skyejumper

What's weird is that sometimes you don't notice a certain skydiver is gone 'til they pop up 6 months later, and it's like...heyyy.... where ya been?! I think if people drop out they might feel weird talking to a current jumper because it will make them miss the sport or maybe they're just sick of talking about skydiving (like THAT could ever happen!!!!)

Is it just me, or does it seem like it's really easy to lose touch with skydiving buds who drop outta the scene? I've had a bunch of close DZ friends drift away, and now that I think back, it's like, "I wonder what happened to _____?" How often do you still see skydiving buddies who stop going to the DZ? Maybe their lives are too busy with the stuff that makes them quit (family, work, other hobby). It's kind of a bummer. It seems like lately the turnover in this sport is more than it used to be 10 years ago.

I feel like a big wimp because I just found out I'm pregnant and now I'm too tired and nauseous to jump. Plus, my whuffo sweetie doesn't think it would be a good idea, 'cause if I went splat, the baby would go splat. I couldn't live with the guilt if that happened. As far as after the baby is born, I have no idea how I'll feel. I've always been a fairly conservative jumper (no hook turns, 150 sq. ft. canopy), so if I went back it wouldn't be like I was doing anything differently. I guess we'll find out next year.

I guess I don't really post enough on here for anyone to notice whether I'm gone... or here. I should either post more, post a nekkid photo, tell my dz friends to mention me a lot, jump more, or post something spectacular. Hmmm.....

Hey, anyone gonna be in Vegas, weekend of April 7? Or live there? Wanna grab a drink (or 4 or 5?) I'm stayin' on the Strip, nope, not going to the wind tunnel (we have one at my DZ). Just thought a mini skydiver reunion would be nice (I'll be with a whuffo, and he's not exactly the "partying" type)

What are your skydiving goals for 2006? I'd like to do bunches of HD docks and maybe work on some swooping skills!

Which DZ is this? I'm guessing you're in the UK somewhere. I thought you needed 100 jumps to be a tandem student for someone. Were you doing this to help your friend get his rating, or did he just take you up for free?

If someone has a moderately wing loaded canopy (nothing too crazy), how bad is it to intentionally induce line twists under canopy? I hate to sound naive, but I have a friend who does this and I sorta worry about it. He says he likes to see behind him. He's got over 1000 jumps, so I assume he knows what he's doing, but it's not something I'd ever consider trying myself.

YIKES.... talk about a scary pic. Firefighters fighting one of the CA wildfires: http://apnews1.iwon.com/image/20050928/SOCAL_WILDFIRES.sff_LA107_20050928224647.html?date=20050929&docid=D8CU0MCG1

OMG.... Marty and MiG came to my office yesterday and I talked to them for about an hour. Marty sat next to me and played guitar and sang "Trees". They are BOTH so awesome!!!!

9/11 could have been avoided if the U.S. had the same level of airline security as other countries have had for decades. Israel was pretty much laughing at us and our lack of weapons checks and other security measures. They've been on the cutting edge of security for a long time. It's a matter of the big bad U.S. never thinking that terrorism could happen on our soil. If anything, the first bombing of the Trade Center should have been a clue.

1-800-HELP NOW is the number to call to donate money or volunteer time. However I've tried calling all morning and the line has been busy. The minimum amount of time you can volunteer for is 10 days. I tried calling my local Red Cross chapter but nobody has answered. If anyone was able to get thru and has a different number to call, please let me know. I tried the website, too, but it wasn't very helpful. It says they're not looking for volunteers from my area... but I'm not sure if this is outdated info or not. ETA - just checked out the Red Cross site again. It appears that they're most in need of $$$ now. As far as physically volunteering, they seem to be using volunteers who have already been trained. The "updated news" section refers prospective volunteers to their local chapters, however, when going to MY local chapters (I checked my entire state) it doesn't mention any specific disaster training at this time.

Yes, you're exactly right on this. I was just reading an article in National Geographic about how the 2-3 degree increase in ocean temp is the cause of the increase in number of hurricanes, as well as strength. This is also cyclical, and unfortunately is going to continue for a few more years. My quotes about Bush were a bit tongue in cheek. Obviously I know he doesn't control the weather, and my heart goes out to the people in the Gulf Coast. I'm actually looking into joining the Red Cross ASAP as a volunteer, and heading down there for a few weeks. If Gore or Kerry were in office, I'm sure 9/11 still would have happened, and who knows what would have happened with Iraq. ETA... just saw masterblasters post. On one had I do agree that important 9/11 info was overlooked by the previous administration... however, since it took place so soon after Bush took office, I'm not sure having Gore in there would have made much of a difference at that point.

My first post in this forum... but listening to the Katrina coverage on the news, I began to think about our country since Bush took office. Let's see... since his first term began, the US has suffered thru the most horrific act of terrorism EVER on U.S. soil. He led our country into one of the deadliest wars in decades, which is STILL going on (don't get me started on THAT ). Let's not forget about a major U.S. city under water,and a good portion of the Gulf Coast being devastated. Yeah, Bush can't control the weather... and I'm sure he's upset about having to end his month-long vacation a few days early.. but I'm going to blame him for part of this disaster as well. ARGH!!! OK, if I can't blame him for that, I'm blaming him 99.9999% for gas prices going thru the roof.

I'm on the West coast and just got mine on the 22nd.

exactly.... I was trying to gauge how many "active" jumpers there were... not just the one time only folks. I suppose USPA #'s wouldn't be completely on, but I didn't think there was any other way of seeing an accurate number.

Does anyone have a reasonable guess (or, if you work with USPA, an accurate guess!) as to how many skydivers there are in the USA?

Wow... only one team and one other person at Nationals? I guess it's going to be slow there this year! Or else this forum doesn't get a lot of traffic. Or else nobody cares. Anyway, I'll be there and my local teams... so if any dz.com people happento be there, make yourselves known and I can say a big howdy do to ya!

N/A

Who's planning on heading to Nationals this year? If you're going, what events will you be there for? I'll be running around with a pad and paper, and may ask you some quick questions to use for articles in the Vibe (the Nationals newsletter).

Geez... hot Hot HOT!!!!! C'mon, who doesn't love jumping in 100 degree plus heat?! http://www.skydivingweather.com/home.php

I have no idea who you are, but I'll be there. Look for the red/yellow/blue freefly pants, and I'll probably be running around with a pen and paper asking for witty quotes for the Perris website. You can PM me if you want a photo.

I just flew Southwest from CA to NY, for $380. Holy crap... they DON'T serve food (except for oreos and stale graham crackers), and I had a stopover AND a layover. On a bright note, I had a lot of free drink vouchers, so after a few G&T's the flights went by quicker. Southwest is REALLY good for short flights... AZ, CA, NV. The flight attendants and pilots are usually funny, and an hour or hour and a half flight is just enough time to down a few drinks and be on your merry way.

If you're a fan of the show, this is a fun little quiz: http://abc.go.com/primetime/desperate/quiz/index.html I'm Edie!!!

when i get married, I'll have pie instead of cake. Wedding cake is overrated. Lotsa pies would be better.