JDutton

Of course not! It just means that your interests and priorities may be changing. I went through a lot of what you are going through right now. I returned to the sport after over 30 years, starting out as first-jump student again. I loved being back in the sport, advanced fairly quickly, and I enjoyed the camaraderie. After awhile, though, I discovered that I was finding more and more excuses to not jump. After months of wrestling with my feelings and questioning my priorities, I came to the conclusion that as much as I cherish my skydiving memories and appreciate the sport, I'm just not passionate about it like I was at one time. I finally decided to stop jumping entirely, and I have not regretted that decision. I'm glad that I tried it again. I encourage others to give it a try whenever I can. I miss the exhilaration and fun that I had so long ago, but it just isn't for me anymore. Best of luck with your decision.

That I should take up bowling...what?!

Sprained my shoulder running for the door in a Lodestar - I was 8th out, so had a pretty good head of steam and didn't quite make the turn. I did get my SCR on that jump though . I also bruised my tailbone when I backed into a scrub oak under a Para Commander.

I still have some old portia's that I kept for old time's sake. My double-zipper Strong jumpsuit is in great shape, too - but it has shrunk somehow...

Hi skygranny! Welcome back! I returned to skydiving last year after a 33 year break. The people at your new DZ will work with you to get you back in the sport. I took a FJC and I'm glad I did. It really helped to get me up-to-date on the equipment and emergency procedures. After just a few jumps I'm pretty much able to do what I want and my C license is current again. I'm taking it slow, because the skills aren't there yet, but it is great to be back. Have fun!

Well, now I know where my collection of songs came from! I have 8 pages that must have been photocopied from a well-used copy of that booklet. The page numbers match well with the order of the songs you posted. I got it around 1974 from Bob Clark, DZO at Littleton Airport, Colorado. We spent many evenings around a bonfire swilling beer and singing those songs. Jeff

I have to agree with TEB6363. An empty stomach and/or inadequate fluids (water is best) will always cause me problems on a jump.

Welcome back! I jumped in Colorado in the '70s. Made my first comeback jump last August. The equipment is a lot different, but it feels the same . Jeff

Hi Olaf! I got back into the sport last August after 33 years off. They made me make 2 static line jumps then promoted me back to freefall (No AFF at my DZ). I used to think everyone was nuts for using squares only (a square RESERVE? - What are they thinking?), but I've become a believer. I'm having a blast! Can't wait for the Spring Thaw! Jeff

Littleton, CO, 1974-75. The wind was around 5 mph when we took off. We had very diligent ground crews who would not hesitate to pop a smoke canister if the winds got too high. It was very nice of them to pop it just AFTER we left the plane at 7500'. After opening, I looked straight down between my feet to see a fast moving stream of smoke hugging the ground. We were planning to land at the airport instead of the DZ, which meant that instead of a large open area, I was backing into an area containing a river surrounded by large oak trees. As I got low, I realized that I was backing straight toward a BIG tree. Feeling somewhat desperate, I made a quick 180, sailed over the tree, clearing it by what seemed like just a few feet, and hooked back around, straight over the river. The tree blocked the wind and I landed gently in knee deep water about 50' from the tree. The worst part was that I had to lug the waterlogged (borrowed) PC about 3/4 of a mile back to the airport.

288 0 N/A

GlideAngle just beat me to the punch. I have just started skydiving again after 33 years. I'd recommend visiting a local DZ and talking to an S&TA. I had to take a first jump course, but have advanced rapidly through the student program. Its great to be back. Good luck!

Hi Jason - Skydiving with depression probably isn't a problem. There seem to be a number of jumpers who have depression and/or are taking antidepressants. Beginning 6-7 years ago, I had mild to moderate depression for a couple of years before trying any meds. It took a little trial and error, but now I take relatively small doses of 2 different meds, which works well for me. Even if you have tried meds in the past, consider trying them again. Find a Dr. who will work with you to figure out what works best for you. You don't necessarily need to be down (so to speak) 98% of the time. Best of luck, Jeff C-10094 SCR-4927 Student - again!

I made jump #284 yesterday. Jump #283 was March 28, 1976. Since it has been so long, I took a first jump course and made a static line jump. The current plan is to do a prcp on my next jump. If all goes well, perhaps a short freefall after that. This was my first jump on a square. I'm sure this will sound funny to most of you, but that was what worried me the most. Naturally my worries were unfounded. After the jump I was pretty spent. I was kind of uncomfortable under canopy - especially in turns. I think I was a little dehydrated and I hadn't eaten for several hours, so I'm hoping that helps explain it. I really expected everything to feel totally familiar and comfortable. I am a little disappointed that I was actually just a little disoriented and uncomfortable under canopy. I was grateful that there was someone guiding me by radio. What I learned is that I'm not as young as I used to be, and I think I need to work on conditioning in general and in the upper body in particular. General observations: The average age of skydivers seems to be several years older than in the "olden days", when an old jumper was anyone over 30. We had one REAL OLD jumper at our DZ. He was 41. I am impressed by the friendliness and helpfulness toward students by the regulars. We seem to be jumping from the same aircraft as in the mid '70s. A radio to give the student instructions under canopy! Beat's the heck out of dragging a panel around the pea gravel pit to tell the student which way to turn. AAD's - Great idea! Expensive, but great! Kroops goggles are still popular - cool! I really hope the physical discomfort goes away quickly. Any suggestions? Jeff C-10094 SCR 4927 Static Line Student

Sheesh! I knew it too! I know how to do Haiku Didn't connect it