FreefallingCari 0 #1 August 4, 2015 So, I have 186 jumps on my very first canopy, a Spectre 170. It was loaded about .85 to 1.0. She made me very happy. Those beautiful openings while I learned to pack were priceless, she was VERY forgiving. I practiced maneuvers that would be vital to saving my life, such as downwind and crosswind landings. (I performed these via Hop N POP on slow days and let everyone know my intentions) I practiced braked turns, multioke canopy skills like stalling and reinflating the canopy during a course with Jay Moledski. I took a few courses, but I practiced on my own as well. Each jump was practice, each jump had a purpose for canopy skills-as it should. I could throw a hula hoop out and land within her ring 50% of the time, the other 50% I landed within 20 ft or less. I could land her anywhere. She was not just a canopy over my head, she was an extension of myself. She was part of me, we were linked. I was not "going for a ride", I was PILOTING her. She responded to my inputs... With much thought and careful planning, as well as educating myself in r/t the canopy, I demo jumped a friends well maintained, beautiful Sabre 150. I felt comfortable and excited as I flew through the air... The landing? PHENOMENAL. I downsized, and I liked it.... Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chuckakers 370 #2 August 4, 2015 Well played.Chuck Akers D-10855 Houston, TX Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billeisele 122 #3 August 4, 2015 Cari - thanks for doing it the right way, it's great fun having you aroundGive one city to the thugs so they can all live together. I vote for Chicago where they have strict gun laws. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
format 0 #4 August 5, 2015 FreefallingCari So, I have 186 jumps on my very first canopy, a Spectre 170. It was loaded about .85 to 1.0. She made me very happy. Those beautiful openings while I learned to pack were priceless, she was VERY forgiving. I practiced maneuvers that would be vital to saving my life, such as downwind and crosswind landings. (I performed these via Hop N POP on slow days and let everyone know my intentions) I practiced braked turns, multioke canopy skills like stalling and reinflating the canopy during a course with Jay Moledski. I took a few courses, but I practiced on my own as well. Each jump was practice, each jump had a purpose for canopy skills-as it should. I could throw a hula hoop out and land within her ring 50% of the time, the other 50% I landed within 20 ft or less. I could land her anywhere. This ^ just went into my bucket list! I jumped just about everything, my bad. I hope there's hope for me to experience what you have.What goes around, comes later. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FreefallingCari 0 #5 August 5, 2015 Were you being sarcastic? It is difficult to determine tone via a msg board. I am not saying that my journey to downsize made me special, or implied that I am superior to others.. I wanted to share a positive story that showed a progression that did not end in major injury. I listened to those who were wiser and more experienced than myself, I think it helped my successful 4 jumps on my new baby.Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
format 0 #6 August 5, 2015 No, no. Sometimes I can't resist leaving the post as is, knowing of it's duality look. I'm just a human What I wrote was genuine statement. I really envy you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FreefallingCari 0 #7 August 6, 2015 Ahhhhhhh, cool beans. I had hoped my post did not come out as holier than thou, so I just wantedbto check. Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bjbkkb 1 #8 August 6, 2015 Cari, love your post. Like most people (I guess) I am always thinking what next. Then I think have I gotten everything out of my current canopy yet? Reading your post lets me know I have so much more fun ahead of me. ThanksMy goal is that when all is said done I will have a big pile of well used gear and a collection of great stories. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfriverjoe 1,345 #9 August 6, 2015 Wait a minute... You took courses, practiced your drills, built your skills over time and jumps, made sure you knew what you were doing; and then down sized? Pfft. Where's the excitement in that? You clearly need to work on your "Madd Skilz." You should be on a sub-100 cross-braced by now. We really need a sarcasm font on here. Seriously, good on you for doing it right. "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
FreefallingCari 0 #10 August 6, 2015 I am pretty Madd!! HAHAHA I sorta know what I am doing I always have room to improve, every jump keeps getting better. Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chuckakers 370 #11 August 6, 2015 FreefallingCariI always have room to improve, every jump keeps getting better. Don't we all. LOVE your attitude! Staying safe is all about balancing knowledge, skill, and judgment. Sounds like you have it. Keep it up!Chuck Akers D-10855 Houston, TX Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
