jm951

That sounds like a plan. The problem I think I'm going to encounter is getting that first rig. If it's used, will it be ok sizewise without alteration? If I have to alter it, I'm thinking new container might not be much more expensive. For a main, I'm thinking a 210 ZP of some description. PD has one that I'd like to get some feedback on. As for what I ultimately want to do in this sport, I really don't know, except it better involve jumping. I like the idea of RW, photog, accuracy stuff. First order of business is get experience and as much training as possible. Then figure out what I like most. thanx for the replies guys

I know I'm a noob to skydiving but here's what I think about it. Tandems really help keep many DZs going. No doubt about it from what I've seen. The key is to get the customer interested in another ride, working on a license or AFF. As a new skydiver, I can safely say I get alot of wuffo from my friends to which I can only reply, "you have to try it". Let's look at another reason that the average wuffo won't do it, fear of accidents. I know the statistics, I'm safer on the ride up and jumping than the ride to the DZ, but it's not every day when somebody craters. Problem with news, it bleeds, it leads. Car crashes are too mundane to report, but somebody cratering, now that's entertainment (from a purely morbid news perspective, hey, why else would ANYONE watch nascar?) Finally there's the expense to getting a license and rig. But let's look at that in other terms. Kids are into fixing up their ricerboxes. Cost to purchase an Accord, tart it up with subs and bling, pay insurance, etc, and you can get an AFF completed, an A license and a rig. The idea of skydiving is something far off and exotic. I used to be in the Porsche club, no skydiving isn't that expensive in comparison. Mathematically speaking- Cost of hobby car+ins+parts + upkeep

You could do like I did back when I was teaching rock climbing- make up a special first aid kit, make sure everybody knows where it is, insist that everone verifies that it's complete. Inside was a spatula, a small plastic bag and a note about safety.

uhmm tried that but the side effect of alcohol coupled with fatigue means you won't get but a couple in before dozing off in the chair o death. On more than one occasion, I came in from an intense set, got a hot shower, relaxed in the chair with an adult beverage, turned on the news at 10, and boom, it's 4a, my drink is half gone and warm

I'm going through AFF and haven't seen an answer to this yet, but then again, I haven't thought to ask my DZ instrutructor last time there. I'm planning on using student rental gear at least till I get the A, but I'm also thinking ahead to my first rig if a good deal pops up. Now to the question- I weighed about 185 and out the door on my last jump with rig, probably in the 210 range. I also referee soccer and during an active season, my weight will drop from 185 to about 170. That brings up several issues in my mind, namely canopy size and harness adjustability. If this trend continues, during the season my wing loading will drop and a harness that was fine at the beginning may be a marginal fit later. BTW I'm 6'1. Any suggestions or comments along these lines about canopy and brand/type harness would be greatly appreciated. Before any cracks about Jenny Craig, try doing 3-4 high school testosterone soaked double headers each week capped off with 5-8 80 minute classic matches on the weekend and I about don't care what you eat, it ain't stayin' on. Maybe with some more skydiving on weekends, this might not happen as often.

How about- THERE SQUARE FULL OF AIR PRICELESS!!

Ok, I admit it. I am an adrenaline junkie. To scratch the persistent itching caused by the need for speed and/or adrenaline inducing activities, my son and I did AFF at Raeford, NC. Many thanks for Tony and his staff, they were all great and I had a fantastic time. The jump went great and I'm now working on getting the second on the schedule and past my finance minister/social director. But I also have a confession. This wasn't my "first" jump. Maybe from a perfectly good airplane at altitude, but the "first" was with a 4ft milsurp drogue chute from a maple tree in the back yard when I was ten and playing 82nd with my brother. The DZ was at the base of the tree and the Hitler hordes needed to be taught a lesson by the fearless kids with the little parachute.