RopeJunkie

If you can't find prescription goggles, then the Rx insert option is probably the way to go. The Adidas elevation ClimaCool don't have prescription lenses, you need to get the 'performance insert' which snaps in behind the goggle. You should be able to get your optician to glaze them any way you want, as they're a standard shape. I got cheaper plastic lenses, 'cos I was in a hurry and you can get those done same day at Specsavers. Polycarbonate lenses are more expensive, and you have to order them in, but are better lenses of course. As well as being thinner by prescription and lighter, they are more scratch proof too. The advantage of the insert system is you can change your prescription cheaply, and keep the same external lenses, whwther they be smoked/mirrored/yellow etc. Also, the Adidas elevation ClimaCool convert into sunglasses, which is handy maybe for driving to the DZ. :-) Those WileyX goggles look mint, but probably not many UK suppliers? I know you can probably ship them over, but I'm always in such a hurry. :-) G. :-)

Anyone who wears glasses will know how hard it is to find a good pair of comfy prescription goggles for jumping. I have played with a few options, but tested out a pair last weekend that I'm gonna stick with. Amazingly comfortable, great vision: Adidas 'elevation ClimaCool' The padding is great. And they fit under my Bonehead MinWarp helmet superbly. Anyone who's searching for a good pair of goggles which can take prescription inserts, should definately check these out. G. :-) http://www.adidas.com/eyewear/catalogue/index.asp?pFilter=category&pValue=sc_6&strCountry_adidascom=uk&strBrand_adidascom=performance

Just my personal oppinion, but I think if anyone's carrying on a rig to a public flight, it should be in another bag. Just out of consideration for nervous flyers. Some people think it's hilarious to walk on with their rig, but other passengers might not. :-) Obviously walking onto a flight with your rig over your shoulder and asking to be seated next to the emergency exit is no way to make friends on a plane. ;-) G. :-)

Hee hee, try skydiving in the UK! :-) Weather here has been pretty bad even for England recently, just rain, rain and more rain, then high winds, then more rain. Teach me to live on an island in the Atlantic. :-) When it does finally warm up though, there's nothing like an English summer. Looking forward to jumping loads soon. It's amazing anyone ever qualifies in England, the number of weekends I've written off playing pool, watching windsocks. :-) When you get a good day though, it's awesome. Good luck with your first jump. Sure it's real scary, but you didn't expect anything else did you? :-) Have fun. G. :-)

I've got one of my SL DP jumps on video. Just depended on who was dispatching that day and whether they had their helmet cam with them. It is very useful to see what your exit looks like though. Always feels different to how it looks. :-) Got all my AFF on video. Video is indispensible on AFF for a proper debrief methinks. G. :-)

Sounds awesome. I've just been over to Florida a few weeks back (not jumping, just chilling). Very nice part of the World. Definately want to go back there to do some skydiving this time. G. :-)

I didn't realise that a spring loaded PC is more likely to sit on your back. I have seen one looking quite hesitant in a video at the weekend actually though. I guess the throw-away is clearing sideways into good air so more reliable like that. Keep hearing "funny" stories 'bout people converting from ripcord to BOC throwaway and holding on to the PC. :-) I was nervous recently 'bout doing a different exit. I had to conciously make the decision to try a different way of exiting just to break routine, 'cos I'd got kinda lazy and comfortable just doing it one way. I was used to diving facing the wing (goal save style). I saw another student diving towards the tail of the plane. I talked about the small differences with an instructor before giving it a try. It was a bit quicker, and there's more tendency to go a bit head-down on exit, and I still prefer the other kind of dive. But really, especially if you ever want to get into formations, then exiting all different ways is something you've got to be comfortable with I guess. Shouldn't be afraid to try new things occasionally, just 'cos you got comfortable doing things one way. But of course talk with an instructor. :-) Also getting out of a 182 I changed recently. I'd always done strut-hanging, which I'd got comfortable with. However, on a recent lift I had a tandem behind me, and so they didn't end up going deep I wanted a more efficient exit that wouldn't have me faffing around on the step/strut. So I learned to just dive towards the tail. Now it's my favourite way to get out of the 182. :-) G. :-)

I had to make exactly the same decision recently, and I got my suit WITH booties. I haven't used them yet, just tucked them up. When I want to use them for the first time, probably when I get my A ceritificate, I can just untuck them and away I go. No problems, and saving loads of money. :-) G. :-)

Just got my new MindWarp. It fits perfectly, and I haven't even baked it yet. Another v happy customer. Audible (Solo) fits in nice too. Total luxury compared to the Protec I've been using. Brilliant helmet. :-) G. :-)

Interesting how things get done differently different places. When I was doing static line we counted no higher than four-thousand. On "check canopy" we would twist shoulders to brake burble. Slightly more condensed form I guess. Your way makes better sense for freefall students. Of course, a spring loaded PC is gonna hopefully clear a burble anyways, but best to learn as you mean to go on. :-) My first freefall was with ripcord and spring-loaded main PC. I defected to AFF after a few of those though, which was BOC throwaway from day 1. G. :-)

I met my girlfriend at my DZ, problem solved. ;-) G. :-)

The static line deploys your main canopy 3.5 to 4 seconds after exit. During this manouvere, you count, "one thousand, two thousand, three thousand, four thousand, check canopy". On "two thousand" you reach and locate the "dummy pull", which is usually a leg strap mounted flag with a plastic pipe style handle. The handle just pulls out a brightly coloured flag to signal to the dispatching instructor/anyone watching with bins on the ground that you can loacte and pull alright on your own (not like AFF where on your first level your instructor will help you to locate during practice pulls). It's the static line equivalent of practice pulls. Generally, three good dummy pulls required in a row before moving onto first solo freefall. Of course with the pull being leg strap, BOC conversion follows later. G. :-) P.S. Just re-read MissyOutTheBox's post. Seems like she had some kinda throwaway flag (BOC presumably). We had leg-strap, and had to hold onto ours (even had to leave a deposit!). Of course the system I trained in has one obvious shortcoming, on some peoples' first BOC throw-away jump, they hand onto the PC!!! You seem to have a much more sensible and modern system. :-)

I used a Nav 280 for most of my static line jumps. I kinda got used to it. I am excited about downsizing to something a little sportier. I think the Navigators go down to 200 to facilitate downsizing progression. The rig I hated was the one I jumped last, an F111 220 that looked like a teabag. It had a very weak flare indeed. I certainly wouldn't be worried about going to a larger canopy, they're more docile with a conservative wing loading, designed for students and very forgiving. I would just be frustrated a little bit. On the other hand, I don't think it's very considerate to just throw any old rig at a student without explaining to them the differences first, even if the wing loading is considered conservative. Obviously students will suffer from "gear fear" to a greater extent, especially when confronted with a new rig and nbot their old friend. I think it's fairer to minimise the number of new things one must consider on each student jump. So, if you're doing your first DP for example, then changing to a new rig just gives you more to worry about. Better to keep the same kit until you are comfortable with the new manouvere. I know some centres have limited hire kit, so if there's more than one student then it's hard to keep packing and getting the same rigs to the same students during periods of high demand. In the UK, a wing loading of 0.80 lb/sq.ft must not be exceeded for student first jumps, thereafter 0.85 lb/sq.ft until off student status. These are conservative wing loadings. G. :-)

In the UK you can only wear a frap-hat after 200 jumps I think (excepting tandem students who must wear a frap-hat). They look kinda old skool, I think they look good if the bumpy bits match the colour of your suits grips. Don't reckon they offer much protection though. In the UK I guess it's a very quick way to recognise someones experience level whilst sitting on the plane. I tried on a Z1 Evo, but I guess I have a funny shaped head 'cos it didn't fit too good (massive brain obviously). :-) Also, I think the design of the external audible pocket is biased for Parasports own products (understandably). Of course I'm sure any audible will fit. I've opted for a Mindwarp 'Pimp Daddy'. More expensive, but you can get the correct sized shell and then bake in a good fit in the oven from what I'm lead to believe. So, when it arrives I'll find out. :-) Basically, I was trying to choose between the same two helmets for my first buy too. I went with the Mindwarp. Another pro for the Mindwarp is that at a later stage you can mount a camera to it with little fuss, so it's kinda like a long term investment too. G. :-)

Oh... my... God... http://ouragansuits.com/rig.html Looks more like a hippy scatter cushion than a container, or something that should have googly eyes glued onto it. I want one though. :-) G. :-)

I've already bitten the bullet (odd expression) and ordered a Mindwarp 'Pimp Daddy' from Bonehead Composites. It's a little more than I was planning on paying for a helmet, but I know someone else who's got one and they do look nice. Also I think it will be easy to get a nice fit as you can bake them in an oven to fit better. Also gives me an upgrade path later if I want to bolt a camera housing to the helmet, so an investment I suppose. Will take a few weeks to arrive, so in the mean time I will be using a Protec still, the only helmet I've used to date. Not the most comfortable thing, but it does the job. Oh yeah, all you crazy people who don't wear helmets, I think you're crazy! :-) Only recently someone at my local DZ hit their head off the tail of the plane as they jumped from the camera step. He was okay, but could've been a lot worse if he'd not been wearing a helmet. Never know when it's gonna come in handy. G. :-)

If you need visualisation, their are a few manufacturers who have responded to this already, eg. Parasport and Tonysuits: http://www.parasportitalia.com http://www.tonysuits.com Both these manufacturers provide interactive visualisation tools on their websites, which let you see roughly what your chosen colours are gonna look like. Kinda handy even if you're buying a suit from somewhere else and just want to know how clown-like you're gonna look. :-) I've personally just ordered my first suit, an 'Aircare' suit from Thomas Sports (http://www.thomas-sports.com). I'm fortunate enough to jump at Bridlington DZ, which is right 'round the corner from Thomas Sports, so I was able to walk in and get measured. They showed me the fabrics and colours they could use too. I don't think their website advertises the jumpsuits actually, but I'm sure if you phone them up they'll be happy to talk to you about the different options. I know loads of people, especially students and new jumpers, use Aircare suits in the UK. If you want something a bit more funky then you might want to check out Original Lizard (http://www.original-lizard.com). The bloke who does the Original Lizard kit was one of my AFF instructors, and his kit is quality. I know a few people who are very pleased with their freefly suits from Original Lizard. Don't ask my advice on colour schemes. I just ordered flourescent yellow grips. Hey, there's nowt wrong with being seen! Also I feel it's my duty to combat a growing trend in people who think they're ninjas and insist on wearing all black kit. :-) G. :-)

Cool shop by the way. Bookmarked that. :-) G. :-)

Tandem first, or static line first. Just something first. It's not a waste of money. If you stuff up your AFF1 (I saw at least two people do this the other week) then you've just wasted the same amount of money doing a retake! Tandem is great intro for more assured progression I think. I did static line before AFF, simply 'cos I didn't think I'd be able to afford AFF, and don't regret doing any of my 3,500ft leaps. In fact, such a path into the sport is great for when you come to "hop 'n' pop" since you're already used to the lower altitudes. Also canopy control is already better, I did my AFF course off radio as a result of my previous jumps. The only students on my course who didn't have to retake at least one level were students with previous jumping experience. Of course there're plenty of people who pass AFF no problems, but if you've got the funds, a gentler introduction can't be a bad thing. :-) Generally though, I think you get out what you put in. If your commitment is 100%, there's no reason why you won't pass AFF first time 'round having never been in a plane. But it is hard work, albeit the fun variety you don't mind doing. :-) I've never done a tandem, and now probably won't do one now 'cos there's not much point paying the money, unless I meet some TI who wants a guinea pig test pilot. :-) G. :-)

Found this really good site which might be of interest to anyone else reading this thread who's in need of prescription goggles: http://www.sportrx.com/search_results.asp?type=sport&sport=skydiving Just ordered me a Bonehead 'Pimp Daddy' helmet which I think should last me a while. No more sloppy Protec rentals with flappy external radio pockets for me. :-) G. :-)

I thought that must be the case. It's always nice to know that the student isn't asleep and is paying attention, checking their alti etc. :-) Up 'till now I've been happy using Skyeyes, those kroop style goggles. They're very cheap if you lose them, and great if you've got good eye-sight. My eye-sight is only a -1.00 prescription, but I'd like to be able to see the windsock a bit clearer some days. :-) Also, with fancy goggles you can get polarised lenses and other anti-glare options and useful stuff like anti-fog. Only the other week I watched quite a hard a downwind landing which the parachutist blamed on misted up full-face helmet. Full-face doesn't really appeal to me at the moment even if I was qualified to wear one. G. :-)

N/A

I've noticed a tendency for skydivers to spend lots of money on "specialist" helmets which are probably no more suitable to skydiving than helmets designed for other disciplines, except perhaps for an internal audible pocket. The well-loved Gath Skyhat for example is an old modified sufing design. Has anyone had any success with helmets from other disciplines? The only major requirement I can see is that it's lightweight, and allows you to tilt your head back in arch (so it must have a high neck line). I became interested in this idea recently 'cos I have a pair of prescription ski goggles which I want to try skydiving, and they fit much better over a helmet than with the strap under. However, most skydiving helmets don't have retaining clips for over-helmet goggle straps. It's a BPA requirement for inexperienced skydivers to wear open face hard helmets with no peak. However, there doesn't seem to be any stipuation beyond that, concerning conformity to various safety standards etc. Cheers. G. :-)

The cold doesn't help, it really adds to the shock of removing yourself from a plane! :-) It was -19 outside the plane last week here in England, and there was some moisture in the air which all added up to rather numb fingers by the time you got under canopy, even with good gloves and liners. Deffo before jumping, turn the air vents up, open a window or whatever and get the cold air into the cabin so everyone can aclimatise before exiting. Take some real deep breaths of the cold air so you get used to it and it's not a massive shock when you jump. All these things help. If your head is back and you're chilled out plenty then breathing is no problem at all. I've only ever jumped in English winter so far, so I'm well looking forward to the summer! :-) Relax and enjoy your second jump more! :-) G. :-)

Woohoo! Cat 8!! Thanks to the PAC 750 XL and some dedicated and highly professional AFF instructors down at Brid. Thanks guys. Looking forward to my consols. :-) AFF is the way ahead!!! This time last week I was still cocking up 5 second freefalls on RAPS! G. :-)