countzero

You've gotten some great responses. I'd like to add, take a trip out to the DZ. Watch landings, ask questions, and learn a bit more about skydiving.

Every DZ in Texas from the 3 big corporate owned ones down to the small 182 places across the state require that you sign a legally binding waiver. It basically says you understand you skydiving is/ can be dangerous and that you understand you could get hurt or die and are giving up your right to sue them if it happens. In the US you have to be 18 or older to sign such a waiver. There are certain circumstances that a parent or guardian can sign a waiver for a minor but I don't know of any DZ in Texas (or the US) that does it. The potential legal hassle/ risk isn't worth it for them. My advice hang out, let the 2 years fly by and jump on your 18th birthday. It's an awesome way to celebrate.

When setting on a group jump to exit the plane. Floaters climb out of the door, and hanging on to the door frame or bar turn around to face back into the plane. Divers are in the plane facing the floaters. On the exit count the floaters let go and fall away from the plane, the divers dive out toward the floaters.

Downsizing is not an issue. I only do CRW my canopy size won't change. If I ever use a smaller lightning for competition it still won't matter because the container is opening within 5 seconds anyways.

Are there containers that are better built/ designed for thin narrow shouldered and waist people? And also have some give or flex? the mirage and vectors I've tried on feel like thick stiff bricks and the BOC is higher than I'd like.

I have experience doing CRW - canopy formation at several multi plane DZs. It may not be exactly the same as your situation but we still have to have a plan and procedures in place to keep everyone safe since our canopy formations are in the air for 10 plus minutes. Here's what we do: establish a "line of death" a land mark that we must stay outside of until a certain altitude before flying back to the landing area, We have the jump runs off set so the other planes aren't dropping people on top of us. The pilots also coordinate with radio so they know where the CRW formation(s) will be. You may be able to alter these to fit your situation. Or at least have a separate side or your air space for jumpers and gliders.

These are called creepers and are used for relative work (formation skydiving) practice. Unless you have other people to practice relative work with, you'd be better off just practicing your arch on the floor- no creeper needed.

Do you want a tunnel with coaching on site or close by also?

Check Elsinore, I hear they do them more often.

Wondering if anyone use a container with dynamic/ wingsuit corners for CRW and if they have any benefit or are worth the extra price.

I jump a type C Eclipse. I bought it with a skymaster 170 and a tempo 150 reserve in it. The reserve is still there. Back when I was still a free faller in addition to the 170 I jumped a tri 150 and a omni 135 at various times. Currently I can get my lightning 143 completely in it and can use a 160 with a bit exposed but those are CRW canopies is doesn't have to look pretty and only has to stay closed for 2 seconds.

Is there a container company that has the best padding? More durable) comfortable and stands up to compression than the others. Or do they all use the same stuff?

How many jumps are on the current line sets of the canopies you're jumping? Might want to have a rigger check the line trim.

Actually there are lots of options for post AFF continued learning in any discipline. Wind tunnels have free fly/ RW flight progressions, many DZs have mentor programs or skills camps and organizers that work with newer jumpers, there are canopy control, wingsuit, and CRW courses/ coaches, and there's even experienced jumpers that still pay their knowledge forward old school style. It is up to the individual jumper to pursue and take advantage of these continuing education avenues.

Amen brother K.