JenBubbles

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  • Home DZ
    Parakai Skydive Centre
  • License
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  • License Number
    627
  • Number of Jumps
    34

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  1. I think your'e right, at least before I get on the plane. My JM has pointed out a couple of times that It is good to do an emergency procedure check befor I get on the plane.
  2. Our DZ isn't busy so guess that's why it's okay to loose hight in the into wind leg. I'm trying to increase my periferal lookout for other skydivers and parachutes the whole time so as to be a defensive driver if need be. Take your point that if I was at another drop zone I shouldn't presume I have flexibility on my landing pattern.
  3. Well, it's probably too late now as you will have done your last AFF jump and I wonder if your partner did his first jump or not? My experience is that i certainly got that falling sensation when i did my first tandem, and actually I still get it 7 jumps later for the first few secs after exiting the plane. It still freaks me out, but it only lasts a few secs then it's gone. So, yes, some people do get it when they start skydiving. Everyone experiences things differently. If your partner doesnt want to get that feeling, just tell him he may experience it but it will only last for a few secs and then it goes away and it is all fantastic after that. Would love to hear whether he jumps or not and how it felt.
  4. Well, I have finally managed to get back up in the sky. Bad weather here hasn't helped, but mainly it's been overwhelming fear. I finally got sick of it and did a tandem jump with my instructor 2 days ago. And you know what? I was terrified and felt sick and everything, but once we got out the door, I loved the freefall so much it was fantastic. And it's all on video, pity there's no sound effects as i was yelling with pure exhilaration. I suddenly understood why people say it's such a buzz in freefall. I'm hoping to go back and do AFF3 soon, although it's not great weather here right now. thanks for the advice and support. i'm sure I'll need lots more as i continue my shakey way across the sky. Jen
  5. Thanks, Chris. What you said really helps. It is a relief to know that other people are scared too. I know what you mean about the mixed emotions, it's quite exhausting at times. I know that it's ok if i decide it's not for me but i dont feel able to make that decision yet, I think about skydiving every day, and really want to get up there again. I am learning some relaxation-type techniques for the plane so i can keep my head together - sort of! Good luck up there! Jen
  6. Hey thanks, Bill, for what you said. I thought it was amazing, and it made me feel better. I didnt know that people still get nervous after doing so many jumps. See you in the sky sometime!
  7. I have now got a copy of the book you recommended, Mental Training for Skydiving and Life. It is really excellent and I am learning some techniques for retraining my thoughts etc. Thanks for the advice. I havent got back up there yet, but it is definitely coming!
  8. Thanks, I will try to get hold of that book, I think it could help me. Will let you know!
  9. Well you guys really made me laugh with your argument about which is more dangerous - driving yr car, flying in a plane or jumping out of one!! Trying to decide how dangerous skydiving iis compared with other things in life, including flying in a commercial aircraft, isnt the biggest issue I need to overcome myself - I hvae thought about that of course, but in th end it's not what holds me back. There are many things in life which can potentially be very dangerous. We all make choices about what we choose to do, but even so, none of us can predict the big one. My worst fear is not that i might die jumping out of a plane, but that i will panic and not do the right thing. I know this is quite irrational, as i have not panicked yet in the 4 jumps i have done -well, i did feel panicked in freefall in AFF2, but I did what i was supposed to do and even did an extra handle touch just to reassure myself. For me, the struggle is allowing myself to pursue a sport which can potentially be dangerous, when i have never been a risk-taker before (although have never been afraid of flying in a commercial airline!). It is also learning how to overcome my fear of my own fear - which is actually the biggest challenge for me. And it is learning that i am perfectly capable of doing what i need to to keep myself safe and respond in an emergency situation. When i first started, I felt freaked that i had to be my own back-up, no-one else was going to be able to take that ultimate responsibility for my life. Now i understand a bit more that knowing about my equipment is important and rehearsing what to do, emergency procedures etc. What i want to be able to do is to feel as calm as i do in a commercial plane - yes, i know something could go wrong, but am not going to waste my energy making myself anxious that something will go wrong, i will just do what i need to do. And for anyone else reading this who has already contributed comments in response to my original posting, i really appreciate al your encouragement and useful tips. Not sure when my next jump will be, but am not content to walk away yet!
  10. I have recently done 2 tandem skydives, and AFF stages 1 and 2. This is the first time in my life I have ever done anything like this before, and have never previously thought myself capable of doing this. I felt really terrified, but so exhilarated after each jump. But after stage 2, which went quite well, I suddenly became completely overwhelmed and felt extreme panic at the thought of ever doing it again. A week later, i went back to DZ to talk to my JM about it, and decided to try for stage 3 the next day. That evening, i experienced profound anxiety, couldnt relax my thoughts at all, felt ill and waves of fear came over me, really freaky. In the end I was nearly fainting and i threw up. I didnt do the jump after all. I'd like to overcome this panic but dont know how and feel upset that i may not be able to do it again. Have even thought of having hypnosis! Any thoughts??