drew7682

After also completing AFF and consoles in USA, I came back to the UK and tried 2 DZs which were both ok but not especially inspiring. 3rd DZ lucky though Sibson has friendly & approachable staff, with easy going locals. Landing area is large with very few hazards to worry about. The bar/cafe is great, especially during those english weather holds.

Does anyone have any info or stories related to the rocket belt/pack contraption that features briefly in BASE tape no.2? Did those things ever get widely used? Are any of the guys and girls in the Boenish BASE tapes still jumping 25 years on?!? (except, sadly Carl of course.)

Does anyone know where you can buy 2nd Base on the internet when it gets released? Thanks...

No i didn't pack the main, i was just using the usual rental gear.

Hi, I recently had a long layoff from jumping, then did a AFF level 7 check out dive which went well. On my second jump using rental gear (235 main), i kept things simple just doing minor turns and practise pulls. However i had a really hard opening that felt like someone had punched me in the stomach as the main opened. Landing was uneventful, but i've ended up with a suspected bruised rib which is still hurting 4 days later! One suggestion that seems likely is that i was moving forward during deployment. I know my inexperience and layoff time have not helped either. Does anyone have an ideas on what causes sharp openings and ways of stopping them happening again in the future??

Thanks Caz, May well take you up the offer!

Caz, I did my AFF in Sebastian, Florida and then 5 jumps at Chatteris when i got back. When i get back in the area in 2 weeks time, will give them a call. Wind tunnel would be an excellent idea, but i don't think there is one in the UK?

Hi, I'm a UK A License holder with only 22 jumps, and have just spent the past 9 months without doing a single jump! Does anyone have any advice on getting prepared for returning to the dropzone and what kind of refresher training will i need? Im slightly weary of returning to the dropzone due to my lack of experience and the huge amount of time its been since i went, but i really want to get up in the air again! Thanks.