dkvkb

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Everything posted by dkvkb

  1. I agree totally. But even if there aren't any parties afterwards, just talking to them as you're walking in from a jump, or as you pass by them in the hangar makes them feel they are a part of the community. There's such a wide range of emotions & doubts when you first start jumping, and feeling like you don't belong is a huge part of that. I think most of us are so focused on planning our jumps (and rightly so), it's easy to overlook the new jumpers. And honestly, sometimes I haven't said something to someone because I'm wondering if I introduced myself to them three times already
  2. Hey Kate, Try recording the required sections and listen to them while you are working out or something. Just the act of reading out loud might help. I jump at Spaceland Dallas. Come jump with us sometime!
  3. I had someone who does alterations measure for me, and it turned out perfect. Also, I LOVE this helmet!
  4. Well, "him" is actually a "her", but
  5. Hang in there. Many of us have been sidelined because of injuries - minor or major. This forum helped me through a lot of it, as did a Facebook page for injured skydivers. Keep in touch, watch videos for encouragement, talk to your coaches and don't beat yourself up. Most people don't understand how we could get injured and still want to jump. This is a dangerous sport. But it is also life-saving for a lot of people. If you love it, and it sounds like you do, just learn from it, work with coaches & mentors and persevere. And find some good ankle braces and Van's:)
  6. What else does he/she know about the dz? I would definitely research that. This was my third jump at the dz where I started back in 2013 (I started over at a new dz after this). First 2 were tandems. I de-arched, tucked my legs and started spinning. He couldn't hold on to me. I continued spinning, pitched, and then had line twists. I should have cut away, but didn't. In this instance, 2 instructors might have helped. And the comments about the tunnel are great suggestions also. First solo jump copy 2.mp4
  7. Great to hear! Come to Skydive Spaceland Dallas and get your license and we'll jump together!!
  8. I started at 56! I just turned 60 and I now have 540 jumps, my B license and I am learning to freefly, which I absolutely love! You might have to work harder for it, but it will breathe new life into you! It changed my life and it will change yours also. I keep in shape by doing yoga and hiking. I try to jump 100+ times a year, which I think is important for us to keep in shape physically and mentally. Go for it! I haven't been here in a while. I just looked at my profile. Apparently I need to update that:)
  9. I haven't been on here for a while, but since I will always remember your post because I laughed so hard at a time when I was terrified, I thought I would do another follow up. I passed AFF, then SDU, now have my A license and working on my B license. I have 70 jumps and will try to do my 100th on my 57th birthday this month. My daughter is now jumping with me, and we have made numerous jumps together, one of which was Mother's Day weekend. Anyway, thanks for the laugh and the encouragement:)
  10. Exactly. I think sometimes we push ourselves to finish and forget why we started in the first place. So......I want to hear about your fun jumps and your flips, and I'll do the same. Those are my favorites also!
  11. I'm right there with you. I passed every level of my AFF the first time, did my solo and was feeling pretty good about everything. Yesterday, I started on my A License, and did ok (actually did one accuracy landing), but my exits were unstable, docking was good, tracking was ok, but not great, and I pulled late on all 3 jumps! I have never pulled late. If anything, I have always pulled early. I was feeling pretty discouraged, and then decided I would just do some fun jumps next time to relieve some of the pressure. Maybe you could think about something you have learned so far that you really enjoyed and just have fun for a few jumps.
  12. You were so right about the Levels 5-7. And I loved the front and back loops so much, I did the front loop in my solo dive. I can't wait to get back up there!
  13. I don't think I ever responded to this, but you are absolutely right. Each level and training prepares you for the next one. Once I realized that and quit thinking three levels ahead, I did much better.
  14. Just wanted to encourage you again to go for it. I have been working out, studying, etc., just like you, and I just passed the AFF. You can do it if you are committed to make it happen!
  15. So......I just passed Levels 3 & 4! Oh my gosh. I have come so far dealing with my fears. Level 3 was a bit of a challenge because it had been 3 weeks since my Level 2 jump, and all of those negative thoughts came back. But I did it and passed. Then on to Level 4. One instructor, and turns. Wow! It was so much fun and I was excited that I actually did it. I am feeling more comfortable flying the canopy with each jump. I still haven't landed on my feet, but I have landed safely each time. I can't wait to go back, and I'm going for it. Thanks again everyone!
  16. Wow! Thank you! I like the whole "tie your shoes" idea. I can't wait to get to that point. I thought I was going to go this weekend, but I guess I'll have to wait another week. I feel like a very impatient kid at Christmas:)
  17. Welcome Andrew! Sounds like you are on the right track. Hope you enjoy the sport for many years to come!
  18. Great advice! And I like the idea of being able to do more practice touches. I will definitely ask my instructor about that. Sure am hoping I get to go this weekend. I would really like to complete my AFF before the weather gets too bad. Or better yet, my A license:)
  19. Yes, you did tell me! I can't stress enough how helpful everyone has been and how the advice, encouragement, & sharing gave me the strength to move forward.
  20. Thanks! I'm still wondering why I couldn't find the handle, because I have been able to locate with no problems in the past and on the ground I go right to it. The only thing I can think of is that on the three tandems where I pulled, the handle was waaaay back there. That's my excuse, anyway. Definitely have to work on that one!
  21. Thank you!! Keep posting your progress. It helps me see the next step!