skymom2

Awesome.... So tell me about AFF....is it fun/scary/all of the above. I am so excited for when I am able to start. I have to say that I am a little scared thinking about it. Any advice? The journey of life is not to arrive at the grave in a well-preserved body, but to skid in sideways, totally worn out, screaming "Holy Crap!" what a ride!

That's a good idea. Maybe I'll call out there and ask him. I guess I will just have to go and check both places out to see where I feel like I most fit in. Since I am brand new to the sport, I am not sure if it really matters. The journey of life is not to arrive at the grave in a well-preserved body, but to skid in sideways, totally worn out, screaming "Holy Crap!" what a ride!

Yeah I live in Auburn now, but I there is a big possibility that we will be moving to B'ham soon. That's why I wanted to check these out.... The journey of life is not to arrive at the grave in a well-preserved body, but to skid in sideways, totally worn out, screaming "Holy Crap!" what a ride!

Awesome...thanks for the info. Pell City is closer so I was leaning that way anyway. I am VERY excited to get to Bham and save enough money to start my AFF training. Maybe I will see you soon.... The journey of life is not to arrive at the grave in a well-preserved body, but to skid in sideways, totally worn out, screaming "Holy Crap!" what a ride!

I am moving soon to the Birmingham area and there are two DZ's that I am aware of there. The is Skydive Alabama (located in Cullman) and there is Alabama Skydiving Center in Pell City. Does anybody know anything about these two DZ's and does anyone have any advice about which is better suited to do AFF training? I've researched them both and I know that to a large extent it will be based on my preference, but I was just wondering if anyone had any imput. Thanks! The journey of life is not to arrive at the grave in a well-preserved body, but to skid in sideways, totally worn out, screaming "Holy Crap!" what a ride!

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Thanks...I will. Hopefully I can start training before too long. The journey of life is not to arrive at the grave in a well-preserved body, but to skid in sideways, totally worn out, screaming "Holy Crap!" what a ride!

I have to say it would be intimidating to be the only girl in a place load of guys. I'm used to being the only girl around my friends, but I think it would be hard to be trying something new that I know nothing about and being the only girl. I also am reading up on the sport. I want to be as prepared as possible when I start my training. I know you (I) will learn most everything through experience, but I am really big on being as prepared as possible. Would you recommend reading the SIM? I've heard that you will more than likely have to get it anyway to complete your training...any info? The journey of life is not to arrive at the grave in a well-preserved body, but to skid in sideways, totally worn out, screaming "Holy Crap!" what a ride!

Yeah I wasn't scared at all my tandem jump...it's just terriying to me to think about landing all by myself... I think I can handle the freefall etc (although I'm sure that first step out of the plane will be hard) it's just the landing it properly...SCARY! What is PLF? The journey of life is not to arrive at the grave in a well-preserved body, but to skid in sideways, totally worn out, screaming "Holy Crap!" what a ride!

It's funny you should mention that. We might be moving soon so I am waiting to see what DZ I should go to, but I fully intend to try to get some type of job at the DZ so I can not only support my habit but learn from the people around me. The journey of life is not to arrive at the grave in a well-preserved body, but to skid in sideways, totally worn out, screaming "Holy Crap!" what a ride!

I too just had my first jump..last weekend in fact. I am also hooked and anxiously awaiting the start of my AFF training. I don't have the money however, so it might be a while. Let me know how it goes if you don't mind...I'd love to hear it from someone who is as new to the sport as I am. Good luck and have fun! The journey of life is not to arrive at the grave in a well-preserved body, but to skid in sideways, totally worn out, screaming "Holy Crap!" what a ride!

Thank you so mcuh for your post. It is so nice to be encouraged and also to know that I am not the only one who wants this so bad but is still terrified at the same time. I am taking my time and saving up, but I don't know how I'll ever buy my own gear... Can you elaborate on having to do "coach jumps" before you can be licensed? I don't know anything about this...and I'm curious.

Also....do you know of any good books to read about the sport? The journey of life is not to arrive at the grave in a well-preserved body, but to skid in sideways, totally worn out, screaming "Holy Crap!" what a ride!

I definately agree. I am about to seriously start reading up on the sport and I would love to get a job packing or even just answering phones somewhere so I can just be around it and learn from others. B/c money is such an object I will not be starting until I am sure I have saved enough to complete my training. We are also goign to be possible moving soon and we will be closer to the DZ I will more than likely so my training at. Also, grandparents will be close for babysitting etc. I am definately taking this seriously and slowly b/c I want to do it RIGHT. I want to feel confident the first time I make a solo jump and I want to feel confident that I can overcome any problems that might arise...even if only in theory. Mainly right now I am just gonna try to learn as much as I can via books etc and I will take a tandem any time I am able, cause the way I see it is, it can't hurt, it can only make me more comfortable and more educated. Here's a question... Once I am certified, how much is gear rental (approx)? Would you recommend I immediately buy my own gear? I've noticed that most place only charge around $20 to take you up if you have your own gear... The journey of life is not to arrive at the grave in a well-preserved body, but to skid in sideways, totally worn out, screaming "Holy Crap!" what a ride!

In theory it would be fun to come to Chicago but it's really not feasible for me. Time and money and my two main limiting factors. I have 16 mo old twins and needless to say that doesn't leave a lot of time or money left over. Sounds like a great DZ, but I think I will find somewhere closer to home. Plus, I kinda like the idea of 2 JM with me my first jump. The journey of life is not to arrive at the grave in a well-preserved body, but to skid in sideways, totally worn out, screaming "Holy Crap!" what a ride!