Ragnarok

I did AFF jumps 1 and 2 almost two weeks ago. I was hooked from the start. I will finish AFF and go on the get an "A" license. Like all my other hobbies I have had, I was ready to get everything I needed to skidive - rig, suit, everything THAT SAME DAY I JUMPED!!! Turns out, unlike other hobies, you can't do that. I was in such a frenzy of excitement I wanted to jump right it (no pun intended). I could not wait to fly my OWN gear. Well, I have chilled since then - thanks to the advice from this forum. I will wait until the time is right (God give me patience, but HURRY!) to buy my own rig. I do want to buy my own jumpsuit - something about wearing other peoples clothes that have been sweated (or worse) in. I got an altimeter and some gloves. I am a Nurse and like to keep the hands in good shape. The altimeter I got is a Altimaster Neptune (sp?) - I am sure it will be more than enough for me. So, here is to ENJOYING being a noob/student, learning the right things the right way - and loving every minute of it! Cheers, Steve _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

Found this while looking around. It answered alot of questions I had. Now I can speak skydiver... http://www.kturby.com/skydive/terms.htm _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

Well, as the adage goes - I don't know enough to be dangerous , yet. I got ahead of myself. I did budget a full rig and setup BRAND NEW - and that is after I paid for AFF and the jumps needed for an "A" license. I will wait, like it was said - I don't even know enough to ask the right questions. My eyes hurt from all the reading I have been doing lately. And it is looking like anyone can read all they want and have a wealth of knowledge, but not the necessary experience that this sport requires. For the first time, I have not felt like a noobie, but more like a student. There is not the stigma attached to skydiving students like there is in other hobbies and trades. I am definately impressed with all the answers, good, straight, honest answers I have heard to my questions. By far this is DEFINATELY the BEST community to be a noobie/student in. I am glad I finally started skydiving - best thing I could have done for myself. I plan on finishing the AFF this weekend (and being broke for a week until payday - but that is what is about, right?) and taking a week break to let it all sink in, do more homework, before I continue on toward the "A" license. Thank you all for all your help........Blue Skies _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

Darn. From all my research was leading to a 190. Looks like a 220 or so would be more appropriate. Well, cool. Thank you for the links - alot of info there (spent the last 45 minutes reading them) I need to print some of those out. I can still buy a chute now if a great deal comes my way, use it to learn how to pack, and wait to jump it until after I have 70 or so jumps behind me? Maybe I will just wait, talk to the instructors and see what comes AFTER I finish the AFF....... Thanks, Steve _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

I am only 2 jumps into the AFF. I am thinking a 190 canopy would a good first buy for me. I am looking at either the Sabre2 or the Triathalon. There are 5 rigs for sale in the classifieds that I am looking at. Would it really be that stupid of me to buy new for my first rig? I am really not interested in an AAD, but if the rig comes with one, I won't mind. If I do not have to have one, I won't get one. It is a nice 'thought' but I want to develop good altitude awareness and discipline before I go trusting a gadget to do what good habits can prevent. If I get new, I will get a complete Areodyne rig, Icon container, Tri 190, and a Smart reserve. Otherwise, I may end up with one that is for sale in the classifieds. I am 190lbs (fit) and stand 69" (5'9"). I really want to start out right. Thanks for any advice. Steve _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

Intyeresting to see such a discussion on safety. I can see where an AAD will lend to someone having a 'false sense of security' by having one. I thought training, maintaining awareness, and a healthy respect for gravity were the most important factors to jumping safely - not having an AAD. Failsafe's can be a good thing, but soon enough, we will be jumping with lights, first aid kits, flares, strobe lights, full face helmets, 4 canopies, and a large pillow strapped to our butts. Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance. I honestly would rather fly the canopy than low-pull. Seems most of the deaths are caused by the jumper doing something extreme, like swooping, than anything. Since I am a Noob, I don't expect what I said to be taken that I think I am smart because I read alittle about skydiving. I want to be as safe as I can also, but I don't want my jumping to be affected wether I have an AAD or not. After all, I survived Iraq for a year. I wore 45lbs extra weight in armor, ammo, and water. I would rather take the 15 minutes to put everything on for a 10 minute trip and nothing happen than not be wearing it and the shit hits the fan...... When it is your time, it is your time - live it up while you are still here.......... _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever