dobber

I recently, and regretfully, sold my sabre 170. On mine, until I rolled the nose and shoved it in the center cell, it would open EXTREMELY hard. One opening broke a control line, blew out my left stabilizer cell, and knocked me out. After packing it the way I just described, it opens nice. It isn't a velocity, but it is an amazing canopy. However, packers think they are experts on canopies and are scared to pack it this way. Therefore, if you own a sabre, pack it yourself. Your life depends on it. It is worth the effort however, as it is a beautiful work of art which will never fail you. P.S. I was knocked out and scared on the aforementioned hard opening, and low when I woke up. I landed it without incident. I don't recommend this reaction, but it is an example of the well designed nature of this canopy.

While I don't know who was the godfather of swooping, I have to agree that the name "Rickster" just defines canopy genius to me. Though he has given the reins of "preplanned" cutaways over to Mike Olivetti (sp?), I feel honored to have just learned from watching him on those jumps. He is a truly amazing person and far more human than one would think. Outside of the swooping forum perhaps, but I think he might be a bit embarrased to be thought of as the the truly fantastic skydiver he is. Just my opinion though.

Thanks so much to you and your dad for taking care of him. He is definetely a one of a kind person. Thanks again, Jim

Timber, was reading your post on Bob and wonder how he is doing now since he got hurt. I consider him a dear friend and hope he is doing well. Thanks.

This is my home dz, and I just wanted to let everyone know you don't have to have a ton of money to be treated well here as a few reviews have stated. They need tandem money to keep it going, but when they get a chance, the staff is always willing to help you out. It's a larger dz, but the people here are family. You do need to have your logbook and stuff (duh!), but shouldn't you carry that anyway? C'mon over and jump and join us in some unknown celebration every weekend.

But the Boondock Saints might! That is one rocking movie.

Listed on this site alone. That is not all of the dz's. But, if you are so dead set against the possibility, that would be up to you, and is your decision. It is my opinion that this is not the correct forum to post all of the details that are relevant to such an idea. There are those who believe in solutions, while others choose to see problems. Either way, I don't wish to take up anymore space on a subject that would be best taken elsewhere. I only offered the suggestion as there were already so many opinions on the subject of insurance. I didn't realize I would have to put on a suit of armor to defend every word of a general statement. I apologize for taking up this space. This is really all I have to say on the subject.

Good. I am glad you are looking into it. I understand all of those people that would be involved in it. The actuarial tables alone would be a nightmare. But, it is not impossible. And there are 298 dz's listed in the U.S. on this site alone. It is do-able, but it may not be practical. But anymore details than all of this would be insane on this posting, especially as it is for Lake Wales. I am only trying to help. Thanks.

I understand the basics of insurance as I used to sell it. Naturally the money wouldn't be stagnant, that's what money managers are for. But, it isn't impossible, as insurance companies are in business. Just difficult as there are numerous state regulations as well as federal. I didn't write down all the details because I don't know them, nor was it necessary for a general idea such as that when I do know that I don't have the skills or knowledge to actually put such a plan into action. However, I am confident that someone in our community could do such a thing. Most that are done are cooperatives. I just don't know the nuts and bolts as to how they work. Only that they exist.

Well, it won't help on this time, but perhaps a group of DZs could get together and form a pool to insure themselves. After all, that is all insurance really is. Except that in this case, the pool would be smaller and the middleman would be taken out. I don't know exactly how it would work, but I trust there are people in skydiving who could put such a pool together and would be glad to help out. Just my 2 cents worth. Oh yeah, still working on a food drive, but it will probably go straight to the red cross. Postage would be a killer to do one just for the Drop Zone. I will find out if we can do one for the hurricane relief.

Thanks for the info. I have never been to Lake Wales, but many of us here in Dallas are sending money to help our fellow skydivers out. I am going to organize a canned food drive as well. I figure what they can't use, they will give to the local Red Cross.

Wonderful people, almost impossible to jump by yourself with the load organizers and skydivers down there. No clics, just a bunch of great people and cold beer. Having a volcano smoke in the distance is pretty cool to watch in the afternoon as well. It is serious fun.

I went to this last one at Dallas so that I could learn my canopy and boy did I! Got 5 in and learned so much about it and got my money's worth on the adrenaline rush. Got an old container and reserve and my lightning 160 should be in in just a few weeks. Jeff and Lee were totally awesome! Thanks a million!