Smeger

I've done 3 tandem jumps, soon to do a fourth before I start my AFF in the summer. Do those tandems count as jumps in my profile or is it only solo jumps you put in there? (DZ.com ROCKS! ).

Thats AWESOME man, congrats. You described the story really well. I'm hopefully doing the AFF in the summer, you've helped inspire me lol. Don't get too over confident now you've passed, although I'm sure you won't. Have fun buddy and stay safe. (DZ.com Rules ).

LOL awesome.

Can only speak from my experience, which is VERY little lol , but if your doing a tandem jump (strapped to the instructor), you'll hardly have to do anything. All that will be asked of you is to keep your head right back, cross your arms and fold you legs back between the instructors legs on exit. I jumped from a side-door exit standing position, so I don't know about a smaller plane where you have to sit first. A buddy of mine did though and he had to sit on the side of the door and then pretty much do the same thing while the instructor rolled forward into the freefall. I found it really helps if you arch back and try to touch the back of your head with the soles of your feet lol. That way you get a comfortable position for the instructor, so he can do backflips on exit WAHOOO!!! We did three backflips from 14000ft on my third tandem, although I think it was only ment to be one lol. (DZ.com RULES ).

Are you from the US Groundbound? Cause I'm a complete newbie to skydiving as well. I'm confused as to what AFF stages you go though in the US. In the UK the first level of AFF is a solo jump with two instructors beside you, giving signals to help correct your arch. You also have to do three practice pulls to show you know where the rip-cord is and obviously check your altimeter and pull at 5000ft after giving the open hand signal at 5500ft to indicate that your going to open. It isn't required that you do a tandem before starting the AFF. I have done 3 tandems so far, planning to do a fourth this summer then the AFF shortly after (if the weather is good and I have the time and money ). Is it compulsory to do a tandem jump for AFF in the US? (DZ.com RULES ).

Only done 3 tandem jumps so I know nothing . Whats "daffy" consist of? (DZ.com ROCKS!)

Not like speed diving. The freeflying headdown styliee!! Like Adrian Nicholson does. Just wondered how difficult it was to learn?

How long did it take to get the hang of flying headdown? (DZ.com rules ).

I haven't yet. Going for the AFF this summer. I'm UK, so I won't see the sun till June. Just learning as much as possible before I get started, won't be such a shock to take in all the info straight away. I've found different opinions on the matter thats all. I heard that a round is less likely to mal than a square, simply because of its shape. I have know idea whether thats true or not? Just wanted to get some expert advise from both sides. I'm thinking now that round yeah to open, but if I'm stuck over a power grid or something, then its bbq time.

Yea def man. It still worries me, no matter how many times I watch it. As a result of watching it so many times, I'm learning if only a tiny amount as to what to do if a similar situation arises. NEVER GIVE IN!! Thanks buddy, that cured the shivers lol.

Please could I get some advice as to which is the safer reserve choice round or square canopy, thanks. DZ.com rules .

Hi all, Done 3 tandems, soon to do a fourth. Thinking of the AFF course this summer. Been reading a lot of the injury posts and it seems that the most common injury involves the ankle. Just wondered if its worth wearing ankle supports right from the start? Will I benefit in any way or will they cause more hassle than their worth? Cheers guys and girls (DZ.com rules )

I get yea, its my own BUT on the line...mmmmmmmmm......butt lol. So how did your AFF go?

Dude, I didn't mean that I had physical control over my position. I just meant that I didn't freak out or become disorientated for the three flips. I realised even before we jumped that tracking from a tandem, with a drogue shoot dragging behind is nearly impossible. We probably tracked about 5 feet lol .

Thanks for the tip buddy. I sort of already have a good idea of where the play area is under the canopy at the DZ I go to for the tandems. Just abit worried about flaring hieghts and stuff. After all its the ground that kills or injures. The ground sucks lol.

Thanks for your words or wisdom people, much appreciated. I have been thinking that accidents happen all the time in the most random and unexpected ways. People have drowned in soup at the dinner table before. At the end of the day at least I have some idea of what accidents I am vulnerable to and therefore probably have a better chance of at least preparing for them. I LUV life, I LUV this planet. I've been storm chasing twice and going again in May. I consider that worth the risk to see the incredible force of this planet. I loved the Tandem jumps. May sound a little strange, but I found it amazingly refreshing and relaxing...I think its the sensation of freedom I really enjoy, sort or like swimming underwater, does that sound stupid? (after the initial jump that is lol , awesome ). I guess if I'm going to have an unavoidable accident at some point, it may as well be over something worth while. I used to jump off the top of my climbing frame when I was very young, thinking I could fly, then my old cheese would fix me up and then tell me not to do it again. Then five minutes later she would see me up there again with my arms out LOL, (used to be well into Superman at the time, had the cape and everything ). Curiosity never stopped me then.. May have been caused by my older brother swinging me upside-down in my baby bouncer all those years ago lol?

Hello all, I'm from the UK and Wondered if I got got an idea of your experience before I start the AFF. I've done 3 Tandem Jumps, soon to be a fourth in summer for a mates birthday. During the last two I was able to practice some techniques in free-fall like turing, tracking and learning where to be under canopy. Even after a triple back-flip at 14,000ft, I was still in complete control of where I was and what I had to do, it was AWESOME. The problem is that I saw a double Mal clip the other day, you may have seen it, plus the amount of people that have screws, plates and pins in their legs, I'm wondering whether its worth it. I'd rather scare myself out of it now before I get over confident and aimlessly injure myself later. Could anyone please share how they injured themselves and on what number jump (although I know thats really irrelevant). I've always had an OVERWHELMING feeling of the need to fly, float, fall, jump and still REALLY want to do it. But at the same time i'd like to keep my shins intact, atl east while I'm young lol. Thanks everyone, this is an awesome website, learn't so much from you guys, laterz all.

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone. I know that the first level involves a good full day's ground work covering everything from exits to malfuctions. The actual jump includes a check in/check out at the door with the instructors, 3 or 4 reaches for the drogue, whilst watching for instructors to signal whether you have the arc position right, like legs aren't too far back. Also, checking altitude constantly, then pulling at 5000ft. I'll have a headset to hear the instructor on the ground, to guide me in. Thats the part I'm worried about. I know that your not supposed to do your main turn into the DZ under 5000ft if your a student but thats about it. I understand that it will be slightly different depending on wind speeds at different altitudes as well. Could anyone please point me in the right direction on turns at what altitudes and stuff. Thanks everyone, this website rules lol.

Hello all. I'm brand new to skydiving. Already done three wimpy Tandems at Sibson's DZ in UK. Last one involved a triple-backflip exit at 14,000ft, bout 55 - 60 secs of free fall lol. Man that was crazy. Also managed to practice some controlled turns and tracking position. Going to take the AFF in August I think. I have already had the first level of AFF explained to me, I just wondered if anyone could please explain level 2 or 3, for mental preparation. Thanks guys & girls... safe jumping!!