Nataly

Good idea, except that our dropzone isn't open for another couple of months, and those guys won't be around until the summer... But I'm heading for Florida in a couple of weeks and would like to do other stuff until the warm weather comes to Canada

I know, I know.. I shouldn't rush--that's why I'm asking questions at this point, so that I can test some things out and keep an eye open for what I want. Basically, I want a canopy that I can do regular stuff with, but will be good for practicing CReW when the time comes.

So it's like this: I'm planing to get suitable gear to jump and improve on what I already know, but gear that I'll also be able to use when I'll be ready for some CReW (key word "casual", since the Skyhawks do--in theory--teach you everything you need to know). I just don't want to arrive at their training camp and have anxiety attacks because of their fast-pace teaching methods (it *is* the military, after all!!) Makes sense?

So any advice on gear and options and how to find them would be welcome!!

Yes, in fact two ex-skyhawks are at my dropzone, and I have absolutely no desire to do CReW with anyone inexperienced (I'm trying to learn, not kill myself or anyone else!!).

Is a retractable Pilot Chute the same as a collapsible chute?

PS: Are there courses on CReW? I've looked in Parachutist magazine and didn't see any.

Right, I should add that I'm 5'5" and 105 lb (up to 120 in peak running season). I'll be demoing a Spectre 135 soon, and might like it, or might want to eventually buy a 120 in my first rig.

I have been doing research, but since I'm still in the early stages I appologise in advance for any ignorant things that might be in this message!!

Ok. I've got the minimum requirements to apply for next year's Canadian military demo team, but have heard from people who know that practicing CReW and accuracy is a *good idea* before going out there and being forced to do stuff you're not ready for.

I've decided I'll be purchasing a Spectre because of its flight and landing characteristics, and because I hear that it's suitable for casual CReW. I am still interested in freeflying, RW, and possibly swooping (later, much later!).

Here are my questions: is there such a thing as a hybrid Spectre and would that be better than a "regular" Spectre? Are microlines an absolute no-no for casual CReW? Do I need non-cascaded lines? And most importantly, if I should have any of these, how hard is it to find or modify a used one with those options?

Anything else I should know? Thanks in advance :)

Wow! Thanks Johnny!! I have a great picture just before I tore apart the formation and you're in it!! Yay!

By the way, I just wanted to mention that I got some awsome video while out there, and Billy Porter actually jumped with me just to film a style set--I've watched that tape over and over, and my mom has taken it to work for everyone to see.. Very nice editing and music choice too! Thanks Billy

Tee hee Yes, this is also true..

No one was as happy to see me as I was to see everyone there
Hi Adam! Sent you an e-mail :) You're such a world-traveller--where to next?

Yes, T'was I... It *was* cold, but soooo much fun (how could beer and whipped-cream not be fun?!)

Oh my gosh!!!! Zhills was even more amazing this time around, if you can believe it.. Here is a quick synopsis of my week:

-Obtained B-Licence (I'm still such a baby to skydiving )
-Now have 64 jumps (as opposed to 31)
-Made some *awsome* friends
-Got some phenomenal video
and oh, by the way...
-numerous 2-ways
-one 3-way
-two 9-ways (sort of)
-one 11-way
-a few mishaps that were supposed to be big-ways (but I didn't catch up and dock)
-two night jumps
-Muff sister #3428
-Star Crest Recipient / ceremony / initiation (oldest skydiving award that exists in the States--for a successful 8-way star formation)
-Log-book signed by many, many people

WOO HOO!! Probably one of the best moments (because there were soooooo many) was when Paul Meagher looked at me and said "I'm very proud of you--and I don't say that very often." And knowing Paul, that is true and so unbelievably cool :) :) :)

I went back to work today a sad camper.. I've finally committed to not taking the extended contract. Once my duty ends in early April, I'm beginning my adventures...

That being said, I think it will take me several weeks to let everything sink in from the past couple of days; right now it's overwhelming and emotional and feels so, so good.. Blue skies, man.. Blue skies...

Nataly :)

PS: I'm posting this message on Dropzone.com to show my appreciation to the stand-up people at ZHills (including visitors)... Thank you for making my stay so exciting and full of wonderful moments.. I hope I never forget how touching this experience (especially the people) has all been for me.

PPS: Scotty: do you and Tami still want to adopt me?? (Mom loved her present, and thank you so much for sharing your amazing wedding video--and for the beer and whipped-cream)

PPPS: Thanks for the jumps, the video (sorry it wasn't anything pornographic, Peter), the stories, the laughter, and the good weather you ordered for my stay



No man will be found in whose mind airy notions do not sometimes tyrannize him and thus force him to hope or fear beyond the limits of sober probability.

-Samuel Johnson

Parties like a Rockstar!! Hee heeee! Yeah, I had a ball--you girls ROCK! I am so glad I was able to be initiated into the coolest sisterhood around! I think it's a great cause, and the positive repercussions from your hard work and dedication will surely be worth every effort you put into these boogies. Good show!

Heee heeeee!!!

Cool of you to write me a note

I had such a ball.. Now I'm back to work, and it's kind of a bummer.. I'm one of two qualified techs, and that means I'm buzy, busy, busy.. I have to do the work of 5 people *and* train the newbies..

I've been getting all my shit together and giving it away to the Salvation Army... When I get down to two suitcases, I'm taking off I think I'll make the USA my first stop and I'll visit one dropzone at a time.. Then off to Europe, then Australia, et cetera, et cetera.. I want to learn to rock-climb, and surf, and paraglide, and then who knows?! I'm going to live the dream, baby!!!!

PS: Melanie has spiced up the story a little.. I was up way higher than her because of her uber-arch, and when she finally caught up to me, I held on to her for dear life, and somehow managed to grab the barbie from her while I flipped onto my back (no, this was not on purpose!!).. She then moved back so we could do some turns--probably the only thing I did right!!! Well, it's like I keep saying.. If you can't be good, you might as well be good for a laugh!!!

PPS: Here I am in my wild new jumpsuit, next to its creator/mastermind Tony!!

Wow! I just got back from ZHills.. It was *AWSOME*!!!

Thanks to everyone for their advice, and thanks for the offers (didn't get them until now, but still appreciate the gestures).

I am sooo glad I went, and met some amazing people :) With the help of numerous people (especially Paul Meagher), I managed to get my A-Licence *and* get initiated into the Pink Mafia!

What a way to live.. I just might have to quit my job..

Cool! Thanks! I'm going insane trying to plan all of this!! I just found out yesterday I have about two weeks of leave and I just got back from Bosnia so I need to do something for me, you know?

Oh.. I don't know? If anyone could pick me up, I'd be happy to pay--it would save me from having to rent a car for a week.

So Orlando is closer to Sebastian? How much of a differance?

Hi there everyone! I finally decided to sign up to this forum since I've found it so useful for all the questions I was too afraid to ask..

I'm new to the sport (only 10 jumps), but I'm desperately trying to get down to Sebastian or Zephyrhills within the next couple of days to jump, jump, and jump some more! I'm sure the trip will be worthwhile! I'm going crazy getting everything in order.. Figuring out all the details.. Planning it on the fly.. Anyone know the best way to get there from the Airport in Tampa??!! Any words of wisdom to help me pick between the two dropzones??

Whew! My head is spinning from excitement!!