peskymac

My first tandem jump was a piece of cake. I knew that I didn't really have to do much except arch and lift my legs at landing. I wasn't nervous for even a single second of it. I was nervous for my second tandem [this past Saturday], it was really windy and I was vaguely nervous about doing the forward acceleration and 90 degree turns during freefall. Overall, though, for my solo jumps, I'm most nervous and scared about flying the canopy and making good landings.

Thanks for all your suggestions! I will definitely be sure to mention it before my next jump and work to correct it. I think the tandem system is Sigma, but I'm not entirely positive.

I just completed my second tandem jump in the AFP. I have one more tandem dive to go and I'd like to ask for some advice about making the jump a little more comfortable for me. When I'm pulled upward by the parachute and sink into the harness, the chest strap always ends up across my throat. The first time I jumped it wasn't too bad because I wasn't expected to do anything but just go along for the ride, and I could pull the strap away from throat. For my second jump, I was expected to help steer the canopy which didn't leave my hands free and the strap really constricted my breathing, and my jumpmaster released the strap as much as he could. Of course, because I couldn't breathe very well, I got light-headed and that made it very difficult to concentrate on learning to steer the canopy. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I might try for my next tandem jump to keep the strap from riding up? Is this something that regularly happens when jumping solo, too?

I took my first tandem jump at Cross Keys [Freefall Adventures] in NJ this past weekend. My tandem instructor/partner was Wally, who was very reassuring and wonderful. Of course, I'm now hooked and determined to work through their Advanced Freefall Progression training and get licensed. Can't wait for my second tandem!