DvK 2 #26 December 18, 2011 A lot of good stuff said here allready. I'm still a new jumper, one of the things I try to focus on are EPs. Not just when gearing up, but also when I'm doing groceries and thinking about how I'll be at my DZ the next weekend. I just do a dry EP in the mall, when waiting for the elevator, when showering, whatever. Another thing I do (especially when a load isn't full, so when there's some space in the plane) while climbing to exit altitude is the following: At 1000 FT I look and reach for my reserve ripcord, checking if it's still secure. And pulling my left hand all the way down, practicing a pull. At 2500 (my cutaway alt) I check my cutaway handle and reserve handle in that order, physically touching them and pulling my arms out again, the way you would do on a cutaway. At 3500 (my opening al) I touch my pilot chute. Obviously I do a final check, prior to exit as well, but the above is just an extra to drill... Also, when doing these 'practice pulls' do it in a convincing matter, streching your arms all the way out. When doing it only 'so-so' there is the risk that you'll do it 'so-so' as well when you perform an actual EP. Most importantly: don't get in over your head, ask an experienced jumper or jumpmaster if you have ANY questions. Rather be a slow learner, and long in the sport then the other way around. Enjoy your jumping! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HeatherB 0 #27 December 20, 2011 Emergency procedures, small RW jumps, and getting coaching! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
missbrz 0 #28 December 21, 2011 I was really glad I listened to everyone who wanted to give advice to me but took everything with a grain of salt. There are a lot of different ways to do everything in this sport & listening to someone else explain the exact same thing often makes it click for you or gives you new incite on something you thought you knew. I still do this too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrubin 0 #29 December 21, 2011 I started with small RW groups. When I was at a dz that had them, I joined Load Organizers and asked a lot of questions. I hang out after sunset load talking to instructors and other experienced skydivers. I listen to their stories and ask them to explain why they did what they did (and often what they should have done instead ). Staying afterwards not only increased my knowledge, but built friendships with some of the most amazing people I know. "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
