Malta_Dog 0 #1 October 12, 2004 Hi all, My father (59) and my wife made their first tandem last saturday. They both encountered health related problems. My father is still in pretty good shape (he did triathlons up to 50) but he has since long ago suffered from a narrow sinus (his words) which caused him in this case intense pain during the 2nd half of the free fall. He liked the canopy ride a lot but he doesn't want to free fall from 13,500 ft ever again. Are there ways or tips to overcome such problems, or would he have to go through surgery (which he understandably won't do just to be able to skydive)? My wife, OTOH, felt air sick as soon as the free fall began. The canopy ride was even worse (the plane ride left her surprisingly unbothered as she's easily motion-sick in a vehicle). Still, she kinda enjoyed it and would like to try the AFF 1 level next spring. However, she's afraid to be sick again. I don't think that there exists any anti-airsickness product which wouldn't fog somewhat her judgement, but I also think that when you are in control, motion sickness tends to disappear (after all, she's never sick when SHE drives... so much for my driving ). Am I right? Thanks for your comments/advices. All your dropzone are belong to us!!!!111! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BIGUN 1,060 #2 October 13, 2004 As to your Dad, my solution would be to knock out the "second half of the freefall" and just deploy the main canopy high. If he liked the canopy ride a lot, give him mostly canopy ride. As for your wife; ask the pilot to let her drive.Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlindBrick 0 #3 October 13, 2004 Quotebut I also think that when you are in control, motion sickness tends to disappear (after all, she's never sick when SHE drives... so much for my driving ). Am I right? Maybe in some cases, but usually the reason you don't get car sick while driving is that your sight picture is different than when you are riding as a passenger. In fact, some poeple who get horribly car sick can get major relief just by sitting behind the driver rather than on the passenger side of the car. -Blind"If you end up in an alligator's jaws, naked, you probably did something to deserve it." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bodypilot1 0 #4 October 13, 2004 QuoteHe liked the canopy ride a lot but he doesn't want to free fall from 13,500 ft ever again. Find a DZ in your area that offers a static line program, should he want to progress in the sport. His sinuses may get used to the altitude during the progression so he can go higher. QuoteMy wife, OTOH, felt air sick as soon as the free fall began. The canopy ride was even worse. This is common and may have been from too much adrenaline. Before she goes into AFF you may want her to do some more tandems to possibly see if she gets over being sick in freefall? Be safe Edwww.WestCoastWingsuits.com www.PrecisionSkydiving.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
councilman24 36 #5 October 13, 2004 I get motion sick early in the season or on odd aircraft. I've use Bonine (meclizine HCl). It's once a day and has never affected me other than being fully effective. This will vary from person to person and should be investigated on the ground. Often I from time to time and other students have felt sick from psychogenic shock (cold and clamy skin, face fealing numb, etc.) This is caused more from the excitment than motion. Ask your wife which one it felt like. The two are similar (you may barf) but you can tell the difference if you've had both you know.I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 558 #6 October 13, 2004 Buy your wife a pair of those fancy, anti-seasickness - wrist bands that press on the nerves in your wrists. They helped me the only time I ever went out on a sail boat. Despite two years at sea with the Navy, I always got queazy my first day out. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelpdiver 2 #7 October 13, 2004 Quote My father is still in pretty good shape (he did triathlons up to 50) but he has since long ago suffered from a narrow sinus (his words) which caused him in this case intense pain during the 2nd half of the free fall. He liked the canopy ride a lot but he doesn't want to free fall from 13,500 ft ever again. Are there ways or tips to overcome such problems, or would he have to go through surgery (which he understandably won't do just to be able to skydive)? Fitness has no bearing on dealing with ear squeezes. He may have just been congested that day, he may have just not known how to deal with it, or he may have a physical problem. Seeing an ENT specialist would be the next step. If he were to go diving he'd have the same issues. That might be the easiest was to find out too. Skydiving from 15000 and pulling at 5k is equlivent to descending to 10-12ft. In both you need to clear the ears to adjust to the new ambient pressure. Swallowing, wiggling the ears, or blowing on the closed nose are the typical methods. Some divers take sudafed to make it easy, but they run the risk of it wearing off when it's time to come up. OTOH, it sounds like your wife was merely jacked up from the experience. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
