Kawigreen

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Concerning the OP, you can ask those questions of just about any activity, not just skydiving. I have been riding motorcycles for 10 years and teaching motorcycle safety for 2 years. I am confident in my skills on a motorcycle, so much so that I don't get nervous anymore. It's not because I feel the risk isn't there, but because I know I have the skills necessary to make the split second decision necessary to save my ass. Does that mean I will be safe 100% of the time? Absolutely not. There are still factors outside of my control, but I have honed my skills and prepared myself for those "OH SHIT" moments.

When starting any high risk activity, whether skydiving, riding motorcycles, rock climbing, etc., you will notice many of the possible risks. Once you have become experienced in that activity, hopefully you are not overlooking the risks, but instead you have learned how to manage those risks and respond to them accordingly.

Teddy

Same here, been riding for about 15 years. Plenty of crashes, broken bones, surgery, and of course, I have multiple friends who have lost their lives riding. It sucks but its part of it. Every time I ride, I know it might be my last.
Just like skydiving, as you become more skilled, you handle problems quicker and better. Yes you become more comfortable, but you still know the risks... you just have more confidence in your ability to handle them.

All I remember from my first jump is bits and pieces of it. Luckily it was tandem. After the jump I didn't even know if I really enjoyed it, but knew I had to do at least one more jump. I only have 5 jumps now, but they keep getting more fun.

That training harness is extremely uncomfortable. I don't think I felt the affects of it afterwards, but I can see it happening to people.

I go there at 2, not sure what time I jumped, but left around 5 also. When are you doing ground school?

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Tandem 2 and 3 are DONE!!

Body control in freefall was so much easier than I expected, nice and smooth controlled moves made it pretty easy. It took a bit more focus to keep my legs in the right position, but made corrections really quickly (ARCH!) and stabilized right out!

WOW, everything was so much clearer this time, I could see more, I could think faster. And time was much quicker. Especially doing COA's and checking at the altimeter every few moments it felt like the 60 seconds were more like 30. It was awesome to be so focused.

Can't wait for ground school and my first AFF jump! INCREDIBLE.

Guys at the Ranch, Kevin & Batman you guys fucking rule. Thanks for being so friendly and offering advice. I'm very proud to say the Ranch is my home DZ.

Congrats! I actually did my T3 yesterday at The Ranch... what time were you there? I know what you're saying about everything being much clearer. The sky really opened up on the 3rd jump, no more tunnel vision and was much more aware of my legs. When are you doing ground school?

The ride to altitude was not bad at all this time, I actually enjoyed it, which was suprising. Going over the dive flow definitely did help. Being aware and completing tasks in freefall was great. I would have done level 3 but it was late and there wasn't any time. Hopefully I'll make that jump this week and then sign up for ground school. Good luck with the rest of your training!

Just did my level 2 tandem, and it was a million times better than the first jump. I was aware, did what was in the dive flow, and passed. Looking forward to the next jump!

Yea I'm hoping that I'm more aware of whats going on next time so that I can do everything in the dive flow. Skydiving has consumed my mind since jumping on Monday... I can't think about anything else!

Thanks for the welcomes. Hopefully I'll be more relaxed on the next ride to altitude and sensory overload won't be as bad during freefall.

Well after talking long enough about wanting to skydive, I finally did. In some ways it was what I expected, others not so much. I've always said I won't get on a plane unless its to jump out, and that still holds true today. The ride to altitude definitely triggered an anxiety attack.

The exit- couldn't come sooner! I was thrilled when it came time to exit... my fear is probably opposite of most first time jumpers. Freefall was more intense than I expected- in a good way. I did have a bit of sensory overload but kept good body-positioning.

Canopy ride- I was buzzing big time from freefall and everything was pretty much a blurr.

Overall the whole thing was pretty much a blurr, but bits and pieces have been popping into my head ever since landing. I absolutely have the desire to jump again... but not so much to ride in the plane

So I will jump again and see how it goes!

Steve