First ever boogie coming up, pretty nervous.

[Kalrigan 6]

So I've never been to a boogie, but everything will change this weekend. I'll be going to 3 of them in the next 4 weeks: Maple Bacon Beaver Jumper Boogie in Burnaby Niagara Falls, Summerfest in Chicago, and Dropout in Montreal.

I come from a smaller DZ, so I won't be used to having a million canopies in the air, the most I'm used to is probably 17-18. I have no problem landing far away from the crowd if needed, is there anything else I should prepare for? Psyched and scared at the same time haha.

[monkycndo 0]

Bring condoms.

50 donations so far. Give it a try.

You know you want to spank it
Jump an Infinity

[JohnMitchell 14]

Get a good briefing on landing areas, patterns, etc. Check your gear, take your time and keep your jumps simple until you feel more at home.

And try not to be too hungover in the morning.

[Gyone 0]

I'll be at Summer Fest in Chicago, Look me up...

[flyhi 24]

Quote

Bring condoms.

Find out if your health provider covers liver transplants.

Shit happens. And it usually happens because of physics.

[peek 20]

Here is a start:

http://www.dropzone.com/safety/Boogie_Safety/

[theonlyski 3]

At some point, they may put a wind hold on, don't complain, it's usually for good reason.

If you see a bunch of experienced jumpers sitting the loads out because of the weather, join them and watch the people who think they're better than that land.

"I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly
DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890
I'm an asshole, and I approve this message

[Trafficdiver 8]

Keep your head on a swivel in the air. There will be a lot of canopies up there so assume they don't see you. Fly a consistent pattern and have a shitload of fun.

Don't expect to do too much jumping on the last Sunday unless you don't drink.

[GD64 1]

Stay away from those free-flyers..........some one, on one of these threads said "they smoke pot"

[Kalrigan 6]

Condoms.
Briefing and gear checks.
Liver transplant through health insurance.
Don't complain about wind holds, just enjoy watching the ones who think know best land.
Head on a swivel.
No jumping on last Sunday.
Stay away from pot smoking freeflyers. =P

Got it. Thanks guys, can't freaking wait to be honest.

[DougH 270]

Be the first to sit down when the weather looks iffy, or there is a storm in the distance that others think they are going to beat.

Don't just dirt dive your free fall, plan your canopy flight well and actively manage it.
- Think about how your wing loading might compare to the other jumpers on the load. If you are the lighter loaded jumper use your brakes to let other traffic land first. Always try to manage your canopy ride to increase separation on landing.
- Think about possible areas that will have less traffic. Better to take a long walk than to be carried away from the congested beer line.
- Find all of the other jumpers on opening and keep your head on a swivel. You should be looking behind above and around you at all times, even when flying the legs of your landing pattern.
- Leave the spiraling at home. I know I am a buzz kill but it causes all types of traffic problems.

Find the organizers and be forward about your experience level and wanting their help. If you don't inject yourself into the boogie you can find yourself on the sidelines.

Have fun, be safe!

"The restraining order says you're only allowed to touch me in freefall"
=P

[ridebmxbikes 0]

GD64

Stay away from those free-flyers..........some one, on one of these threads said "they smoke pot"

I resemble that statement!

[countzero 7]

Get a good phone # for the DZ, it maybe hard to get ahold of someone on the 1-800-JUMP# ect. if it's a busy weekend. Put it in our phone and jump with your phone in case you land off. Also learn or write down the names of the roads around the DZ and find out what the spot and jump run are for each day. That way if you land off and call for a ride you'll have a better idea of where you're at so they can come get you.
Or you could set the DZ as a way point with your phone's GSP.

diamonds are a dawgs best friend

[SecondRound 0]

I just returned from a weekend at Skydive Chicago and as a low jump number Skydiver I do have a couple observations. First, the DZ briefing recommends jumping with a phone and has some suggestions about off landings and how to deal with them. Second, the landing areas are HUGE. The under 1000 jump area is well separated from the 1000+ area and even more separated from the swoop area. Third, the staff and organizers are fantastic. Even during a day of weather holds their attitude and vibe made it a great place to be. Have a great time at Summerfest and stay safe.

[raftman 12]

Don't do it! IT'S A TRAP!!!

[havoc996 0]

BEER!

Trail mix? Oh, you mean M&M's with obstacles.

[GooniesKid 0]

monkycndo

Bring condoms.

dude, I have a stacks of boxes of condoms at home all because of these boogies.

[dthames 0]

Boogie or no boogie, if the DZ is new to me, I like to walk the landing area to see what the ground is like up close.

You can find things that might surprise you before you find out the hard way.

Instructor quote, “What's weird is that you're older than my dad!”

[yoink 321]

Do NOT feel pressured into doing jumps you're not ready for just because of the boogie vibe.

16 way tracking dive organized in the plane? Sure! What's the worst that can happen?

[Kalrigan 6]

Thanks for all the great advice, definitely a lot of things I would have otherwise overlooked.

As for the pressure to doing jumps I'm not ready for, I think I'll be ok. I've had good judgement so far when it comes to things I'm not ready for and I'll keep it up for sure.

Thanks again. I'm gonna print out all of these things and keep them on hand.

[3mpire 0]

if you're doing something like sharing rental cars or hotel rooms, make sure to get people to pay you up front for their share. even if up-front means they put money on your account at the dz when you're signing waivers on the first day. they won't be good for it by the end of the trip

[hillson 0]

Make sure your reserve is in date for the entire trip...

[dirtbox 0]

and you have the data card...

take your common sense, it goes a long way

Also, take a BB gun or frizbee so you can pass time during the weather holds.

[Kalrigan 6]

3mpire

if you're doing something like sharing rental cars or hotel rooms, make sure to get people to pay you up front for their share. even if up-front means they put money on your account at the dz when you're signing waivers on the first day. they won't be good for it by the end of the trip

Driving with 2 of my friends to Chicago, my buddy's car. Staying up in tents at the DZ.

hillson

Make sure your reserve is in date for the entire trip...

It was done in June. :D

dirtbox

and you have the data card...

take your common sense, it goes a long way

Also, take a BB gun or frizbee so you can pass time during the weather holds.

Will have water guns, alcohol, 3DS, a couple of books, and condoms. I wish I had a laptop, but oh well.

[oldwomanc6 38]

Can someone give tips to keep gear and personal belongings safe when on the ground.

Sad to have to bring this up; it didn't used to be a concern, but there have been enough threads in the last few years to say it is, now.

lisa
WSCR 594
FB 1023
CBDB 9