Reese04

Many thanks, all, for the updated information.

Hello, I'll be in the Honolulu area for work with a few colleagues who also jump over the next two weeks. We're all current, looking to make some fun jumps on the weekends. Any up-to-date info on the local dz's at Dillingham? Any suggestions on places to stay on the North Shore? Long shot, but anyone offering rides from Honolulu? Thanks for the info! -Cass

I'm looking for a rigger in the High Desert, eg Ridgecrest, Mojave, Cal City, etc. The closer to Ridgecrest the better, but if I could save a 6 hour round trip to Elsinore just to drop off my rig for a repack that would awesome. Thanks.

Beth- Thanks for setting this up. I'll see you up there. -Cass

My sincerest condolences to everyone from Byron and all who knew Tom. Thank you guys for letting me in on the NorCal-way on Sunday. -Cass

I only had the pleasure of knowing Cliff for a few months, having just moved out to CA in May, but he quickly became one of those poeple I really enjoyed seeing at a dropzone. That he was an arrogant know-it-all was obvious, but in a very good way. He seemed to know something about everything, with a very keen memory for small details. When I finally made it out to Eloy last Friday, I remember thinking, "Oh, good, Cliff's here." I was getting back in the saddle after really fucking up a jump a few weeks prior in Davis. When I explained it all to Cliff, he did the best job of anyone of putting things in perspective and making me feel better about it. When I mentioned the Cypres fire of another jumper that occured on that load, his immediate response was, "That's not your fuck up." I guess I needed to hear it plain like that. I miss his candor and knowledge - discussions on tort reform, patent law, military justice, and just why hot air balloons are termed "lighter-than-air" when it's air inside them. To all those who knew Cliff much better than me and everyone who is grieving, my sincerest condolences. -Cass

Jason is quite correct with his post. I was the one who took out the formation and very nearly caused the fatalities. As you can see, I don't post much- just observe here. There's no excuse for my actions. If I had any words of wisdom to offer, I wouldn't have done what I did. Again, my sincerest apologies to everyone involved, not just those who took the real brunt of it. Respectfully all, Cassidi Reese

Sorry to disappoint anyone wanting a number on Friday or Saturday. Due to work commitments, it looks like I won't be able to make it. Have fun with all of the shenanigans. -Cass

You know I would just kick your ass again. -Cass

I don't normally post, but Liz made me. Weather, flight schedules, and Navy provided, I should be headed up there from warm sunny FL for the weekend. With Chuck Norris, Gary Busey, THE LEGENDARY STEVE LOVE, and free pack jobs from Brian, I can't imagine missing it. I promise to avoid chinese before the beer olympics so that I have a better showing than I did for invasion pub golf. I'd be happy to represent Team Swooo again this year. -Cass

It is true that you get what you pay for. In the case of my Ouragan suit, I paid $555 and waited four months, but it was worth it. This is the first full freefly suit I've had (went with pants and a long-sleeved shirt for a couple of years), and I absolutely love it. The quality of the workmanship, construction and attention to detail are second to none. I believe this suit will last a very long time. The taslon material on the suit is very lightweight and breathes nicely. On hot FL summer days this is very important, and I've found that I stay cooler when I wear the suit instead of just shorts and a t-shirt. I think Ouragan had problems with customer service in the past, but I did not find that to be the case now. Nancy was very helpful with designing my suit (since I'm not good at artistic endeavors). When I first flew the suit, I found it had more drag in the legs than I wanted. Since I was passing through Deland in a few days for business, I asked if I could bring the suit by and get some of the drag taken out. They were very helpful and accomidated my request. I dropped the suit off on Monday, and for a modest fee, I had it tailored and shipped back to me by Friday of the same week. Overall, I am very satisfied with my Ouragan suit. It fits and looks great and the workmanship is outstanding. Nancy and Yuki were very helpful. When it finally comes time for a new suit (likely won't happen for several years), I will order another Ouragan suit.

It was something I had wanted to do since I was four; I don't know why really, I just wanted to. Growing up in North Dakota, I also can't explain why I chose the Navy, but again, it was just something I wanted. Decided to go all out: went to Annapolis right out of high school when I was 17, got my commission last year after four less-than-fun-filled years (it was nice that the government paid for my education though), now I'm in flight school. I was originally planning on 20+ years, but we'll see how that goes. The pension would be nice though. -Cass

I spent about 3 months trying to decide what to get for my first custom container. Due to the recommendations of several very experienced jumpers and its price, I went with an Infinity. I could not be happier with my decision. The security of the container is incredible. I have chosen to pursue freeflying, and I believe that no matter my position or orientation, not a single flap will come open unless I want it to. And yes, you really can pick up the rig by the closed main flap. I also like how the secondary riser covers are part of the reserve container. It offers a lot of protection, but at the same time it's very simple. My previous rig was not custom, so I noticed a huge difference in the fit of this one. The rig feels very solid when I put it on. It does not slip or shift at all in freefall, and the harness is actually comfortable under canopy. I listed price last in pros because I was willing to pay whatever amount to get the container I wanted. Of course, saving money is always a good thing, so the fact that this cost less than some of the other top-of-line containers out there is a plus. Overall, this is the best piece of gear I have yet purchased. The safety, attention to detail in construction, and awesome fit of this harness/container all make me a very proud Infinity owner.

I think opinions on downsizing can be greatly influenced by the attitude of your home dz. I came from a very large, progressive dz with a strong hp canopy culutre. I never felt pressured to downsize, but my spectre 135 loaded at 1.1 was nothing special. Several weeks ago, I was visiting a much smaller dz and was asked by one of the locals what kind of canopy I had. After I told him, he said, "Oh, so you're a hot dog then. That's a small canopy." I thought he was joking at first, but no, he was being serious. A couple weeks after that, I went to another large dz and when asked the same question I got the reply, "Wow, that's a big boat of a canopy," from one of the experienced locals. Personally, I will be downsizing to a 120 shortly, but that is only after careful consideration and lots of practice and formal instruction on my 135. It is certainly not somthing that I'm feeling pressured to do. -Cass