Skydivesg

You are correct in most of your thoughts. Many people do not want students to be wearing audibles because they want them to learn to use their eyes and visual altimeter to learn altitude awareness rather learn to depend on an electronic audilbe device. However I think it would be hard to argue against an audible set for 2,000 ft, 1,500 ft and 1,000 ft. At that point it's more about life saving awareness than altiude awareness. I just posted this on the other thread regarding higher AAD firing alitiudes: More and more people agree with this. The AADs today can be set for what ever hard deck the user/owner wants. I do know of some schools who set them 300 feet higher. It may or many not have helped these two people but unless you're John Sherman, it's becomig more and more difficult to come up with a sensible argument against the increased firing altitude. My guess is: after this incident more people will give greater consideration to doing the same thing. Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be. . Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

More and more people agree with this. The AADs today can be set for what ever hard deck the user/owner wants. I do know of some schools who set them 300 feet higher. It may or many not have helped these two people but unless you're John Sherman, it's becomig more and more difficult to come up with a sensible argument against the increased firing altitude. My guess is: after this incident more people will give greater consideration to doing the same thing. Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be. . Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

The diaper was attached to the canopy with one seam sewn down the middle of the diaper usually on the top of the tail in the normal center stitch line. That way it was in position to just be wrapped around the cocooned canopy and closed with the two rubber bands and 2 line bites. Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

Just curious: what was the impetus for the last minute change from Vigil to Cypres? Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be. . Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

You are very brave to admit that on this forum. Get ready for the shit that is about to be dumped on you. Newer jumpers often make the mistake of buying an ill fitting container in an effort to avoid the need to purchase another rig down the road. Most people average about 100 jumps per year. And since most experienced people will suggest that you make at least 3-500 jumps on a canopy before even considering downsizing means (if you do what is advised by the majority of people) this rig should last you close to five years. The problem seems to be: people who are planning their downsizing of canopies before they've even learned how to fly the brand new one they just got. There is a price we pay for everything we choose to do and that is never more true than in our sport. I truly hope your only price paid is the hassle of shoving that canopy in that too small of a bag and container. Good luck. .Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be. . Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

Just as an aside: one of the drills I use during my tunnel camps is to have each person fly with their hand placed firmly in the middle of the small of their back with palm up while compensating with the other parts of their body. They alternate hands. I make them stay on heading, on level, no forward or back, no potato chipping and no going head low. They spend the entire two minute flight flying like this with equal time spent on each hand (along with a couple other unusual attitudes). Once I've added this drill to the mix I ask them to periodically add this maneuver to various flights for a few seconds. I use this to build skill and confidence in that they can fly stable during a momentary problem while reaching for a handle. They always fly better while reaching with the right than with the left which is clearly visible during the video debrief. When I ask how many of them have ever had to pull their reserve while still in free fall [no cutaway - just a reserve pull] no one has ever raised their hand. I then ask how many times they have practiced pulling the reserve like they have their main and most respond with not many. And then the kicker question: If you are having a total malfunction and nearing your hard deck, how stable would you like to be during your reach for your last option to save your life. The room usually goes quiet. This may or may not fix your problem but it will certainly demonstrate which is your strong side for reaching. If you can - get to a tunnel and ask a coach to help you with this drill. But do not jump that rig again unless you can clearly demonstrate that you have been able to increase your reach through exercise and stretching - you change the BOC to the left side after ascertaining you have a better reach on the left or you've made alterations to the rig to compensate for this inability. Sometimes it's just smarter to get a rig that is more in line with your physical abilities. Good luck. Be smart. Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be. . Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

Your problem is pretty common in our sport today. The 348 is exactly the same size as the next size up (the 349) except the depth (or thickness) in the area of the main pack tray. The 348 is 5" and the 349 is 5.5". Visually the rigs look almost identical. When looking at the rigs side by side you almost have to use a ruler to tell the difference. But that 1/2 inch difference is why you are and likely will always struggle with bagging your main. The sizing chart shows the SA 170 as full fitting in the 348 and the 349 shows it as standard fitting. If you chose to put a full fitting reserve in as well, then that makes it even more difficult. Personally I think rigs with standard fitting size look much nicer and I know they're much more comfortable on your back and they certainly pack easier. There is also some debate about how the reserve deploys with two full fitting canopies inside the rig especially when deploying the reserve while the main is still in the container. Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be. . Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

I can't comment about informal LOs however, I load organize for a number of events and boogies around the nation. I just read the waiver for one of the largest DZs in the Midwest and it clearly lists load organizers along with owners, managers, BOD, officers etc. etc. [even volunteers are listed]. I've had several conversations with the attorney who wrote and updates this waiver. He told me that most people who attempt to bring suite never get past the first interview after the apposing attorney reads the notarized waiver. He also stated that he often gets calls from the other attorney who refused to take the case, complimenting him on such a thorough and well written document. Yes, it has been tested in court and was upheld. I have a copy of the document and am happy to know LOs are specifically listed in such an awesome waiver. Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be. . Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

Please tell us you were not still in free fall as you watched this. I mention this because I've seen that happen to some one so engrossed with someone else's mistake they forgot they too had not yet deployed. A need for distraction control exercises. Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be. . Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

Just a general response - not to any one in particular. I get asked all the time for my help in finding new jumpers used rigs. In almost every case I hear the same thing and also read similar posts on this site which goes something like this: "I've been looking for months and just can't find anything used that is appropriate for my size and experience." I know the typical advice by more experienced jumpers to new people is to "buy used" for all the obvious reasons and that may be good advice except for the fact that it's not easy to do . However, I suggest you ponder this. If you are of average build and weight (regardless of male or female) you may be better off buying new. If you are having trouble finding used gear then so are other people. I contend that decent used gear for noobies doesn't even get advertised because it get's sold regionally through networking. A newer jumper who has new gear jumps it for a year or two, puts the word out that they are ordering new gear and will soon be selling their 2 year old gear with a couple hundred jumps on it. The word spreads around the area like wildfire and they often have several people who will buy the used gear before they even get their newly ordered gear delivered. Win- win. If you get a new rig that is built for an average sized person along with appropriate sized canopies and instead of getting some atrocious personalized coloring scheme, you order colors with high resale value (colors that anyone would be willing to jump) then you can jump the new gear you desire and sell it to the next person who needs used gear. Obviously there is a huge market for used gear for new people which is why no one can ever find it when they try. Just my .02 Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be. . Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

Wow ! I just got back from my March camp at Skyventure Colorado. It is so much fun to see people progress from bouncing off the walls to controlled flight with amazing confidence. To see their faces go from extreme tension and concern to huge relaxed smiles while doing center point, cogging turns with me is the most rewarding thing I can imagine in this sport. My heart rate increases just thinking about it. . Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be. Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

25 mph is the upper end of my cutoff for wind- earlier if there are any ground obstacles that can create turbulence. When I do jump high winds, the direction has to be from a clear area of the DZ and beyond. Over the years I've discovered what I call sweet spots on our DZ when the winds are high - depending on the direction. Those are the areas that have the least amount of obstacle and terrain turbulence. It's often farther away than where most people like to land. But I figure if I can keep my legs working - I can afford to walk. But as Ian stated when the winds are high there can be unseen and unexpected turbulence due to a number of factors. Flying in high winds requires everyone to be on their best game and even then - you can still get bit. I jump a Velocity at 2:1 and it still feels the turbulence. I'll put my money with Ian's. Sometimes it's just better to sit on the ground. . Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

In all fairness that thread is so old (12 years ) it's likely time to discuss this again. There has been a lot learned and discovered in the last decade. Add to that - different types and sizes of canopies have different preferred pilot chutes. There's a lot more to it than just having the pc last longer. . Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

I understand the reason for wanting a freefly hackey which is what UPT calls theirs. I would like to jump a free fly pud because it is low profile and stays put. However I badly broke two fingers on my throw hand playing softball and now I can not completely wrap them into a decent fist. I've tried grabbing a pud with that hand and it just doesn't quite give me enough of the handle to feel good using one. I can do it if I concentrate on it at pull time but I would rather just reach, grab and throw without thinking about it. For those who are in a similar situation the Freefly Hackey makes perfect sense. It's easy to grab and because of the tab it says put (does not float like a normal hackey) and keeps any material from sneaking out of the pouch. As with all of our gear it's also very important to keep those pilot chutes and pouches maintained. . Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

It's really nice to see things are coming along and that you haven't given up in spite of all the road blocks. There are more people rooting for you than you can imagine. I look forward to jumping it someday. Sandy . Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

I've jumped several reserves over the years and I now own two OP 143s. I've flown the canopy about a dozen times (only one was an actual malfunction). The canopy is awesome with a very powerful flare. The fact that the low bulk material lets you jump one size up in your rig is a bonus. I have no idea why anyone would put any canopy in their rig before they demo jumped it first. Especially their last option to save their life. There really is no excuse for that in today's environment when you can simply go to a boogie and ask the canopy companies to demo their wares. Including the reserves. And the only cost is for the last pack job. And if you can't get to an event to do this then pick up the phone and call for a demo. For no more than $100.00 which covers the shipping and return inspection you can keep the canopy for two weekends and make as many jumps on it as you want. As for the additional comments about the TSO, I won't get into that other than to say I've had many conversations with several friends who were test jumpers and R&D folks for PD and I am more comfortable jumping an Optimum than any other reserve. . Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

I'd love to see a couple more questions before this goes too far (unless you guys don't think they should be in there). Do you set your own brakes? Pilot chute? Slider? Or does the price include the packer do it? . Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

Ok, thanks for the info. That will be too small for my friend. Good luck. . Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

There was a service bulletin which mandated bartacking some line attachements on the Swift Plus. It was sometime in the early to mid 90's. I know a rigger who did the sewing on some. He probably has the bulletins in his binder or you could contact the Guru - Dave Dewolf - I'm sure he'll know. That same rigger doing the bartacking swears that there are Swift Plus 200s out there. Not me. Him. Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

I have a friend looking to buy used gear. What was the height and weight of your husband? Click on my profile. There you will find my email address, send me an email and we'll move our conversation there. Or send me a PM. Sandy Grillet Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

I hear you on both accounts. I use to say 'my best tunnel experiences were when I was training with a team and getting the coaching.' But now I have to admit that even just doing an hour with a pick-up team the day before nationals is a great experience, especially when I can get my son to come in and give us some coaching. I'm actually still learning and it's partially what keeps me jumping after all these years. I now get great pleasure from coaching others in the tunnel and watching them make huge strides and improve right before my eyes in a matter of two and a half days. At my camp last weekend I watched one guy with the old Boxman style of flying (1990s) get to a modern 4/8 way style and by the end was doing some fantastic cogging drills with him. He's doing an 8 way team this year and wants to show up at their first camp with an improved flying style. He was so thrilled with his learning curve he's coming back for my February camp. I also helped a couple of younger jumpers with 50 and just over 100 jumps become so efficient they were doing verticals with each other while adding translating turns into the mix. I'm not sure who was more pumped at that - they or I. The trick is getting a slot! There's a certain set of camps in the UK that seem to sell out in about eight seconds flat I agree. It seems that people need to be in the inner circle about these camps and the ones who really need the help don't always know where or how to get in one. That's why Skyventure Colorado asked me to do some HFS load oragnizing for their annual summer boogie tour and then conduct HFS camps during the winter. As you said the camps are sometimes hard to find which is why I just increased mine to once a month for the rest of this spring. I still have three left but they're filling fast. When you've attended a camp other than the 4 way training what kind of drills did the coach use? BTW do you know Rob Jonson or big Evan from the UK? . . Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

HFS Tunnel Camps - Skyventure Colorado Feb 22-24 -- March 22-24 -- April 12-14 -- 2013 Learn the most efficient and current body position for Horizontal Formation Skydiving. Proper use of your legs - Center Point Turns - Side Slides - Translating Turns - Moving with Power and Stopping on a dime - Grip Management - Targeting - Vertical Transitions (aka burble hops) - Fast and Slow Fall - The Fastest way for getting up when low on a formation - Be strong in freefall and holding your ground - All the necessary skills to become a better skydiver and get asked on better loads and improve your 4 and 8 way skills. People have said 'the amount of learning in one weekend camp equals more than 200 jumps.' We just don't spend the time in the air perfecting these skills unless we use a tunnel. And it's imperative to use a coach who knows what to look for and how to give proper corrective feedback. Buy one hour of time and get 1 1/2 to 2 hours of flying by doing drills with other campers and sharing each other's time. Contact: Sandy Grillet - [email protected] - Send me PM on here or Facebook. Awesomeness is happening with or without you. Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

I'm not a moderator, those are the green names. I just pay for the Premier membership. But I think that you can list events like a tunnel camp in the Events & Places to jump forum, so long as they're special events and you don't list more than 4 months in advance. There's also the calendar of events: http://www.dropzone.com/calendar/ Oops my mistake. First one ever..... better make that in the past couple of hours. Thanks for the info. . Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

Do you check your entire reserve repack on every jump? How about the tightness of the swage on the reserve ripcord cable ball? Do you check the hardness of the steel in your three rings? Do you thumb test canopy fabric strength on each cell? Is there a pebble inside your ripcord cable housing? Is your leg strap webbing okay inside the leg pads? I make every effort to check my gear before donning it, including pulling on both ends of the reserve ripcord to check for foreign objects in the housing, my Vigil and everything else that is within my capabilities. Of the 360 jumps I made last year I'd wager I only failed in that task about 20 times. Which is when I ask someone I trust for a pin check. It's my life and the responsibilty for preserving it rests entirely on my shoulders. Please know and check your gear people. Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be. . Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

I agree with you. There are a lot of people who are always saying something similar to what you just said. They don't know about the camps unitl it's too late. As a moderator maybe you can answer this for me - we are not allowed to post anything about our future camps - right? Isn't that considered advertising? . Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.