learning curve and canopy size

[superstu 0]

Just wanted to get your opinions on a question i have.
Do you think one would learn more about their canopy skills at a quicker pace on a smaller or larger canopy?

Slip Stream Air Sports
Do not go softly, do not go quietly, never back down

[CanuckInUSA 0]

Quote

Just wanted to get your opinions on a question i have.
Do you think one would learn more about their canopy skills at a quicker pace on a smaller or larger canopy?

The margin for error is obviously much more forgiving on a lighter loaded canopy, so I think the majority of the people (myself included) will vote for a larger canopy. At the same time, certain skills can be advanced faster if the skydiver in question is not flying a huge boat.

I can see this thread getting nasty ...

Try not to worry about the things you have no control over

[Genn 0]

At 160 jumps....I'd go with the larger canopy.

[fundgh 0]

Flying a barge isn't going to allow you to do super fast and crazy flying, but if you can do everything on a big canopy, don't you think that you would have more confidence on a smaller canopy. I would rather feel comfortable and start trying more things, than spend many jumps and landings getting comfortable.

...FUN FOR ALL!

[quade 4]

Would you gain your skills in learning to ski better and more quickly on a double black diamond slope or a bunny hill?

Would you gain your skills in learning to fly better and more quickly in an F-18 or a C-172?

Would you gain your skills in learning to scuba dive better and more quickly in a 300 foot cave dive or a 30 foot dive?

Do these answers seem at all obvious?

If you survive the more intense situation, you may have learned a bit more in a shorter period of time, however, your odds of surviving and therefore learning are spretty slim.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[Watcher 0]

I agree with all but the very first one (skying), Basic turns can be taught on the bunny slope and the beginner, but after a day or 2 you cannot really progress any farther. You pretty much have to hit the black diamond with its powder or moguls and steep descents to learn how to ski those, there simply is not other way except to go full out.

Atleast thats what I found while learning. I was also 8 years old and fearless, but when I started Snowboarding around age 15 it was the same, the style learned on the greens, could not prepare you to handle the gates and other extreme areas, you simply had to go do it and learn fast, or fall down.

Wow, now that I think about it, that totally explains why I have similar views on canopies, that really makes sense.

Jonathan
If your going to do stupid things, you better be tough.

--

Jonathan Bartlett
D-24876
AFF-I

[superstu 0]

very good point, thanks

Slip Stream Air Sports
Do not go softly, do not go quietly, never back down

[skydive84 0]

I think its very important to learn the basics on a lightly loaded canopy. One on which you stand up the landings every single time. But then if you want to progress further I think you need something that will chalenge you somewhat (without full on kicking your ass). This way you continue on a fast learning curve + dont get bored/complacent with the more docile canopy.

Adi

[andy2 0]

well put, quade. You gotta learn to ride your bike with training wheels before you can... fly a cross braced canopy. Wow...that analogy fell apart.

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

[jrpayne 0]

Considered getting a Vengence 135, but I got a Jedei 150 instead really happy I did. I strongly believe the learning curve has been faster than if I would have gotten the 135. Had my first pond swoop last weekend

[skydive84 0]

Quote

Had my first pond swoop last weekend

BEER!
Email me so i can give you the shipping address!!!

Adi

[johnny1488 1]

After taking a few steps back with scott miller this weekend I would definetly say you will not only learn faster on a bigger canopy (not an accuracy mind you) but you will learn faster on all of your chutes once you have rock solid skills on the larger one. Not that my opinion changed after talking with him but only reinforced and showed me new ways of looking at it.

Johnny
--"This ain't no book club, we're all gonna die!"
Mike Rome

[Tonto 1]

You will learn much faster on a faster canopy.

You will also learn what not to do much faster on a faster canopy.

You may learn a lot about what orthopaedic surgeons like on their sandwiches from a faster canopy, as well as what a K nail is.

Or you may learn more about the afterlife from a faster canopy.

Why does it always have to be about faster? Would you want to live in a house built in a week? Or a 2 day old bottle of wine? Or operated on by a surgeon who learn his trade in 6 months? If you want to learn faster, find a mentor and jump more. Much more than your profile says you do.

Fuck.

I'm so tired of saying "I fucking told you so. Now stop rolling. Stop rolling! I can hear the bones grating and that REALLY pisses me off!"

t

It's the year of the Pig.

[aneblett 0]

Hey Stu.

thought I would ask you a few q's myself before I answer yours. and no I am not an expert but I thought I would offer an opinion. I assume you are asking cause you want to buy a new canopy..

here is my first question.

What have you flown so far?

more will follow if you decide to answer..

Age

S.E.X. party #2

..It is far worse to live with fear, than to die confronting it.

[aneblett 0]

I didn't say Ouch this time..

Age

S.E.X. party #2

..It is far worse to live with fear, than to die confronting it.

[Tonto 1]

I've said Ouch. I've looked at my shoe under my chin before I saw my foot was still in it....

The ground isn't fast, but it's patient, fair and very hard. It cares not a jot for your reputation and its a limit that will not be pushed.

t

It's the year of the Pig.

[thegman 0]

I agree

http://www.freefallmaniacs.net

[superstu 0]

here is what i've flown:
skymaster 290
230
PD 210
Pro 190
Triathlon 190
175
160
sabre2 150
Stiletto 150
Stiletto 135
spectre 120
I have stood up every landing and feel comfortable under these canopies as a side note.

By the way, thanks for all of the comments guys.

Slip Stream Air Sports
Do not go softly, do not go quietly, never back down

[grega 0]

Quote

I have stood up every landing

Hmm standing up a landing isn't really something to brag about. it's like i'd be braging i can walk and talk... that's pure basics, hell it's even less than basics...

learn those things that billvon has in list... and only then go to a smaller canopy.

but don't really listen to me. Better listen to those who saw you land and fly a canopy. and know you and how you handle in stress situations...

"George just lucky i guess!"

[superstu 0]

"but don't really listen to me. Better listen to those who saw you land and fly a canopy. and know you and how you handle in stress situations... "

Actually a couple of experienced people who have seen me land say that i'd be fine on a stiletto 120. That's kind of why i'm asking this learning curve question, because i want to learn as much as possible and personally i don't know if i'd learn better or worse on a 120 or 135. i'm thinking a 135.

Slip Stream Air Sports
Do not go softly, do not go quietly, never back down

[SkySlut 0]

What is your exit weight??? Sorry if you already posted it, but I couldnt seem to find it.

[superstu 0]

I'm 160, so 180-185 out the door, wingloading the 135 at 1.33-1.37

Slip Stream Air Sports
Do not go softly, do not go quietly, never back down

[SkySlut 0]

So if you get into the 120 you will be in the area of 1.54 WL @ 160 jumps...hmmmm. I would think that would be aggressive for your anyone at that many jumps. I am not a canopy nazi as I have gone from a 175 to an 84 velocity in 2 years (1200+), but I spent the majority of my time on the bigger ones. I got my first Stiletto at around 360 jumps loaded at 1.185 +/-. Again, you cant coach over the internet on a topic like this but you should really listen to what other people are saying and know that they could be totally wrong...with really bad consequences for you.

Quick question: Have you ever seen someone really pound in from either a miscalculated swoop or a panic turn for no reason???

[superstu 0]

"Quick question: Have you ever seen someone really pound in from either a miscalculated swoop or a panic turn for no reason??? "

i've seen panic turns but i have yet to see somebody pound in on a swoop. and yes it scares the hell out of me when i see some one pull something out of their ass to just stay alive. but every time i see that i'm asking questions and make a note to my self of what they did or did not do.

Slip Stream Air Sports
Do not go softly, do not go quietly, never back down

[aneblett 0]

Quote

The ground isn't fast, but it's patient, fair and very hard. It cares not a jot for your reputation and its a limit that will not be pushed.

Aint that the Gospel right there...

AGe

S.E.X. party #2

..It is far worse to live with fear, than to die confronting it.