Shark

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Posts posted by Shark

  3. Quote

    I almost haven't forgotten about your risers:P We sent stickers and pullup cords down with a demo rig for Square 1 Elsinore, should be there today or tomorrow:)



    Cool! Hopefully Andy hasn't pilfered the lot. ;)

  4. Quote

    The main purpose of my original post was to alert inexperienced jumpers like myself to the potential consequences of combining jumping with other activities.

    The excitement of being offered a jump at the end of the day at a dz where it was difficult to get more than two lifts per day meant I acted without thinking. I hadn't intended to jump that evening, but found myself on the lift all the same.

    The best advice I've seen in this thread is to keep other people informed, so they have some chance to keep you from hurting yourself, and I will be acting on that in future.



    My intent, although appearing to be negative was merely to point out the dangers. (Watch 1,000 Ways to Die.) Being a skydiver long before a scubadiver I knew the consequences of flying after diving. Heck DCS freaks me out so much that I won't even drive over the hills to get back home. I truly hope you have no further injuries from that episode.

    You made a statement. You asked if it was a smart decision, then some posted not so pleasant opinions. What did you expect? In our sport stupidity kills!

    I teach the FJC on a regular basis and always ask the students if they have made a scuba dive in the last 24 hours. That, and any other physical injuries, past or present. You'd be surprised to learn what they often omit on the DZ waivers.

  6. As both an AFFI and PADI instructor I would definitely say that was foolish, while being lucky. I guess anyone that wants to dive then fly is rolling the dice. My minimum is 18 hours after a 3 dive day, certainly longer if I can. Then again, my dive profiles are more conservative than yours.

    Best of luck,

    Shark

  7. Dude,

    Delivery times are great! I was surprised when I asked Jim B. when he was going to order and he told me it was already in the loft awaiting new canopies! 5 week delivery?? :o:ph34r:

    I'm gonna need new risers soon, so I'll probably get a new container to go with the risers and new Katana. :)
    Shark

  11. I'm not so sure it would go down too well if it was "required" and mandatory. It should be offered, though and it is a great idea for staff to be educated in EFR/First Response.

    In each situation requiring medical need, there has always been someone more "qualified" than I. But there's always a chance that there will not be.

    That being said, as a scuba instructor I was "required" to take a EFR/First Responder Course to be certified. As an AFFI it's an invaluable skill.

  12. Quote

    As a newbie, your dedication to safety is commendable, if a bit rigid in the particulars. I think with time you will have a more flexible outlook on the details, but I hope the underlying spirit stays strong with you. This sport can will never be completely safe, but it can be kept reasonably safe.



    Well said, Tom.

  14. Quote

    Ps, the lack of "time" is true, however telling them to do a deep breath, relax and arch, with a good dirtdive of that, has worked as I don't expect them to count.



    That's probably a better way of putting it. I introduce that concept on Level 2/Cat. B or to returning students whom have not jumped level 1 but taken FJC earlier. Still, most students will rush/freak out when they see six, dearch and possibly pull without assistance.

    Quote

    I have been on my fair share of level ones, never taught "lock on" and rarely have altitude awareness problems, and of the ones where I have had to pull or remind, "lock on" would not have helped. In fact, I don't think I have pulled for a level one all season. Knock on wood, I am working tomorrow.



    I've done over 300 AFFs YTD and several students have had awareness issues. Then again, maybe I suck as an instructor.

  15. Quote

    Question 1 - I don't teach "lock on". Why? Once you finish AFF, you NEVER lock on. You should be instead looking for other traffic, tracking, and getting ready to pull. So I teach them instead, "when you see 6K, you are about 2.5 seconds away from pulling. Take a deep breath, arch, check your alti again, and wave and pull." I think the lock on is only, maybe, acceptable for level 1... But it is bad habit past that. My personal opinion.



    Dude, maybe acceptable for level 1? How many level 1 Cat. A jumps have you been on? While I agree with you that 3-2.5 seconds after 6 is about the right altitude for deployment ~55, FJ students have little or no awareness of time. So, yes I do teach them to lock on at 6 on FJ. During the FJC I also mention that from 6 to 5 1/2 will be about 2 to 3 seconds.

  17. I love these kinda Q's! :D

    My answer: NO!

    While I do not care whether an up-jumper decides to jump in higher winds or not, if tandems aren't going, our plane is not flying, either.

    I won't jump because I'm not as "experienced" as those who have stated they would. My ego doesn't need it. Besides, I jump everyday....

    I'm also a new scuba instructor and have called dives because of strong currents. Regardless of the type of diving it's not worth the risk.

  18. Reposted from the Elsinore e-mail:

    Hi everyone, for those of you who would like to contribute in honor of Shindig's memory, please send donations to:

    Navy Federal Credit Union
    C/O: Richard Schindler Memorial Fund
    39826 Winchester Road
    Temecula, CA 92591
    Attention: Julia

    Also, for those people asking about the ash dive, please contact Lob directly as he is the main organizer of the jump.
    [email protected]

    We will have beer, food, and good memories flowing at the DZ this Friday, 4:30pm.
    See you there.
    Much love and blue skies,
    Mel

  19. Blue skies, dude.

    We used to have this familiar exchange while on jumprun just before exit: Me; "Your my favorite instructor, ya know!" Rick; "Yeah, baby!!!!" B|

    Happy times. Dude, we'll look out for Set and the boys.

    Semper Fi,

    Shark

  25. I did my 32nd jump with Jerry, a CRW jump completing my first two-stack & biplane. The following day I participated in a 8-Stack with Jerry docking 8th. He was originally filming the event, but the last guy was unable to dock, so Jerry naturally "filled in" and us crewpups earned our CCR. That was my 37th jump.

    At the debrief I was so ecstatic, having just participated in something very amazing; one I'll never forget. Jerry introduced me to his wife and I told her I am also a pilot and this experience was like I flying with the Blue Angels, only better in that I was one of the "pilots" flying a Navy canopy with the Leap Frogs. I had also completed a diamond formation with Jerry, Jim Woods, and Knox Taylor.

    He inspired me at 32 jumps, as I had no idea what I was getting into, nor how tough CRW was. I owned a jumpsuit, helmet, goggles and altimeter. He provided the rest.

    A few years later I mentioned to him that I wanted to get my AFF Instructor rating. Again he taught and inspired me to become a good instructor. He told me, "my information is valuable, and what you learn from me you pass on from others." He smiled and said, "It's the gift that keeps on giving."

    To this day when I train students, coach/AFFI candidates I tell them/teach them what Jerry told me.

    In his honor I will be making contributions to the UDT-SEAL Assoc., as well as the NSW Foundation.

    Fair winds, and following seas, Jerry,

    Mark