NWFlyer

You don't have to be a skydiver to have an opinion on Dubai as a country that might also extend to businesses within the country, including dropzones and tunnels. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

potluck "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Interesting. I suppose for someone who doesn't need to do team training and just needs 1 v 1 coaching, these newer, larger tunnels are a harder sell. Yes and no. I think if you compare the first generation (Orlando/Perris) 12 footers with the next generation recirculating 12-footers (SF Bay, NH, CO, UT) there's a noticeable difference in quality. But yeah, do you really need a 14 footer vs. a 12 footer for 1:1 training? Probably not. But if it's a choice between hitting the 14-footer in your backyard once a week (for a higher rate) where you can play with your local friends, or traveling to a 12-footer every so often for more intensive sessions, well, then you just have to figure out what works best for you and your goals. (And of course, do the math on whether better rates at a smaller tunnel offset the travel costs you'll add to go to one). "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

"Best" tends to come down to looks, comfort, resale value, the company's service reputation, and bells & whistles. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

John's wife jumps, too. I don't think he has reason to be jealous. In general, though, I think the fact that both parties in a couple jump just makes it easier to plan out weekend/vacation time. I know it does for my b.f. and me. It doesn't make us any more special, though.

Ah that reminds me of the stunt my manager pulled on his way out of the company. I'd been working for a big consulting firm for about a year. When I took the job I agreed to relocate to LA for a year to get integrated into the practice, with the understanding that once that year was up, if I was performing successfully and had built the relationships & trust needed, I could move back to Seattle. That year was up, and Mike, the managing partner of my group, was not only supportive of me moving back, he'd finagled to get my relocation back home paid for, even though that wasn't something that the company typically paid for people at my level. At about the same time, Pete, the manager I'd been working for submitted his resignation and left the company. So imagine my surprise when Mike calls me on my cell phone, while I'm in the process of driving back to Seattle to say "I have to ask you about something even though I don't think it's true, I just have to do my due diligence, and this is especially important now that you're going to be working remotely and we have to have great trust." My stomach drops, of course. Apparently as a parting shot, in his exit interview, Pete told Mike that one of the reasons he was leaving was that he obtained a copy of the partners' annual plan for our team, and it didn't include Pete's name. And he decided to tell Mike that I'm the one who gave it to him. My response was a sputtering "Uh, I don't even know what the document is that you're talking about let alone how I'd get a hold of one." He told me that Pete claimed I'd found it on the fax machine and passed it on. At that point, I found myself having to figure out exactly how much or how little to say, because I've done nothing wrong, but also didn't want to get into a "methinks the lady doth protest too much" situation. For me, parting shots just aren't worth it. For whatever reason, the job didn't work out or it wasn't the right fit; move out and move on. Why burn bridges in the process? "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Living in the northwest with his wife and 2 daughters. At least that's what FB tells me. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Just finished up S2 tonight. Anyone else done with their binge? "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

I just borrowed my coworker's three hole punch. Hers rocks. I have three hole punch envy. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

There were probably more in my younger days, but this recent one springs to mind... While at a dinner that included a coworker who used to be a Tandem Instructor, introduced my VP to the term "pussy pass." "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Yep, they're typically not spelled out, but this is a small sport, small market, and people talk. As an example, I bought a brand-new main from PD a few years ago. After only a couple months and about 40 jumps, the slider developed a tear - pretty obviously a manufacturing defect with that little wear on the setup. Contacted PD and they had a new on one the way, no charge, right away. The general consensus around the DZ was "PD should make that right" and, without question, they did. Now, if I showed up now (6 years and several hundred jumps on that canopy later) and said "Hey, my slider's got a tear" they'd probably say "That's nice, you could have your local rigger fix it, or send it to us and we'll repair it for $X, or would you like to order a new one - they cost $Y?" And that would be the right response, too.

What they said. You might also want to start with "Hi, I'm Justin..." then ask. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Meh, this is one of those things where it's a matter of personal opinion. Some peoples' brains are hard-wired to digital, others are hard-wired to analog, others can go either way. There's no "good" or "bad" here, just different. Logging altimeters can be of two primary types; one is an audible altimeter (like the Protrack) that also functions as a logger, the other is a visual altimeter such as the Viso or Altitrack that also functions as a logger. The Neptunes are actually a third type as they can be used either as an audible or visual altimeter, and as a logger. I'd venture to say that when it comes to a fancy schmancy altimeter, you don't know what you want yet. However, if you're going to start saving some money, one thing to do is to figure out what the best sources of used gear are and start to monitor them for deals (classifieds here, Facebook groups devoted to gear sales, local dealers, other local sources). Good quality used analogs can often be found for under $100, and that'll serve you well throughout your skydiving career, even if you eventually decide you want something with more functionality. Saving up cash so you can jump on the deals when they become available will be really helpful. So yeah, an altimeter is a good place to start for accessories. Gloves are another. If your instructor's helmet fits... awesome, problem solved, but if not, a helmet's also a good "first purchase." For a jumpsuit, sometimes people luck out and can find a used jumpsuit that's a decent enough fit (or can be with minor alterations) but most folks find that a custom suit is their best bet. You can ask around for recommendations on manufacturers, and then work with your instructors and the manufacturer to have the right suit designed to help you "dress for success" based on fall rate, etc. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Yes, but the forum moderator regularly makes exceptions to the four (it's four, not three) month rule for boogies such as Palau (which was first listed in here in June 2013, a full 10 months before the event). If they're not listed on here, I'm guessing it's more likely that the organizers didn't think to use the forums as an advertising source (or have plenty of interest generated through other channels), not because of the "four month rule." http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=4499021 I dunno, I feel like between the events forum, the calendar on here, calendars on the various association sites, ads in magazines, and general word of mouth (including through social networks like Facebook), if you're looking for an exotic boogie and want to plan way ahead, it's not too difficult to find the information. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Eh. You created a fantasy of skydiving in your mind that didn't match up to the reality. Keep jumping and figure out if you like what it actually is, or move on. It's not the end of the world. Spend your money and time elsewhere. Skydiving will still be around if you decide to try it again someday, and it (and your life) will go on if you don't.

I'm sure Melissa's cat can take care of that problem. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

See attached. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

The video of the camera falling in the pigpen has gotten 5.6 million views in the last couple days. Perhaps yours is showing up on the "related" videos for some users. This is assuming the video that's generated sudden interest is a skydiving video. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

QUIET. 74 posts and no moderator has put me out of my misery yet? "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Season 2 drops tomorrow! Happy Valentine's Day, indeed! New cast members include Molly Parker, who's always a blast. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

This is going to be the best VD ever because my friends at Netflix are giving me a gift of Season 2 of House of Cards. Yummy! "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

This one's pretty epic: http://youtu.be/wknywxfcE5M?t=1m5s "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

What makes you think its fake? Did you read the video description? Not fake. I've heard that it was at NorCal Skydiving in Cloverdale, CA. (edit to add: confirmed by a newspaper report: http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20140212/articles/140219872 "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

No room? That looks like a pretty densely-packed airport property. https://goo.gl/maps/7NJkb "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Probably ought to visit the Muff trailer. Should fit right in. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke