hofstar

I guess it would depend on why I was getting it in the first place. If it was a change of roles and responsibilities, then yeah that's not a huge increase. But if it's just because you've been doing your job, then there's nothing to complain about. Base pay increases are more valuable than they might seem at face value. It might be, say, $1000/year which might not sound like a whole lot, but that's $1000/year every year. If nothing else, you could just up your retirement contribution 2% and not notice a difference day to day....depending on how young you are that 2% could compound over time and add up significantly

Um, there's a hole on purpose? It makes it come out faster

I'm basically in the same spot you are. For me, I will do pretty much whatever jump as long as it doesn't make me uncomfortable. But, we have to keep stepping out of our comfort zones at least a little...that's the only way to really learn and build confidence. I go into every jump planning to succeed. But if I screw it up, at the end of the day, I don't let it bother me, because it just means I have something more to learn and/or practice. And what's wrong with jumping with coaches? They are there to share knowledge and experience, and that's exactly what we need. Cheers

My folks were mortified when I told them I was going on my first (tandem) jump. They told me to wait until they're dead. They even tried to bribe me out of doing it... I showed them the video, and they saw how happy it made me by the look on my face the whole way down. But they were not sold yet...When I told my dad I decided to get my A license, and told him I needed 25 jumps to get it, he literally hung up on me . Then they watched the video of my check dive, and they have completely 180'd from being terrified to proud. They're completely supportive and are thrilled that I found something I love so much. They brag to all their friends about me being a skydiver , and are even going to come watch me jump once it gets warm.

Welcome to the skies! My advice for going through AFF is to do more than one jump per day...do at least 2 or 3 each day you go if time and budget permit. And try to go at least once a week if you can. I found it helped exponentially to be able to apply feedback immediately after receiving it. Other than that, like everyone else said, relax! Focus on your dive flow the whole way up to altitude, slow deep breaths, and envision yourself performing a perfect skydive. I've never been more focused on anything in my life than when I'm in the door. And don't be afraid to ask your instructors a million questions. The only dumb questions are the ones you don't ask. And don't forget to have fun!

Me too! I already hated winter...skydiving gives me one more reason to hate it even more. Gonna move somewhere that's warm all year

Mine also did. In fact I had my whole card filled out but it took me 27 jumps to get my A because I had to jump one, pack it, and jump that. I knew it wasn't technically required, but I'm glad they made me do it, because now I know I can. The logic could go, packing unassisted = packing w/o supervision, and assuming you're not a rigger, I'm pretty sure that qualifies only you to jump it. I suppose they could repack it after you're done, but where's the value for the student in that? How do you even know if you can do it? I'm not arguing whether or not it's required, but IMO I think everyone should jump their own pack job to have a license.

That's so awesome that you and your daughter can share this!

I don't feel as safe jumping in the cold. Even with warm gloves on, I've had trouble gripping my pilot chute in a few instances, which makes me a little uncomfortable. I also once had a brake get knotted up when i tried to release it (I somehow pulled the toggle through its excess), and trying to untie the knot with gloves and numb fingers was completely futile. I grabbed my cutaway handle, and was surprised by how difficult it was to get a good grip. I had plenty of time, and I ended up deciding I could steer with the good toggle and land it at half brakes anyway, but if circumstances were different and I needed to cutaway immediately, I'm not 100% confident I could have done it quickly with my hands that numb. The scary part is, as I think someone mentioned above, you often don't realize how numb your hands are until you try to use them...until you need them. Glad to hear you're alright.

Thanks guys...I will add those to my ever-growing list of DZs to visit. Indy will make for some nice daytrips =) Mike I'd be surprised if we haven't run into each other before, I was there just about every day that they jumped in October and November. I guess they're moving to Hook right now and will be jumping there from now on. I haven't seen it yet, but the whole crew seems really excited about the new facility. Anyway, I plan on spending a lot of time there this spring, so I'm sure I will see you in the sky!

Thanks for the welcomes! Ice, Nothing has ever consumed me as much as this! All I can think about is when will I jump next, what will I work on, what do I want to do someday...I often find myself just youtubing for cool RW or wingsuit jumps. Sucks when the weather doesn't cooperate...I've spent many days sitting at the DZ under gray skies while weather.com keeps saying clear skies in an hour, hour after hour after hour.... Keep at it, the day they stamped me, you couldn't tear the smile off my face with a crowbar! Skymama, I'm meeting a friend at Skydive Arizona over christmas, and I heard there's a boogie in Zhills sometime in February. I plan to visit some friends in New Orleans and indoctrinate them to the sport . I've read good things about Spaceland in texas, and Elsinore, and I would LOVE to jump in Hawaii. So I'd like to check those out too. No way I'm going to fit this all in over the winter, but eventually I'd like to get to these places. Suggestions and recommendations are very welcome! Cheers, -G

Hello skydivers! So, after wanting to do this more than anything else my whole life, I finally rounded up a group of friends in September to drive out to Greensberg, IN and do a tandem jump. I was instantly hooked . One week later I was sitting in the AFF first jump course (I did all of my training, AFF, and coached jumps at Start Skydiving in Lebanon, OH, and have nothing but good things to say about that DZ, my instructors, and the people I've met there). I finished earning my A license in late November, and I plan to travel to a few warmer DZs this winter because I know I won't be able to wait until spring to jump again . And that way I'll stay current, meet new people, and experience some different DZs. Anyway, I've been reading these forums for a couple weeks now, and I thought I'd just introduce myself and say hi. Looking forward to seeing you in the forums, and maybe seeing some of you in the sky! Cheers, -G