fallman

dam fences always meddling with skydivers! GO SUDSY GO! Just not any further than me! woa....that was cool....

First, it is important to restate that a tracking derby competition style track is different from the most efficient track possible. In the tracking derby an angle as steep as 45 degrees could produce the best results. Also, to reach the distances needed to place in these competitions you need to be tracking downwind, not many DZ's will want you tracking downwind especiallly with low jump numbers. As far as improving your tracking goes, find a competent backtracker and have him lead small dives. I learned a lot by having a very proficient tracker lead dives and having him gradually increase speed throughout the dive and keeping pace with him. Learn to track in formation as well. Groups are not a waste of your time. Having to keep a certain amount of speed while maneuvering side to side and up or down forces you to use vaious inputs. I first learned how to drop down on a formation, then applied the opposite body position to float. You will realise that simply spreading your fingers can effect your elevation, pointing your toes pushes you forward, etc... my point is that by learning the nuances of your track, especially through trying to build tracking formations you will understand what you are doing and you can manipulate your track further. One thing that hasn't been mentioned is to try tracking without using your arms. Clasp your hands just below your boc and balance with just your legs. I guess my overall suggestion is to learn how each part of your body effects your track through experimentation, be patient. Not only will you fly more efficiently but at least in my case, i feel more as if I am 'flying' my body and I enjoy that more than anything else. Most importantly, have fun. woa....that was cool....

I'll be migrating up that way as well. Count me in woa....that was cool....

i have sinus problems right now as well. I say take the meds and go home. Not jumping sucks, blowing ear drums cuz u got some crap stuck up there causing extra pressure sucks even more. DZ will be there when u get better. woa....that was cool....

ya, the only way to get out of that one is to have a really nice long ws flight, land out, near ur car u parked off and drive! other than that i say she's busted woa....that was cool....

techinically did first tandem at 19, did static line course at 20, now 22 with 259 jumps woa....that was cool....

while I won't claim to know THE answer just imagine the look on his face if st. peter plays that video in front of him while deciding whether or not to let him in. gonna be tough to explain that away woa....that was cool....

you knew it was a picture of a guy's ass, why the hell did u open it?! no sympathy for you woa....that was cool....

giggity giggity! woa....that was cool....

I'm right there with u buddy, school is lame. I have two years left as well. But let's face it, without a four year degree it's gonna be tough to make enough money to keep this sport up. Having that four year degree leaves so many more options when we're looking for a job than any amount of skydiving experience will give us. That's what I think about when I feel like this whole college thing is simply too much trouble, options. I want to choose my career later, not pick which one of three or so I am actually qualified for. Tough it out bro. woa....that was cool....

My favorite one so far read, "I wouldn't f**k you for practice", i've always thought putting one of the "this side up" moving stickers on upside down, of course that only applies to freeflying, other than that, u are on your own. woa....that was cool....

In Eugene we took too long in the door and by the time I opened I realized I had my choice of two fields. One with cows the other without. I convinced myself not to swoop a cow(it was really hard) and landed in the other field. Good choice- the cows were bulls. woa....that was cool....

I bet those hammer pants would make some pretty good tracking pants with a little work. woa....that was cool....

You can eat half the cookie and then throw the other half at Tippie! Cookies are the perfect freefall snack woa....that was cool....

I took my rig to Mexico and back this summer. The first time I went through I told them upfront what it was, said i had info on it, et... they said they didn't want to see it. On the way back I didn't say anything and it went right through. I think the best policy is to have all the info(cypress card, TSA info, etc) on you but not say anything unless they ask for it. I've taken it carry on on domestic flights as well, never had a problem. Calm down people, the one thing you can do to assure attention is drawn to you is to act nervous when going through the x-ray inspection. woa....that was cool....

ya, pretty much, and they're usually older than five years as well. woa....that was cool....

First dock was up in Lodi just as I got off the static line course, Bill himself swooped in grabbed one hand and spun the hell out of us! I'll never forget that. Also, the first time i saw someone in freefall when I was under canopy, I watched the tandem deploy and the cameraman fall away. Really put what we're doing into perspective. It tied in the floating feeling of freefall with the reality that we ARE falling really fast while that surreal floaty feeling is goin on. woa....that was cool....

Still tryin to work off a bit of bad karma I earned during a debaucherous high school phase, so many mailboxes, other than that, I feel pretty good. A few more good deeds and I should be square. woa....that was cool....

those are some incredible shots of the beach. I have got to make my way out there one of these days woa....that was cool....

agreed on the flat turns. this was something i only learned after randomly coming upon it in another dz.com thread. Many people are not taught the concept of braked turns even though they can be very useful. Last week I BARELY made it back from a long tracking dive and if it were not for using a flat turn my only other option was a downwinder. Knowing how to correctly execute flat turns is something people should start learning earlier in their career ( I first tried one somwhere near jump 200). Play with your turns high, experiment with different amounts of brake input throughout your turns. This is a great way to save altitude and land safely. woa....that was cool....

HELMET, I just used spraypaint, then again, it didn't turn out too well, very easy though woa....that was cool....

I have put around 200 jumps on my pilot and it has always been kind to me. Except when u pull in a track I would definitely recommend it if ur looking for softer openings. woa....that was cool....

eastern time, dam! woa....that was cool....

wasting time in freefall is one of my favorite hobbies though woa....that was cool....

ya, good thing sudsy purchased the autopilot option, that's gonna make it much easier to catch some z's in between dropzones! woa....that was cool....