Bodhisattva420

Thanks for all of the replies!

I just want a straight forward answer as to why people believe a Dolphin with tuck tabs isn't freefly friendly. Every argument I've heard at the DZ and on DZ.com has had to do with a logo, not with any specific aspect of the design. I'm still trying to decide whether or not I should spend the money to modify my container. The manufacturer has assured me that the container is safe to freefly with modifications, while my rigger and fellow jumpers insist that it isn't. If people were responding with posts about the design I would take their opinion into consideration when deciding what types of jumps I'm going to do. But I haven't received a single response, positive or negative, regarding the design of the container. So far the only responses I've received are, "A dolphin? I wouldn't jump that piece of shit. Throw it back in the ocean!" But hey your probably right. I just shouldn't listen to people if they don't give any reasons to support their opinions. Wait, I forgot, they did give a reason, it has a shitty logo.

I think your analogy is poor considering the person who designed the Javelin also designed the Dolphin. You know, I bet you wouldn't even be able to tell the difference between a Dolphin and a Javelin if it weren't for the dolphin logo on the reserve flap. My rigger even packed it like a Javelin, probably out of habit.

Why wouldn't you freefly with someone jumping a dolphin with tuck tabs? I haven't heard an actual reason from anyone as to why they wouldn't jump a dolphin with tucktabs besides the reserve flap having a dolphin stitched on it. If anyone could inform me why a dolphin with tuck tabs is not freefly friendly, or is different in any way from a javelin or a wings, please educate me. And yes, my container has bridle protection.

I just bought an older (supposedly a 2002) Dolphin container with velcro riser covers and a velcro reserve flap. After calling Altico about possibly having the container modified to make it freefly friendly, they said they would install tuck tabs for the riser covers and reserve flap for $260. This sounds like a great deal but some people at the DZ keep insisting that the Dolphin is not safe to freefly, even with modifications from the manufacturer. So . . . Anyone out there freeflying a Dolphin with tuck tabs?

Get a Dolphin! I probably paid a little too much for mine, $1650 for an '02 container with a Tempo 170 reserve and a Triathlon 160 main, but it gets the job done. You could probably find a good deal on one if you call some dropzones. At the DZ in Dallas they've got a '96 Dolphin with a Sabre 150 and a similar size reserve for $1200. If you'd like to get into freeflying, Altico will install some tuck tabs for $260.

Bring a tent. I planned on sleeping in the bed of my pickup but the mosquitoes were pretty bad, ended up sleeping in the cab.

That's a yuppie turbine thing

So I was reading the BSRs and I ran across this: "No skydiver will simultaneously perform the duties of a USPA instructional rating holder and pilot-in-command of an aircraft in flight." Do you suppose they were thinking of Truman Sparks?

I forgot to add this: You'll probably want a REALLY baggy jump suit if you want to jump with other people.

Dude you could totally jump! But you'll probably have to pay for two lift tickets and have a custom rig.

I just bought my first rig but am not sure if all of my gear is compatible. My container comes with an RSL, however, the risers my buddy gave me do not have an attachment for one. Can an attachment be added by a rigger? Also, is it safe to use mini risers with large D rings? Thanks a bunch!

Static Line kicks ass! I got my license for $1075

http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/detail_page.cgi?ID=94549;d=1

Get an old Dolphin and send it in with $260 to Altico to have it modified for freeflying. Then find a couple of used canopies and stuff them in that bitch!

I'm looking to buy a vigil (or a cypress/argus if they are cheaper) but the best deal I have found so far is around $1300 from chutingstargear.com for all three 1 pin models. After consulting some fellow jumpers about this purchase, they told me I can do better. So . . . any dealers out there want to make me an offer?

The best way to fix a flailing student is to make fun of them until they quit flailing. Or that's what my instructors did anyway . . . seemed to work!

Skydive WesTex!

I do it for the drugs . . . them skydivers have the best shit.

And its not called express flaking . . . its a very advanced method of packing referred to as 'Trash Packing' ;)

Just stuff it in the bag!

I was planning on coming out Friday to jump the Skyvan. Will it be flying all day or just in the morning?

Breathe next time!

What's with the 100 jump minimum? I've never hit anyone landing . . . but I've definitely gotten hit by an experienced jumper with a lot more than 100 jumps!

Have any of you guys heard of the Hygiene Hypothesis? I keep trying to get my mom(she has MS) to try hookworm therapy but she doesn't have the guts.