MomDaBomb

I was really nervous before I did that too. I didn't even feel the instructor let go so when he moved to the front I wasn't nervous at all....I was so excited and just in total disbelief that no one was holding on to me. I had to watch my video several times just to convince myself that was really me.

Either way, he'd still come home smelling like fish.

If I went to a boogie period, let alone stay the night at one, I don't think I'd have a husband when I got back. My husband is the king of double standards though. At times it really gets to me but his good qualities far outweigh the bad in our relationship so I tolerate it. I don't mind when he goes on over night fishing trips for days at a time. I encourage it. I would never tell him what he could or could not do because I'm just not like that.

I worked at Hooter's for a little over a year. It has become a family restaurant. I never felt like I was treated like a piece of meat. Sure, you get the occasional drunk guy that takes it too far but anytime I felt uncomfortable I would tell the manager and he/she would take over the table and if they continued they would be asked to leave. Hooter's actually has some pretty strict rules while you're in uniform. Like No flirting, drinking, sitting down with customers. They tell you to act silly, bubbly, cheerleader like but they would never say flirt for better tips.

I make it so much harder than it actually is by over thinking everything. I want to make things more complicated than they really are. It's a bad habit that I'm trying to break.

The process of feeling that fear and pushing through it is what makes it so worth while for me.

You're right, I was totally missing the point. Blonde moment!! I get it now. Thanks!

I don't know why but I just feel so uncomfortable giving beer to show my appreciation. It's silly, I know. Maybe that will change as I get to know them more. I'd prefer to give them cash but all I read is beer, beer, and more beer. Is it really that bad to give cash instead?

LOL! Sh*t your pants.... I know it's an expression but I wonder if it's ever actually happened to anyone while skydiving before.

You know, I probably would if he introduced himself. I don't know who he is. All I ever see is the back of his head.

I tip my AFF instructors, video guy and packer after each jump. I usually have to force them to take it though. I'm sure there is no right or wrong amount. Just what ever you can afford.

Because I'm a student, I'm usually one of the last ones to leave the plane and it freaks me out to watch the jumpers before me exit the plane. I don't know if I will ever get used to watching it.

Does your dz make you take a refresher course if you go more than 30 days without a jump? I've had to take it twice and I only have 4 jumps. I have to admit, I was glad I did because the information made so much more sense and I could actually relate to it way more than I did when I learned it in the first jump course. It was well worth the $50.

As a student, when falling through a cloud, should you not perform any tasks until you clear the cloud (unless it was time to pull) or does it even matter?

Do you live near a tunnel? I'm a slow learner so I can't imagine going through AFF without it. I started in the tunnel a month before my 1st jump. I don't care how long it takes me to finish AFF because the best part of reaching a goal is the journey it took to get there.

I did my level 3 jump the other day. While watching the video I noticed that I slide or drift sideways when the instructors let me go. I'm sure there is a term for this, I just can't think of it right now. How much movement is normal and is it something that better body position would improve? I remember one my instructors said something about me sliding 90 degrees but it wasn't until I got home and watched it a few times before I could see t for myself. I will discuss it with both instructors when I see them later this week but in the mean time I wanted to see what I could find out here. Thanks!

I can so relate! During the 1st jump course we were told to take a lunch break. Well, I sat in my car and cried the entire break! Later that day I did my 1st jump and I had a few line twists. Which scared me at first but when I thought about it later I was glad it happened. Now I don't have the fear of getting one so much. I'm glad my 1st jump wasn't perfect. I have to remind myself that the only way past fear is go right through it.

Tandem jumps count as an actual jump or does it just count towards your free fall time? I must have misunderstood my instructor. I thought my tandems only counted towards my free fall time.

Only if you promise not to look.

I've read quite a few different comments about instructors with big egos and sky/tunnel gods. To be honest, I kind of expected it to be like that. I was wrong. My experience has been the complete opposite. Everyone has been so friendly, supportive, and encouraging, especially my tandem, AFF and tunnel instructors. I'm a very shy person so it usually takes me awhile to open up but this group has made it so easy.

Is it just me or is everyone sore after using the tunnel? I'm in shape and weight train several days a week and yet my back muscles (especially lower back) are really sore the next day. I've been doing 15 min about once every other week.

Good point. I've never been good with eye contact to begin with but while working with a coach in the wind tunnel, I discovered just how powerful good eye contact is. I get goose bumps just thinking about it. It's amazing how much it's improved my tunnel skills.

I kind of figured it wouldn't be very wise for a student to wear one but I wanted to ask anyway. Although it would be nice, I know I need every ounce of concentration and vision I have just to make it back to the ground safely at this point in the game. Think it would hurt anything if I were to wear a full face in the wind tunnel only?

Can a student wear a full face helmet? How much does it constrict your vision? Thanks

Just got back and you are right....I will never do it again. I've never been so cold in my life. Ever. I'm serious. It was so cold. My hands were so totally numb that someone had to take my helmet and suit off for me.