thermosnight

I laughed so much reading some of these comments. I realised that if I repeated this in freefall, my mouth would be so wide open I would suck in air like a hot air balloon, inflate and then slowly drift to earth as I let it all out again - and I would not need 751 others to slow my descent for that. Stratostar: No Comment! Dave. My favourite saying is under construction...

Congratulations, Dan. I am sure you will have even more good times now you have qualified. Let the real fun begin...and welcome to the club!

Hi Lou, I liked reading about your post, since it reminded me so much of where I was at last year when I got into the sport. I agree with Ron that you should quit worrying! I know this is easier said than done and I am a living example of the nervous student who repeated so many levels of AFF before getting through. Looking back, I realise that relaxation was the single, biggest breakthrough I achieved when I finally managed to do it! Everyone kept telling me to relax. Everyone kept telling me how to exit. Everyone kept telling me what not to do. It goes on...In the end, I got there. My advice is simple: enjoy this sport for what it can give you and seek out others who will support, encourage and challenge you. Provided I don't lose sight of the fun element (the reason I got into the sport), I am relaxed enough to enjoy what comes to me. One final thing. I have come to the conclusion that feeling nervous/anxious before exit is quite normal. Infact, I personally feel more nervous around other jumpers that don't have this built-in response. Nowadays, I recognise the feelings when I am about to jump and accept this as part of the skydive. Someone once said to me that the intensity decreases with time and confidence - I couldn't agree more. So, good luck - relax - enjoy! You have everything to play for. Who knows, maybe this time next year, you will be passing on similar advice to someone else..! Dave. My favourite saying is under construction...

Hi Sheena, You may want to take a look at www.performancedesigns.com and go to the Education section. There, you will find useful downloads containing factual information based upon the company's research and development, as well as contributions and articles from Scott Miller. Scott is a test pilot for Performance Designs (a canopy company) and also runs a Canopy School at Skydive DeLand (www.freedomofflight.com) here in Florida and I have yet to find a dissatisfied student! Some of this knowledge is freely available in the form of Adobe Files, but don't be too surprised if some of it does not make sense right now. I treated the whole canopy thing like a big cake - by taking little nibbles so I didn't get too sick I was speaking to someone else today about where to get information when they need it. What I have realised is the glut of information (and, unfortunately, mis-information) out there can be overwhelming for a student or other non-skygod. This website is a great lauching pad for self-development, but without wishing to judge or crticise anyone, I do sometimes cringe when I read something that is totally wrong or just plain misleading. Good luck, Sheena! I hope this post helps a little... Dave

Hey FlyinNova, Can you put me in touch with your supplier? I didn't think my life was dull until I read this! Dave. My favourite saying is under construction...

Hey Scaredstif, I'm glad you have decided to go with the sport. I was nervous as hell when I started and surprising as it is, I was and still am scared of climbing a ladder higher than 5', yet I have no problem jumping out the door (OK, the first few jumps were pretty daunting, but the bigger prize of being able to skydive got me over this). As for dzdummy, he is obviously not getting enough good sex! Welcome to the sport; be safe and be very happy like most of us. Dave. My favourite saying is under construction...

Hey Logan, One of the reasons why I drop in to the website from time to time is because I often come across a newbie that sparks a lively debate - good on you! I am British and completed my AFF (after a fashion) in the UK last summer. My AFF instructor is a military guy who has got all his students through (one way or the other). I can never repay him for the patience and determination he showed me, nor the survival habits he drummed in to me, like alti awareness, low turns, etc. etc. I wrote him and his wife a brief "thank you" note when I qualified and before coming out to the U.S., since I wanted him to know how much of a difference he made to me and my skydiving passion. I know that my words meant more to him than money ever could, and it is because of people like him that I am in this sport. I appreciate that tipping is just one way of showing one's gratitude, but that's what I think it should be - a token of someone's appreciation and not something to be expected. Call me old-fashioned, but I'd rather frame "thank you" letters on my wall than $20 bills that disappear in a flash. Good luck logan and thanks for the post - it's been good reading what people have to say about this subject. Dave. My favourite saying is under construction...

Hey Marianne, Well done! I remember what it felt like for me when I started building on my early successes, especially those fast landings . It's hard for me to believe I have come this far considering I was a nervous wreck most of the time (I'm still a nervous wreck but, thank god, less often!). Good luck and welcome to the sport. Like my nerves, which diminish with time, the beer rounds just get better. Dave. My favourite saying is under construction...

Hi Greg, Glad you are asking the right questions about safety and canopy awareness. In my limited experience, no amount of jumps or years in the sport will necessarily prevent someone from landing on my head under canopy. What will minimise that risk is my own attitude and that of the other divers in the air at the time. I was in Deland a while ago and someone almost landed on top of my canopy as they opened (they were on a separate dive to me). I had just completed the Canopy School training with Scott Miller that week (excellent coach!). In no time at all I was suddenly far more aware of others in the sky and how to get out of a difficult spot, irrespective of who's fault it was. The only people in this sport that I avoid like the plague are those who either think they know best and don't accept feedback, or jumpers who don't know best and also don't accept feedback. I hope your mate listens to 'constructive criticism' if it is justified and does not take offence. This is how I have learned most of what I know - through honesty, a little respect and plain old-fashioned openness. Dave. My favourite saying is under construction...

Hi David, I treated one of my nephews' to a static line last year and he did a 2nd one straight afterwards. When he did his first jump, Wes did an excellent 'sit-fly' and on the 2nd jump did 'head-down' when he left the Islander at 3'500 feet. I don't think anyone told him about freeflying, so I guess he's a natural, ha! He hasn't followed it up as cash/distance is a major factor. Elsewhere, an old flame did a static line and I even persuaded a brother-in-law to do two SLs a few years back. I have now pledged to get my sisters involved in a tandem project, despite being warned off by one of them! No-one from my immediate family has been to any DZ with me, but they have seen recent video footage I shot in Deland and still think I am totally mad! Therefore, I strongly recommend spreading the skydiving disease to anyone who shows the slightest interest, families especially. This works out good for birthdays and Christmas, since they "should" understand if you are too broke to splash out. Also, if you're cheeky enough to expect a skydiving present, at least they will understand things like 'wind tunnel training' or '50-jump boogie ticket'. Have fun with your relatives! Dave. My favourite saying is under construction...

Hey Matt, Looks like I wasn't the only one to spend bag loads of money! I'm no doubt going to blow yet more cash when I return to Deland in May! See you then... Dave My favourite saying is under construction...

Hi Joe, I'm glad you posted this item, as it raises the important issue of safety. It sounds as if your attitude towards safety is like most people I have met while skydiving. If there is nothing else I have learned, it is knowing that I am responsible for setting my own boundaries and level of personal comfort. If your instinct is telling you that something's not right, it probably isn't. I suspect you will find a positive way to resolve this if you consider previous advice to enlist the help of someone influencial at the drop zone. Confronting this person 'en masse' is asking for trouble, as it might create resentment and bitterness. I personally wouldn't willingly want to jump at any drop zone where such feelings run high. Good luck. Dave My favourite saying is under construction...

Hi Gerry, I think it is cool that you re-packed the main, even if you didn't jump it just beforehand! Shows your commitment if you ask me. I think anyone not using their main for long periods is wise to re-pack and examine the canopy just before a jump. Someone I spoke to at a DZ a while ago said his tent had a hole in it because he accidentally packed it up with a catapillar inside that later got squashed. Apparently, the acids from its squashed body 'melted' a small hole in the fabric. I'm not sure how resiliant canopies are against this sort of thing, but I wouldn't like to find out when it is too late... I guess it is down to you and your own peace of mind at the end of the day. Good luck, but watch out for the large black & orange stripey ones that are as fat as a finger and have eyes the size of dinnenr plates! Yuk, can't stand the damn things - just looking at them crawling along the floor freaks me out. Dave My favourite saying is under construction...

Welcome LemmonJelly, I saw your other message about AFF, you have my sympathies for the "weather hold". I have learned a lot about patience and how to develop it since becoming a skydiver, arghh. It's inevitable that you will spend the rest of your life waiting about at the dz like the rest of us. And you thought it was going to be easy? Welcome once again.

Hi LemmonJelly, If you consider doing AFF in Spain or elsewhere but do not finish it (e.g. problems with the weather), will your 'home' dz in the U.K. help you to complete the course? Also, could you afford the extra expense? Alternatively (and I know this is going to sound a bit strange), you could always wait a few months until the weather improves. No, I didn't like that idea, either. Forget I ever mentioned it. Dave. My favourite saying is under construction...

I am researching how often freebags and main chutes get lost each time someone has a cut-away. I want to know if this is an expensive part of the sport which is currently overlooked. I would be extremely grateful for any information about what got lost on a cut-away and how hard or easy it was to locate the items afterwards. Also, does anyone know of a site or place I can research to gather some dry statistics? For anyone interested, I intend to share my research once it has been completed. Thank you for your help. Dave. My favourite saying is under construction...

Hey Mailin, So glad you are in the sport, despite your heart problems. I have a pacemaker, too. I got into skydiving last year and my consultant endorses my passion for the sport. Yet, I doubt we are good candidates for stats. gathering(!), as we are both genetically pre-disposed to 'unusual' readings. However, I do notice a significant increase in my own heart rate when I kit up and subsequently when I get in the door of the plane to leave. When I come under canopy, my whole body tingles for about 15 seconds and I then feel a lot of adrenaline, especially in my legs and feet. If I take a few deep breaths, I notice what feels like a decrease in my heart rate (but I cannot be sure without a device to measure this). I describe myself as a 'safe and cautious' jumper and wonder if my own psychology is as much to do with heart rate as my genetic defects. I very much doubt someone with 1000s of jumps feels the same as me with less experience and expectation. I am seriously thinking about conducting some light-hearted (no pun intended) research of my own into the mind of skydivers, since I know most people experience fast heart rates and adrenaline rush, even if they don't admit it!! (have u seen all the 'smiles' as everyone gets ready to exit???). I would also like to know the effect all this has on the physiology of my body...I'm eating like a horse just lately and if skydiving burns up more fat, I'll keep on eating those delicious burgers at SkyDive DeLand!! Regards, Dave.

I'm slightly biased as most people here are friendly! I'm most way through a 3-month stint here at SkyDive Deland. The teaching and coaching opportunities are great for people wishing to hone their skills. I have been helped by the Gear Store to choose a safe, appropriate and quality rig with all the trimmings. Kit hire is available and the shop rents and sells all the modern stuff. The DZ also made it worthwhile financially for me to purchase through their dealership, so if you're here to buy a rig, ask for a deal (especially if you are renting short-term). PD, Merlin Suits, Relative Workshops and other dealer outlets are within walking distance, and you can go visit these places, get measured up and even get factory tours!! You get the feeling that everyone knows everyone, so it isn't hard to get advice or guidance if you're visiting alone. I also like their restaurant bar "The Perfect Spot". This is a popular place to hang out during the day and in the evening, it has a good stock of beer and has a 'free' wireless Internet access point(plus AppleMac terminals if you put a $ in their jar each time). There is also an area for tents and most people know someone who has cheap accomm. for a few nights or even a few weeks (usually about $15 a night). There are laundry facilities for $1 a time and clean showers and restrooms. The bunkhouse is small and has six beds. The packers are helpful and fast, and the loads are consistent and from three aircraft types: Twin Otter, SkyVan and Porter. The spotting is very good and the pilots are approachable. The people who visit are usually passing through or on a training programme. Yet, most people I have come across are happy, lively and good people to be around. I can't really think of anything bad or negative to say, other than they might get more interest from fun jumpers like me if the load organising was more frequent for the non-competitive ones among us! You can email me for more information if you need contacts or further advice. Good luck on your next visit.

Congratulations, Sweetie. I am so pleased for you, ha! It just gets better - I graduated AFF in the UK last summer and am having a whale of a time. Good luck and I too echo the sensible advice about getting some canopy skills training. This will equip you with solid survival skills under canopy. Good luck! Dave. My favourite saying is under construction...

*** Hi, I brought a Merlin Freefly Suit from Christine who runs Merlin. She was great and the end product was very acceptable. I have now placed another order for a Relative Suit (with booties, etc) as I am still at SkyDive DeLand until the end of Jan, by which time it will be ready for collection. It seems that if you are 'local' when placing the order, you get a personable service and delivery times are a few weeks or more. I cannot comment on the Customer experience for anyone relying on the mail service to send and receive Merlin Suits. People do respond differently if you visit them in person, but I appreciate for overseas customers, that is not an option! I hope this helps you... Dave. My favourite saying is under construction...

Hi Lori, I was convinced my fear and anxiety would either stop me from becoming experienced or at the least contain a small amount of discomfort each time I did a skydive. Yet, as my jumps and confidence have increased, the feelings have subsided quite a lot. I also put this down to training, coaching, support from your home DZ (if you have one) and a positive mental attitude. And definitely being safe and staying safe. I often asked skydivers about anxiety when I started jumping and still believe it is a state of mind, fuelled by what you really think about your own abilities. I just kept jumping in the hope it would get better and then it finally clicked, even if it did take a while. I just accept the anxiety for what it is nowadays and don't allow it to get in the way of the dive itself. So, it does get better and you will know what I mean when you get there.

*** Hey, Mike. I am currently at SkyDive DeLand in Florida. This is what happens when you give in to the inevitable sky diving bug. One of its side-effects is that you will never be the same again, ha! Welcome to the world of skydiving and the Forums. You will learn lots here and at least you are getting paid for the privilege if you are surfing at work (naughty, naughty). BTW: My local DZ back home is also Netheravon, where I too completed my AFF last summer. I've probably bumped into you without knowing it. Doing 30 jumps a week here in the sun can be awfully distracting, hehe. Blue Skies. Dave. My favourite saying is under construction...

*** I can only agree with others - Scott Miller has to be your first choice - without trying to pressure you too much!! I completed his basic canopy course. It represents great value for money, but more importantly, boosted my own confidence under canopy and taught me new survival techniques. If you're making the trip across, you will have fun as the people I have met at DeLand are friendly, too. I'm here until the end of January. Good luck! Dave C. (UK). My favourite saying is under construction...