TalbertGK4

I have not made a jump in about 20 months. I still have my gear although I am about 15 pounds heavier than I was when I was jumping so a bigger canopy may be in order should my hiatus end. I did not stop jumping altogether, there are many more days at the DZ in my future (besides at the bar). I think the reasons people quit, or just take a break are as varied as the people. I was just ready to not be at the DZ every weekend training. I had spent the previous 6 or 7 years training everyday and got to the point I wanted to be somewhere else while I was at the DZ so it did not make sense to keep jumping. So there is your answer, I think. The reasons are varied and usually something to do with commitments elsewhere in life or level of interest. I guess finances could be a reason as well. As for checking out DZ.com, what else should I be doing? Working?

George H. W. Bush (41) as honorary D-2000 after jumping into the dedication of his library in College Station TX. The first time he signed as D-2000 and yes he did buy beer. See ya,

While not a logbook signature, I do have a framed photo of the US Army's Golden Knights 8 way team, presented to me by Joe Trinko and Chris Talbert at the Virginia state record 88 ways that Joe co-organized with Doug Forth in 1999, that also saw the first all-deaf 5 way in the US. Dave Stahl, Gary Mohler, Charlie Brown, Paul Rafferty, John Hoover, Eric Heinshimer (sp?), Joe Trinko, Rob Wonk, Vern Mullen (sp?), Chris Talbert, and two others whose names I can't make out, maybe a Sean Capopeco (sp?) and a Larry N-----?

I was on Airspeed hiding my absolute fear!

You are correct, and incorrect about that. The US Teams have to work thier asses off to get to the big dance and figure out how to pay for it. Holding the Ottley Sword however is anything but a shitty situation. In Croatia in 2004 there was a four way team from Iceland. Yes, Iceland. Thier gear was not ancient if I recall but not cutting edge by any means. They funded the whole thing themselves, crept while smoking cigarettes and talked cash shit about how the Golden Knights were scared to come to the World Meet becuase they heard 'Team Iceland" was coming. Having that much fun and going back to fucking ICELAND?! Now that is a shitty situation!

Scott is my boss here at MSA Paraclete. (formerly Paraclete Armor and Equipment) He is the director of sales.

It is a safe bet that you will not see them until the Nationals unless you come to NC. Good for your Hoov!

Most people involved with competitive formation skydiving today don't know who Scott Rhodes is or why he is the recipient of one of the FAI's most prestigious awards. To keep it simple Scott was a member of the Golden Knights 8-way team for the better part of 15 years. I don't know exactly how long. He left before I ever made it. The below text describes what an individual must accomplish to be considered for this award. There are other ways to qualify that I did not post that refer to being a judge, or meet director. Scott was awarded the da Vinci Diploma based on his competition success. The attachment shows that Scott exceeded the requirements nearly 10 fold. To quote Charlie Brown at Scott's farewell party, "For the past twelve years (1985-1997) there has been one name synonymous with Championship skydiving; Scott Edison Rhodes." Congratulations Scott. "This Diploma was established by the FAI in 1970. One Diploma a year is awarded to a male or female parachutist who has : - obtained at least three times consecutively the title of National Parachuting Champion ; or - obtained at least once the title of Absolute Parachuting Champion and at least twice the title of Combined Champion at an international parachuting competition"

Are they still skydiving in Raeford? Does skydiving still exist? Do people still compete in skydiving? Who the HELL is Kirk Verner? Why are they building a monster in Raeford? Won't it eat all the cookies?

What the fuck are the "Nationals"?

Perris Sweet Spot - looks like you guys had a great meet. And to also have the most covetted video of the comp (though there was some sweet VRW too)..... Hope to jump with you all again someday. 4 teams and 1 pilot - 21 people. 4 naked torsos. 19% I can understand the fun aspect of the topless dive that could possibly be appropriate at a local meet, but at the same time also see the disrepect to the USPA Nationals. I certainly do not condone this behavior. . Lighten up Francis!

Something that is a sad truth about this years World Championships. Unless I am WAY off this will be the first time the William H Ottley Swords (yes that what they are called, says it right there on the blade) will be presented by someone other than William H Ottley. Having been lucky enough to call Bill a friend I can tell you there was very little, save the museum, that he loved about skydiving more than presenting those swords at the World Championships. Also having been lucky enough to have been presented the 8-way sword by WHO I can tell you he was as proud of, as he was loved and respected by, those who put their names on it. Bill loved to tell the story of a winning 4-way team kissing the sword and claiming it to be home after it had resided elsewhere for four years. He was also forever flattered when one champion, whose name appears on the 8-Way sword a record 6 times was given an exact replica as a going away present by his teammates. These are only the stories of Bill and the swords that I know of in my short time invloved with competitve skydiving. I am CERTAIN there are more. I hope that in keeping with the traditon of loving his friends and bringing them together to celelbrate life, as his family noted after his passing, these stories continue. All brought to us by a guy we called WHO?

Great when they have to be!

Quote He is yet to reply to that question, although it wasn't intended to be rhetorical.Quote I never said I thought eliminating the womens class would benefit the sport. I simply said I agree w/ Ron's point of view on the womens class being un-necassary I did not agree with the womens class when it wast started and dont now, it has nothing to do with what I think will benefit the sport. On a lighter note the camera guy for Team Paraclete had a malfunction today. Nothing crazy, just lines twists however he has just purchased an HD video camera so it may be the first HD captured cut-away! He should have it posted wherever you are supposed to post that sort of thing shortly. OK Ok I know its lame, its hot and I am tired. I am going to get fat! Oh yeah and thanks to the guy who sent me the PM on how to do the fancy shmancy in repy to thing! Ever come to Raeford I will buy you a can of Schlitz

I'm sure it has tons to do with *skills*. But thats different than just strength. The fact that some of the best skydivers in the world are women speak tons about how sex does not matter. Not sure how to do that fancy-schmancy thing where you show someones comment and then type your "in reply to" so I just copied Rons comment above. Typically this is not something I would voice my opinion on however I agree with Ron very strongly. To say that formation skydiving, 4, 8 or 16 way has little or nothing to do with physical skills is not completely accurate however it is a skill set that is VERY mental. There are physical skills involved however they have very little to do with strength. It is much more a physical application of INTENSE mental training. Typically I WAS 180-190 lbs (now I am a sweaty fat fuck and love it!) and a lazy bastard who did not run unless the cops were involved. I did manage to do fairly high averages in both 8 way (21.9 I think was my highest) and 4-way (I have no idea what it was, enough to win a national championship and get the tobacco juice beat out of me at the world meet) and although I had a considerably well developed skill set, I was never a very "strong" person. Do not confuse ability with strength and I know this is oh-so taboo however I agree with Ron on the need for a womens class. Having won a world championship with 7 other great skydivers, not 6 guys and a girl, I can tell you it just doesnt matter. You guys have gotten more of my cents in two days than you have the entire time I have been registered on DZ.com Now I am REALLY broke and have to go sell body armor!