krazykate

Is is better to learn to skydive then go to a wind tunnel? Or better to get some tunnel time and then learn to skydive?

Think that different dropzones do this differently. Some have a charge per day, others a charge per jump. You're best of ringing up the DZ's closest to you to find out. For a map with contact info of British DZ's try here http://www.bpa.org.uk/dropzone/dzone.htm

How do you find out who are in the teams? I looked at the link but it only says which countries the teams are from

I've seen on the Matter suits website that they have little mini grips on freefly suits. Google Matter clothing to find their site. Kate

Thanks! I plan on continuing the static line in the UK, then go on a holiday to do the AFF course when I get to the right stage. The reason I want to go abroad is because of the weather really, but also (fingers crossed), I'd like to do the FS course as well.

Hey all, I've done a search but can't find the answers, so I'm hoping that some of you may be able to help me! I've done a tandem and a static line jump, both last year, and I've been trying to save for the AFF course - I loved the freefall of the Tandem (which I did first) and missed it on the static line jump. But what with changing jobs and having to fix my stupid car, the AFF course still seems as distant as ever. I've heard it mentioned that I can continue with the static line, then convert to the AFF course half way through? How does this work? I'm thinking that I might be able to get my jumping fix doing some more static line, while I save for the AFF. Ok, well I didn't really mean to write this much, thanks in advance for your help! Kate

Hey that's great! Why not fill out your profile so we know a bit more about you! Where do you jump? Kate

I've got a few skydivery friends (I've only 2 jumps) and since I'm completely obsessed with skydiving (I'm currently waiting to do the AFF Course), I am even looking at equipment that I might buy when I have more jumps! When I was speaking to someone about sizes, someone pointed out to me that everyone always wants to jump smaller canopies because it's cooler ?! They also said that you have to be happy jumping your canopy and landing it off the landing area or/and down wind i.e. the worst possible scenario. Also, I weigh about 130lbs too and have been told that to jump with other people I'll probably have to wear weight, so I need to think about that too! Does this fit in with what everyone else thinks?

Hey Gareth, I felt the same thing on my tandem and my instructor told me it was because of the harness. He said something about pressure points in your thighs and armpit/shoulders and because of the way the tandem harness 'hangs' off the instructor harness, all the passengers weight is on these pressure points. I went on to do a static line and the canopy flight was much more comfortable and the harness was much better. If you enjoyed the freefall part of your tandem, then with a static line jump you only get the canopy ride, so think about doing the first level of an AFF course. Kate

Hey Zagor! I did a tandem jump then a static line jump and am now going to do the AFF course. When I arrived at the DZ to start my training for the static line jump I had some of the thoughts that you spoke about, malfunctions etc. However, I thought that I should at least do the training then see how I felt about it all. Through the ground training there was a lot of information to take in, but after learning and becoming informed, and doing a lot of practice on my emergency procedures, I felt ready to jump. Sometimes it's the lack of knowledge about what we're doing that makes us scared of the unknown. Of course as Skymama says, skydiving is a sport that has its dangers too. Blue skies, Kate

hey, I am SO jealous of you right now!!!! I'm saving to do my AFF in Spain. I was looking at France too but I think Spain has the edge - plus i can speak a little bit of spanish but my french is absolutley terrible! [:P my finances are already stretching and ive not even done my aff course yet! better keep saving... BUT i know from my tandem and static line jump that it's worth it! blue skies!

hello!

Cool! If i had a house to remortgage and golf clubs to sell i probably would too! As it is i've already delayed my AFF course once due to having to get my car fixed Would've left it, but i need it to get to work so didn't have much choice! I've heard Hib is a great DZ but i'm not sure where yet i will jump after my course... anyhow blue skies!

hey, i've done a tandem and a static line jump. when i did the tandem i loved it, but felt quite sick under the canopy. when the instructor started to do some spins i had to ask him to stop! i loved the freefall part of the skydive though, but my money only allowed me to do a static line jump (i didnt want to do another tandem). the canopy ride was so much nicer - i didnt feel sick at all

i'm also saving up for the aff course - briefly looked at the UK but now i think i'm going to do it abroad because of the weather! have a great time, this forums are great, loads of inforomation