mnskydiver688

There is an aspect to this argument that either I have been blind to or it has not been fully discussed. I am sure most of us can agree that it would be preferred if no instructional rating was created for wingsuits. Most of us would like to continue to operate as un-regulated faction of the general skydiving "public". I am one who on a personal level is against a wingsuit instructor rating. However if an instructional rating is needed to pacify those who do not believe we as discipline can effectively govern ourselves, then I guess that is what is needed. I would rather take some regulation over slow elimination at the hands of those who do not fully understand the nature of the equipment, dive flow, safety procedures, and interaction with dropzone support personnel. I tend to draw a number of similarities between this situation and what I assume was the case when the USPA was created. The FAA could've built large barriers to entry for the sport. But, through USPA's actions we are largely governed by those who enjoy the sport we do. For wingsuiters, why not take control of this and prove to the largely uninformed general skydiving public that we are competent to govern ourselves and do not need any further encroachment by those who do not understand wingusuiting. Yes, there will always be incidents. Idiots will still find their way onto a plane while wearing a wingsuit. But instead of the wingsuit community collectively shrugging their shoulders, we can point to action when the rest of the skydiving community inevitably wants answers. Sky Canyon Wingsuiters

Yeah just hang out with Chuck for few hours and you won't be a tourist anymore.... Haha Sky Canyon Wingsuiters

If I may add my .02 cents. I would also concentrate on rolling you shoulders back a bit. This will create a more consistent feel across your upper body. Even if you address your elbows if your chest and shoulders are collapsed and not rolled back you may not get as much benefit. Also, don't confuse what DSE was saying about your hips with arching your back. That was something I had to work through as I would de-arch or so I thought and end up arching my back and putting me head low. This may seem obvious, but if you have someone stacked on you watch their body position. A lot of times that can give you a heads up on how your position changes are affecting your performance before you would. Sky Canyon Wingsuiters

The Tokina is a very nice lens for the price. I am more familiar with the Nikon version, but keep in mind it does not have an internal auto focus motor, so your camera body needs to have the motor. That is typically the source of slower AF. However for ultra wides auto focus is a bit of moot point like others have mentioned. It also has great low light performance due to the larger aperture. Sky Canyon Wingsuiters

I would prefer not comparing it to anything canopy related. You are required to show basic canopy skills before earning a license. All canopies are controlled via the same types of inputs. Toggles, Risers, Harness. When you go from a student canopy to a sport rig, toggles are not in a different place all of a sudden. In regard to wingsuit instruction, you learn the basics of wingsuit gear, the effect the gear has on jump preparation and execution, and techniques used in flight for navigation, control, etc. This does not say once you have received the training, you need to go back and get more when you decide to get a larger suit, or start learning acrobatics and backflying. Nor would it require you to pursue more instruction if you wanted to do some "XRW". In any case, ultimately it comes down where you decide to jump and what they decide to enforce. Hell bent on jumping a wingsuit with no "in person" instruction and just some stuff you read on line, I am sure there are DZ's out there that would have the policy of don't ask don't tell. Sky Canyon Wingsuiters

If you don't mind a narrower zoom range the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 is a very nice lens. Not terribly expensive either for one with that aperture. I am planning on picking one up. For tandems I just stick with a kit 18-55mm Sky Canyon Wingsuiters

Ever been to North Dakota? Pretty smooth.... Looks even less exciting from 12,000ft. Sky Canyon Wingsuiters

With a larger wingsuit I would have to disagree with the no extended bridle suggestion. However, you don't necessarily need a larger PC if it is getting clean air, and it would affect non-wingsuit deployments as well. Sky Canyon Wingsuiters

With the Ghost 3, there are some tricks I have found to get the thing into "Ludicrous Speed" but the possibility is there. And on it's back... Watch out! Sky Canyon Wingsuiters

So roll over on your back and pop it like it's hot... Sky Canyon Wingsuiters

I think it should read: Could you back-fly well? Some may consider the arm chair back flying. Sky Canyon Wingsuiters

Can an AFF Level 2 student go jump at another DZ unsupervised? For an AFF Level 1 jump the amount of new experiences/decisions/sensations/visuals/thought tracks, are a magnitude greater than during a FFC. Yes there are many things that are different however, Are the EP handles in the same location as previous jumps? -Yes Is the main deployment handle in the same location as previous jumps? -Yes Are canopy controls located in the same location as previous jumps? -Yes Are landing procedures the same as on previous jumps? -Yes I would not compare the strain on situational awareness between a jumper who has absolutely no frame of reference and one who has over the previous 200 jumps an established frame of reference and who understands what is necessary in maintaining that effective situational awareness while on a skydive. Sky Canyon Wingsuiters

Well we are not other disciplines Butters! We our are own brand of crazy. Keep in mind great wingsuiters were once crappy skydivers.... Sky Canyon Wingsuiters

The page no longer exists. Sky Canyon Wingsuiters

That was my experience as well. My openings were smoother and cleaner from full flight in a larger suit. To clarify full flight, I do not mean head high float position full flight. Disclosure: I jump with a 9' bridle from pin to PC, dynamic corners on javelin container. Sky Canyon Wingsuiters