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JoHawley

Wind tunnel virgin - advice please!

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Hello all
I´m heading to the wind tunnel in Paris next month and am after advice. I have 150 jumps and am going with a friend who has 200. Neither of us has been in a tunnel before.
1) How much time should we each have? And how much with an intructor?
2) How long will it be (best guess) before we can go into the tunnel together?
3) Does anyone know any good wind tunnel training plans on the internet somewhere?
(I´ve been trailing the internet for answers, but no joy - help!) Am looking forward to not having to pack!
Thank you!
Happy landings
Jo

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Hi,

I do lots of tunnel here in Malaysia where we have a great Skyventure tunnel. All the instructors are trained in Orlando Skyventure.

In response to your questions:

1)That really depends on you guys, although when you are having fun in the tunnel time does go quick! Dunno what it is over there, but here in Malaysia it's US$5 per minute and that is with an instructor helping you out.

2)If the instructors are ok with you guys, then they should let you practice. You have to show them that you are safe in the tunnel and can stay in one place all the time.

3)Sorry, nope..

Hope that helps! I found the tunnel helped me a lot, especially countering if I fell over. Learning to fly on your back in the tunnel is really good as well. It's harder than it looks though!

Matthew
www.motavi.com

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Try reading http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=556097#556097.
It has some of your questions answered.

Like: if less then 300 jumps: 1 block with instructor is required. 1 block = 2.5 mins

------- SIGNATURE BELOW -------
Complete newbie at skydiving, so be critical about what I say!!
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

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>>1) How much time should we each have? And how much with an intructor?

The first answer depends on your physical condition, as a minimum for learning a lot get 20 mins, if you have the money and are in good shape then get all the time you can; for the second answer: if you can get a good tunnel instructor that also knows alot about RW (if thats what you are into) then get the complete 20 mins with training.

>>2) How long will it be (best guess) before we can go into the tunnel together?

dunnno

>>3) Does anyone know any good wind tunnel training plans on the internet somewhere?

Dunno if there are any. The training I got from skydive U was alot of turns (in plca), fall rate, slides, slides with turns, and some other exercises like swimming in the air, touching feets together and some other stuff that I can't remember right now.

HISPA 21
www.panamafreefall.com

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I just got back from the wind tunnel in Orlando, FL. Typically we get 4 people to share an hour. The one hour time slot cost $600 USD (split 4-ways). We also split a coach that costs $100 USD for one hour. We each do 2 minute rotations and 1 1 minute rotation.

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Dunno what it is over there, but here in Malaysia it's US$5 per minute and that is with an instructor helping you out.



5$ ??? Did I hear you right ? 5$ for a minute in a tunnel ? If thats true, Im going to Malaysia...

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Yup. That is correct USD$5 per minute. Let me know who's coming! :)



You got a place I can set up my tent near that tunnel or with transportation provided? :P
What kind of weather is it in Malaysia atm btw?

------- SIGNATURE BELOW -------
Complete newbie at skydiving, so be critical about what I say!!
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

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talk about differences...

in paris its 70 euros for a 2.5 minute block :(

sadly, i'll be in paris (and not in malaysia)
we'll go for 2-3 blocks each, just to get the feel of things.
for more than that , i'll have to sell a kidney or something B|

O
"Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero."

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Yup. That is correct USD$5 per minute. Let me know who's coming! :)



You got a place I can set up my tent near that tunnel or with transportation provided? :P
What kind of weather is it in Malaysia atm btw?




DZ.com Tunnel camp anyone ?? Whos organizing ?

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err - the tunnel in Malaysia: Does it have laminar air flow?

Seriously, I will probably be traveling to Singapore early next year and could afford a stopover in the tunnel if it's cheap and a good tunnel B|
Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

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The Malaysian tunnel is in the Genting Highlands resort/casino about 1 hour outside of Kuala Lumpur. I did some time in it at Christmas and felt it was underpowered Note: That was my first and only tunnel experience so I am not an expert.

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well then I think that qualifies you to a trip to a well known tunnel in orlando or maybe perris in a few weeks. For scientific purposes of course. ;)

---------------------------------------------
let my inspiration flow,
in token rhyme suggesting rhythm...

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Hi Jo,

Lucky you. The number of jumps you have is about perfect for first time in a tunnel - you'll be able to iron out any problem areas whilst having enough experience not to bounce into the net (too much - everyone does it a little!)

1) You can never have too much tunnel time :P. 2 minute sessions with at least 2 minutes in between is the usual. If you are with a coach who works you hard, it will affect how much you can take. I have done an hour a day for six consecutive days in the past, all one-on-one with a coach. This was divided into 2 minute slots, split into hour long sessions shared with other flyers. I was sore but my skydiving was a lot better at the end!

As with anything, if you don't work as hard, you won't ache as much but equally you won't get as much out of it.

2) Depends on how you're doing. Jump numbers doesn't always give a good indicator I'm afraid,so ask your instructor. It depends on how quickly you and your friend learn.

3) Yes. Go to www.tunnelcamp.com. There are a lot of useful tips on what to wear/ bring/ expect, and although it's written (mainly by Airspeed) for the Orlando tunnel, most of it will apply to Paris. An often missed area is here: http://www.tunnelcamp.com/content.asp?id={E9B7DA16-CB3E-455D-9340-DAFF292F78E6}&cursection=01.12 - It's the program the coaches often follow in the Orlando tunnel which ought to give you some good ideas. Bear in mind, of these drills are best followed with an experienced FS coach in the tunnel, as this is what they were designed for. If you like the Paris tunnel, think about doing an Airspeed tunnelcamp - you will learn more than you can think possible.

Have fun
Emma

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I must say that the engines aren't as powerful as the ones in Orlando Skyventure. You can't really get headdown in there and I have trouble with a sit fly as I feel the engines aren't going strong enough to 'hold' me. I always tell the guys to put the engines to maximum but still feel that it is still a little weak for me.

Other than that, it's a great tunnel, cheap and then you can go to the theme park after that or go gamble! B|

PM me if anyone of you are heading down here. I'll be more than happy to assist you guys anyway I can. :)
www.motavi.com

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The Tunnel is great! I went to Orlando about 4 months ago - we spent 3 days 1/2 hour each day. First day without an instructor 2 of us rotating 2 minutes. The second day we scheduled an instructor. A good 1hour briefing before hand to discuss what we wanted to work on and what our experience levels were. He set up a plan, helped us with stretches to warm up, and then the fun began. The last day was tough, only because my body was extremely tired. My arms were feeling weak - could barely keep them in the proper Mantis position.

I would suggest working out a month before you go, if you can.

What did I learn? I was having problems with backsliding and about the second or third rotation, the problem was solved. Hitting the wall several times, your body then understands what it is doing wrong. It taught me to fall straight down, turns can be made much better using your legs and arms. Centerpoint turns are awesome!

Have a great time. Be ready for an intense work out and lots of fun.

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My arms were feeling weak - could barely keep them in the proper Mantis position.

I would suggest working out a month before you go, if you can.



Press-ups are good, especially for girls. You can also tape some weight to your wrists if your arms are getting really floaty.

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