I want to thank everybody for their reponses, they were VERY helpful with my project. There were some responses that were so good, I will be quoting you in my speech in a couple of weeks! Since I asked this question, I also completed my first jump. I went through the first step of the AFF program at the Perris Valley Skydiving school...here in Southern Cali about 20 minutes from my house. Before recently, I never even knew I had a DZ so close. My official skybirthday, May 15th, 2003! It was simply amazing. I see what all the hype is about now. Being a high school student, it will be tough to continue jumping, but I am going to try as hard as I can to continue this sport. My snowboard is getting nervous!