Titanium_Gecko

Hi Folks I'm heading up to Langar (nr Nottingham, UK) in the morning for a few days to try and get a few flights in, so........ if anyone wants to join me they are more than welcome!! Jumping 29th, 30th & 31st at least. It was -20C at 12-13k on the 19th Dec - - so you might still need a hat and some thermals. I have no idea what the weather is looking like but will be going anyway. Otherwise, I hope to see some of you in 2010. Blue Skies, Ross www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

In reply..... 1. How does one become interested in the sport of Wing Suiting? How did you start? Whilst living and working in France in late 2008 to mid-2009 I discovered the wingsuit manufacturer S-Fly and that I could do a First Flight Course (FFC) at a Dropzone near me (under French Rules). I had done 169 jumps in 8 years up to 2009 but could start on the S-Fly Access suit with 150 and their B2 qualification. I put in a dozen or so at the French DZ to get happy and current and asked to do my first flight on my 188th jump. Why did I start? It looked cool, I could start to learn sooner than in the UK and hoped to take the discipline back with me to the UK (to set me apart from the rest). 2. Has your view of the sport changed since you have become involved seriously in it? My view of the sport of skydiving has not changed but has, perhaps, a little for wingsuiting. A one-off experience or desire to "jump-the-gun" and show off, maybe, has become an obsession. I have become hooked on wingsuiting with 80% of my jumps this year in a wingsuit; loving the freedom, the distance & speed, extended freefall, formation flying and acrobatics. My first 30 flights in the Access suit were on my own, which in hindsight was not good for me because I needed coaching input sooner to understand and improve my body position etc. I had no flat flying or freeflying formation experience prior to starting, which has become apparent doing WS formation stuff in the last few months. Having these skills before zipping yourself into a straight jacket and jumping out of an aeroplane (which I find calming) will allow you to advance quicker, in my opinion. However, everyone learns differently, and I am where I am and having fun trying to learn and improve with every jump. 3. Is there still fear before you jump or are you confident in your abilities? No, the only thing I have ever worried about is the landings but a massive leap in my currency this year has almost solved that. I have, however, just downsized canopy and have to learn to handle the increase in speed. Nerves at being the one to screw-up the formation don’t count…lol. 4. Do you have friends or family who oppose to this risk taking? Family and friends are all supportive of my wingsuiting although they don’t want me to smash myself up again after a low turn in 2004! They don’t want me to ever do BASE but I have no real desire to try that at present; I’m having too much fun wingsuiting in a skydiving environment. 5. When in the sport did you realize you were hooked to this rush? After the first time? I probably realised I was hooked after about a month when I realised I was jumping enough to stand a chance of geting qualified for an intermediate suit, under French rules, and taking my new skills home to the UK (and willing to concentrate solely on wingsuiting). 6. What’s next? Is there anything crazier you want to try? I want to become a consistent wingsuit formation flier, wingsuit from a hot air balloon and a helicopter, wingsuit night jump, try out the S-Fly suits above mine and, maybe, do a canopy piloting course. Lots of things, basically, but none of which I class as crazy! 7. Have you ever had any close calls with disaster and if so how did it effect you? My low turn in 2004, breaking a femur and 4 vertebra was close to killing me, I guess, but was my own mistake so easier to resolve in my head (as against anything being wrong with the sport of skydiving). Kit cut-off me by air ambulance was sent for repair whilst in hospital and got new jumpsuit made whilst on crutches even though I wouldn’t get to use them for 2 years as it turned out. The root cause of the low turn was a lapse in concentration, which I believe was due to fatigue from rushing around the UK the week beforehand and trying to squeeze in a jump. Hence, I manage my time better to jump safer (and more often etc.)! 8. How much does it cost approximately per jump? Is this a financially tough sport? At my home dropzone it is £19 per jump if you by a block of 10 tickets up to around £22 at another were I am not a member and just brought a single ticket. In France I think it was 24 Euros, maybe, if you didn’t block buy your tickets. In the UK qualification is around £1000-£1300, from scratch, plus £1500-£3500 for second-hand or new kit. Kit hire at the dropzone is around £10 per jump. Annual association membership is another £120, say, with £60 a year for a couple of reserve parachute repacks. Therefore, it can be a financial drain but you have to decide on your priorities. I’ve cut back on other sports and holidays to upgrade kit and borrowed a bit of money to keep jumping. I have been lucky that work has allowed me an income to keep jumping but know people who have had to stop jumping due to being made redundant. 9. How long do you hope to continue jumping? Are there any age restrictions? My UK medical certificated is signed until I am 40 years old, I think, due to past accidents breaking bones but hope to continue for a couple more decades yet. 10. How many times a year do you usually get to jump? I’m hoping to get close to 200 jumps this year. 11. If you could describe wing suiting in one word what would you chose? Nequeo, Latin: To be impossible…………Make of that what you will!! LOL!! In 4 words: “There is no reason” from the film “Man on Wire” because it was something that made sense to him, to create something beautiful irrespective of it being seen, and that he wanted to do. Blue Skies, Gecko www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Thanks for all the best wishes and interest I've just randomly come across more than five and a half years on...LOL! Only took 1 day short of 2 years and 2 months to get back jumping with a slow first 8 years in the sport shall we say. Going great guns in my 9th year, this year! More importantly, eternal blue skies and best wishes to Gus who I only found out about earlier this year, a year after his accident. Blue Skies, Gecko www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Back of my S-Fly Expert is white and is still looking good after 95 jumps though odd marks are starting to appear. First ones were from in aircraft, so watch out, then a couple of tiny grass staines. I'm more of a face planting type of person or knees these days, if ever, but have just downsized canopies so feeling a bit more worried....lol. Gecko www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Got same email on same day for my container. Took as genuine and replied with price (from advert) and stating paypal requirement. Got a reply asking for full address and amount (again???) to send cheque/postal order. He apparently has a DHL account to be able to ship container to son in Australia. I was a bit suspicious so put his username into the forum and found you guys - THANKS! Have just replied restating paypal only without giving address etc. Public apology if your genuine! Gecko www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

I have spent 4 months (Feb-June) jumping at Saumur this year putting in 100 jumps, whilst working in France, and it became a home-from-home! I could not have been made more welcome or made to feel part of numerous families, hence, look forward to going back. The DZ is situated just above the town, in the Loire Valley, which is a beautiful part of France. It is a small centre (on a quiet, active, airfield) with a single porter but has a large landing area, friendly to foreigners and welcoming to families. A working knowledge of French to be able to explain yourself is beneficial but some English is understood/spoken. The staff at the centre support students, tandems, freeflying, formation, crew and canopy piloting (with visiting instructors). Wingsuit first flights are also supported via an S-Fly Access Instructor. There is a small portacabin-style bunkhouse, area for carvans and tents, a club house with full kitchen and very small toilet/shower area. A lunchtime shutdown for a cooked meal is part of culture, adding to the relaxed atmosphere, but does not affect jumping speed. I've done so many firsts there this year. A massive thanks to everyone!

I bought my Gath on the day I got my A License and have never looked back. Admittedly, it was the best fit for my head at the dropzone shop but would recommend anyone to try a Gath on. This year alone it has proved reliable and secure/snug at 200mph head down, 140mph+ stand through to 50mph-ish wingsuiting. It also protected me from worse head injuries in 2004 after a low turn, which took me out of the sport for 2 years. I love its look in photos and videos.

Try both (or more) and REALLY learn to fly one! I have seen the Phantom 2 in the air recently, on new or nearly new fliers in the UK, and it looks very good! Guys have picked up flying it easily and naturaly on solos and early formations with a good forward & vertical speed range and wing pressurisation. You certainly cannot go wrong with the P2 and you may find it easier to flock with others. However, having only ever jumped the S-Fly Access and my beloved electric blue S-Fly Expert I know what make of suit I want next!! I have found my SFly Expert difficult to flock with (read Phantoms, Stealths, Ghosts, Vampires, Firebirds, Blades and GTIs) but that's because I had no formation skills in flat or freeflying before starting. I'm having fun improving with each jump and don't regret my choice. See "akatitaniumgecko" on youtube Blue Skies, Geck - "Still trying to learn to fly like a Frenchman!" www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

I don't know about you guys but I'm started to get excited now!! I even had a couple of goes at flocking or working with others in the air at the weekend much to everyone elses amusement!! Someone please keep reminding me about SMALL movements...LOL. Blue Skies Gecko www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Spoke to Icaro last month via email and got the following reply from Gipsy in the Customer Service Department: 1) Do the 4Fight helmets have a space in the internal padding for an audible altimeter next to the ear (e.g. a Protrack, http://www.l-and-b.dk/protrack.html)? Yes, on each side of the helmet 2) Do the 4Fight helmets have any fabric underneath the chin and around the jaw to stop air getting in like other full face skydiving helmets? Unfortunately no 3) Do the 4Fight helmets have a security feature on their visors to keep them closed at high speeds? Unfortunately no 4) Can you tell me if the Long Tail is likely to touch the top of the parachute, at the bottom of my neck, or stop me from looking upwards? the 4fight LT (long tail) is not the best solution for your purposes, because the long tail can cause some problems. For this reason we have made the 4 fight Cut (we have just cut away the long tail J) But in any case our helmets are not made for your sport, we know exactly the reasons, sorry. I also tracked down Hans - pictured on Icaro 2000 wingsuiting in a mirrored helmet - and his thoughts were as follows: 1) Does the Long Tail rest on the reserve container of your parachute or stop you from looking upwards? 1, No problem with the Tail, 2) 2) Do the 4Fight helmets have a space for an electronic altimeter inside the helmet (e.g Protrack etc.)? 2, Lots of space inside, Too much, it is hard to get the helmet to fit tight. The padding is thick and soft. 3) Do the 4Fight helmets have a "cuff" of fabric under the chin to stop air getting in like the traditional full face helmets or any sort of visor security feature? 3, This is a big problem. The helmet is taking in a lot of air. This is one of the coolest looking helmet in the world, but they are not good for skydiving if you do not make BIG modifications. Gecko: Oh well, an amazing look but not quite right for skydiving/wingsuiting, yet. www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

3. Ross (the wanna be Frenchman now back home) Have just ordered my registration ticket www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Cheers Mccordia! Useful to see it all written down clearly. www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50aNSbU8CRY Bon Weekend! Ross www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Congrats to everyone for getting the new models out! I'm so pleased the Verso comes in electric blue to match my Expert; Not that I'm a brand monkey, really.... I saw Zun's prototypes for these in early May at Brienne and they looked great. The Indy certainly helped one beginner progress very quickly and was quick and rock solid in the air from what I saw. The feedback I heard from a guy jumping the Verso, apart from the sheer delight on his face, was that it's a very powerful suit. I've already sent my letter to Santa Claus (followed by a camera and helmet)..... www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Dedication (and money) is what you need… ……with orthopaedic surgeons and physiotherapists as optional. Having tried to balance uni, climbing, jumping and karate in the past and then work with sports things (plus relationships) took a long time for me. Let alone working away, commuting and then 3 years out with different accidents!!! I trained on static line because of limited time and needing to spread the cost but then had to buy all my personal kit. In 2003 I brought a second-hand rig, which has served me very well and has proved to be upgradeable in stages (i.e. container to be freefly friendly and then able to take a smaller canopy one day). In the UK you used to be able to do your first static line jump as a charity jump, which I assume is still the case. Can you do AFF level 1 as a charity jump???? When you eventually get going you can by blocks of tickets to save a bit of money depending on the price of DZ beer. I’ve learnt to FLY in France this year under French rules – minimum 150 jumps for the beginner suit: http://www.ffp.asso.fr/IMG/pdf/Reglementation_WING_SUIT.pdf Whatever the minimum jump numbers it will mean needing to reach a certain level in flying with other people in flat, sit or stand to get the required certificate or licence. Take time to do these steps right as they will give you a great advantage when it comes to wingsuiting, in my opinion (e.g. flying instinctively instead of constantly “seeing, thinking and reacting” in a stop-start manor). This will improve your safety, the safety of your fellow jumpers and enjoyment! www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Someone trying their 4Fight paragliding helmet for skydiving: http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=3531229#3531229 Low drag helmet discussion: http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=1442358#1442358 Let alone Pressurized posting an advert for their helmet (but I don't like the look, unfortunately) and reference to the use of Time Trial (cycling helmets). Any specific 4Fight wingsuit experience, please? www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

That was my thought although one of the photos, in the sencond link, appears to show a wingsuiter looking straight ahead BUT rig looks small. Downsizing for a VERY cool helmet is beyond even me! There is a cut down version??? http://www.icaro2000.com/Products/Helmets/4fight/Cut-Integral/Cut-integral.htm www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

I'd also love to know if any one is using them - Any reports? Any thoughts? http://www.icaro2000.com/Products/Helmets/4fight/LT-Integral/LT-integral.htm http://www.icaro2000.com/Gallery/Helmets/4fight-paracadutismo.htm Cheers, Gecko www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Nice pics, thanks! I'm definately not in the that league but I enjoyed my weekend in the Loire Valley, France..... I did a total of 10 jumps at the weekend, which included a new best of 7 in a day for me, my 100th for 2009, my 80th in a wingsuit and my longest flight of 116 seconds finally breaking 100km/hr vertical in my Expert. Next weekend here I come............ Keep having fun folks! Ross www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Thanks mccordia! Apologies, the data and question was a bit tongue in cheek on my part. I do some climbing coaching and someone telling me they have just done a route at X grade doesn't tell me a great deal about about their overall ability etc. My times have already jumped up with trying to fly further and will do again, I'm sure, as I fly more. I am already playing with angles and flares as enjoy the changes in speed and forces on my boby. Ross www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

I started wingsuit in March '09 with my Icarus Omega 170, weighing 11st without kit. I now have 200+ jumps on the canopy, which had 400-500 old when I got it '03, and love it but then it's the only one I own. Nearly a 100 jumps this year has massively improved my confidence in all aspects and have ordered a set of new lines. I didn't have a solid body flying background, like flat or freeflying, so needed to seek out some one-to-one wingsuit coaching (especially for deployment position). My first 30 WS jumps were on my own so had to relearn a lot. Footnote: Unfortunately, I missed all the flashing lights and funky noises when I 270'd it into the deck in '04, on an off landing, having knocked myself out. I don't even remember the helicopter ride (to the hospital). TITANIUM Gecko!! www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Update! I finally got cleared for the S-Fly Expert after some coaching with Zun to correct SOooo much of my flying. I've never done so many jumps in a weekend; A massive thanks to Zun and everyone at Brienne - a superb DZ (plus fast shipping from flyyourbody.com, straight afterwards). I now have 29 jumps on my own Expert and loving every moment. Flying from pre-arranged deep spots, in high winds, just for me, is brilliant fun let alone front loops etc. Are they meant to feel like sit for a moment...lol. I have been so welcomed here in France, made so many new friends, but only have 5 more jumping days before I leave. Home to UK here I come! My longest jump is just over 100s about 11k between exit and opening getting out 3 miles from DZ control (down flight line) with an AVS around 74mph, from memory. Good/Average/Bad/Needs work?? I've been having so much fun tearing around the sky that I haven't even tried falling slowly yet...lol. Let alone flocking! Staying on heading during barrel roles seems very hard at the moment let alone getting stable on my back, which I haven't managed at all. Any tips? How do you do a dive exit towards the tail (of a Porter) or safe/stable exit to fly directly back down the flight line? Blue Skies, Ross www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

Hi Guys, There's some amazing stats on this link and goals to aim for....... Having done my first ever wingsuit jump (S-Fly Access) on the 15th March I set a new PB, yesterday, on my 28th jump. I clocked 102s from 13k down to 3.1k with an average of 65mph - I was so chuffed!! Ok, I probably flew an arch or L rather than a pure U pattern and the winds were supposedly strong up top but I'm please. Even more so when I was the only one to make it back to the landing area....he he heeeee Roll-on "Le Weekend" (there's still room for improvement!) TG www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com

An update from the skies above the Loire Valley.... Thanks to everyone for all the advice, which I am now finally starting to use and understand. I did about a dozen odd jumps getting frustrated with rocking and flipping through the sky before things started to click last weekend. Trying to chase another wingsuiter helped for a couple of jumps before whizzing through the sky on my own. 2 minutes and beyond here I come!!! I can't make Spain in May but I am off to Brienne next weekend so watch this space.....lol. Regards, TG www.gathhelmets.co.uk www.flyyourbody.com