Witelli

Hi all, I just completed my AFF4. Haven't even come close to landing on my feet but I think I know why. I seem to consistently flare too early and I don't know why I do it. Anyone else have this problem? My arms start the flare, then my brain says "wait it's too early", then my arms stop and my brain reminds my arms "once you start flaring, you'd better follow through". Does anyone have any suggestions? On my last jump, I came into a nice wind (10-14mph)and when I flared I think I went up a few feet, then straight down from about 8ft. Do you flare differently according to the wind speed/direction? On that last one I think I would have landed sweet if I waited until my feet touched the blades of grass and then flared. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I would like some ideas to run by my instructor. Thanks.

Thanks everyone, I did 3 AFF's today and passed. I'm really feeling that it's all starting to come together. I'm still nervous as hell when I'm in the plane though. But my jumps went very well. Thanks for all of the support/feedback. We're having a CASA boogie this weekend and I hope to complete my last 3 AFF's and possibly a solo. We'll see how it goes. Thanks again, I'm sure you'll be hearing from me again soon.

Hi, I just completed my AFP Level 1 jump. I was very nervous as usual until I maintained stability in freefall, which went very well. Canopy opened very smoothly and I felt pretty good maintaining my heading and stability in freefall. However, I was a little off in my holding area and it seemed that I wasn't moving to where I wanted to be. Luckily our DZ is huge, I came in slightly crosswind for a somewhat hard PLF landing. No injuries so I'm fine with the landing, except for the fact that they had to come get me in their truck since I was so far away. I just want to understand the mechanics of the canopy as it applies to wind direction/speed/toggle input/forward and downward movement. I will be discussing this with my instructor prior to next jump, I just wanted to get a head start. Any recommendations or reference material you can suggest would be great. Thanks.

I'm just looking for advice from some peers. You know I will succeed. By the way, where did you land your last jump at our DZ with 5 acres of grass? Let's play some 2 hand touch football.

I'm taking the AFP ground course this Saturday, hopefully. Then maybe 1 or 2 AFP jumpe weather permitting. I'm sure it will all make sense eventually, I just tend to be hard on myself. It may be that I'm focusing too much on the routine (Circle of Awareness, practice pulls, check alti, forward movement, check alti, right turn, check alti, left turn, check alti, wave off and pull) that I'm not able to concentrate on my surroundings. I'm sure I'll figure it all out, sometimes it's just good to hear that others had similar feelings when they started and to know that I'm progressing normally. Thanks.

I know I don't have much experience skydiving, but let me speak logically/ethically. If he's a potential danger to other skydivers, then something must be done. Maybe ban together with others and refuse to get on a load with him, The DZ will surely do something then. If he's not a danger to others, offer your thoughts and concerns and that's really all you can do. Good luck.

I just completed my 3rd tandem at Skydive Long Island, N.Y. (Great DZ) I have 2 concerns going into AFF and not being able to rely totally on the professional on my back. My instructor always asks me specifics about the skydive, starting with the exit. I can't seem to get me bearings until we stabilize. He'll tell me how we twisted this way or tumbled that way before stabilizing. I guess I just arch and wait, not really knowing what's going on until that point. Is that normal? I have done everything else perfectly (90 degree turns/forward movement/pulls). I guess I'm thinking a little forward, but my 2 concerns are stabilizing after exiting the plane also, being able to remain stable while I reach back to deploy the chute. Are these normal concerns for a newbie? Any suggestions to ease my mind? It just seems like I'm losing my security blanket and I want to be prepared. I'm sure it will all come together somehow, but I'd like to hear some feedback. Thanks.

I hear you man. I'm in the same boat. I'm just getting into the sport and it's super expensive, especially the tandems/AFF/etc. I started packing lunches and eating breakfast at home to save. Also, tell everyone in your family that gifts are not accepted for birthdays/Christmas etc. Only cash. My birthday money is going towards my next skydive. Congrats on the baby, they're awesome. I'm sure your little one will take the edge off your skydiving withdrawls for now. Don't get me wrong, you'll still want to get out every now and again, just not as much. Good luck.

Hi everyone!!! My brother finally convinced me to try out skydiving. The first tandem was awesome, I got a video that I can't stop watching. I took a second jump that day to start my dive flow and it felt great. I can't wait to go back for more training. Here's something cute: my babies (3&4 yr olds) saw me watching the video yesterday. Today they put their arms through grocery bags and were jumping off the steps pretending to skydive. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and progressing in this incredible sport.