bibliwho

As a new jumper I'm having a hard time visualizing what step throughs, flip throughs, etc. look like. There's a photo here, but it's a little hard to tell exactly what's going on: http://parachutistonline.com/safety_training/keep_an_eye_out/step-through-malfunction Anyone else have any photos that might help?

Simplest method, maybe -- Stake in center, 32 foot string/ or rope, make line taut, walk in a circle w/ a can of spray paint. Home improvement stores will have washable paints, spray chalks, etc. that should wash off in the event that your DZ doesn't want you filling the landing area w/ circles everywhere. Happy landings

There's a podcast (still active I think) called Jump Twenty-Six geared specifically for the newer skydiver. Fear was the subject of a long interview with Brian Germain, a well-known canopy instructor. There's some interesting stuff there that you might find helpful. Very first podcast in the series: http://jumptwentysix.libsyn.com/ On jump 24 and not so much afraid as still full of thoughts on the ride up along the lines of, "Why the fuck am I doing this again??" Lots of brain lock too when the dive flow has more than two freakin' elements. Ugh. But powering through. Shooting for a little better each jump.

I'm 51 and just a few jumps away from my A license after only having done a tandem a few years back. Not a natural by any stretch, & perhaps sore a little longer after a hard landing, but having a blast. Definitely not feeling too old. As others have mentioned, you can be as aggressive or conservative as you want to be, within the limits of what your skills and body can handle :-) Go for it!

Would edit my original response, but can't figure out how to do so ...

There is public transportation from San Jose to Monterey (2-3 hrs by Greyhound bus or train). You'd probably taxi or Uber to the DZ. FYI, Monterey does not do gear rentals (AFF students only). The reviews on this site are not a place to start: http://www.dropzone.com/dropzone/North_America/United_States/California/index.html Cheers!