fluffyduckie

I think there is a huge amount of confidence gained in jumping your own pack job. If you are heading to FL, try going to Skydive Sebastian. Skydive Chicago is supporting the DZ for the winter, and a lot of our instructors are there. The staff from Sebastian is great as well, and it is a friendly place. Any of them will be glad to help you finish up your A license. "I love when humans fly,"

I would like to have something that logs jumps, but that is not the biggest concern. I'm pretty good about logging my jumps. "I love when humans fly,"

I am posting here because the gear review have not been updated to reflect several new models of audibles. I like the idea of the Optima or Optima II. Canopy flight is still a challenge for me and I like the additional input. I have a bunch of friends raving about the new N3, but I can't find enough about it to make an informed decision. I have heard great things about L&B's customer service, so that is a plus too. Basically, I have 52 jumps, plan on mostly RW for a while, with a little free fly play once in a blue moon. I tend to avoid water, and want something to scream at me while tracking. My former instructors are hard to reach this time of year so I am reaching out to the community at large. I appreciate the advice! "I love when humans fly,"

If you are looking for a ride to SDC you should go to their website, register as a user, and then post on their forums (around the bonfire section)that you are looking for a ride. Someone from the suburbs is always heading out there, especially if the weather is good. Just figure to compensate them for their gas and such. You can post questions to the instructors there as well. I finished my AFP there this summer. I came into it having a passing aquaintance with a couple of jumpers, and I got scooped up by a ton of great people. We have had a few students from out of state, who came for training not knowing a soul, and they always found someone to chat with at the Tiki after hours. Come out and jump with us! Meredith. "I love when humans fly,"

I was at Summerfest, and completed my water training before I got my "A". Just get it done. The instructor will note it in your log book, so you can prove it when it's time for your "B" "I love when humans fly,"

Both games are on the board. "I love when humans fly,"

Even though he is 4, he might still need a nap. Some of the kids I baby sit are almost 5, and just can't make it through the day with out it. And I imagine with him being a typical 4 yo he burns through a great deal of energy throughout the day, so by the time karate comes around at 5 pm, he just might be done. "I love when humans fly,"

On the Southside we have a little snow with ice coming down now. I should be able to get my car out by New Year's. Poo. "I love when humans fly,"

I certainly will. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one irked at winter. "I love when humans fly,"

Thanks, Skymama. "I love when humans fly,"

ok, I'm done. Time for 2009. "I love when humans fly,"

Hi everyone! I've posted a bit, but felt the need to actually introduce myself. I'm Meredith, have three tandems under my belt, and am under the plague of a Chicago winter, so I'm antsy to jump again. I'm starting AFP in the summer (work and all that), but am planning on a couple more tandems and some tunnel time in the interim. I love this site, and it helps to fill the time 'til the midwest thaws. Thanks to all those who brought me to the sport, you have my eternal gratitude. Blue Skies to all. "I love when humans fly,"

It's going to greatly depend on your budget and if you have a car. Jackson Park hospital is not in a great area its self. Hyde Park and Kenwood (these are neighborhoods) are near there and are nice (and can be pricey) It's by the University of Chicago so i imagine there is affordable student level housing in the area. Since you then have to go to Buffalo Grove, I would recommend somewhere on the North Side. LIncoln Square, Logan Square, Roscoe Village, are all decent areas, have good public transit and have pretty quick access to the expressway. If you find you have spare time (yeah, right,) there is a lot to do in those areas too. I have lived in the city in various neighborhoods for 10 years. You can try finding a place at www.chicagoreader.com, I have had a lot of luck with them over the years. If you can give more detail on your situation I can probably focus it down more. Feel free to email me and I will give any other advice I can. "I love when humans fly,"

I would recommend also going to a store that specializes in running. The staff there are usually runners as well, and they know how to solve all kinds of issues with fit. A generic shoe store (Foot Locker, DSW, etc,) is not going to help as much. New Balance I think is the best, but anywhere that specifically caters to runners is a solid bet. "I love when humans fly,"

Does anyone have a lead on skydiving/ aviation themed Chrismas ornaments? Thanks!

Touche. "I love when humans fly,"

Thanks, Skittles. You went through AFP this year, (I was at the graduation party.) Since you know the program, and the gear they jump there, I'd appreciate your thoughts. I've talked to Troy and Enzo about it, but haven't had a chance to talk to any students. You can message me if you want to stay off this thread. Thanks.

Thanks for the responses. I really appreciate it. And I am aware of the beer policy and know the closest liqour store to the drop zone. And WolfRiverJoe? No worries, but how many guys do you know that use the words fluffy or duckie, alone or in conjunction? "I love when humans fly,"

Well I am a girl, so I hope I can keep up to the other girls. I haven't really met a lot of girls who jump so i don't really have a point of reference. "I love when humans fly,"

I have made a few tandem jumps this fall and am planning on taking the AFP course at Skydive Chicago in the spring. I go to a gym already, but am wondering if I should be focusing more on specific muscle groups. I am concerned because overall, my upper body strength is ok, but not great. I had a hard time pulling the toggles, but I don't know if that was because the tandem canopies are so much larger or if I really am that weak. Any thoughts on this are appreciated.