Skream

You bay be interested in this thread about goggles for contact wearers --- Michael Teator Lexington, Kentucky

Interesting choice for your photo --- Michael Teator Lexington, Kentucky

Heck, I was proud to update my profile to '4' jumps. --- Michael Teator Lexington, Kentucky

My cat has one buried in his skin --- Michael Teator Lexington, Kentucky

I had my first ride down in that same 182 on Sunday at KSC. It was for my 5th jump... was going to be my last S/L. Only had 2800', rode around forever looking for a hole, eventually had to come down cause he said Lexington was complaining. They sent the plane back up with some experienced jumpers to get in a hopnpop, but they managed to find a hole to 5500'. Got to see a nice 3 way from the ground, then one of the guys had a brake line bust and he cutaway... first time seeing that. Good feeling seeing everything work like it was supposed to with the reserve

The second jump rocked...much less hesitation :) I'll be there all this weekend... having bad weather all last weekend SUCKED! --- Michael Teator Lexington, Kentucky

I just wanted to add that I own a TRV-19, and though I don't use it for skydiving videography, I think I might be able to add some info that some of you may be interested in: The TRV-19 & 22 have a 1/4" CCD, and the higher end models (TRV-33, etc) have a 1/4.7" CCD. This translates to BETTER low light performance in the cheaper versions as a larger CCD == more light. Sure the 1/4.7" CCD in the more expensive cameras is higher res, but that does you no good except for stills. The lower res 1/4"CCD does better video, and that's what we want it for right? The TRV-19 does not have analog video input, period. You have to upgrade the the 22. The TRV-19 does have mic input. I'm not sure about LANC. I know it has firewire and USB, but I havn't seen any port on it labeled LANC. This doesn't mean it's not there, but I just havn't looked for it. TRV-22 does have more fades & other effects, but was a non-issue for me being that I edit via PC over firewire. Compared to other palm-sized MiniDV cameras I've tried, it has much less motor noise being recorded on the tape. It's still there, but not NEAR as noisy as a Canon. Also, I've never seen a pro-level camera with a color viewfinder, so I don't know what the big deal is. You're not going to see very accurate colors through the viewfinder anyways, so it's more important to get lighting & composition correct, which is easier in B&W. --- Michael Teator Lexington, Kentucky

The AKA (American Kiteflier's Association) went through this same thing not too long ago with liability insurance. We used to have $100K. It was thought we'd lose it all. Eventually someone found an insurer that would cover us, though for a lower $25K. I would suggest someone contacting them and possibly USPA could learn from their experience in the same thing. If USPA could keep liability, though at a lower rate, then that would be better than nothing. Contact information for the executive committee of the AKA is at http://www.aka.kite.org/officers.shtml#executive --- Michael Teator Lexington, Kentucky

I don't know if this post is tongue in cheek or not, but that's certainly not true. Kite buggiers do this quite often (There's even a 'Buggy Naked' pin out there that many have received for 'joining the club') http://www.reckites.com/naked/ Cool pin, I think. --- Michael Teator Lexington, Kentucky

I'm looking for a nice comfortable pair of goggles... I wear contacts so I need something protective, but I hate how the cheapo ones at the DZ fog up so bad. Recommendations? --- Michael Teator Lexington, Kentucky

That sounds like a good idea skymama. I might take that advice too, having made my second jump this weekend as well (I'm weening off radio next weekend! ) --- Michael Teator Lexington, Kentucky

I don't understand the flat TV thing on small screens. I'd rather spend the $300 on a 27" with a slight curve than a flat 20". But that's just me. I'd get more out of the 7" (wouldn't anyone?) than something perfectly flat. --- Michael Teator Lexington, Kentucky

The new one at cedar point lauches you horizontally to 120mph in 4 seconds, you crest a 420ft hill, then drop back down accellerating back to 120mph. I think I'm ready for that one now :) Top Thrill Dragster I think it's called. http://www.topthrilldragster.com/public/inside_park/rides/thrill/ttd/specs/index.cfm --- Michael Teator Lexington, Kentucky

I think the worst part about climbing out onto the strut was being unsure of my footing. It was compounded by the boots that my DZ makes you wear and not being used to the feel. They were also new and stiff. Maybe I'll buy some nice new supportive boots of my own... winter is coming, I need them anyways :) --- Michael Teator Lexington, Kentucky

Just wanted to say hi and introduce myself. I started last week on SL at the Frankfort, KY DZ with the prodding of a fellow at work here. Made my first jump and loved it (other than looking out that door for the first time.) This week I'm going back and hope to get in a couple DRCP's. My other hobbies include sport kiting, both trick flying and power kites. Now I get to know how the kites feel :) --- Michael Teator Lexington, Kentucky

What about when you cutaway? I bet that gives you the feeling, since you literally drop and accelerate from a slow speed. Like jumping off a (high) diving board. Ugh, hate the feeling. Anyways, I have one SL jump and didn't get the feeling, which made me feel a lot better. Can't say much for looking out that door for my first time though. --- Michael Teator Lexington, Kentucky