mdrejhon 8 #1 June 22, 2006 Thanks to some AMAZING coaching by Guy Wright I'm docking consistently. First 2-point 17way (complete on both points), first complete 20-way (nobody out on first point, did my 2nd point). And some great help from some of my dropzone buddies... Mistakes made (doesn't everyone?), learning lots, 6 docks out of 8 including from the front and back of Twin Otter, dive exits and front floater exits. Guy Wright is doing his magic - great coaching! Tons of 1000-jump skygods (good kind) and many World Team members. But several in my dives only have 150-225 jumps, and we all made it into several of these formations safely. Thanks to Guy Wright, the "newbies" here (myself included) fly a lot more professionally than many 300 jump guys I've jumped with elsewhere... I am not even the least experienced, apparently.. It's truly a Canadian version of the Perris Bigway camp prior to the record camp! Please register for next year or two's record. I don't know why they said some 500 jump Canadians didn't bother signing up because they felt not ready - this is Guy Wright, one of the worlds best bigway coaches!... He is the Scott Miller and Brian Germain equivalent of bigway coaching... Thanks to everybody who helped me (especially you Gananoque guys, you know who you are... You all went above and beyond for me!)... And helping me learn from all my miscellaneous little mistakes (especially Guy!).... I went low two times, but the rest of the time I always docked. (8 jumps so far). No linked exits at all. Just flying to my slot. I couldn't possible do this without all the amazing stuff I'm learning here!... The first day of the Canada Formation Record Attempts tomorrow two plane practice (before three) and I believe, oxygen - firsts! We got oxygen training today, I think 16K. Yes, I am still expecting to get cut, but I'm honored to be on the team now...! He says there's a support team for fun smaller bigway jumping, so even people who get transferred, it's like a parallel bigway camp for those that didn't make it... Yes... Can't be too compacent... I did get low twice... Gotta stay sharp. Pulling at 2300-2500 is gonna be scary if I get a mal. I'm in the saddle only at my harddeck... And the canopy traffic. That's probably what scares some jumpers, but we also got a canopy coach here who gave us some seminars during a cloud hold to fly safely... TK Hayes of ZHills is here. I'll use this thread to "report" daily on the Canada Record. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CloudOnMyTongue 0 #2 June 22, 2006 Thats awesome. Congrats, tough that record weekend is pride weekend. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jheadley 0 #3 June 22, 2006 congrats dude, I've been watching and admiring your determination and progression for a while on here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
happythoughts 0 #4 June 22, 2006 QuoteAnd the canopy traffic. That's probably what scares some jumpers - Track like a madman. - Clear your airspace. After you dump, grab your rear risers and look around. There may be traffic or people with off-openings that you may want to dodge. You can do that with your rear risers. Do that before you stow your slider or release your brakes. If you are looking up, you aren't seeing possible situations. Release your brakes before 1,000 ft to ensure that you have a stearable canopy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #5 June 22, 2006 QuoteAnd the canopy traffic. That's probably what scares some jumpers -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - Track like a madman. You know that Bill, but just to clarify: Track how you are supposed to. Its pointless, and very possibly dangerous, for an inside group to out-track the 1st wave of trackers.Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mdrejhon 8 #6 June 22, 2006 Cloud hold. Today, did another two jumps where I docked. Both floater exits, with one really bad exit again exiting 1.5 seconds EARLY on a misinterpreted count, went low but floated succesfully and I docked!!!!! Now I know the sequence Guy does - looks in plane, forward, right, head back up a little (that's not exit count yet) then the ready-set (floaters, including me, let go on "set") then go! Due to inclusion of new jumpers, we did single full plane formations for the first jumps today. My first 40-way is on the next jump, when the skies clears. Every jump yesterday and today were docks for me... Regardless of whatever other errors I made (as everyone), I'm not the worst offender apparently. Nobody has complained about my tracking so far, although once there was a canopy less than 100 feet and I rearrisered away immediately at open... One jump, saddle at 1800 feet (2300 pull - quoted pull was "2500 maximum"), due to clearing airspace. Told it was no big deal, but stay sharp... Guy Wright, TK Hayes, and others have already drilled everything you said to me. And Remster is right too, although I am on an outer slot on a weed whacker. (Weed whackers, for outer people, are now in vogue these days - lots of advantages and flexibility mentioned. See the 400-way record.) More to come... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ockers 0 #7 June 23, 2006 My first 40-way Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites happythoughts 0 #8 June 23, 2006 QuoteGuy Wright, TK Hayes, and others have already drilled everything you said to me. And Remster is right too, although I am on an outer slot on a weed whacker. As much as I hate to admit it, Remi is right. There are many things to consider. Since you borrowed TK from us, the base falls 20mph slower here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites mdrejhon 8 #9 June 23, 2006 We've got a fast falling base - 123mph according to somebody. Well in the middle of my fallrate ability so far! As for Murphy's law, the 40way got cancelled due to weather. We are directly going to 63-way, 3 planes. Since there is over 70 registered now (some at last minute, mainly professional jumpers who avoided the bigway camp before these attempts), that means some of us will be put on the support team. There are enough low number jumpers (under 250) and enough people flying worse so too close to call for me I imagine. I'm expecting to be on the standby team anyway - better now than being cut later. They said everyone in the support team one year, ultimately became part of a previous record after so many dropped out or got cut. Was expecting this anyway, but I am doing well enough that I feel ready for the big 60. Yes, I'll track like a madman from the assigned altitudes to "max 2500". Got an 80% dock success rate with 100% in the last two days. Will find out within an hour or two if I am in or out on the first 63way. Just about to report at 830am. All three Otters are currently here. Fourth Otter got cancelled when not enough people registered to make it an 80-way. Weather still looks iffy today ("cloudy") but we may have the Lake effect, who knows (we're not far from Lake Erie with winds blowing inwards - spetacular view with jumprun with the door facing the lake) This is going to be great learning and fun - even if I am not on the 63-way. I was manifested for the 40way that got cancelled, but a 63-way is a massive jump up from a 20-way. Looking at this, this is Guy Wright I'll be jumping with (he's not eligible to be part of the CANADIAN record), with a lot of personal tutoring to the few of us on the Support Team. It is a real honour to be here! That's what I am here for, not just to have "maybe a chance at a 60-way". Fear of being cut isn't a reason for a jumper to avoid these, these are unique opportunities of a "Perris Bigway Camp" in our very own home country of Canada - and nail the 2007 record. Then again - I may be a Canada Record Holder by end of Sunday. Time will tell... Keep tuned... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites mdrejhon 8 #10 June 23, 2006 80 people! (Wonder if they should have kept that fourth Otter...!) It means, 20 people on support team, and I'm on it. Expected to be anyway, since I am sure I am in the 25% least experienced here. Didn't get my chance at the 40ways, so I'm looking forward to today - am excited to be jumping yet more 20-ways with dedicated tutoring at no charge. Exciting to watch the 60-way dirt dives and see me visualizing eventually being part of it this year or next time! Weather hold now. Mostly overcast with clear blue sky to the side of the wind line. Maybe if we all blow east, the clouds will move to the side .. Forecast to be mainly sunny tomorrow though! As I write on the picnic table via my BlackBerry (new 8700 multimedia model), Cessna up now, skydivers out, it made it to well above 8K or so. Some of the upper layers are above 10K. Perhaps we'll do 20way practice, keep tuned... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Remster 30 #11 June 23, 2006 Coll beans Mark! Have fun up there!Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites kallend 1,936 #12 June 23, 2006 QuoteQuoteAnd the canopy traffic. That's probably what scares some jumpers -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - Track like a madman. You know that Bill, but just to clarify: Track how you are supposed to. Its pointless, and very possibly dangerous, for an inside group to out-track the 1st wave of trackers. Which is why people who can't track well should NOT be part of the outside group. If the 1st wave is doing its job, the 2nd wave shouldn't be able to catch them. IMO, any situation where the 2nd wave catches the first is 100% the fault of the 1st wave.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites mdrejhon 8 #13 June 24, 2006 What a GREAT day today was! Cloud ceiling was beyond 14K with wisps at 8K. Thank you Lake Effect, from Lake Erie, that helped clear the skies (wind was blowing in from Lake Erie). And the Skydiver with the Golden Parachute we sent to the volcano, as a sacrifice to the SkyGods of the Blue Skies. (Coincidentially, Guy Wright has a neon gold outfit and parachute ) Five record attempts were made! We watched from the ground. It was spetacular. Raining canopies! First time I've seen that much canopy traffic. Always enjoy watching that. Soothes the nerves too as well. And us.. The Support Team (including Guy), we made SIX jumps! I made it to my slot always. Need to work on a few 'issues' I have, but I was always in or waiting near my slot! Only one frustrating jump (fumbled door dive exit and became a 'traffic hazard' for a few moments) but at least I got out of the way and I made it to my slot. I've nailed the fall-slow thing now. I'm now always easily recovering from being low. Popped myself up very fast at times - it is muscle memory to tilt head down slightly whenever I fall too fast (if I can still see the whole formation in front). Formerly, I was automatically looking up (on the times I went low on the first day - the side effect of looking up causes you to fall ever faster and faster, because your head is progressively less and less drag and you keep dropping. (Yes, I turn 90 degrees and turn my head on side if I am more than just minor low, give me more drag.) Two days ago - that was the most valuable lesson. Instinctively avoid tilting head up if I fall low. Muscle memory to even tilt head down ever so slightly to give me a bit more drag, if I notice myself sinking a foot down, pop, I'm back level. Some people just literally drop like a rock out of their slot because they looked up the moment they were a foot too low (not necessary to turn 90 degrees in these minor low situations). Not me anymore, thankfully (unlike the two dives on the first day.). This one lesson made me a much better jumper. I may not have as fine fallrate adjustments as a 1000-jumper, but I now recover very easily from the current 'low' situations I have encountered so far (including a 1.5 second early exit I successfully floated up on and succesfully docked, -- misinterpreted exit situations) For me, 14 jumps out of 16 jumps this week, I made it to my slot (including the last 11 consecutive dives where always I made it to my slot, either waiting or docking). That's a big improvement for me, it's worth it even if I go home today! But other issues of mine are more of a concern: If I can just learn to calm down and RELAX.... That's my main problem. Arch adjustments, etc. And I prefer floater or dive (further away from door). Don't like linked base or crowded door dives. If I can somehow nail these issues in the next 5 or 6 jumps... Saw some of the video debriefs (on projector) for the 63-ways and 62-ways, and it's spetacular. Their worst jump was the very last jump of the day, saw a few burble out in three different areas. (Where 2 or 3 collapsed out low), because they got all tired out! We could have jumped more, but we were all exhausted...! So the jumps ended and there was no sunset lkoad. I'm not yet expecting to be transferred to the 63-way, but you never know. Let's see how Sat and Sun goes - much better weather forecasts expected, fully or mainly sunny. Should be able to make at least 10 more jumps, and possibly 14 more (5 to 7 per day) depending on energy levels. We jumped 5 times in less than 2/3rds of the day. Best jump, about 55 fully docked, they say. Looks like some "rearrangement" will occur tonight... There was fireworks and partying last night. Some people are now playing with a radio controlled airplane, Just flew it myself - first time with RC airplane - and it was easier than I expected, hearing horror stories. Some cheap 50 dollar foam toy with rear mounted dual propellers, and flies so slowly it flew between peoples legs and slalomed around peoples heads (not by my control though), and keeps surviving all crashes due to its durable design. Should get me one of these sometime, good beginner RC plane it appears - I kept it up without stalling. (Parachute knowledge helps). (I imagine the pro RC stuff are much harder to fly). Others getting snacks at the snack bar (yummmmy chicken fajitas cooked in front of your eyes, some of the best I've had in a while! Also make great omelettes for breakfast with everything in it.). No need to drive off dropzone during this event to eat. They have the bonfire here too as well. Dinner in a whle now. Still don't think I'll be in - but I'm having fun anyway! (Well, except for that one frustrating jump. ) (Reminder to self: Relax, relax, relax...) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites mdrejhon 8 #14 June 24, 2006 Saturday. Was a weather hold now. Lunchtime. What was supposed to be 'mainly sunny' has become 'cloudy'. They have let us go for lunch... Then it became all clear! They had to cut the support team and then also break it into 2 groups. One third was let go, and unfortunately, I'm one of them. After reflecting on the morning, 16 bigway jumps (all 15 to 20 ways) and lots of new skills! I'm now invited to the next Guy Wright bigway camp, which I'll seriously consider - depending on budget! Ultimately, I get low half of the time from a dive exit, and I screw up too many exits (even though I am consistently recovering from those now). I'm complimented on always making it to my slot, though. Albiet not mentioned as a reason, the communications overhead for me (deaf guy) probably held people back in the support team, and Guy is now needing to concentrate more on evaluating the 60way/63way performance during these final days of attempts. I was no longer on dives where my buddies are, so I can't depend on very willing buddies to relay a lot of useful information to me - so that probably hurt things! Some of the less experienced jumpers did make it into the bigway though. I am now watching the announcement if they made the 60-way attempt just now... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites mdrejhon 8 #15 June 24, 2006 Its a record! 59-way out of 59 planned! Massive cheering going on in this room! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites NWFlyer 2 #16 June 25, 2006 QuoteIts a record! 59-way out of 59 planned! Massive cheering going on in this room! Congrats!"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites tbrown 26 #17 June 25, 2006 The whole thing sounds fantastic. Congrats. You'll be walking around a foot or two off the ground at work for a week or two... Your humble servant.....Professor Gravity ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites mdrejhon 8 #18 June 25, 2006 I'm not on this record. Just witnessed it in the sky and on video and announcement. Maybe in 2007! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites billvon 2,925 #19 June 25, 2006 >Which is why people who can't track well should NOT be part of the outside group. Ideally yes - but often slots are assigned based on more than one variable. Flexibility is important in such situations. On the third breakoff wave on the 400-way, I could often only track a few hundred yards due to traffic. On the second wave of the 300-way I could usually cover half a mile before I ran into traffic. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites mirage62 0 #20 June 25, 2006 Just wanted to say cograds on your attitude! You'll go a long way by keeping that smile and not blaming other people when/if you get cut. You certainly seem to have the fire for big ways. Keep it up and be safe.Kevin Keenan is my hero, a double FUP, he does so much with so little Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JerryBaumchen 1,343 #21 June 25, 2006 Hi Mark, QuoteI'm not on this record. Yes, you are; you're just not in it. I can tell from your write-ups that you are ON it. Keep the + attitude, it will take you far. Jerry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites kallend 1,936 #22 June 25, 2006 Quote>Which is why people who can't track well should NOT be part of the outside group. Ideally yes - but often slots are assigned based on more than one variable. Flexibility is important in such situations. On the third breakoff wave on the 400-way, I could often only track a few hundred yards due to traffic. On the second wave of the 300-way I could usually cover half a mile before I ran into traffic. I can't think of a more important variable than preventing death and injury. If one can't track well enough to sustain a 5 second lead over the next wave maybe one shouldn't be doing big ways at all. The fatality on the 2000 300-way attempts in Chicago occurred when jumpers from different tracking waves collided. Sandy Wambach died in a collision on breakoff too. Breakoff from a big way is not the time to be dealing with indifferent trackers.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites happythoughts 0 #23 June 25, 2006 QuoteI'm not on this record. Just witnessed it in the sky and on video and announcement. Maybe in 2007! Every year during Turkey Boogie, I make the same speech. Not everyone makes a skydive. Only some of those continue and become licensed. Only some of those stay with the sport and gain the skills necessary to do an event. (Like our Thanksgiving weekend boogie 10-way speed competition). To be allowed to participate in a team event is, by itself, an accomplishment. It is a very small portion of the general population that has ever been involved in these events. People look at things from a perspective that is personally relative. Because they have the skills to be there, they don't consider how rare that is. Congratulations to all who participated. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites tbrown 26 #24 June 25, 2006 QuoteI'm not on this record. Just witnessed it in the sky and on video and announcement. Maybe in 2007! No, but you were there, you were part of the effort, and look at what you learned. It's still worth walking on air for a couple days, ya think ? Your humble servant.....Professor Gravity ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites mdrejhon 8 #25 June 25, 2006 I learned tons. Angle of approach, flying slot, diving, floating, recovery from low situations, improved fallrate control, traffic awareness, direction to turn before tracking, and lots of other things relating to bigways. They tried and tried today to break the 59-way record. They called it quits early afternoon after 3 jumps. That freed up lots of fun jumpers for smaller bigways. So, I got myself invited into one of them. As a result I got a consolation prize today! Got my first complete 30-way and 2-plane formation! Dived fourth last from lead plane, docked 14th as the 3rd person in an 8 person weedwhacker, slot correct, good final approach, docked smooth and gentle. TK Hayes led this formation. Got permission to take a copy of this jump home, to show to my family...! Some jumps, tracking was fine, I matched rate of the left and right jumpers! But on others, well... I think I need to become a better tracker if I am allowed on the outers of a 60-way, but I'm fine for these smaller ones (but I'm sure I can outtrack the worst people in the middle breakoff wave). I have had at times needed to keep tracking slightly longer due to people tracking better to the sides of me. Rather pull at 2500 than 2200-2300 feet because I needed to track more. Clear airspace, keep tracking, clear airspace again, all clear, waveoff + pull. (As I did on three jumps!). I clearly see some of these jumpers are AMAZING trackers, it's hard to tell "how far to the side" they are when they're floating far above me after I've been tracking for over 10 seconds (5000 to 2500). Nobody complained about my tracking, but I think I can say I'm gonna practice my tracking even more before going to even bigger ways. Bad luck: My rig developed a defect (stretched grommet). The wonderful rigger girl there lent me her rig for my final 2 jumps, after I checked with a few others. Some dumb mistakes such as nearly forgetting my helmet left on the grass during a dirt dive, but I was distracted - a tough thing for a deaf guy like me with multiple people trying to communicate with me. And, forgetting to turn the Cypres on in the loaner rig from the rigger - it was a late afternoon SOLO jump. Okay, it was a 5K pull (and practice pulls), and I always pretend the Cypres is not there, but, still... I did gear check, but missed the well-hidden Cypres! Everything else was fine, and I did get a briefing on the rig before jumping. It's been a while since I rented. Am dissapointed my rig is grounded, probably for a month till its repaired. (Fate was I was let go before rig was grounded) Nobody's perfect, and jumping a new rig for the first time in a while is something new too. I did ask for pinchecks and all, but we all missed the Cypres. Blush! (It was a SOLO though) I did 17 bigway jumps, 1 four-way, and 1 solo (loaner rig practice). Made it to my slot 16 out of 18 jumps. I was relaxed on the 30-way, flew well, docked 14th. Either way, a lot of learning experience, some really exiting, some humbling, and I look forward to Canada BIG WAY 2007 - with me in the record!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 3 Next Page 1 of 3 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
happythoughts 0 #8 June 23, 2006 QuoteGuy Wright, TK Hayes, and others have already drilled everything you said to me. And Remster is right too, although I am on an outer slot on a weed whacker. As much as I hate to admit it, Remi is right. There are many things to consider. Since you borrowed TK from us, the base falls 20mph slower here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mdrejhon 8 #9 June 23, 2006 We've got a fast falling base - 123mph according to somebody. Well in the middle of my fallrate ability so far! As for Murphy's law, the 40way got cancelled due to weather. We are directly going to 63-way, 3 planes. Since there is over 70 registered now (some at last minute, mainly professional jumpers who avoided the bigway camp before these attempts), that means some of us will be put on the support team. There are enough low number jumpers (under 250) and enough people flying worse so too close to call for me I imagine. I'm expecting to be on the standby team anyway - better now than being cut later. They said everyone in the support team one year, ultimately became part of a previous record after so many dropped out or got cut. Was expecting this anyway, but I am doing well enough that I feel ready for the big 60. Yes, I'll track like a madman from the assigned altitudes to "max 2500". Got an 80% dock success rate with 100% in the last two days. Will find out within an hour or two if I am in or out on the first 63way. Just about to report at 830am. All three Otters are currently here. Fourth Otter got cancelled when not enough people registered to make it an 80-way. Weather still looks iffy today ("cloudy") but we may have the Lake effect, who knows (we're not far from Lake Erie with winds blowing inwards - spetacular view with jumprun with the door facing the lake) This is going to be great learning and fun - even if I am not on the 63-way. I was manifested for the 40way that got cancelled, but a 63-way is a massive jump up from a 20-way. Looking at this, this is Guy Wright I'll be jumping with (he's not eligible to be part of the CANADIAN record), with a lot of personal tutoring to the few of us on the Support Team. It is a real honour to be here! That's what I am here for, not just to have "maybe a chance at a 60-way". Fear of being cut isn't a reason for a jumper to avoid these, these are unique opportunities of a "Perris Bigway Camp" in our very own home country of Canada - and nail the 2007 record. Then again - I may be a Canada Record Holder by end of Sunday. Time will tell... Keep tuned... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mdrejhon 8 #10 June 23, 2006 80 people! (Wonder if they should have kept that fourth Otter...!) It means, 20 people on support team, and I'm on it. Expected to be anyway, since I am sure I am in the 25% least experienced here. Didn't get my chance at the 40ways, so I'm looking forward to today - am excited to be jumping yet more 20-ways with dedicated tutoring at no charge. Exciting to watch the 60-way dirt dives and see me visualizing eventually being part of it this year or next time! Weather hold now. Mostly overcast with clear blue sky to the side of the wind line. Maybe if we all blow east, the clouds will move to the side .. Forecast to be mainly sunny tomorrow though! As I write on the picnic table via my BlackBerry (new 8700 multimedia model), Cessna up now, skydivers out, it made it to well above 8K or so. Some of the upper layers are above 10K. Perhaps we'll do 20way practice, keep tuned... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #11 June 23, 2006 Coll beans Mark! Have fun up there!Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 1,936 #12 June 23, 2006 QuoteQuoteAnd the canopy traffic. That's probably what scares some jumpers -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - Track like a madman. You know that Bill, but just to clarify: Track how you are supposed to. Its pointless, and very possibly dangerous, for an inside group to out-track the 1st wave of trackers. Which is why people who can't track well should NOT be part of the outside group. If the 1st wave is doing its job, the 2nd wave shouldn't be able to catch them. IMO, any situation where the 2nd wave catches the first is 100% the fault of the 1st wave.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mdrejhon 8 #13 June 24, 2006 What a GREAT day today was! Cloud ceiling was beyond 14K with wisps at 8K. Thank you Lake Effect, from Lake Erie, that helped clear the skies (wind was blowing in from Lake Erie). And the Skydiver with the Golden Parachute we sent to the volcano, as a sacrifice to the SkyGods of the Blue Skies. (Coincidentially, Guy Wright has a neon gold outfit and parachute ) Five record attempts were made! We watched from the ground. It was spetacular. Raining canopies! First time I've seen that much canopy traffic. Always enjoy watching that. Soothes the nerves too as well. And us.. The Support Team (including Guy), we made SIX jumps! I made it to my slot always. Need to work on a few 'issues' I have, but I was always in or waiting near my slot! Only one frustrating jump (fumbled door dive exit and became a 'traffic hazard' for a few moments) but at least I got out of the way and I made it to my slot. I've nailed the fall-slow thing now. I'm now always easily recovering from being low. Popped myself up very fast at times - it is muscle memory to tilt head down slightly whenever I fall too fast (if I can still see the whole formation in front). Formerly, I was automatically looking up (on the times I went low on the first day - the side effect of looking up causes you to fall ever faster and faster, because your head is progressively less and less drag and you keep dropping. (Yes, I turn 90 degrees and turn my head on side if I am more than just minor low, give me more drag.) Two days ago - that was the most valuable lesson. Instinctively avoid tilting head up if I fall low. Muscle memory to even tilt head down ever so slightly to give me a bit more drag, if I notice myself sinking a foot down, pop, I'm back level. Some people just literally drop like a rock out of their slot because they looked up the moment they were a foot too low (not necessary to turn 90 degrees in these minor low situations). Not me anymore, thankfully (unlike the two dives on the first day.). This one lesson made me a much better jumper. I may not have as fine fallrate adjustments as a 1000-jumper, but I now recover very easily from the current 'low' situations I have encountered so far (including a 1.5 second early exit I successfully floated up on and succesfully docked, -- misinterpreted exit situations) For me, 14 jumps out of 16 jumps this week, I made it to my slot (including the last 11 consecutive dives where always I made it to my slot, either waiting or docking). That's a big improvement for me, it's worth it even if I go home today! But other issues of mine are more of a concern: If I can just learn to calm down and RELAX.... That's my main problem. Arch adjustments, etc. And I prefer floater or dive (further away from door). Don't like linked base or crowded door dives. If I can somehow nail these issues in the next 5 or 6 jumps... Saw some of the video debriefs (on projector) for the 63-ways and 62-ways, and it's spetacular. Their worst jump was the very last jump of the day, saw a few burble out in three different areas. (Where 2 or 3 collapsed out low), because they got all tired out! We could have jumped more, but we were all exhausted...! So the jumps ended and there was no sunset lkoad. I'm not yet expecting to be transferred to the 63-way, but you never know. Let's see how Sat and Sun goes - much better weather forecasts expected, fully or mainly sunny. Should be able to make at least 10 more jumps, and possibly 14 more (5 to 7 per day) depending on energy levels. We jumped 5 times in less than 2/3rds of the day. Best jump, about 55 fully docked, they say. Looks like some "rearrangement" will occur tonight... There was fireworks and partying last night. Some people are now playing with a radio controlled airplane, Just flew it myself - first time with RC airplane - and it was easier than I expected, hearing horror stories. Some cheap 50 dollar foam toy with rear mounted dual propellers, and flies so slowly it flew between peoples legs and slalomed around peoples heads (not by my control though), and keeps surviving all crashes due to its durable design. Should get me one of these sometime, good beginner RC plane it appears - I kept it up without stalling. (Parachute knowledge helps). (I imagine the pro RC stuff are much harder to fly). Others getting snacks at the snack bar (yummmmy chicken fajitas cooked in front of your eyes, some of the best I've had in a while! Also make great omelettes for breakfast with everything in it.). No need to drive off dropzone during this event to eat. They have the bonfire here too as well. Dinner in a whle now. Still don't think I'll be in - but I'm having fun anyway! (Well, except for that one frustrating jump. ) (Reminder to self: Relax, relax, relax...) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mdrejhon 8 #14 June 24, 2006 Saturday. Was a weather hold now. Lunchtime. What was supposed to be 'mainly sunny' has become 'cloudy'. They have let us go for lunch... Then it became all clear! They had to cut the support team and then also break it into 2 groups. One third was let go, and unfortunately, I'm one of them. After reflecting on the morning, 16 bigway jumps (all 15 to 20 ways) and lots of new skills! I'm now invited to the next Guy Wright bigway camp, which I'll seriously consider - depending on budget! Ultimately, I get low half of the time from a dive exit, and I screw up too many exits (even though I am consistently recovering from those now). I'm complimented on always making it to my slot, though. Albiet not mentioned as a reason, the communications overhead for me (deaf guy) probably held people back in the support team, and Guy is now needing to concentrate more on evaluating the 60way/63way performance during these final days of attempts. I was no longer on dives where my buddies are, so I can't depend on very willing buddies to relay a lot of useful information to me - so that probably hurt things! Some of the less experienced jumpers did make it into the bigway though. I am now watching the announcement if they made the 60-way attempt just now... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mdrejhon 8 #15 June 24, 2006 Its a record! 59-way out of 59 planned! Massive cheering going on in this room! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #16 June 25, 2006 QuoteIts a record! 59-way out of 59 planned! Massive cheering going on in this room! Congrats!"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tbrown 26 #17 June 25, 2006 The whole thing sounds fantastic. Congrats. You'll be walking around a foot or two off the ground at work for a week or two... Your humble servant.....Professor Gravity ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mdrejhon 8 #18 June 25, 2006 I'm not on this record. Just witnessed it in the sky and on video and announcement. Maybe in 2007! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,925 #19 June 25, 2006 >Which is why people who can't track well should NOT be part of the outside group. Ideally yes - but often slots are assigned based on more than one variable. Flexibility is important in such situations. On the third breakoff wave on the 400-way, I could often only track a few hundred yards due to traffic. On the second wave of the 300-way I could usually cover half a mile before I ran into traffic. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mirage62 0 #20 June 25, 2006 Just wanted to say cograds on your attitude! You'll go a long way by keeping that smile and not blaming other people when/if you get cut. You certainly seem to have the fire for big ways. Keep it up and be safe.Kevin Keenan is my hero, a double FUP, he does so much with so little Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JerryBaumchen 1,343 #21 June 25, 2006 Hi Mark, QuoteI'm not on this record. Yes, you are; you're just not in it. I can tell from your write-ups that you are ON it. Keep the + attitude, it will take you far. Jerry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 1,936 #22 June 25, 2006 Quote>Which is why people who can't track well should NOT be part of the outside group. Ideally yes - but often slots are assigned based on more than one variable. Flexibility is important in such situations. On the third breakoff wave on the 400-way, I could often only track a few hundred yards due to traffic. On the second wave of the 300-way I could usually cover half a mile before I ran into traffic. I can't think of a more important variable than preventing death and injury. If one can't track well enough to sustain a 5 second lead over the next wave maybe one shouldn't be doing big ways at all. The fatality on the 2000 300-way attempts in Chicago occurred when jumpers from different tracking waves collided. Sandy Wambach died in a collision on breakoff too. Breakoff from a big way is not the time to be dealing with indifferent trackers.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
happythoughts 0 #23 June 25, 2006 QuoteI'm not on this record. Just witnessed it in the sky and on video and announcement. Maybe in 2007! Every year during Turkey Boogie, I make the same speech. Not everyone makes a skydive. Only some of those continue and become licensed. Only some of those stay with the sport and gain the skills necessary to do an event. (Like our Thanksgiving weekend boogie 10-way speed competition). To be allowed to participate in a team event is, by itself, an accomplishment. It is a very small portion of the general population that has ever been involved in these events. People look at things from a perspective that is personally relative. Because they have the skills to be there, they don't consider how rare that is. Congratulations to all who participated. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tbrown 26 #24 June 25, 2006 QuoteI'm not on this record. Just witnessed it in the sky and on video and announcement. Maybe in 2007! No, but you were there, you were part of the effort, and look at what you learned. It's still worth walking on air for a couple days, ya think ? Your humble servant.....Professor Gravity ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mdrejhon 8 #25 June 25, 2006 I learned tons. Angle of approach, flying slot, diving, floating, recovery from low situations, improved fallrate control, traffic awareness, direction to turn before tracking, and lots of other things relating to bigways. They tried and tried today to break the 59-way record. They called it quits early afternoon after 3 jumps. That freed up lots of fun jumpers for smaller bigways. So, I got myself invited into one of them. As a result I got a consolation prize today! Got my first complete 30-way and 2-plane formation! Dived fourth last from lead plane, docked 14th as the 3rd person in an 8 person weedwhacker, slot correct, good final approach, docked smooth and gentle. TK Hayes led this formation. Got permission to take a copy of this jump home, to show to my family...! Some jumps, tracking was fine, I matched rate of the left and right jumpers! But on others, well... I think I need to become a better tracker if I am allowed on the outers of a 60-way, but I'm fine for these smaller ones (but I'm sure I can outtrack the worst people in the middle breakoff wave). I have had at times needed to keep tracking slightly longer due to people tracking better to the sides of me. Rather pull at 2500 than 2200-2300 feet because I needed to track more. Clear airspace, keep tracking, clear airspace again, all clear, waveoff + pull. (As I did on three jumps!). I clearly see some of these jumpers are AMAZING trackers, it's hard to tell "how far to the side" they are when they're floating far above me after I've been tracking for over 10 seconds (5000 to 2500). Nobody complained about my tracking, but I think I can say I'm gonna practice my tracking even more before going to even bigger ways. Bad luck: My rig developed a defect (stretched grommet). The wonderful rigger girl there lent me her rig for my final 2 jumps, after I checked with a few others. Some dumb mistakes such as nearly forgetting my helmet left on the grass during a dirt dive, but I was distracted - a tough thing for a deaf guy like me with multiple people trying to communicate with me. And, forgetting to turn the Cypres on in the loaner rig from the rigger - it was a late afternoon SOLO jump. Okay, it was a 5K pull (and practice pulls), and I always pretend the Cypres is not there, but, still... I did gear check, but missed the well-hidden Cypres! Everything else was fine, and I did get a briefing on the rig before jumping. It's been a while since I rented. Am dissapointed my rig is grounded, probably for a month till its repaired. (Fate was I was let go before rig was grounded) Nobody's perfect, and jumping a new rig for the first time in a while is something new too. I did ask for pinchecks and all, but we all missed the Cypres. Blush! (It was a SOLO though) I did 17 bigway jumps, 1 four-way, and 1 solo (loaner rig practice). Made it to my slot 16 out of 18 jumps. I was relaxed on the 30-way, flew well, docked 14th. Either way, a lot of learning experience, some really exiting, some humbling, and I look forward to Canada BIG WAY 2007 - with me in the record!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
