CanEHdian

In my quest to transition to an elliptical, I'm presently demoing a Samurai 150 - loading it at @1.5. After several safe/docile straight in landings (getting no surfs) I'm now trying different approaches that (safely) induce speed... slow carves 90 & 180 and then double fronting once I'm square (still safely high) to my target, but at this point the riser pressure is quite difficult to hold (damn knees almost up in my chest) and the canopy is already trying to plane out too high, resulting in a slight overshoot and almost non-existing surf. I was under the impression that these HP canopies could keep a dive, in fact, WOULD keep a dive until 'bumped' out of it with brakes, hence permitting higher (safer) approaches and still having the speed for the ground surf. This isn't happening for me... what am I doing wrong? I'm also finding it difficult to 'shut down' the canopy at the end of the surf... hands down as low as possible, mushy feeling in toggles and unable to bleed the forward speed - having to run out even the last one that had somewhat some speed to it after my first/last 180 front riser hook approach (I know, I know... not planning on making it a habit). Any/all input would be much appreciated at this point. Thanks, CanEHdian Time's flying, and so am I... (69-way, 108-way and 138/142-way Freefly World Records)

Thanks all

Andy - sure we've got talent up here, but it's mostly scattered and we have limited opportunities to get together... much tougher for me out here in Ottawa AggieDave - hell yeah I noticed the AOT boogie AND all the other fun stuff you guys got going down there. Congrats to Spaceland's FF team too! Very exciting stuff. Anyway, sorry folks, didn't wanna hijack the thread... but I'll quickly add that I travel every winter searching for the freefly scene and if the gang in Texas can offer extra curricular activities - I could maybe persuade the wife to pick that destination!

Damn I'm envious of you guys down there in Texas and the strong freefly scene that you have... ...Oh Canada... CanEHdian Time's flying, and so am I... (69-way, 108-way and 138/142-way Freefly World Records)

Should hop & pops with an elliptical be a concern, and if so, I would appreciate details. Thanks. Cheers, CanEHdian Time's flying, and so am I... (69-way, 108-way and 138/142-way Freefly World Records)

A couple of weeks ago, I witnessed this: Experienced jumper cuts away @1,800 ft and then spends the next 1,000 feet fighting to get reserve handle out... visibly scrambling (yelling, cussing, etc...) - cypres saved him just when I thought I was about to see the worst... Anyway, whatever the reasons, mistakes, nerves... call it how you like, judge it all you want... but buddy wouldn't be here had he not had the cypres. We are human, we all make mistakes, we can't guarantee that we'll never make one. Buddy did NOT depend on this device to save him, he fought to the end. I'm glad he had it, cause I'd have seen what I never want to see. (note to self, look away if ever there's a next time...) My humble 2 cents.. that I usually keep to myself on such touchy topics which could turn bad... but just had to share from the experience I witnessed. Cheers, CanEHdian Time's flying, and so am I... (69-way, 108-way and 138/142-way Freefly World Records)

It doesn't show up on the TV nor on the cam, but when I extract frame grabs (stills) and view on the computer... there's the vignette and sometimes even the edge of my goggles! It's not always there, but most of the time I need to clean them up. Why is that? Better res on the 'puter? Would appreciate some light on the matter... Thanks, CanEHdian Time's flying, and so am I... (69-way, 108-way and 138/142-way Freefly World Records)

"Whoa..." CanEHdian Time's flying, and so am I... (69-way, 108-way and 138/142-way Freefly World Records)

Yeah, stick with it - it'll come with time. Remember, it isn't much when you count the seconds/minutes we've flown up there... and never compare to what others say about themselves and how well they are doing - not always acurate data. Patience and perseverance... if it were easy, it wouldn't be as gratifying! Cheers, CanEHdian Time's flying, and so am I... (69-way, 108-way and 138/142-way Freefly World Records)

Been wanting to bring this up... With the amount of drag (whatever the exact number, we can agree that it's a lot) that a PC provides - why do some folks still list a short closing loop/too tight pin as a possible cause for PC in tow? Time's flying, and so am I... (69-way, 108-way and 138/142-way Freefly World Records)

Thanks to those who have provided info... still would like to hear from more if possible, before this thread gets completely hi-jacked (haven't heard from the Crossfire2 pilots yet)... ...ultimately helping me decide on what would be a better First Elliptical for me. Thanks again, CanEHdian Time's flying, and so am I... (69-way, 108-way and 138/142-way Freefly World Records)

It was one of my first purchases when I was starting out - recommended to me by my first coach (John Matthews). I think Brian's approach to freeflying is great. His humour is also quite refreshing. So much experience and knowledge, so little ego - nice to see. Still give it 2 thumbs up!

After 3 years and 500 jumps (most on a Spectre, some Sabres, Lotus), I'm looking at getting new gear and deliberating on my choice of canopy. Been looking into: Samurai, Crossfire2, Cobalt and Vengeance. I'd appreciate the more experienced canopy pilots who have tried these canopies (one or more) to share their opinions and suggestions. Yes, I've already done some digging, but would like some up to date info. PM's are welcome for those who feel uncomfortable expressing strongly for/against in a public forum. Any/all info & opinions are welcome, but mostly appreciated from those with experience. My main concerns: 1. OPENINGS: This has been my biggest show-stopper so far in trying an elliptical/high-perf canopy. I've heard statements about some being WELL BEHAVED - even in line twists - do they really exist? Soft/hard openings... camera fliers... required harnest shifting.. etc... 2. Flight characteristics: glide, turns, toggle pressure, deep brakes/stall, etc... 3. Landings: diving characs, recov arc, swoops, flare, etc... Guess I'm looking for overall critiques on these canopies (or others that you'd suggest). I'd also like to know if you'd suggest a favorable range of wing loading for one's first elliptical or should I just stick to what I'm already used to. Thanks in advance - any/all experienced info is again much appreciated. Cheers, CanEHdian Time's flying, and so am I... (69-way, 108-way and 138/142-way Freefly World Records)

It shouldn't be that way - but unfortunately, it depends on the overall attitude and maturity of the core group at your home DZ. Up here in Canada, we are all small DZs really, myself having started at one of the smaller ones in my area. Like everyone has said, it's all about getting out there and experiencing... so I did... 3 years in the sport and I've been to that U.S. (and Canada) to visit over a dozen different DZs, different sizes, etc... and planning to see more. This variety and "opening of the eyes" experience that I've had has exposed me to so much more, made me more 'aware' and yes, also made my learning curve that much higher... but it unfortunately also created a 'gap' between my first DZ family and I - not so much about skills, but moreso about attitude and awareness. Anyway, I truly believe that the best DZ you can find, imo, is a not only a 'family' oriented one (turbines would be nice! ), but one with individuals that choose to 'get out of their own backyard' to see what it's ALL about, to not settle for just what exists at home, to travel and learn... and bring it all back home to an enriched, more talented and that much more experienced & open-minded atmosphere... without ego!! I tell ya, when you visit a large DZ in the U.S., with folks that jump more times in a year than the average Canuck does in a career... you learn a lot - and the first thing you learn is that you'll never know enough! I think that if the majority of folks can learn that, then this makes for a wonderful environment at your home DZ. I've actually been lucky enough to have found such a DZ not too far from home... and now I'm lucky enough to call it home! Cheers, CanEHdian

yEH... what Pippy said!! we ARE nice... ...'cept when playing hockey Ahhh... but them dang Newfies... not the sharpest tools in the shed I tell ya...

Tres cool goose! We'll see you there! It will be quite the turnout this year, and with our 2 guests - Olav and Dave - we ALL will learn a lot... and people will definately jump with you dude! Cheers, CanEHdian

now-now goose, be nice to our neighbors to the east... some of these "frogs" are pretty darn good skydivers and will hopefully be showing up to support the freefly festival in Burnaby... and just might even teach us a thing or two!

bah! urban legends... we actually only like to nibble - ya know, during the long winters... when not playing hockey or building igloos and stuff... CanEHdian

Actually, my suit's (Tony Suit) instructions are to take from the washing machine and put in dryer on cool setting (air fluff works well) - can not let it sit/soak or drip dry since the colors can run. So far it's worked for me. As for washing instructions - all good, but you might also want to select the 'delicate' cycle. Cheers, CanEHdian

It's all good Clay, no worries. I agree - it's not cool being that high w/o oxygen. The reason I posted was to inform others about the possible implications involved about "getting extra altitude". You see, when I got on, I expected the usual extra couple of Ks from the pilot... wasn't a concern until he kept climbing past 18K. I know now that the next time I hear about extra altitude, I_will_clarify exactly what the pilot has in mind. I will not assume anything. Hopefully this thread will make others do the same. Like Rob mentioned... you_don't_know the effects until it's too late - once you're hypoxic. For most, no big deal maybe, but for some individuals... As for me, I did_not_think there was a problem until I was out the door seeing double in freefall. All 'seemed' fine before that... hindsight - I know better now. Anyway, blue skies to everyone this weekend and thanks again. Cheers, CanEHdian Time's flying, and so am I... (69-way, 108-way and 138/142-way Freefly World Records)

Clay... we don't post/share information for finger pointing and/or being called stupid... please don't do that. I understand that your statement may mean well and that you may care about my safety - if so, that I appreciate. Thanks for the info folks. Cheers, CanEHdian

This last weekend I ended up on a few 1st & last loads of the day and the pilot would throw in extra altitude for us. It was all good, until the last one of the boogie. Before this last one, we'd hit 17k+ and I'd feel nothing different, nothing to be concerned about. This last one went up to 19k+. In the plane I felt alright in the mind, drilling myself (foolishly?) with important 'awareness' questions. When the door opened I decided that I was in control and that at best, all I felt was some tiny numbness at the finger tips. When our group came up (3 way freefly - me on video) we exited. But as I closed in on the docked 2-way I noticed that they were blurry... in fact, quite blurry. I backed off (Murphy's law - also had a chin cup problem) and kept my distance. Blurriness went away a few seconds later. I still kept my distance and tracked earlier than planned. Uneventful deployment, landing, etc... I guess I'm posting this because of the 'overall' feeling that I had about the jump afterwards. The blurred vision, although temporary, has got me concerned that maybe it_could_have led to something worse. Anyway, even for the extra seconds, I don't feel it's cut out for me personally. I'm sure the effects are different and relative to the individual, but for me, my experience wasn't all that positive and could possibly have been unsafe. Just thought I'd share... Cheers, CanEHdian

No worries Rem, we'll just put a "V" in front of all the ones you already use! CanEHdian

Nac, same here... I don't get it either, but that's their business I guess. I am thrilled that he will be at our Canadian Freefly Festival this summer and I personally can't wait to meet the man... and freefly with him too. We're actually very fortunate to have Olav and Dave Brown (2nd year) attending!! Cheers, CanEHdian

That will most likely be the Lotus by Big Air Sportz (Brian Germain)... tried it this past winter in Z-Hills and I thought it was very good... doing a modest downsize from 170 to 150. (my 0.02) I've gotten to know Brian and I think he's a great guy. He's always approachable, a great freeflier (taught me a lot) and his knowledge in canopy flight & design is quite special... you can see that he has a real passion for it! Cheers, CanEHdian