sillie1111

"and if you're nervous, have someone put you on a radio for your first couple jumps on it. " When I was in AFF I lost radio twice both times at the beginning of my landing pattern.I did very well without it so, with the instructors ok of course I stopped using radio before I got on solo status. I must say I am a bit nervous to jump a new rig, a big part of that is because I had my first hard pull 3 weeks ago and it scared the hell out of me , I ended up opening lower then I wanted to . I have had 24 jumps on the Raider, and I know that doesn't seem like a lot but I can tell when I am having a normal good opening. I know if I was on a different canopy and I wasn't sure how the openings are, it can be faster, harder ect. I probly would have freeked out. But when my big old 220 Raider came out of the bag I felt relief like no other! I cant wait to get more experience with a bit more performance but I defiantly don't want to put to much on my plate. Thanks for the feed back ~Michelle ~Shelly

Ok before I start I will let you know I have spoken with my instructors and have taken in their advice. I still would like to know how others feel about this. I am about to get my A I have one jump left I started AFF in Sept. I have 24 jumps and my canopy control is good from what I have been told, I do also agree that my control is good, and I am very comfortable with it.I feel I am ready to get my own gear. I have one problem with the student rigs, I jump a Raider 220 and I am to small for it, i think the term is underloading?. I attempted to do front riser turns and hung from them, they wouldn't go anywhere. when the winds are at 10 miles and hour I don't go anywhere but down, no forward penetration! Pretty boring canopy ride. I have been looking at a sabre 170, I have been told that for my size a 170 will be ok for me at 125 lbs. The reserve of course is a 175. I would like to know what people feel about that. At my dropzone I have people who agree that a 170 is ok for a first rig, but then I have a few who say I should not jump from a 220 to a 170. I would appreciate it if I could get some more feedback from different people. I would like to demo a different rig before I buy one, but the problem is I cant find one with my container size they are all to big. Even the student rig is to big and hurts my legs. Thanks ~Shelly

Hello, I am new to these forums so I guess I will introduce myself. I started AFF in mid September last year. I know it was like a cruel joke, who starts at the end of the season? My home DZ is Jumptown in Orange MA so It was a long cold winter. It probably wasn't that bad but when your new to skydiving it is the end of the world as you know it. Now I have only have four more solos to do before I have my A License, and I cant wait! I absolutely love this sport and cant imagine myself not taking part in it. Even though it may be a lot of money, especially for students, it is so worth it in the end. The atmosphere is great, the people are so welcoming, and the payoff is amazing. I cant think of how anyone would not love this sport, It is like crack "Sky Crack" Yea it is great and I hope to be 80yrs old and still jumping! ~Shelly