Laura

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN --- SKYDIVERS OF ALL AGES..... If you were not at The Ranch tonight ---- or logged into our home page for the live web cam uplink--- then you missed one of the BEST nights in skydiving history. It is now 11:47pm Sunday August 31, 2003 and the party has just begun! We had more than 20 different acts come up and show us their stuff for the First Annual Ranch Gong Show Talent Competiton! First, we had a dedicated group of Club Members spend more than four hours this afternoon creating the largest BURING MAN figure on the East Coast to go up in a blaze of Glory just after sunset.... Then, we had more than 20 acts put forth their best effort to entertain and make a statement. (Good taste had little to do with some of the acts... but they were absolutly ENTERTAINING!!) It is-- was --- and continues to be --- a party as only The Ranch can do it! (Rob Benatti is just warming up as I write this...) ---Oh, and by the way --- we did ***57 loads today *** out of 3 of our 4 Super Otters. What did you do today?? p.s. We have 3 Super Otters on line for Monday morning.

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Aug 29 – Sept 1 Ranch Labor Day Boogie - Free RW and Freefly Organizing all weekend - Formation Loads at sunset with Guy Wright all weekend - RSL Peak Performance Series Lecture on Friday Night, with “Doctor John” Derosalia - Free Beer and Pizza on Friday night - Rookie Challenge #2 on Saturday - Buffet Dinner on Saturday night; Free Beer - Gong Show Talent Competition on Saturday night - Classic summer Bar-B-Cue on Sunday; more Free Beer - Freefly Forum - Seminar and Q&A – on Sunday Night with John Skinner Peak Performance Series Lecture #3 Friday, August 29 After Sunset “Visualization and Imagery Workshop” Long-time Ranch Hand “Doctor John” DeRosalia, peak performance advisor to many top teams including British Champions, Sebastian XL will conduct this ‘hands on’ workshop focusing on the mental aspects of skydiving. Detailed instruction will be followed by guided visualization and imagery exercises. It’s been said that skydiving is 10% physical and 90% mental. Learn how to consistently perform at your best by keeping your head in the game. These techniques can be utilized at all skill levels and for all disciplines. The series is being sponsored by the Ranch Skydiving League. There is a suggested donation of $5 to attend the lecture and all money will be used to finance the running of the league. So support your fellow skydivers and get some valuable information at the same time. Rookie Challenge #2 Saturday, August 30. Start time: 8am. This is the meet that had originally been scheduled to take place on the weekend of August 2/3, but was rained out. Two or three “Rookies” (anyone with less than 200 RW jumps, regardless of total jump numbers) will be teamed up with a coach. Three jumps will be made - each focusing on a specific RW skill. Points are awarded to each team for successfully launching an exit, the number of points built in a defined working time period, and accuracy landing. The top three teams will receive prizes. Each jump costs one normal jump ticket plus $10 to pay your videographer. Sign up at Manifest. Pre-registration is highly recommended to ensure we have the correct number of coaches. Walk-ins and late arrivals on the morning of the event will be accepted on a space available basis only. So don't get left out, pre-register and show up on time. The Gong Show Saturday, August 30 On Saturday night after sunset, we’ll begin the evenings festivities with a delicious buffet dinner. This will be followed by the first ever Ranch Gong Show Talent Competition. If you’ve never seen the Gong Show, it was a 70’s era game show hosted by game show genius Chuck Berris, where blowing smoke out of your ass was considered high-brow art. Actually, inhaling smoke via your ass would probably earn you first place. Our event will be hosted by our own Chuck Berris: the one and only Bruce “I am the Princess of the Pond” Chapman (star of such memorable films as Swoop, Snow Disc Snow, and Swoop 2) Anyone who has some hidden talent they’re longing to share should get their act together and sign up. Here’s your chance to go down in Ranch history and win some really cheesy prizes at the same time. Remember, this is the Ranch. We don’t care about good taste, or even real talent, only entertainment. To sign up contact Bruce “Hats! I need more Hats!!” Chapman or Manifest. Free Fly Forum Conducted by John Skinner, Sunday, August 31 After Sunset John Skinner, professional free fly Instructor and Organizer with more than a decade in the sport, will lead this FREE SEMINAR AND QUESTION-&-ANSWER FORUM covering all aspects of free flying; including tracking dives, gear choices, safety concerns, group dynamics and body posture. From the complete novice just beginning to learn to sit-fly, to those who have already spent hours on their heads, this evening is guaranteed to have something for everyone. For more information on these or any other Ranch event, check out our schedule of events page at http://www.ranchskydive.com/events/2003/index.htm or contact Manifest at 845-255-9538 or [email protected]

BLACK SKIES, SOFT LANDINGS The loader needs to shout to be heard above the whine of jet engines as the Otter pulls into the loading area. As you make your way to the stairs the blast of air from the props washes over you, filling your senses with the familiar, pungent smell of jet fuel. You adjust your goggles to keep flying dust out of your eyes. Once inside the airplane the noise level drops, just enough so that you can hear the sound of your heart pounding in your ears. You settle in on the floor and fasten your seatbelt, then check your handles yet again. The door slides shut and the plane lurches forward, rolling toward the far end of the runway. Moments later the aircraft surges into sky, breaking the bonds of gravity and soaring into its natural element. You look around at the familiar faces and realize that, even though you've done this a hundred times already, there is a distinctiveness . . . a strangeness . . . a sense of anticipation that you hadn't felt for many jumps. You wonder for a moment if anyone else has this feeling of controlled, but nervous, energy rising inside. In the eerie glow of the chemlights they all look so calm. You take another look at your altimeter and find that nine thousand feet has gone by in the blink of an eye. Just a couple of minutes to go now. The Jump Master rolls the door open and begins checking the spot. The temperature inside drops dramatically as the aircraft is flooded with cool wind. Suddenly the green light blinks to life. The JM beckons the first jumper into the door. You watch their momentary conference, see the jumper give a thumbs-up then vanish from sight. Now it’s your turn. You move into the door and gaze out at the dark void beyond. For one brief instant you feel like a new student all over again, wondering somewhere in the back of your mind why you would want to do this. "Jump from a perfectly good airplane? . . . at NIGHT?" You look down and see that the familiar landscape has been cloaked with a blanket of black velvet. Streetlights and porch lights have been remade into earth-bound constellations. And there, far below, is what you have been looking for, one set of lights blazing red, purposefully arranged and pointing the way home. Any lingering doubts slide away as the crisp air washes over you. You look out toward the horizon and see the entire world bathed in the silver light of the full moon. A deep breath - or is it a sigh of contentment - and you relax your hold on the plane and begin to fall away. For the briefest moment you seem to hang there in the door, suspended in that endless second between who you were, and this next adventure about to begin. * * * The next Night Jumps at The Ranch, Gardiner, NY, are scheduled for Monday, September 8th. This will be the last time we do them before the new USPA jump number requirements go into effect at the end of that month. Anyone wishing to participate should have at least a B-License. For further info, check out the Ranch’s schedule of events page at www.ranchskydive.com. To sign up, contact Manifest at 845-255-4033 or [email protected]

Friday, June 27 through Monday, June 30. Once again Freedom of Flight School coaches are traveling northward with Relative Workshop. Jimmy Tranter and Hunter Roberts will be organizing freefly jumps, while Relative Workshop supplies demos and giveaways at The Ranch in Gardiner, NY. For more info, check out The Ranch's website at www.ranchskydive.com, log onto Freedom of Flight School's site at www.freedomofflight.tv or check out Relative Workshop's website at www.relativeworkshop.com

If you have less than 200 RW jumps and would like to receive free coaching to improve your relative work skills, please read on. This is a re-cheduled meet, now set for Saturday June 28, with a rain date of sunday June 29. Check in is at 8am sharp. HOW DOES IT WORK? Two or three rookies will be teamed up with a coach. Three jumps will be made - each focusing on a specific RW skill. Points are awarded to each team for successfully launching an exit, the number of points built in a defined working time period, and accuracy landing. ARE THERE PRIZES? Of course! This is the Ranch! The top three teams will receive prizes ranging from free pack jobs to free rigs. And then there is the vendor-sponsored Grand Finale Raffle at the Pro-Am meet in October. WHAT DOES IT COST? Each jump costs one normal jump ticket plus $10 to pay your videographer and cover your coach's slot. IS PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED? Sign up at Manifest. Pre-registration is highly recommended to ensure we have the correct number of coaches. Walk-ins and late arrivals on the morning of the event will be accepted on a space available basis only. So don't get left out, pre-register and show up on time. NEED MORE INFORMATION? What? You've got more questions? Email Larry "LT" Thomas for more info at [email protected].

Ever wonder how the top skydivers in the world started out? And even more, how did they progress from newbies to world class skydivers?? Well, the Peak Performance Program is here to answer those questions and give you a head start on the road to attaining sky-god status. That’s right, get the tricks of the trade and all the ‘secret shit’ that everyone likes to talk about, but no one really seems to truly understand. In a series of lectures, the best skydivers in the world will explain everything you need to know to improve your skydiving skills. These lectures are applicable to all levels of experience and to all disciplines. That’s right, there’s something for everyone -- belly or head down and even CReW; recreational or competitive; newbies or old timers. Learn from the best, avoid common mistakes, and benefit from the experience of others. COST This series is being sponsored by the Ranch Skydiving League. The cost is a suggested donation of $5 per lecture. All money will be used to finance the running of the league. So support your fellow skydivers and get some valuable information at the same time. SCHEDULE (All lectures will begin at 8 30pm in the Great Hall.) Lecture #1 - Saturday June 14th "Goal Setting and Team Dynamics" Jack Jeffries, a former member of National and World Champions, Arizona Airspeed, will give this workshop on how to set individual and team goals. Learn how to work together, use effective communicate skills, and ‘feel the love’ with your teammates. Even if you’re not on a team, his advice will assist you to better work with and enjoy jumping with groups of people. Lecture #2 - Saturday, July 12th "Keys to Success from Exit to Breakoff" John Hoover, a member of the current National Champions, Army Golden Knights, will lead this discussion on belly flying skill sets. Designed to provide valuable information for beginners through experts, you’ll learn the newest techniques for individual and ‘chunk’ exits; center turns to wickedly fast mantis turns; who and what to focus on; block moves and vertical transitions. This is the complete guide to physically performing your best on every dive. Lecture #3 - August (Date to be Determined) "Visualization and Imagery Workshop" ‘Doctor John’ DeRosalia, peak performance advisor to many top teams, including British Champions, Sebastian XL, will give this ‘hands on’ workshop focusing on the mental aspects of skydiving. Detailed instruction will be followed by guided visualization and imagery exercises. It’s been said that skydiving is 10% physical and 90% mental. Learn how to consistently perform at your best by keeping your head in the game. These techniques can be utilized at all levels and for all disciplines. For more information on the Peak Performance Series or to check out the entire 2003 Schedule of Events, log on to the Ranch's website at www.ranchskydive.com or contact Manifest at 845-2559538 or [email protected]

Monday, June 16th through Friday, June 20th, at The Ranch in Gardiner, New York. Come train with one of Arizona Airspeed's original members, World Champion Jack Jefferies (co-organizer of the 300-way World Record) The aim of this camp is to develop the basic skills foundational to formation skydiving. Participants will work through a curriculum-based program in mixed groups of similar skill level. The focus is on learning in a positive and fun atmosphere. Participants must be able to consistently dock on a 4-way. All participants will be challenged, regardless of ability. Camp slots are limited and require pre-registration. To register, contact Manifest directly at 845-255-9538 or [email protected]. For more information regarding this or any other Jack Jefferies training camps -- and to check out the Ranch’s entire 2003 Schedule of Events -- log on to http //www.ranchskydive.com/events/2003/index.htm

June is going to be a pretty busy month here at The Ranch in Gardiner, NY. We have three separate training camps going on this month and each one appears to be a huge hit. First up is SCOTT MILLER'S CANOPY SKILLS CAMP, Friday, Saturday and Sunday June 6 - 7- 8. Due to a last minute cancellation, we have ONE SLOT AVAILABLE for SATURDAY, JUNE 7th. On the following weekend, JUNE 13 - 15 is the INTRODUCTION TO CRW CAMP. Right now this camp is completely full, with 14 eager crew-pups signed up and a couple more on the waiting list. Then it's on to one of the premier training events of the season: JACK JEFFERIES FORMATION SKYDIVING SKILLS CAMP. This week-long camp, JUNE 16 - 20, is a must for anyone interested in doing RW. As of this morning, there are only 2 SLOTS AVAILABLE. Contact The Ranch Manifest to sign up: 845-255-9538 or [email protected] For more info on these camps, or the rest of the Ranch's 2003 Schedule of Events, log onto our website at www.ranchskydive.com

Saturday and Sunday, May 17 & 18. For further info:http://www.ranchskydive.com/competition/rsl.htm

Originally scheduled for Tuesday, they've been moved to Wednesday, May 14th due to the lousy weather forcast. If you've signed up and cant make it, please let manifest know. 845-255-9538 or [email protected]. Still slots available for anyone else interested. "B" License required.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 11, 12 and 13. Seminars on Friday and Saturday; 8pm in the banquette room at Bensons. Currency Refresher, Saturday & Sunday 10am at Skydive the Ranch School Practical sessions for anyone who is off of Student Status and is in need of complying with USPA currency recommendations. On Saturday, starting at 10am, classes will be held for anyone with LESS than 100 JUMPS. On Sunday, starting at 10am, classes will be held for anyone with MORE than 100 JUMPS. There is at $10 fee for the ground school portion of the Currency Refresher. Please register in advance by calling The School at 845-255-4033. School website: www.skydivetheranch.com For further information, check out the Ranch club website at www.ranchskydive.com or contact Manifest at [email protected] or 845-255-9538

Introduction to CRW Friday – Sunday, June 13 – 15, 2003 at The Ranch This three-day intensive is geared specifically toward the novice CRW jumper and those who have an interest, but no actual experience, in doing Canopy Relative Work. National Competitor and Record Holder Kirk van Zandt, of team 4-Play (Silver Medal winner at the 2001 US Nationals, and participant of the 56-Way and Quadraplane Diamond CRW Records), will oversee this camp with the assistance of dedicated CRW competitors, record holders and medallists Frank Matrone, Michael “Chico” Tomaselli, and Lyn Hannah. They’ll be at the Ranch to guide budding CRW enthusiasts through the technical and practical applications of safely building successful canopy formations. Each camper will have the use of a demo PD Lightning CRW canopy for the duration of the camp. Limited to 15 participants, the camp will begin with a seminar on Friday evening where each camper will be given their demo canopy and taught the proper installation and packing of a Lightning into their own rig. From there the classroom session will use handouts, video and visual aids to cover proper emergency procedures, as well as covering exits, approaches and docking, piloting, break-off and landing procedures. Saturday morning will start with campers and coaches teaming up for a series of low-key jumps intended to give everyone a chance to get familiar with their new canopy and with flying with other jumpers. As the weekend progresses, dives will build larger formations. These will be full altitude jumps. For further information check out the Ranch's Schedule of Events page at www.ranchskydive.com. To register, contact Manifest at [email protected] or 845-255-9538

On Friday/Saturday/Sunday, June 6/7/8, 2003, Performance Designs Lead Test Jumper Scott Miller (Course Director of The Canopy School at Skydive DeLand as well as PD Factory Team member), will be at The Ranch to conduct a Canopy Skills Camp geared toward improving the canopy flying skills of all jumpers, regardless of experience level. Made up of 3 one-day training sessions with a limit of 8 participants per day, each day of the camp will be a separate and complete Canopy Flight Course. The course consists of 5 jumps with each landing videotaped and debriefed, as well as extensive classroom training. Each classroom session will focus on a different skill area and will build on the skills discussed in previous sessions. In case of inclement weather, jumpers will have the option of staying for ground training sessions. Each day sessions will begin at 9am. For further information, check out the Ranch's Schedule of Events page at www.ranchskydive.com To register, please contact Manifest at 845-255-9538 or [email protected] Also, on Friday night, June 6, Scott will hold a FREE SEMINAR on "Teaching Canopy Control" for coaches, instructors, and anyone who is interested in becoming one. Scott will also give a free packing demonstration on Saturday evening, June 7. Seminars will be held after sunset in the Great Hall, and are free of charge and open to anyone who wishes to attend.

300-Way World Record Organizer Jack Jefferies returns to The Ranch this season as Competitor, Coach and Organizer. He’ll be here to share his wealth of skydiving experience as well as the secrets of positive team dynamics with jumpers of all skill levels. Over the course of the 2003 Season, Jack will conduct several camps geared toward advancing individual skill levels, team training, and the art of large formation skydives. June 16 – 20 (Monday – Friday) FS Skills Camp This camp develops the basic skills foundational to formation skydiving. Participants will work through a curriculum-based program in mixed groups of similar skill level. The focus is on learning in a positive and fun atmosphere. Participants must be able to consistently dock on a 4-way. All participants will be challenged, regardless of ability. July 8 – 13 (Tuesday – Sunday) 4-Way Team Training Geared toward honing the competition skills of 4-way teams, participants of this camp will benefit from Jack’s years of experience as a World Class competitor. Teams can register for all six days of the camp, or may choose to participate only during the Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday session or in the Friday/Saturday/Sunday session. There is a maximum of two teams per session. July 23 – 25 (Wednesday – Friday) Large Formation Open A three-day large formation intensive. Participants will learn the art of swooping, floating, and center work required for intricate large sequential and world record formations. Participants must be able to consistently dock on a 16-way. All participants will be challenged, regardless of ability. August 8 – 10 (Friday – Sunday) Large Formation Invitational Inspired by the Arizona Challenge, this event is for the seasoned and talented skydiver looking to push their ability. With a maximum of 20 participants, jumps will focus on fast and difficult sequential at the leading edge of our sport. Participation is by invitation only. We will be building the list throughout the summer so come on out and show your stuff on the weekend sunset loads. For more information regarding these camps -- and to check out the Ranch’s entire 2003 Schedule of Events -- log on to: http://www.ranchskydive.com/events/2003 Camp slots are limited and require pre-registration. To register, contact Manifest directly at 845-255-9538 or [email protected]