to my wife (the chronic worrier, married to a newbie skydiver) all the time. Trouble is, she usually hits me when I say that...
Steve
The definition of insanity is to keep doing things the same way, but then to expect different results. -Einstein
I know that what I thought was fear was actually adrenaline pumping through me confusing my senses. Now that I know the difference I am learning to enjoy that feeling, the exit scared me on the first couple of jumps, the last one I did the exit was the most exciting part!!
QuoteI know that what I thought was fear was actually adrenaline pumping through me confusing my senses. Now that I know the difference I am learning to enjoy that feeling, the exit scared me on the first couple of jumps, the last one I did the exit was the most exciting part!!
Reminds me of a line from that really bad movie "Armageddon". As they are getting ready to launch the space shuttle, one oil rigger said "Its like 90% fear and 10% excitement; or maybe its 90% excitement and 10% fear. That's what makes it so intense".
The only good part of that movie...
Steve
The definition of insanity is to keep doing things the same way, but then to expect different results. -Einstein
DJmikeD 0
I always thought that the best part of the movie was when he said -
" You realize that we are sitting on 60,000 pounds of explosives with 3,000 moving parts built by the lowest bidder."
As for the fear it does start turning into excitement and that is when you have more fun. My instructors kept telling me that when I was done doing the maneuvers on the training dives. and I looked up at him he would give me a thumbs up and instantly I would go into a better stable position because I was then having fun in the air. Soon I was just having fun and the fear turned into excitement. Everything came together.
"Falling is the easy part, Landing smoothly is the most importent part!
-DJ Mike
" You realize that we are sitting on 60,000 pounds of explosives with 3,000 moving parts built by the lowest bidder."
As for the fear it does start turning into excitement and that is when you have more fun. My instructors kept telling me that when I was done doing the maneuvers on the training dives. and I looked up at him he would give me a thumbs up and instantly I would go into a better stable position because I was then having fun in the air. Soon I was just having fun and the fear turned into excitement. Everything came together.
"Falling is the easy part, Landing smoothly is the most importent part!
-DJ Mike
Butters 0
That sounds about right for my student dives right now. I am nervous to complete everything in the dive, once finished I give my instructor the thumbs up and all of a sudden I relax and become more stable until I have to pull. I keep thinking to myself that when I can be like that for the whole dive, the whole dive will go smoother. Until then I'll just keep throwing myself at the ground and hopefully keep missing. 
"That looks dangerous." Leopold Stotch
brabzzz 0
Sorry, have not read the rest of the thread...
I got a reminder of what 'student fear' feels like recently on my first (and second, and third....) base jump. As much as you hate it at the time, you will really long for it when you get used to skydiving and treat is as just another weekend!
Once you can rationalise away the gear fear and realise 'it will open', you're only really scared of screwing a jump up, right? But, as long as you still land with a big grin, who cares! It isn't as safe a loafing around on your sofa watching daytime TV and getting fat (well, on that note, perhaps it's safer!) but it is a LOT safer than the public give it credit for.
Dare I say it, but screw the extra-cirricular education until post AFF and maybe post SkydiveU (or whatever you lot have over the pond). Your instructors will teach you what you need to know during AFF and coaches should look after you for a while after - especially if your paying for it. No point overloading yourself with info. AFF3? F*ck, I remember mine. I didn't pull on AFF2. The last thing I'd want then would be paragraphs of the SIM and all the random stuff i'd read coming up in my head!
That comes later. No need stocking up on all thse extra skills and knowledge until you're on your own and comfortable with the basics. With 2 jumps behind you, hammer those basics down - they'll keep you alive. Knowing all the details of every bit of safety advice ever offered will just make your head explode and will probably just confuse you - especially if you read it on dz.com!
Let the AFFIs worry at the mo! They say you're doing fine - trust them!
---------------------------------------
Ex-University of Bristol Skydiving Club
www.skydivebristoluni.com
I got a reminder of what 'student fear' feels like recently on my first (and second, and third....) base jump. As much as you hate it at the time, you will really long for it when you get used to skydiving and treat is as just another weekend!
Once you can rationalise away the gear fear and realise 'it will open', you're only really scared of screwing a jump up, right? But, as long as you still land with a big grin, who cares! It isn't as safe a loafing around on your sofa watching daytime TV and getting fat (well, on that note, perhaps it's safer!) but it is a LOT safer than the public give it credit for.
Dare I say it, but screw the extra-cirricular education until post AFF and maybe post SkydiveU (or whatever you lot have over the pond). Your instructors will teach you what you need to know during AFF and coaches should look after you for a while after - especially if your paying for it. No point overloading yourself with info. AFF3? F*ck, I remember mine. I didn't pull on AFF2. The last thing I'd want then would be paragraphs of the SIM and all the random stuff i'd read coming up in my head!
That comes later. No need stocking up on all thse extra skills and knowledge until you're on your own and comfortable with the basics. With 2 jumps behind you, hammer those basics down - they'll keep you alive. Knowing all the details of every bit of safety advice ever offered will just make your head explode and will probably just confuse you - especially if you read it on dz.com!
Let the AFFIs worry at the mo! They say you're doing fine - trust them!
---------------------------------------
Ex-University of Bristol Skydiving Club
www.skydivebristoluni.com
Babi 0
As expected, everybody has his/her own view on the fear. So let me disclose mine.
At my DZ fear is not discussed, or has not been until I got there. I thought I was chicken because I was so scared on my first jump. So when I talk to the new jumpers I tell them so. I feel that by telling them that this is normal it will make it easier for them to accept the fear and concentrate on the important stuff, like "jump, arch..."
I have over 60 jumps now and I am still scared. The first jump not so much, the second one (of the day) I usually think (going up in a plane), that it would be better if I didn't do that, on the third jump I remind myself that I wasn't going to do it again, and so on.
I think we are all scared, especially in the plane. For me, as soon as I leave the plane, I am fine. No vertigo, no fear, just intense concentration.
And of course, tremendous triumph when I land safely on the ground. Not so much because I did well during the flight, but because I conquered the fear once more. I did not let it stop me doing what I love doing. Flying under the canopy for me is the ultimate.
I wish I did this earlier in my life. It made me realize that I am capable of a lot more than people around me would let me believe. Now that I jump no one dares tell me that something is to hard for me to do, like they used to.
For me conquering the fear is the greatest achievement in skydiving.
At my DZ fear is not discussed, or has not been until I got there. I thought I was chicken because I was so scared on my first jump. So when I talk to the new jumpers I tell them so. I feel that by telling them that this is normal it will make it easier for them to accept the fear and concentrate on the important stuff, like "jump, arch..."
I have over 60 jumps now and I am still scared. The first jump not so much, the second one (of the day) I usually think (going up in a plane), that it would be better if I didn't do that, on the third jump I remind myself that I wasn't going to do it again, and so on.
I think we are all scared, especially in the plane. For me, as soon as I leave the plane, I am fine. No vertigo, no fear, just intense concentration.
And of course, tremendous triumph when I land safely on the ground. Not so much because I did well during the flight, but because I conquered the fear once more. I did not let it stop me doing what I love doing. Flying under the canopy for me is the ultimate.
I wish I did this earlier in my life. It made me realize that I am capable of a lot more than people around me would let me believe. Now that I jump no one dares tell me that something is to hard for me to do, like they used to.
For me conquering the fear is the greatest achievement in skydiving.
AFFI 0
QuoteI have over 60 jumps now and I am still scared.
Me too, sometimes...
bob.dino 1
QuoteQuoteI have over 60 jumps now and I am still scared.
Me too, sometimes...
And me.
DJmikeD 0
is it weird that I still wet My Pants on Climb. I am usually dry by the time I get down but no body wants to jump with me. 
"Falling is the easy part, Landing smoothly is the most importent part!
-DJ Mike
"Falling is the easy part, Landing smoothly is the most importent part!
-DJ Mike
ryan188 0
Quote
hey there!
i totally understand where you are coming from. Ive done 5 AFF jumps, im mad keen to become a good skydiver, but i suffer from incredible nerves. Like you i have read every bit of skydiving literature and watched every video/movie footage i can get my hands on. I also spend alot of time at the DZ talking to people and learning learning learning. I dont think its a bad thing, knowledge is no burden to carry providing you are able to focus on what is happening during your currnet jump. Picking up hints and tips, is always useful! I always check info with my instructors though..
With my nerves, they kick in for me at 20 minute call.. settle down once im in the plane and then come on when the red light goes on! Its at these times, when im shaking, my hands are sweaty and my stomach is a rock when i say to myself "what the HELL am i doing?". But then i do the jump, have a ball in freefall, deal with anything that crops up, i rock under canopy and have sweet landings. I come down wanting to do it again NOW! Its like a love-hate relationship, and of all the people ive spoken to, most skydivers have been here at some stage or other. They tell me that nerves will always be there, its just the levels that change, which comes with experience and confidence. The nerves and fear is all part of it, itd be pretty boring if there wasnt any nerves or excitement there.
Im learning to read my body and try to deal with the nerves (deep breaths, positive thoughts, visualise the perfect dive). I eat/drink as much as i can when im NOT nervous, so say after a jump (being hungry/dehyrated makes nerves so much worse) and be sure to be in tip top shape when jumping (i have grounded myself due to a hangover). I also chat to my instrctors about exactly how im feeling, they know their stuff and can help me deal with my nerves. If im antsy, and they know it, they know that they dont need to gee me up, but rather calm me down some!
and yes remember.. nerves keep you on your toes.. and will keep you safe. An experienced skydiver said to me that part of learning to skydive is learning not to let nerves control you!
FW
thats where i find myself, i have only jumped once(tandem), and im going again next wek to do a second tandem before i start my AFF program, and i find myself reading every damn forum on here aout malfunctions, or safety, and trying to find any video i can get my hands on that is about skydiving, or has something to do with it, and it doesnt help that i live with my mother and grandmother, and they are always saying that its a stupid and dangerous thing to do,and they are always saying that people are dying in the sport( i know they are just saying that shit , to get me scared so i wont do it any more), but i cant blame them, but on my first jump, i couldnt think/talk/even move(as you can see in my video), but i soon as my feet left that plane, all my worries were gone, and when i landed, couldnt wait to do it again, and now i find myself again a week or so before i go, getting nervous, and reading every damn thing i can find on skydiving!!, lol
I went from stiff as a board, grim face, heartbeat 200+ to solo in one day, after realising I was the only guy on board the plane NOT having fun. For my next jump after that (curled up rolling exit) I let out a loud "Yeeeehaaa" and let go of the stress. Later that day i had a perfect solo jump and enjoyed every second of it.
Just remember, all AFF level exercises aside, if u jump....open...land without incident... thats all that is required at this stage. Have fun ;P
Share this post
Link to post
Share on other sites