bluewaterstream 0 #1 December 10, 2003 It's about 20 degrees outside here in Colorado and I'm planning on getting a quick jump in after work. I was wondering if any of you have ever heard of gear freezing up and not working properly due to extremely cold weather. While in freefall, I'm sure that the wind chill will be far below 0. For example, I'm wondering about the cutaway, reserve, altimeter, AAD, etc. Probably not, but I figured I'd ask anyway. Also, I don't plan on wearing anything more than googles on my face, should I be concerned about getting frostbite? Today will be my first solo jump after graduating AFF a few weeks ago, wish me luck. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikemc 0 #2 December 10, 2003 good luck and wrap up warm. 20 degrees lucky you. Its was around 5 or 6 on sunday when i jumped! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
msmithd8769 0 #3 December 10, 2003 You should probably look at getting some sort of face protection like a neoprene mask that covers your nose, mouth, and chin areas. They can be obtained relatively inexpensively (mine was 8 bucks) and is reversible (black/camo). Also a full head hood with a face feature is also great to have as protection against the cold; my wife has one. Eastern Mountain Sports carries some good ones. Their web is ems.com I believe and they go for about 25-30 bucks. Or check skiing supply stores. Good luck and stay warm....._____________________________ "And when the prophet shall arise who appeareth as a bird then the time of the Lord draweth nigh and the flock shall rule the earth." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
msmithd8769 0 #4 December 10, 2003 Also consider that if it's 20 degrees on the ground, you lose approximately 3 degrees per 1000 feet of altitude, and add to that a 100-120 mph wind chill factor and you have a fairly "brisk" environment. Ever skydive in a snowstorm? Pretty wild experience....._____________________________ "And when the prophet shall arise who appeareth as a bird then the time of the Lord draweth nigh and the flock shall rule the earth." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
catfishhunter 1 #5 December 10, 2003 don't think your gear will have any issues. Watched the video of the folks jumping at the north pole. No one bounced cuz of frozen gear so I would think your gonna be ok, cold, but ok. Experianced it snowing "UP" for the first time last weekend! Winter jumping is freaking awesome! MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT Life is Short and we never know how long we are going to have. We must live life to the fullest EVERY DAY. Everything we do should have a greater purpose. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bluewaterstream 0 #6 December 10, 2003 No doubt, I'm excited to jump today. We have a little snow on the ground out here and I'm thinking it will be a cool new experience to land on snow. I already have the cold BEERS waiting for me... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
McG 0 #7 December 10, 2003 Swooping powder is awesome Dont worry about the gear, it´ll do just fine. Biggest problems you get with freezing fingers. When it is more than -20 degrees (Celsius (not familiar with Farenheit)), it is not fun anymore. ***>If God meant for man to fly, He´d have given him much more money. McG, DZ EFVA dictator Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #8 December 10, 2003 Quote No doubt, I'm excited to jump today. We have a little snow on the ground out here and I'm thinking it will be a cool new experience to land on snow. I already have the cold BEERS waiting for me... The DZs in the state are not jumping today. They'll operate Wednesdays through Sundays in the summer months, but it's only a weekend deal this time of year. Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
batbex 0 #9 December 10, 2003 mikemc! 20degrees celsius is clearly actually really hot! he meant farenheit! (sp?) 19farenheit = -7celsius which is bloody freezing, I'd be worried about extremities freezing off Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #10 December 10, 2003 Yeah know, that's what I was thinking. No way, no how, would you catch me out jumping on a cold day like this. I'll wait till Eloy May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #11 December 10, 2003 QuoteNo way, no how, would you catch me out jumping on a cold day like this. I'll wait till Eloy Are you going to be at the Holiday Boogie? That would be cool if you were there!!! Did I ever tell you that you are one of my favorite people I have met through jumping here in CO? Now how's that for sucking up? It's the truth though. Mary rocks!!! Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikemc 0 #12 December 10, 2003 ah well! so just as cold as us then. my advice suck it up! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bluewaterstream 0 #13 December 10, 2003 Oh crap, Canuck is right - I just called the DZ and they're not jumping today. I'm still going to drink the beers anyway, I'm starting a new skydiving ritual. If you've planned a jump and don't end up going for some uncontrollable factor - BEER... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tosca 0 #14 December 10, 2003 When landing in the snow, I check if the canopy is dry before I pack it. I got a reserve on my back, but I still don't want my main or my threerings to become frozen. "Pauli, along with several other jumpers, had been jumping the day prior and landing into very deep snow. The jumpers shook the dry snow out of the canopies prior to packing, but evidently Pauli didn't remove it all. What's left melts inside the packed rig while it sat in a warm room. The jumpers deposit the rigs into the trunk of an old Saab and drive to Stockholm. The temperatures are well below freezing. On deployment Pauli canopy went to line stretch but is basically a solid block of ice that never inflates." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freakydiver 0 #15 December 10, 2003 Gear freezing up - no. We used to jump in Wisconsin at 20 degrees BELOW 0 at times with no problems other than figuring out the best way to cover up ALL exposed skin! -- (N.DG) "If all else fails – at least try and look under control." -- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeremyneas 0 #16 December 10, 2003 Is this your first season in CO? You'll find it interesting jumping through the winter. The temp at altitude, never seems to scale like sea level DZ's (something about an inversion layer). It really isn't that bad, now some days are worse than others but all in all CO is not a bad winter home. CO jumpers tend to love winter weather because we get a taste of how a parachute is supposed to fly!!! My suggestion is to go to R.E.I. and get these $5 glove inserts, they don't look like much, but they fit in your football/baseball gloves easily and keep finger tips warm. Coldest Jump thus far though: CO Winter 2001, first doing ariel shots for a local company out of the jump plane, so for 30 minutes hanging out of the door taking pics while the plane circled (about -25 out). Then went to altitude, took some shots of the DZ and jumped. When i opened, my fingers were so cold i couldn't grip the toggles, so i got my fingers through them and held them like an up-side-down "U" and slid through the snow like a metoriod. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blahr 0 #17 December 10, 2003 The faceshield on my Bonehead Havoc iced up in freefall last week. It was pretty unnerving. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites