Speer

Thanks to all, for the replies, suggestions, and encouragement. I certainly AM enjoying skydiving, and regret the forced sabbatical. Hopefully it will be short! Although my original post was directed, I suppose, to other newbies, I do not now, or in the foreseeable future plan to offer technical recommendations on either gear or tactics...hell I'm lucky to find my way to the DZ. And just so it's clear to other newbies like me...I do NOT consider suggestions received here as instruction (and I don't think they are usually meant that way). I do use the suggestions / descriptions of incidents / warnings etc. to form questions that I WILL ASK MY INSTRUCTORS about. I was, rather, speaking of a mindset that is equally applicable to most any endeavor. Once you have gotten a few repetitions of a task successfully under your belt, there is a human tendency to minimize the amount of concentration that is required to CONTINUE to perform well. The newer we are to a given task, the greater the impact of such a lapse will be (less "muscle memory"). I have been, and will no doubt continue to be perfectly happy flying big canopies... and I couldn't give a rats butt if that troubles anyone else. When my instructors suggest that I downsize, I'll be glad to do that too. Thanks especially to Bill V for all the insight and practical parameters that define an individuals position on the "Canopy learning curve". I continue to appreciate ALL the input, it helps to form the outline for my continued education. Fly Safe, Russ Generally, it is your choice; will your life serve as an example... or a warning?

Thanks Steve, Part of my over confidence was that I've been standing up all my landings except for three in my first four jumps, so I didn't expect this problem. I actually thought it was going to get harder when I transition to a slightly smaller canopy when I'm off student status, so I'm glad to hear you found it easier! As for nervousness, I think I have an appropriate "Awe" for the dangers I'm puposefully encountering. Just nervous enough to want to do everything right, but not so puckered as to miss the wonder and enjoyment on each dive. And of course the satisfaction is awesome. It may be a bit old fashioned, but, I also feel a strong sense of obligation to my instructors to do well. They are risking their lives to teach us a hazardous skill, and I do not take that lightly. I currently have some fantastic insructors, and I feel bad that I hinked up some basic procedures. I have had a lot of training over the years in many different arenas, mostly hazardous. The price of poorly learned lessons was high! If not immediately, then later when the cost might even be much higher. And you're right, the only way to advance, is to survive todays test. Russ Generally, it is your choice; will your life serve as an example... or a warning?

Hello All, Well, I'd hoped it would be some time before I posted anything about myself here...not to be. I had the opportunity to make several jumps last Wed & Thur. On Wed I made my first jump from A C-206, my first swooping & docking, and, my first jump with my own pack job... BEER! Thur I went back hoping to get the five jumps I needed to earn my "A"! First jump was a hop-n-pop from the Otter @ 3000'. The end result of that jump was a much less than perfect deployment, followed by a botched landing that culminated in a significant ankle strain (including lots of little bone fragments around the periphery of the ankle socket). No jumping now for awhile! Root cause was over confidence, Even at only jump #16. My Background: I'm almost 50 (read, lots of experience at learning how not to do things and wanting to change that), not overly aggressive (in my opinion for what thats worth) at hurrying through, not very concerned with what others think about me, strongly motivated to do it right, and very attentive to my instructors who know infinitely more than I do! My mindset about the dive: Given the choice by my instructor on type of exit, I chose Poised, over Floating, because I have been nailing all my poised exits perfectly!, while I had only done one floating exit previously. I felt very comfortable flying and landing the giant Manta (0.8:1) at our DZ which has some of the most stable winds imaginable. I really was not nervous about my proximity to the ground (I've read so much about many AFF students being spooked about it). The Reality: I was concentrating on the short count so much (reach to throw on two), that I totally puked the arch on exit...it was closer to a Mantis position. Although I did count, I must have started before I stepped out, because I was reaching to throw at just a few feet out the door! Combine PPP (piss poor position) with my failure to bring my left hand to the forward position as I reached to throw, and I started a turn to the right just as I pitched the PC. Bridle went over leg inside of right foot SHIT OH DEAR! A quick roll and kick rectified that problem, and a very mild, sweet opening followed. The ride down was nice, transitioning through a couple of wind direction changes between 2500' and my approach on final... Seeing that the winds were funky, I looked long and hard at the flags and wind sock. Although the winds were predominately out of the West (normal) I saw they were now changing to Northerly, which meant I wanted to land across the DZ the "narrow" way. Being the good little student who obeys my instructors, I flew a normal pattern parallel to the runway downwind, a quick 180 to avoid overflying the runway (even though the Otter was climbing to 13500' for the other jumpers), and then did a ~60 degree flat turn into the wind at ~ 70' and flew toward fence with plenty of room to flare... at the last second before touchdown I realized that my forward speed was higher than normal and I'd have to run it out... no big deal. As I reached_out_to_run, I realized my vertical speed was also higher than "normal" too! Not sure of what exactly happened in the next half second, but I believe I stiff-legged the landing with my left leg before rolling into a PLF... too late! I think I probably lost the wind at or near flare as I believe I had completed my flat turn high enough to let the canopy fully fly again. Bottom Line: I didn't spend enough time visualizing and concentrating on the steps of the dive that I was TOO COMFORTABLE with. Well, I just bought some more experience, and the price was actually low given the possible outcome of a bridle between the legs... Don't fail to concentrate on each step of the dive, just because you're comfortable with your performance so far... well, I guess this will give my son a chance to catch up with me on the march to "A", he's at 9 jumps. Geez, is this a novel, or at least a chapter? Fly Safe, Russ Generally, it is your choice; will your life serve as an example... or a warning?

That's Fantastic Don, Hope to copy you. It sure does feel great to share such an intense sport with your kids, doesn't it! I need 4 more jumps for my "A", and my boy needs 11...he's going to have some time to catch up to me... It's been somewhat of a tough week. Twisted my ankle bad last Thur on a hop-n-pop...so no jumping for awhile...and the computer died same time...now the sad owner of a new hard drive. All the best to you & your kids. Russ Generally, it is your choice; will your life serve as an example... or a warning?

Hi Scotty, and thanks for the welcome, You never can tell...my youngest daughter said no way (as did my two oldest daughters), but after watching my son & I jump a couple times, she did that Tandem... maybe your son might get curious as he sees your satisfaction! Godspeed on the "A"s. How many more jumps do you need to do? Is the weather keeping you on the ground? I was raised in Michigan, and sometimes miss the snow...but not much now that I'm jumping! Going to try to get in a few jumps tomorrow, winds permitting. Hello Grant, Yes, it is great to jump with family, and I'm hearing of more and more family groups who do. Sounds like your going to have quite a crowd, and your kids are fortunate to have parents that recognize the importance of shared family experience. I inferred from Scottyb's post that you have to be 18 years old to jump in Pennsylvania. Here in Calif thats pretty much in stone...a parent cannot release liability for their minor in this state, so no one will take them up...I know, I tried! Russ Generally, it is your choice; will your life serve as an example... or a warning?

Try not to spend too much time worrying. When you go through the First Jump Course, your instructor will take the time to make your instructions clear. Your instructor will also outfit you with a radio receiver, so that he/she can give you instructions while you are under the canopy. That, coupled with a docile student canopy, will make the whole task a lot easier than it sounds here. Bear in mind that I'm only a beginner myself (12 jumps), but that means I just went through what your contemplating...and yes, I did have concerns before the course. That is not only reasonable, it is prudent. It is a good thing to place enough importance on the course material that you strive to understand and fix in your mind what you need to do before you jump. Read the posts, contemplate the answers, and when you go through the First Jump Course, a lot of the class will actually be a review for you. Good Luck, and keep us posted Russ Generally, it is your choice; will your life serve as an example... or a warning?

Congratulations Buzz, to you and all the staff. I know the boys are going to be in good hands! I appreciate the fantastic job Skydive San Diego have done teaching my son and I. Having jumped with yourself, Andy, Greg, Adam, and Jen (should I say Bo?), I can attest first hand to the positive learning environment there. Good mix of instruction, positive re-enforcement, honest critique, suggestion for improvement...and big smiles! Hope to see you guys tomorrow... Thanks, Russ Generally, it is your choice; will your life serve as an example... or a warning?

Whoa! Sorry if I put some confusion into my earlier post...most unintended.. I am not now, nor have I ever been a SEAL... I would still trade one of my nuts to even be allowed to attempt it. Lord knows there are already enough low life liars out there claiming to SEALS! Ironic, but to quote some of the lyrics from your PF graphic, I "trade(d) a walk-on part in the war, for a lead role in a cage" (Southeast Asia Period, remember, I'm an old fart). I have had the honor of spending some quality time with members of the SEAL community, as well as operators from other groups, and I have nothing but the greatest respect and admiration for them. And yes, most of the professionals I have known have a unique perspective that can provide a foundation for, shall we say, interesting entertainment. I would also add, that they are usually some of the most respectful guys you'll ever meet. I suppose that is often the result of living a life where confidence is acquired by setting goals, hard work, application to the task at hand, and not looking for some lame ass wannabe excuse to explain your own personal failure to achieve. Much as I perceive the environment here in skydiving...no room for bullshit...not more than once anyway. Finally, I do have a wild side, but it is safely secure and held in reserve, in case I ever need it. Reality has been almost wild enough... Russ Generally, it is your choice; will your life serve as an example... or a warning?

AFF. Bought a jump for both my son (his 18th B-Day) and myself. Might have considered S/L, but not really offered or advertized here in So Cal any more. Wasn't really interested in going for a ride, so Tandem wasn't much of a temptation, although my youngest daughter did Tandem to see what younger brother and dad were so excited about. Russ Generally, it is your choice; will your life serve as an example... or a warning?

Welcome to the forums, and enjoy your upcoming trip to the States. If you get the chance, there is also some great winter jumping weather on the west coast. I suspect there are more than a few of us tea drinkers here... many of the younger crowd probably can't handle the funny looks that tea drinkers seem to get occasionally here in the colonies. I, on the other hand, couldn't give rat's butt whether someone else approves. Not that I dislike coffee (if it has enough cream and sugar), but I prefer to save it for the times I need to stay awake (a 6oz cup will jack me up about as well as a Dexamil). Russ Generally, it is your choice; will your life serve as an example... or a warning?

Are you a fan of PF, or do you just like the picture? If I'll fit in because you think I might be a "Crazy Diamond", I'm flattered... Russ Generally, it is your choice; will your life serve as an example... or a warning?

Hi I'm new to the sport (12 jumps), and also live in the greater LA area (Ontario). I have not yet jumped at either Perris or Elsinore, although I have heard great things from people who have, and I intend to visit them both after obtaining my "A" license. I chose to drive to San Diego for training for both my son and myself, and I cannot say enough good things about the experience there. The "Skydive San Diego" dropzone is a fantastic place to learn, and the staff is excellent. I became aware of the school there through jumpers in the Navy who highly recommended it. I also decided that the very consistent winds (almost always out of the WSW) made for less variables during the initial training phases. Bottom line, you live in the general vicinity of several great dropzones. Counting the two at Taft, and Lompoc, you have six within reasonable distance. Don't know exactly what part of the LA area you live, but check them out and make a choice. I'm willing to say the only regret you'll have is not having done it sooner...the satisfaction of meeting a significant challenge is quite rewarding! Also, read through the various forums, the education you'll receive is amazing. A lot of the posts will make more sense after you go through a "First Jump Course". This site is full of experience and wisdom, imparted to all us newbies by those who have done it, or had it happen to them. If you come to San Diego, I'm sure we'll meet. If you jump elsewhere, we'll probably still meet, cause I'm going to jump the other DZ's as well. Good Luck in the choice, Russ Generally, it is your choice; will your life serve as an example... or a warning?

Thanks Don, If the book keeps getting better, I'll keep reading. Russ Generally, it is your choice; will your life serve as an example... or a warning?

Hello Mark, What a fantastic way to not only commemorate the wedding, but to start a family activity and create a bond in the beginning of a "new" family! Sounds like you're a lucky "adoptee". We will visit your DZ after we get our "A"s. Our last jump together two weekends ago, we were driving by Elsinore near twilight, and you guys had just deployed from a big way...must have been 25 to 30 canopies in close proximity. What a beautiful sight! There was one canopy high...at the time I was wondering if it might be you? You do shoot film don't you? Oops, after going back to look, your profile says you don't shoot film...somehow I infered from early on in my lurking that you did...must have been regarding some pictures you were posting. And woe is me, just got off the phone with the DZ...winds way too high to jump...at least I saved the two hour drive down there. Russ Generally, it is your choice; will your life serve as an example... or a warning?

Yes, we're having a great time! And I believe I know just how you feel about the wait to jump with your son. I have been waiting to do this a long time. My son has been impatiently waiting since about the same age as your son is now. I introduced him to the SEAL community when I took his Cub Scout troop to the training center, and have had him back numerous times (he even did his Eagle Scout project there). His steadfast, oft repeated declaration to become a SEAL, and jump, no doubt prepared his mom for the recent occasion of his first jump.. (there for awhile, when he was younger, I had to sleep with one eye open). Don't know if he'll follow through with the SEAL ambition or not, but we are having great, sharing, quality times now! I just got back from dropping him off at school, and you should have seen the look on his face when, seeing my log book, he realized I was going to jump while he was in school... I did take him to the Las Vegas Flyaway tunnel last year for a taste, and he has been on this site a couple times only. Just this morning on the way to school, I was encouraging him to read the forums for all the great learning it offers... Got to go, DZ is a two hour drive!!! Russ Generally, it is your choice; will your life serve as an example... or a warning?

Yes it is a great site, and I also have a couple kids who want no part of exiting an airplane that is anything other than parked. My wife will occasionally go to watch, as will my youngest daughter who finally did the tandem after watching us a couple times. Although the wife was interested in jumping years ago, she never mentioned it till after we had kids, and then there was no way she was going chance having our kids lose both parents... My two oldest daughters think we're all crazy, and the wife wasn't too happy when my youngest daughter decided to jump either. And as far as being a great Dad? well I wanted it as bad as he did, so I can't take too much credit. Russ Generally, it is your choice; will your life serve as an example... or a warning?

Greetings all. I have been studying here for about two month now, and have learned quite a bit (mostly how little I know). Figured I should at least acknowledge how much help the contributors here have been, and express my appreciation. I bought my son, Eric, the AFF course for his 18th birthday, and since I feel obligated to lead the way, well, here we are, learning together! We are very fortunate to live where (So Cal) the weather allows us to jump year round (I did make two jumps a month ago at 7 and 5 degrees F exit temp...chatter-chatter). First jumps were at the end of October, and now a little over half way to "A". Thanks to DZ.com for the environment they have provided, likewise to all of you contributors that have expanded my knowledge base. And, I want to publicly say how much I appreciate the staff at Skydive San Diego...they have been nothing short of phenomenal! While I take full responsibility for my own actions, I have been confident as I entrusted two of my children to their care (my youngest daughter, Shannon, just had to see what younger brother and dad were so keen on, even after she had declared she would never jump out of an airplane!...she did a tandem). Anyway, hope to make jump number 13 (and then some) tomorrow if high winds don't keep me on the ground. This has been a great new chapter in my life, the skydive community is awesome, and I'm enjoying what is quite arguably the ultimate Father / Son / Daughter experience! Russ Generally, it is your choice; will your life serve as an example... or a warning?