Phlip

I was very excited about moving to the area: I was going to be 20 minutes away from a DZ! I was looking for: -Friendly staff, -Friendly people, -Fun place to hang out after a full day of jumping, -To feel welcome, -The view, facilities and plane were not that important. What I found: -Nice landing area (although no set pattern), -They are very professional with the students, -Only a few jumpmasters and staff were smiling and full of energy, -Definitely not a family DZ, -Almost everyone leaves after the last load, -A lot of sad and bored people among the staff. Very frustrating to see that much unused potential... I really tried a few times, I am now driving two hours to get to the next DZ, and it's worth it.

OK, I just moved in Boulder a month ago from Hollister, CA... and I must say that Brush made me feel like home. It was worth every minute of the drive and I can't wait be be back next WE. If you want a DZ that is friendly, laid back, fun, and yet professional, you want to check it out. I just had a blast today and I had to share with you... Phlip

If on a long spot, the student starts to fly away from the DZ, I would correct the student quickly right away *before* getting on the ground. I am sure one can be talking on a radio for 2 seconds to say "turn around" while looking for other canopies. Too many instructions from the air are to be avoided though. I understand what you're saying: the radio is supposed to be for backup only. But it is also a tool that we can use to teach and/or help avoid injuries. To me using a radio is like using hand signals, although they are supposed to know how to open their chute at the correct altitude stable, sometimes they need a little help. They are supposed to know how to recognize the DZ and do a nice pattern, but sometimes they need a little help. Always give them a chance to learn... and then it's your turn to assist them. All that to say: limit radio communication from your canopy to a minimum, wait to be on the ground to assist more if needed. Why can't we use the radios as a teaching tool to reinforce a concept or avoid a mistake? My 2 cents... Phlip

I don't usually talk to my students when I'm under canopy... but once in a while a little: "turn 180 and come back towards the landing area" helps. Isn't putting the student back on the right track a situation where a "backup" would be needed? Phlip AFFI/TM

I got a paper gift for my Bday... a new freefly suit. I like the idea of having 2 pieces but first I wanted to know the pros and cons about it. Thanks Phlip

I completely agree. I wouldn't go somewhere if they charged me more for being female, so I wouldn't go somewhere where they charge me less. (No, I don't go to Ladies' Nights.) I am sure you could pay more if you feel like it. Opening a DZ is probably not the easiest thing to do, I am sure they'll appreciate a little support. Phlip

You don't see that the right way: it is not cheaper for the women, it is MORE EXPENSIVE for the guys, the right price for the women Anyway, I think this is awesome. Erika and myself are going to drive those 4 hours each way just to be with you for the opening WE. We will be at the farm tonight with our tent and our XXL hammock! See yall there Philippe

Congrats to both of you! I miss jumping with you guys Phlip

Chuteless... I think we all got it: France sucks, it is useless, a country of cowards, that really really really doesn't like USA, that usually don't make "right" decisions and above all think they are right and the rest of the world is wrong. USA is the perfect world, that always makes the right decision, doesn't understand why other country don't follow US's ideas because all we want is everybody on Earth to experience the American Dream the way we do. The reason why so many country don't support the US is because they are all against the US. It is obviously a given that the US is right. I believe that in order to have an interesting conversation one has to be willing to reconsider their opinion. If you are right and we are wrong then why do we keep talking? Phlip

Hey Andy! I miss you guys.... I can't wait to be back this summer

Every country has its own "way". It is a mix of history and culture that makes who we are today. The American way is unique because different from everybody else in the world. It is difficult to judge another country's way unless you've actually lived there for a while. You have to consider what they experienced and actually put yourself in their shoes for a minute. Everybody has the right to disagree with the US. So before we start bashing the Frenchs again why don't we look at history, culture differences and try to be openminded. Sorry guys, I'm just tired to always deal with people who think only US speaks the Truth. Phlip

Hey Beth! You better get done with AFF this WE so we can jump for fun instead of working all the time See ya Phlip

Since we're talking about this. Has anyone seen "the Gospel of John" which has been in the theater here in CA since last week? I though it was a pretty good movie. Interesting. How is Mel Gibson's film compared to "the gospel of John"? Phlip

Good question.... Here is another one: While driving your car, how many inches do you push on the brake pedal? Is it different for a rental car or is 2 to 3 inches about right for all the cars? My point is: there is no right answers, your instructors can only give you a ballpark / a starting point. Observation and experience will teach you how to adjust your flare depending on your speed, the ground and the type of canopy. 10 feet from your feet or your head... it doesn't matter, your goal is to land with your feet before your head touches to ground, right?. Sorry I cannot give you a better answer Jennifer

I was just reading the reviews... whatever its purpose is, it looks like a very good book. I think I'll buy it. Thanks for the tip!

yes... but poor kitty though...

Cool! I'm impressed, you guys are making my life so much easier... thanks

I feel so bad... But I kept the bad smell though

Good question: I guess something that goes well with food. Mainly white wine I believe since we will have chicken and pork. We would also like some red wine for the people who prefer. For the price, I don't want to spend $30 a bottle, but I want something good, not a $8 bottle. Phlip

Hey you drunk skydiver! I know you can help me I suck with wine (I know what kind of French am I??) . But I need to buy some white and red bottles for my wedding coming up in a few weeks. I don't like very sweet ones or wines that taste like fruit juice. I can only think of "Chateauneuf du Pape" right now for reference to the red wine. Any suggestions? Thanx Phlip

Thanks... now I'm blushing...

Hi Jennifer! Long time no see... Are you going to be around this WE? I can't believe I haven't jumped in a month!

well she is not coming because she wants to be out of debt in June... if she comes she will be out of debts in July... mmm

Yep, I'm getting married soon: One wedding in Florida (the real wedding) and one wedding in France for the family there. My bestman (who is a woman !) will go the Florida, but not France except if I pay for her plane ticket! Should I? should I not? You can also go take a look on http://www.geocities.com/jotassin Flip

Yeah! I'm just excited... so I had to share with someone Erika and I are gonna spend the WE in Skydive Monroe GA to see Meg, get some jumps and drink some beers there. Hopefully Erika will be able to get her reserve repacked... Anyone from Monroe who's gonna be here on Saturday? What time should we show up in the morning? Phlip