rohicks

Members
  • Content

    107
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Feedback

    0%

Posts posted by rohicks


  1. On 8/17/2022 at 8:48 AM, Robbybiscuit said:

    I'm sure this topic has already been beaten to death, but I'll bring it up again...

    I'm a new skydiver with about 35 jumps. I've been doing almost all my jumps with either a PD or Icarus Student 240 canopy. I'm not having any issues with my landings and have been flying the canopies as about aggressive as you can for a 240 (hard steep turns, diving 360's, doing pull ups on the front risers to get it to dive, rear riser landings, etc.) My only real complaint is that the flares on both canopies feel really weak, especially with the Icarus student.

    I just purchased my first rig, which has a 210 Sabre 3. My exit weight right now is right around 205-210. 

    With all that being said, is going straight from a student 240 to a 210 Sabre 3 too big of a downsize at once???

    Any information is greatly appreciated.

     

    Barring knowing you and how you perform you're going to be fine. Basically the exact same thing I did with exact weight and specs. Only difference between us is I waited until B license and around 50 jumps to buy my first rig—wings with a 210 pilot sized for a 190. Still have it and jump it and I'm around 180 jumps. Take your time with your first rig and learn it in and out.


  2. 5 hours ago, sfzombie13 said:

    if said tandem instructor was 20, and it takes 3 years being a skydiver to get a tandem rating (it does in the us), then most definitely at least one rule was broken since you can't start skydiving until age 18.

    No one has confirmed his age yet. Looks can be deceiving so let's not assume anything yet. He could be in his 20s or early 30s.

    Maybe someone should write into the Parachutist Mag inquiring about this to the editor. Maybe that'll get some eyes on it or make some noise if nothing else comes of this?
    https://uspa.org/p/Submissions/Submit-Letter-to-the-Editor


  3. 1364029879411494912Thoughts?

    1364029879411494912Video from barstool sports. Couldn't find the full clip anywhere else online as it just aired tonight. This shows the end of the turn and the hard landing.

    1364029879411494912https://twitter.com/barstoolsports/status/1364029879411494912

    Article describing the incident as a sort of play by play thing.

    https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/14132497/bachelor-matt-james-rachael-kirkconnell-tears-skydiving-crash-hometown/

    Quote

     

    Emergency medical personnel were rushed to the scene after the reality contestant fell too hard for Matt during tonight’s hometown dates but ultimately was okay.

    The Bachelor's Rachael was hurt while crashing during a skydiving accident

     

    The Bachelor’s Rachael was hurt while crashing during a skydiving accidentCredit: ABC

    Rachael Kirkconnell crashed hard in a skydiving accident during hometown dates

     

    Rachael Kirkconnell crashed hard in a skydiving accident during hometown dates

    Matt James ran to be next to Rachael's side following the scary incident

     

    Matt James ran to be next to Rachael’s side following the scary incidentCredit: ABC

    Rachael remained motionless on the ground after crashing

     

    Rachael remained motionless on the ground after crashingCredit: ABC

    Final four Rachael along with 24, Michelle Young, 27, Bri Springs, 24, and Serena Pitt, 22, had their families meet the ABC leading man for hometowns. 

    Instead of flying to each city as traditionally done in the past, select family members were flown to the Pennsylvania resort the show is filming at this season due to Covid protocols. 

    Before the big meet and greet, Matt and his remaining ladies were taken out for meaningful dates. 

    Rachael left her adventurous outing a secret, as she blindfolded her man and drove him to the undisclosed location. 

    After arriving at a waiting plane, Matt flashed a huge grin and gushed: “I’m stoked that she would even consider something like this for a date, because I think this is the perfect date.”

    Rachael appeared to have no nerves about taking the 12,000 foot plunge

     

    Rachael appeared to have no nerves about taking the 12,000 foot plungeCredit: ABC

    The couple fell 120 MPH to the ground from 12,000 feet high in the sky

     

    The couple fell 120 MPH to the ground from 12,000 feet high in the skyCredit: ABC

    Matt admitted to being 'nervous' about going skydiving

     

    Matt admitted to being ‘nervous’ about going skydivingCredit: ABC

    The couple then flew up to 12,000 feet high in the sky along with their tandem instructors as they free fall down to the Earth at 120 MPH – where their parachute would open at 5,000 feet.

    “Matt, if I die, I’m glad I’m dying with you,” she said with a smile before the jump. 

    Though Rachael appeared to be fearless, Matt admitted to being “a little nervous.”

    They both decided to take the plunge and Rachael held up heart signs with a huge smile as Matt put his thumbs up for the camera. 

    Matt successfully landed and seconds later, the brunette beauty was supposed to follow his lead but it appeared her parachute got caught up in some wind right before touch down.

    The couple gushed they were 'literally falling for each other' during the drop

     

    The couple gushed they were ‘literally falling for each other’ during the dropCredit: ABC

    Matt and Rachael flew side-by-side during their skydiving date

     

    Matt and Rachael flew side-by-side during their skydiving dateCredit: ABC

    Just feet above the ground, Rachael's parachute began spiraling

     

    Just feet above the ground, Rachael’s parachute began spiralingCredit: ABC

    Rachael is then seen crashing into the grass field as she and her tandem instructor flip over repeatedly on the ground. 

    Emergency responders on standby along with Matt and producers run to Rachael’s side as she stayed motionless on the ground. 

    A worried Matt asks Rachael if she’s alright, to which she responds her “back is killing her” with a mouthful of grass. 

    “Ow, ow, ow,” she said as he helped her up before sitting on the ground to comfort her further. 

    Rachael and her instructor flipped multiple times during their crash landing

     

    Rachael and her instructor flipped multiple times during their crash landingCredit: ABC

    Rachael laid motionless on the ground ad said her 'back was killing her'

     

    Rachael laid motionless on the ground ad said her ‘back was killing her’Credit: ABC

    Matt, producers and medical help rushed to Rachael's side

     

    Matt, producers and medical help rushed to Rachael’s sideCredit: ABC

    He then told Rachael: “The last thing I was expecting was to see you spiraling down like that. 

    “It’s a different feeling when you’re falling in love and that person’s potentially, like, really hurt. 

    “And the thought of losing you set in in that moment. I was like, damn we’re just getting started. I didn’t realize how strongly I felt until something like that happened to you.”

    Fortunately, Rachael appeared to be okay and the two went on to meet her parents and sister. 

    Though her dad, Darrell, raised some concerns over the quickness of the relationship, saying it’s not “realistic” to expect a proposal so soon, Rachael insisted she was “different.”

    Rachael broke down in tears as she talked about the pain of her fall

     

    Rachael broke down in tears as she talked about the pain of her fall

     

     


  4. On 6/29/2019 at 2:36 PM, rugbyfan89 said:

    yea, right now sized a rig for a 170 main that can hold up to a 190 and will hold a 190 OP reserve. I'm jumping 210s right now and will be right on the downsize train to 190 by the time this thing gets made and delivered. So planning this rig to be my ride for a good while. I'm not trying to jump a napkin into the swoop pond any time soon... or ever. I enjoy the freefall... not trying to worry about landings. 

    The obvious answer is your instructors know you and your skill level and you should ask them. I personally think your suggestions are maybe a little aggressive. Others might disagree or back me up. I'm coming up on 160 jumps and I'm still on a 210 pilot that I downsized into coming off my A license. It puts me right at 1:1 or just a tad under pending what I eat and my activity level that month. I have the skill level to downsize into a 190 at the present time, but I'm not going to just yet because I only jump a few times a month (and the money isn't there). I bought my rig a couple of years ago close to my B license and it's sized for a 190/190. Take that for what it's worth.

    • Like 1

  5. Read this article in the Wall Street Journal this morning and thought it might be worth a discussion for our community to see what people think about this topic. Not sure if this belongs in this forum or the speaker's corner. Mods move if needed, please.

    Original article - https://www.wsj.com/articles/can-a-facebook-post-make-your-insurance-cost-more-11552915222
    Without the paywall - https://outline.com/sgtDcg

    Quote

    Can a Facebook Post Make Your Insurance Cost More?

    Did you document your hair-raising rock-climbing trip on Instagram? Post happy-hour photos on Facebook ? Or chime in on Twitter about riding a motorcycle with no helmet? One day, such sharing could push up your life insurance premiums.

    In January, New York became the first state to provide guidance for how life insurers may use algorithms to comb through social media posts—as well as data such as credit scores and home-ownership records—to size up an applicant’s risk. The guidance comes amid expectations that within years, social media may be among the data reviewed before issuing life insurance as well as policies for cars and property.

    New York set a high bar, requiring insurers to prove that any social-media data used in underwriting is actuarially justified, logical for use and doesn’t unfairly discriminate against certain customers.

    “We’re going through a period now where most life insurers are exploring using all types of data, not just data they get directly from the customer proactively, but other external sources of data—social media being a big one,” said Ari Libarikian, a senior partner at McKinsey & Co. in New York.

    He anticipates that some day, underwriters will assess potential customers with automated reports based in part on their social media use. “It’s here to some degree and it’s coming in the next couple of years,” Mr. Libarikian said.

    Below, insurance and data experts offer insight and advice:

    If I post photos of potentially risky behavior, will my life insurance premiums go up?

    The time and effort to monitor an applicant’s online presence can be costly, so few if any insurers are doing it yet in detail or at scale, says Jacques van Niekerk, chief executive of Wunderman Data, a unit of WPP Group . To spend resources figuring out that a policyholder went to Saint-Tropez and paraglided without a helmet for purposes of boosting a premium rate “could be bad and misguided,” he said.

    What should I avoid posting on social media?

    Given how digital histories can linger, people should go easy on photos of risky behavior such as smoking and instead play up boasts about healthy activities, like recent cycling trips or marathons, said Mike Vogt. He is executive director of data and analytics for SPR, a firm whose services include using artificial intelligence and social media accounts to help insurers process claims.

    “Paragliding, ice-climbing, riding a motorcycle while drinking a beer: They are a little over the top, but honestly, I’ve been surprised at what people post,” he said. “That history never goes away, even if you remove the post a few hours later.”

    Could my digital habits help my insurance costs go down?

    Some life and car insurers are exploring whether consumers will share real-time health or driving data. Remember, a life insurer who took blood and urine samples already knows a lot about the customer. To develop friendly relationships, some insurers are offering perks like gift cards in exchange for reaching milestones in exercise and providing details about sleep. “If you live a healthy life, why not share that?” Mr. van Niekerk said.

    However, such sharing isn’t for everyone and some privacy experts caution against trading personal data for perks.

    In the future, social media data and other information sources could make life insurance cheaper and less of a hassle to secure. “What if you didn’t have to go to the doctor and give blood?” Mr. Libarikian said.

    On the car insurance side, many people are using mobile apps that track their driving habits, such as how often they slam on the brakes. “Consumers are going to get more and more benefits offered to them—like reduced premiums or better risk advice,” Mr. Libarikian said, “if they share some of their data on social media or elsewhere.”

    How are insurers using social-media data right now?

    Some insurers are using social media in handling claims. Insurers can check explanations of auto claims against Facebook testimonials about an accident. And they could challenge disability claims if posted photos from a ski trip, for example, contradict an impairment or illness.

    What is holding back the use of social media in underwriting?

    The technology to study individuals’ social media accounts to make underwriting decisions is underdeveloped but likely inevitable, consultants and data scientists say. “We know that underwriting is the next big thing” to mine online postings, SPR’s Mr. Vogt said.

    But until and unless the technology is perfected, it generally isn’t cost-efficient for insurers to assign staff to look at Facebook pages and tweets. Verifying identifications on social media, tracking oft-changing accounts and converting the information into usable, predictive data isn’t yet scalable or cost-effective, companies said.

    Also, insurers aren’t yet confident that information from social media is better than traditional sources, such as answers to questions on applications, prescription-drug databases and blood and urine samples—though ultimately it could be easier and cheaper to get.

    Do privacy settings help?

    Yes, industry consultants say. Review the privacy settings on each social-media account, making sure posts are only shared among your selected network. Untag yourself from photos other people post, and ask friends not to tag you in the first place.

    Ultimately, though, experts warn that if you lead an unhealthy life, your insurance company will figure it out the old-fashioned way, by asking questions and taking blood and urine samples.

    8
    8

     

    • Like 1

  6. Anyone at your level will always get the response "ask your instructors," when asking this type of question. It's not meant as a shitty or snobby response to you. They know you better and have a better idea of what you could handle at this level. All these questions you're posing and pondering on here could be easily answered by someone who has coached you and seen your progression in person.

  7. I'm a small time jumper compared to most people here, but I've been jumping my wings from mid to late 2014. Not had any issues with mine. I had it designed for a 190/190. I pack a pilot 210 and smart 190 in it. I like it and it's the only rig I've owned to date. I plan to keep it for a long time and customized it with that in mind. The latter was a major reason why I decided to buy my first harness new instead of used. I've not had a reserve ride on yet so no comments there.

    It was a great price and that definitely factored into my decision. I got it fully loaded with options, custom fitted to me, and designed for $2,100 (that includes a 50% off gift certificate on the harness price).

    I know of a lot of people that jump them including some of my friends. As gowlerk has been saying, you're fine.

  8. catfishhunter

    My son who is almost 12 thinks he is hilarious, and his apology and videos on suicide are sincere and very welcomed by those that have been touched by suicide.



    Not going to tell you how to parent, but... ugh... I would absolutely restrict access if I found out my kid was watching this asshole.

  9. Rover

    Harden up cupcake - it was the same shit when I started 36 years ago. I was never the most popular kid in the class, but I'm the last one standing.

    Get over yourself and get on with it.



    I agree with Rover ^. Harden up a bit snowflake.

    skyfox2007

    Mile-Hi



    I started jumping at Mile-Hi a year ago when I moved to Denver and I call BS on your claim. It's one of the more welcoming dropzones I've jumped at. They do "no-pro sessions" once a month where jumpers under 200 jumps get free coaching and organizing to work on whatever they want. In fact, they had the last one of the year yesterday (10-29-17 - https://www.facebook.com/events/1301948916583757/). So ya... I call bs on your claims. Dramatic and sensationalized IMO.

  10. jumpsalot-2

    ******
    When falling head down, the peak high pressure area is under your head, and peak low pressure area at your feet. The AAD is halfway between, in a "neutral area".



    Ok of course no problem. I hadn't been clear on what you were objecting to. I was just using 750 and 1000 as simple approximations, rather than arguing numbers in between.

    Clearly the pressure behind on object in freefall will be lower. And higher on front, eg highest at the stagnation point. For an AAD inside a skydiver's rig, with the skydiver on his back, I'm not sure just what the pressure will be -- due to the large size and volume of the pack, the pressure increase at the sensor might be a fair bit less than at the stagnation point itself.

    In any case we don't know exactly what sort of pressure changes exist at the AAD sensor in different body positions.



    This sounds like a case for Myth Busters ......... ;)

    http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/mythbusters/about-this-show/mythbusters-submit-a-myth/

  11. That seems pretty aggressive. At least to the route I took. My exit weight is 200 plus or minus a few pounds pending the week.

    Jumps 1-11 I was on a 260

    Jumps 12-50 on a 240

    Jumps 51-70 on a 220

    Jumps 71-present I am now jumping my own rig built for a 190/190 but using a 210/190 in it. Which puts me at .93 wing loading.

    Also just because you can stand up a landing doesn't mean you should be downsizing. Talk with your instructors and S&TA.

  12. This has been tried before.
    https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/get-it-back-canopy-recovery-system

    I also started a thread on this subject awhile back for a kickstarter project I found that could potentially work as a recovery system.
    http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=4656657

    And here is another thin tracking device.
    https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/trackr-bravo-the-thinnest-tracking-device-ever--2

  13. zoobrothertom

    ******In general, digital altimeters are not recommended to jumpers with little experience, because you actually have to read the number it shows instead of just looking at the position of the needle on an analog. This means that you need a far better awareness and it might take more time too. I would recommend you to keep using an analog altimeter till you got at least 100+ jumps, preferably more, then get a viso2, that's at least what i'm using and i love it.



    I disagree. It's different for everyone. Try a viso2 out at your dz, and see if you like digital or analog. If you do then buy it. I was using mine before 38 jumps and I know of some DZs that were using them with their AFF students. Wasn't there an article in Parachutist about it sometime in the last 2 years? I'd have to check my issues.

    I disagree with your disagreement! ;)

    On your next jump, note someone close to you in the dive plan who is wearing a digital altimeter and note their altitude checks. In my limited research (as in limited to about 70 seconds each time), I have watched people take as long as 2~3 seconds to check their altitude as they totally defocus from the dive and basically go blind intensely focusing on their digital altimeter.

    It's even more fun to watch on a casual Saturday 10 way belly jump with a few low time jumpers wearing digitals! :S

    Yes, some jumpers with digitals are assuredly a little quicker than others but I have yet to see someone with an analog take more than a quarter (.25) to half (.5) a second to check their altitude. This is with a wrist mount or a chest mount. The chest mount is usually the quickest, especially if anchored over your chest strap buckle on the left side to prevent "flopping" in the wind. Also, it's a rather handy position come cutaway time for your next (or first) malfunction.

    The added bonus of an analog altimeter is other people can see it too. It keeps them in the dive instead wrist flipping every few seconds.

    Just my 2 cents. :)
    Was in BlueSkies mag not parachutist. My bad here is the link.

    http://blueskiesmag.com/2013/04/02/digital-altimeters-for-students/

    Quote

    Conclusion: Digital altimeters can be used for students with great success. We see no particular reason to use only analog altimeters for students.



    Try them both out and see what you like better. For me the digital was much easier to read, more accurate, and more convenient. I've seen a lot of fellow jumpers have their analog dials stick while climbing. Maybe I'm the minority of relatively new jumpers, but i check altitude pretty frequently. Most of the people I jump with around my jump experience and at my DZ seem to do the same. Only con about it for me is the batteries that VISO2 seems to eat up fast. Maybe mine is power hungry, but I believe I'm already on my 3rd set of batteries with around 60 jumps logged on this specific device. Easily avoidable if you keep on top of it; i keep a dozen batteries in my helmet bag at all times.

  14. Absolut

    In general, digital altimeters are not recommended to jumpers with little experience, because you actually have to read the number it shows instead of just looking at the position of the needle on an analog. This means that you need a far better awareness and it might take more time too. I would recommend you to keep using an analog altimeter till you got at least 100+ jumps, preferably more, then get a viso2, that's at least what i'm using and i love it.



    I disagree. It's different for everyone. Try a viso2 out at your dz, and see if you like digital or analog. If you do then buy it. I was using mine before 38 jumps and I know of some DZs that were using them with their AFF students. Wasn't there an article in Parachutist (corrected to BlueSkies Mag) about it sometime in the last 2 years? I'd have to check my issues.

  15. gowlerk

    The point is that a loaded V3, Talon, Javelin, Icon ect with go for a list price of around $3000. No one pays that much for a Wings. Almost no one pays list for any container, but available discounts aren`t usually that high. In the end you got a $2400 container for $2045. It`s still a good deal, but not as good as you think.

    No one should buy a container without checking out what is available and seeing the products up close with someone who know all the features and drawbacks.


    The point I was making was that savings is savings. I personally don't care how it's done, or in the manner in which it's applied to the product, or how much. I'll take it and be grateful for it. B|

  16. gowlerk

    Wings discount applies only to the base price and not the options, you don`t end up saving that much cash. Most containers can be had for somewhat less than list price if you talk to a dealer. Wings are ok, but you get what you pay for. There are better built and better designed products available.
    (I`m not slamming Sunrise, if you end up choosing Wings that`s fine too.)



    Isn't saving money the same no matter how it's done? I got 50% off the base price on my container from Wings which knocked a good 1k off the price. Got 1K knocked off then loaded it up with 1K worth of options. I see that as a huge savings because without it I wouldn't of been able to get the type of container I did with the options. I'm pretty sure the OP won't have a problem getting some sort of discount with whoever the OP goes with being in the military.

    To be exact... I saved 1,075 off the base price. My final price came to 2,045.95 which would of been 3,045.95. I consider that a hell of a savings whether it was on the base price or not.

  17. Rover

    What a load of melodramatic crap. [:/]

    Quote

    It would be the first time in five years of skydiving that he’d needed to cut away, but hey, there was a first time for everything. Besides, part of him was excited to see what it was like. He closed his eyes to better focus and shoved his hand up from his hip to grasp the cutaway handle



    :S Looking might work!

    ***The canopy malfunction had been so violent that it had yanked the cutaway handle upward. It was stuck between him and Shirley, and he couldn’t reach it. Worse, the other cutaway handle was blocked by her body.


    Excuse my ignorance - but what system has 2 cutaway handles - or is this an indication to the research done by the journalist!

    Full of 'my life flashed before my eyes' bullshit. My 11 year old son could write an article better than this.

    Sorry it wasn't worth your time.

    Make it worth Dave's time and donate to help him out.
    https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/0635/david-hartsock-s-fundraise

    It was worth my time, and I'll send a few bucks his way.

    This was probably my favorite part of the article.
    Quote

    As for the fateful jump, bring it up and Dave is matter-of-fact. “I did what I felt was necessary for taking care of my student,” he says. “To me, that was the most important thing, making sure Shirley got down safely. My thoughts about whether I was going to survive took five seconds. I thought, if we do it this way, I’ll either get killed or paralyzed from the waist down.” He pauses. “And I’m like, O.K., I can live with that.”