skyjuggler

Have just seen the footage a few days ago of Loic and it is true, he is the bad boy!!! As for what he could do, basically nothing. My previous statement of him being 5m high was false, it was more like 3 meters!!! One of the best shots is him looking down at the snow and watching his own shadow, it´s big and very very close!!! If he pulls then the lines would only reach tension behind him and so the canopy would not work. Basically he has big brass balls and of course his amazing flying skills. He basically flyies down the slope then over to some rocks and then enters a small valley where he pulls. The funniest thing is the real time sound when he enters the ski slope, no BS, it sounds like a jet fighter flying past! Loic rocks!

There are also photos of Loic doing this with a Ninja canopy, which is a 21 cell cross braced canopy my Parachute de France. I think it was in Para Mag a while back so it may be online in their archive section.

Still do I believe. Think they are also going to start making sports parachutes soon aswell.

20 minutes past 4 in the afternoon my dear boy. Great time in the day to kick back and have a safety meeting.

Check out Matter Suits. They are now making wingsuits which I believe are based on the Crossbow, if not the crossbow. They have a new webpage with all the stuff on. I think it is http://www.matter-airwear.com I can't access the webpage from work, but if I can remember right, it has info on the suit. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the help. I have spoken to Wolf, Tazio and a few others about Locano, but the more opinions the better. I'm definately aiming to check out Lucano this summer, probably late summer. Do you have to fill the Pilatus to get maximum altitude? How many regular freefliers are based at the DZ?

I'm interested to hear about anyone's experiences of jumping in Lucano, Switzerland, and the freefly scene there. I am aware that Tazio has his XLR-8 school located in Lucarno. Information from locals or visiting freaks much appreciated.

Longer recovery arc (Negative recovery arc compared to relatively short recovery arc of stiletto) therefore more speed can be generated resulting in higher performance.

There is a DVD of this stuff and more brass ball action, but I guess only Loic & co, Babylon and few others have copies. As much as I really want to see it, I respect the fact that this is their venture and they will present it when ready. When ever that is it's going to be worth the wait. Also you have to respect that projects like this don't fund themselves, and in order to justify the sponsorship and future work, they have to do the job properly. Loic and the Soul Flyer crew are up to some mad stuff, so when they decide to show their work to the world I will be at the front of the line!! Until then I'm in the same boat as the masses!

The DVD is not for sale, I believe it is promotional work for the Salomon Ski /Outdoor brand, although I could be wrong.

Loic and company rock. Have just seen this photo of Loic in a Wingsuit flying down a ski slope in freefall. He can not be more than 5 meters high, and the photo shows him, his shadow and 2 skiers who he passes!!!! The shot is amazing and apparently there are 2 or 3 different video angles. You hear of people talking about what can be done, but this photo was amazing. I guess 120mph at 5 meters off the ground cruising past 2 skiers!! Wow. I haven't seen the DVD as it was away with the Babylon boys, but I can't wait to see the wing suit and base stuff from Loic. Meanwhile if you are bored or want to be inspired check out this other stuff from the Sould FLyers. http://para-net.org/paramag/archives/directlive/direct192/images/SoulFlyers.mpg

Loic and company rock!! Wicked vid, was just hearing about it a few days ago but could not see it as DVD was away with the Babylon boys. Also you sould see this photo of Loic in a Wingsuit flying down a ski slope in freefall. He can not be more than 5 meters high, and the photo shows him, his shadow and 2 skiers who he passes!!!! The shot is amazing and apparently there are 2 or 3 different video angles.

Does this make you feel better? http://www.computerpranks.com/download/media/mpeg/nokia.mpeg

Does anyone know what the official deal is with FAI licenses for entering competitions? This is my problem: can a german passport holder join the British Parachute Association, apply and receive an FAI license and then compete in the National and World Championships? Granted they haven't represented another country in the last 3 years. Examples would be Omar (Saudi Arabia) for USA, Olav Zipser (Germany) for USA, Alexjandro Ramos (Venezuela) Italy. Flat flying examples would be Solly William (South Africa) for USA, Ivan Coufal (South Africa) for Spain. These people have done it, so if a german can not legitimately compete for British team how come the other examples can?

Does anyone know what the official deal is with FAI licenses for entering competitions? This is my problem: can a german passport holder join the British Parachute Association, apply and receive an FAI license and then compete in the National and World Championships? Granted they haven't represented another country in the last 3 years. Examples would be Omar (Saudi Arabia) for USA, Olav Zipser (Germany) for USA, Alexjandro Ramos (Venezuela) Italy. Flat flying examples would be Solly William (South Africa) for USA, Ivan Coufal (South Africa) for Spain. These people have done it, so if a german can not legitimately compete for British team how come the other examples can?

I spoke to a rigger who works for Icarus recently, and he gave me an explanation which was completely plausable, but should come from him. I don't think he uses these forums but I will see him soon and try to get a more creditable explanation. The XF2 is very close to the speed of a cross brace. From what I have heard, it is faster in toggles than the XF1, and it is in fact a faster canopy which will dive longer. Perhaps its optimum wing loading is slightly more? Everyone I have talked to speaks very highly of it, it went down a treat at all the boogies in Europe last summer. Consensus appears that it does dive longer and has a more powerful flare, but I have yet to use one yet. By the way, wasn't Trigger's 129 was it?

I'm interested to hear what people think about the speed issue, apologies if it is off the original subject, no hijack intended. I can appreciate that when learning, speed can be good because it gives stability and that flying can be more unstable and therefore more difficult. Just because something is more difficult does it make it better or just a challenge to be able to do the skill? If you are flying at the faster end of the freefly spectrum (170-180) and you pop up from transitions, surely a skill is to be able to maintain your speed and not catch air. Also RW guys started in baggy suits then went to tighter suits as they became more efficient with their flying, and this is being seen with freefly. Some people believe that less drag and slightly higher speeds allow more dynamic work. Freefly has no real spatial constraints only the 35-40 second time constraint. For example tracking is not only flat, but has a range of angles which result in controlled tracking jumps with verical speeds of around 200-210 MPH. Obviously the common consensus is that freefly is around the 160 mark, I am just curious about people's experiences and theories. I guess I am trying to ask why a sit is 140, HD is 150-160, and why people think slower is better. I see freefly as a spectrum of speeds away from the vertical, and in the vertical headup and head down being the same speeds, just tailored for who you are with and what you want to do. I guess if you fly slower you get more time for you money!! This may be just a difference in style or what people are trying to do in the sky, but I am curious. Apologies once again for the questions, I should really start another thread!

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Cat Freeflying http://www.techsuperman.com/cat.wmv Can anyone give my cat any coaching tips towards getting the cat AD licencse?

I've been trying to get my cat to do that for ages, any advise? Can you recommend any good cat coaches? Hilarious, although I feel bad for laughing.

I was out 2 weeks or so ago, was organised on first day, strange no? Perhaps something has changed, but I was under the impression they still load organised.

Actually that's not true. The boys organise just about everyday of the year. The school opens at 10am, and they tend to coach all day before organising loads. I have been coached by a few Americans and have had the chance to be taught by Colon Berry and Alaska Jon who were spot on, and major influences. However in my opinion the Babylon boys also rock. They are all different, so they should cater for all student / coach relationships. If you really want to learn to fly, these guys will teach you. Not just the vertical, but all angles in between flat and the vert. They have one of the strongest philosophies and really know their stuff. It is no coincidence that other great jumpers are starting to locate there such as Ippo, Lele, Alex Ramos. I might be biased toward them all but they really are that good. I will probably get in trouble for saying it, but when I first hit Spain, I had only jumped in the US and was thinking, who are these guys, never heard of them. But I quickly realised how good they were and definitely have learnt the most from them, and consequently have kept going back. I also feel that one of their best attributes is catering for intermediates, as when you begin FF you need coaching, and when you are world class you can pretty much get on any load!!! But in between is the grey area, and the boys put you in contact with people who want to learn and are of similar level. It has to be one of the best learning environments. People can give their opinions all day, but I would say check them out, and you won't be disappointed. Just email them and let them know you're coming. And by the way, Wolf is an absolute legend!

Nice site, has Nimmo seen himself on the center of your home page?

I am not able to participate but thought I would let anyone who reads this thread and may be interested how good the tunnel is for freeflying and that Juliana and Fabian are truely awesome in there. They are REALLY REALLY good, and use very positive coaching techniques so you're bound to learn. I was lucky enough to get some time with Fabian and my team mate and we were very pleased indeed. Good luck and fair play Trent for organising the camp, those who participate will learn loads. Juliana and Fabian rock!!!!!!

Just started jumping a Samurai 136 and absolutely love it!!!! The article written about the characterics here on dropzone.com were absolutely spot on. In breaks it over steered notably when using rear riser to steer. It seems to have real large control range, can fly slow, didn't really try but haven't stalled it in full brakes. Toggle turns are sharp and responsive, riser pressures are low, and the canopy will dive when you use them!!! Flare was great and really powerful especially at the end. The only cons I have found are that the canopy is full of air when collecting it up after landing (NO big deal) and that I had 1 or 2 har openings, although I think this was me more than the design, as the new material may have slipped when packing. Customer service is great, Brian was helpful. Comes with all the quality of a Performance Designs canopy as they actually make it!!! What a canopy.