dbattman

Well, maybe not THAT close. Is there an up-to-date list anywhere for Canada? USPA only had two sites listed.

Whee! Just got my tickets made! Company is sending me to Toronto (Richmond Hill) for a few days next week and there is a DZ only about 28km from the office! I hope the training gets out early. Very early!

That's true, Bill. I was thinking along the lines of buying a new rig, putting a low number of jumps on it and and then taking a big hit when you sold it barely used. Course, 20 jumps on a rental is still $300 to $400, so if you could take a smaller hit selling the new rig it would come out in your favor. I rented for those first 30 jumps and managed to find a good, used 195 with a new Cypress for a lot less than if I'd bought that 265 and sold it after two months (it was overpriced).

Before you buy your first rig, ask yourself "am I going to outgrow this canopy in 30 jumps?" When I first started I jumped big student rigs for 15 jumps, then went down to a 265 and a 219 for about another 30 jumps, and settled into my 195 after about another 15 to 20 jumps. I've gotten about 60 jumps on that canopy and plan to keep it for another 50 to 100 jumps before downsizing.

Just testing trying to figure out this 'INTERNET' thang. Hello? Test 1-2-3

One word- freedom. I did my first static line several years ago out of college just for kicks. I took this up again just last spring because I travel heavily and don't have a lot of spare time for hobbies and I needed to relax. That's the biggest reason that I give for why I do this. When I show up at the DZ it doesn't matter what else is going on in my life. Travel, jobs, bills, girlfriend (or lack of), everything else disappears. When I'm in the door at 10 grand there is nothing but me, the sky, and 10 pounds of nylon and for the next few minutes I'm totally free.

Just downed a hot tody for my head cold. Whoooooweeee! It's like sticking vaporub up your nose. Now I just need to get this head cleared up so I can jump! After flying on a commercial flight yesterday with plugged ears I decided to let myself get a little better before heading to 14 grand. Pardon me, but would you pull the spike from my head before the door opens?

My bro and sis-in-law got me a Bonehead Mindwarp this year (partly, I think, beacause it had 'bonehead' in the title). According to the directions, there is a custom fitting process involving a hot oven. Has anyone tried this out and is there anything I should watch out for?

Yet another step in the evolution of human flight?

I think I was at about 15 or so when the 'pucker factor' dropped off. Keep at it and you'll probably always be a little apprehensive and anxious before exit, but not 'puckered' thinking 'what the hell am I doing?' Just remember one thing- don't get comfortable and sloppy. This sport demands respect, and if you stop giving it what it deserves it WILL give you the atomic bitch slap.

I've been on six planes with my rig since 9/11, most recently on 12/24- right after that guy tried to light his shoes on fire. Just keep it in a bag, say nothing, and don't open it while you're in the airport. Mine fits perfectly in a 21" rolling pilot case. It is still OK to take them on planes (absolutely no reason why it wouldn't), but outta site- outta mind. Oh- and don't forget to take out your hook knife.

I agree totally. The Winter holidays are a complete sham. Every year people spend, spend, spend money that, in many cases, they cannot afford on people that they don't even like. Very rarely do I ever actually ask for anything at Christmas, and even then its something I could really use. And the whole thing kicks off Friday when the big add circulars come out. That's why I intend to spend Thursday flying to a remote airstrip to have a turkey sandwich in peace. And on 12/25, I'll be trying to find a place to escape by flinging myself into the air.