mjl06750

Do you jump at Skydive Alabama? Great place...I made my first tandem there. Check out the Farm over in Georgia if you ever get a chance. Great bunch of guys over there as well.

I agree with Skydive Alabama in Cullman. Real cool people and laid back atmosphere. DO the 18000 ft jump....it's awesome!

I'll be seeing you guys soon hopefully

Hey everyone....I had my first tandem a few months back at my local DZ which is about a 45 min drive away from me. Of course I've caught the bug and want to get certified. My problem is that my work schedule allows me one weekend off a month and the local DZ is only open Friday to Sunday making it difficult for me to get out there frequently. There is a highly rated DZ a little over a hour and a half away that is open 7 days a week and is 300.00 less for the entire AFF course (25 jumps included plus all equipment rental). I don't mind the drive on the days I could get over there and it would give me a better chance to get through AFF sooner. I'm not trying to hurry through class but if I go to the local place I'm looking at being able to make it one weekend a month and I'd like to keep my jumps somewhat close to each other to stay current. I had a great experience with my tandem and really wish I could take AFF locally but it is inconvenient and more expensive. My question is do you guys feel the closer DZ would "look down" on me for taking AFF else where and then showing up once I'm certified to jump. I would like to think this wouldn't be a issue but I understand how they may be disappointed I didn't go with them. Maybe I'm just overthinking the whole thing. What's your opinion?

Noob question....what's the bowling speech?

Totally unlimited everything....for free! I work for Verizon

I dealt with the same situation a month ago. I was wondering if I should go ahead and use the money I had saved for AFF to do a tandem first to see what skydiving was all about. Everybody is different and as much as I wanted to think I was capable of pulling off a perfect solo jump my first time I really do doubt it would have been enjoyable. You only get your first jump one time so I decided to make it as fun as possible and not have to worry about anything other than "relaxing" and enjoying the ride and let the instructor handle the rest. I really can say I feel like I made the right decision. Instead of sitting in the plane on the way up worrying about my gear me and my friends joked with the instructors and enjoyed the view out the window. However knowing later on I wanted to do AFF I knew on the way down I wanted to experiment with simple hand motions to feel the air against my arms to later give me a idea of how it may feel solo. In no way did I have any real control but as we jumped from 18000 ft I was able to relax and "remember" the jump instead of flailing around worrying about checking in and hand signals. It was a life changing mind blowing experience but now that I have had a simply fun no worries jump it I feel much better and confident going into AFF. It may be a totally different on my first solo but we shall hopefully soon see. Good luch whatever way you go.

That's amazing. My first tandem was from 18000 ft with oxygen 2 weeks ago. Even though it seemed like a long time I can't imagine the planning it takes to get that together quickly and safely.

Rookie question...how high did they jump from?

I am actually not too far from the Farm. It looks like a great DZ with a great atmosphere judging by what everyone around here says. It's definitly a possibility I may do AFF there. I got a buddy that is wanting to take the course at the same time and he is from that area.

Thanks guys....now who wants to lend me $2000 for training? It's funny how all my other sports have now became old news. My motorcycle which I swore I'd never get rid of is for sale. I'm even considering letting go of my 13 ft albino burmese python and that's my baby! I hopefully will be able to sign up in the next month or so.

The majority of my brain agrees but can I ask why you recommend that?

Now I've come across the Start AFF or do more tandem jumps. I felt fairly comfortable the whole way down and I didn't seem to "lose my mind". It was a great ride and I feel comfortable starting training. By no means do I want to sound cocky though and I humbly admit I have so much to learn. What do you guys recommend? I know everyone is different and there is no perfect answer. The only reason I consider another tandem is to get the feel of jumping from a lower jump instead of the 18000 ft I went out on last time. My idea behind this is it would give me a idea of how much time I would have to complete all the task involved with AFF requirements in the air. Maybe I'm just playing it safe which of course is the correct way. My concern is jumping from a lower altitude with a feeling I am going to have to rush the jump. Then again maybe I'm tripping and over thinking it all! Thanks for all the advice....all you guys are real cool to all us rookies and I am very glad to be a part of this place.

Well it's been one week and 30 minutes since my last jump. I'm sitting here at work looking out the window obsessed on getting back up in the air. This is the most addicting sport in the world!

I had the same problem Saturday. My first tandem was from 18000ft and had to grab my nose and blow out my sinuses twice on the way with the same almost painful pressure. I too had sinusitus with surgury and didn't realize how clogged I was really was till we landed. However I'd take that pain any day for a ride like that again. Next time I might use some Nasonex or something to make sure all is clear. Congrats on your first jump as well.