paintman180

After spending time to research the Swift-Plus I found it to be a great all around reserve. They have been used in Softie Brand aircraft aerobatics parachutes as well as jumped as mains in the skydiving world. It packs up small, comes with good small lines, and as previously mentioned has plenty of reinforcement tape on the canopy as well as on the slider. If you're wondering about size, this may help you out. Im gone from a swift-plus 145 to a swift-plus 175 on an Jav J2 (pre 2000). I was told by Sunpath that their older sizing was a little more forgiving. Further research on DZ revealed an old sizing chart in which Sunpath actually recommends the Swift-plus 175 and even another canopy at 181sq ft! So it should fit the J2 and J3 rigs fine. Ive had line twist up to my risers (and have seen plenty of videos of chops from such, or less) but have yet to pull silver, but if I ever do, I feel confident having the Swift-plus in my rig. Thanks

Well its been a while since I’ve been on here. As a skydiving tunnel instructor, I now have 32 jumps to my name from 7 different aircraft, including a helicopter. In this small number of jumps I’ve managed to accomplish some fun and interesting formations, ranging from the normal 5 way sit, to a 10 way hybrid (with my sit fly speed being low enough to dock with a RW base), to tracking dives, and back flying and tracking from a helicopter. I’m also very able to coach on belly, back and sit fly. What does all this have to do with what’s current at Skyventure Orlando? Learning. I owe every bit of my ability to fly to this wonderful piece of machinery that we use as a meeting place to have fun and learn from each and other skydivers as well. Marc and Eric take care of us and we fly as a team. In my year of being an employee (not all instructor time), I feel I have held on to tidbits that subconsciously add to me as an instructor and skydiver. The insane, creative, two way free flying of Adam and Brandon, the quickness and cleanness of Randy, the kindness, gentleness of Rick, the comedy and coolness of Earl, the training and safety knowledge of Joe, Chris(!), and Greg, the situational awareness of and know how of Shane, lessons of Craig, Luke, Andy, the progression of Adam D and yes, even the quirky imaginative kungfu flying of Anthony…. And observing of the attitude of them all.. Everyone of them offered something to be learned. If you still care about those of us who are instructors and skydivers alike, offer us a chance to thrive. Thank you to all the people who have had positive influences on my life and career. You know who you are :) Our tunnel is running great and we’d be glad to have you. -Falling with style (or not) Kev