kenthediver

Hi Dan. Where in the UK are you, and where are you hoping to do your AFF. There are a number of exciting opportunities, so budget and location will be key. Good luck Ken

Hi there - congrats and lets hope for better weather this year!

Yep - lets hope for really good weekends. Jump time!!!!

Thanks for that - will do!

Hi there - I have mainly jumped in Spain, but have jumped at Dunkeswell, and Netheravon. The Redlands Drop Zone (London Skydive) is about 10 mins from my flat - but I have not jumped there yet - they are mainly a Tandam shop, but also only jump from 10K due to Heathrow restrictions. I am thinking of also visiting Hibaldstow, as one of the instructors that I jumped with in Spain is now doing the "Freefall Foundry". Also, I would like to jump at every DZ in the UK. Just because!

As a general update - Matt has returned to SA to work - He passed the aptitude and medical tests but was told he would have to wait for up to 18 months before entry. He was really bored, got in touch with some old colleagues and had some job offers before leaving the UK to return to SA. He is jumping in SA so that is good. As for me, it has been a really wet summer / autumn / winter, so limited jumps. Very frustrating but - hey ho! Thems the dice that the weather gods rolled! I have bought some new toys - Alti Track, Go Pro 3 - I know - nowhere near ready to jump a camera, but these are all little milestones for me, and it keeps me focused on getting the skills to jump safely. Next steps, Jump Master and Canopy Handling 2 course, and most important - fun and safe jumps!

Cheers for that. I did not know that!

Actually, the European Court of Justice can intervene in and over-ride "soverign country courts" - just see the court of human rights that often rule against a country. Interesting point - to sit on the EUCHR does not require a law degree - it is a political appointment - but it has legal powers. Says a lot!!

Thanks for that. Pity!!

All political parties have promised a referendum and then backed off holding it. I agree with Skyrad, I believe this is just to secure the next election, then there will be all sorts of reasons to delay, postpone or forget the promise. As a general queston, (and I dont know the answer and hopefully I have not mis-heard or mis-remembered) - why can't the 3 major parties be sued - like an american class action - for breach of contract? All parties had the referendum in their manifesto, and none have held them?

woof woof

Indeed, one of the "original" reasons that is touted publically for the Euro Zone is the world war scenario. But I think Civil war and un-rest are now far more likely than inter-country hostilities. Russia tried something similar - absorbing countries against their will. Eventually the people got tired and wanted their own identity and rebelled, and look at the chaos that came from that! You also cannot compare Europe to the USA, euro politicians have publically declared they want a U.S. of Europe to combat China's growth and financial strength - but as China's middle class expands (and communism falters), they will run out of steam and will be on a more even footing with the rest of us. Unlike the USA, which was founded by many diverse people who had fled / left old countries, Europe is trying to force a common identity (and a way of life (socialism)) on people that have very different cultures, personal ethics, work ethics, and traditions. Also, the original Europe project did not envisage a central goverment, un-elected leader, legal processes driven without consultation, corruption, accounts not signed off SINCE they were started, the list goes on and on. Each country in Europe is unique and special in their own way, and long may it continue. I (me personally! this is my viewpoint) do not believe that integration is possible. Hell, Greece workers currently retire at 55 - with only some of the workers contributing to their pension fund. UK workers currently retireat 67. Why should I (or anyone else in the UK or a different EU country) subsidise an early retirement for the Greeks? If I was a greek I would not easily accept a later retirement! Why should I? Why should I (as an UK citizen) expect the French, who have a fantastic Health Service, be prepared to boost the NHS which is, quite literally, creaking at the seams? And why should gypsies from other countries, who pay no tax, and do not contribute, come to the UK (or France or Germany or even Spain or one of the other more prosperous contries in the EU) with some of the most generous social care, come and take without repaying anything into the system? We already have towns in the UK that have more foreigners than English people - the EDL is attracting new members, the neo-nazi monement in Germany is rising! This way will force civil war onto the whole of europe! I hope that the EU collapses sooner rather than later - and we go back to a common market - which is what a lot of europeans want!

Absolutely agree. I recall reading, can't remember where, that one of the main purposes of the EU was wealth re-distribution, and to create a state geared towards socialism. It is not geared towards capitalism and wealth generation. Taxed beyond any reasonable level! I personally believe that any political system that is forced onto the population ultimately fails. And I believe that in the next 30 years, the population will start revolting, as they will want their own identity.

He comments in the YouTube link that he is hoping to get Brian Germaine to come to Seattle for a Canopy Flying course. Surely someone here knows the DZO at Seattle and can forward the link, with a suggestion that they have a strong chat to this bloke!

or try some winter gloves from your local golf store - winiter gloves are a pair (unlike summer which are either right or left handed and single), thin, warm and very grippy - as they hold onto a golf club even when wet!!!

On a similar topic, I jump at Ocana which is approx 2000 foot above sea level. I have been told my 260 Nav (I am a low number jumper) is the same as a 240 Nav at sea level. No reason to query it, just if you consider temp, maybe altitude above sea level needs to be considered?

Cool, one last thing, check with the hotel that they accept your card. I have seen some hotels (and restaurants) in Europe especially that will not take American Express. Visa and MasterCard is pretty universal - but AE....not as good. Also, your CC company will tell you how long the reserve will sit on your account. Enjoy your stay.

mostly a reserve is placed onto your plastic so that if you skip the hotel, they can recover your costs (as well as use your card details to identify you) in your absence. If you pay cash for the stay (normally taken up front) - you should be able to ask to either leave a cash deposit for incidentals, or you can stipulate that you will pay cash for your incidentals as and when you buy something (meals etc). Word of advice - you should probably look at taking at least 50% more than you anticipate in spending in cash, or you will probably have to use your cards. Also, check the exchange rates, and ask your uncle whether he will buy your dollars for local currency (or he might have a friend)- but DO NOT sell dollars to someone you don't know / have just met! You run a high risk of being arrested. Also, for HK, please ensure that your bags are clean - any trace of illegal substances (if you do dope or anything like this!) and you will be detained. The authorities are really strict on this.

Congrats from England. Lovely ladies - and both look very happy!!

Matt, Pleased you had a good time - and very pleased you are not going to give up. I actually did 8 mins tunnel time and my son did 12 mins. It def helped us, and got us used to the sensation and some of the "noise" of falling.

You go girl! Continue to enjoy, to learn, and to be safe!!!

Hey DJ, Where in Europe are you? The skydiving community is world wide - plenty of "not yet met" friends to have a beer with you! As for divorce, been there - lots of folks will tell you that it does get better.

EJ, welcome to the sky = or at least the ride up (so far - now jump!!!)! I detailed my AFF experience earlier this year - after I got over the initial sensory overload, the thing that scared me most was the harness failing. But I did a bit of research - and as fat as I am, there is NO WAY that I will break a harness that has been maintained. The load bearing factor of the harness is very great - and as you are really dinky then the harness should never fail. Learn the kit checks, trust the equipment, and enjoy the jumps! It is awesome!!!

As a parent who has jumped with his son (and there are a few here) - welcome - be safe - have fun - and buy your dad a lot of beer!

Yes, I posted a loooong story about my AFF - thanks for the compliment - geez - now I really hope you have a good experience. But hey - it will be whatever you make of it. Good luck - let us know how it goes. Cheers Ken