skyflower_bloom

teehee "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

That is AWESOME! Lol.. yeah I would have been more scared of trying to maneuver back into the damn plane than escaping it asap.. anyway, highly commendable. And don't female jumpers always wear spandex? Lol they always make me wear a skintight jumpsuit to fall faster so if I wore anything else but spandex leggings and a tight tank it would not fit on me... Granted all my spandex is black but more points for the rockin' colors! So, do people in warm climes just not do the jumpsuit thing, or is that another C license privilege? Thanks for posting Oh and don't mess with me Robert, lol, my mouth still hurts, I cringed looking at the damn step that whole video, when he reached out to shake her I almost cried. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Ok, glad to hear I answered the survey in the spirit it was intended (additional risks within what is already is a sport involving some risk) Thanks for clarifying! Love to hear what your jump was like, if that is not too off topic, or if it influenced the direction of your research at all.. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Every time we jump out of a plane we do all those things. That doesn't mean that we are "risk takers". It simply means that it's an enjoyable sport which gives a great deal of satisfaction. Such questions will skew your survey to conclude that all skydivers are "risk takers", in a negative sense. You can do everything right in skydiving, and still die. There is nothing that "ensures" complete safety. I see your point. However, I took it as, WITHIN the sport. Everyone will perceive this differently. For me, for my experience level and perception of acceptable risk, jumping a smaller canopy than I am comfortable with, going out to the DZ when sleep deprived and don't feel at my best, trying things that are beyond my experience level (swooping, jumping a camera, etc.) would be things to me that would be deliberately doing dangerous things or putting myself at risk. I take it as assumed in the questionnaire that by being a skydiver, I am taking the risks that come along with it, but it doesn't mean as many have said that every skydiver takes risks above and beyond those inherent to the sport. For example, the questions/statements about, within the sport, others perceive me as a risk-taker or others IN the sport question my awareness of safety, etc. (paraphrased) thus I answered the questionnaire accordingly. Hopefully that was the appropriate approach. To the OP/researcher, how was your tandem jump? I think it is very cool that you actually made a skydive among other things to try to understand some elements of what you are studying, but certainly think you could also do good research about some of these concepts without it- like someone said, motives vary, and motives for a first jump versus continuing to licensing etc. also vary- and of course your motive may have been primarily research. But I still have a lot of respect for you for doing that to better understand the experience of what skydivers are doing. Good luck with your research! "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

NICE JOB!!! 110% worth it, huh? Congrats and welcome!! Keep us posted. blue skies, robyn "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Fixed it for you. NO don't jinx me! I was just getting it out of the way, meeting my quota.. er something..? Actually I would imagine the dz probably does have plenty of first aid kits though.. hope they never need to be used but I am sure they already have, and will be again.. stay safe everyone! I typically take my ID, a credit card and afew bucks cash out, put it in one of my jumpsuits pockets, along with the spare key/remote for my truck. Its less thanmy normal keychain and usually isnt too noticeable (depending which pocket/suit im jumping). Depending where Im at, I might bring my logbook out. This way I dont have to run to my truck whenever I want to get a snack, pay for more jumps (such as at Start) or buy a case of beer if I land at the gas station. LOL. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Yeah until a recent thread I had not thought of it, but will now be jumping with my ID and my cell.. other than that i used to leave it all in the car, lock the car, and just toss the keys any ole place at the smaller dz i used to go to.. current home dz, a bit bigger, so i have the keys stashed behind the desk with manifest, or stash them in one of the classrooms. That said, I have left kiddo' stuff (who wants a diaper bag?) and my own purse sitting in the kitchen on occasion.. I am not too paranoid.. though I do not own a rig, when I get my rig (soon please ) I will likely be pretty cautious w/ my baby! I did have an incident where I was carrying a big bag, a one year old, a 12 of beer, talking on the phone to finish a convo, and my credit card (manifest can take your card, hold it for the day, and then cash you out at the end depending on how many jumps you make, not sure if this is common, but that was my intent for the day) Got inside, after meandering for about 5 minutes in the parking lot and watching the kiddo and finishing up the conversation, and went in and my card was gone. There were soooo many random tandems and families that day, I am not making accusations, because it could have just as easily been dropped somewhere weird in the time between the car and hanging right outside to finish the call and going to check in, but I retraced my steps, emptied the bag and the beer case too just in case lol, had others help, and it was nowhere to be found. Now, I was distracted, and could have fallen somewhere screwy or the kiddo could have tossed it somewhere. But it also could have been taken. I did call that night- no one had tried to use it at that point, and I was able to cancel/reissue. But I admit, I am more wary of random people I don't know and tandems than actual skydivers. I realize every community has bad seeds but I do consider it a family of sorts and do feel much safer around skydivers (at least a small or moderate DZ, on a not super busy day with new people and tandems all over the place). But right or wrong, I am generally pretty trusting I think, while trying to be cautious when needed.. Never been to a boogie due to not having the A yet and being a single mama, but think I'd be a bit more cautious there than a home DZ for sure. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

So glad to hear you had a perfect last day jumping and were able to get everything in that you wanted to. My best wishes to you for the Peace Corps- I admire you for that and that will surely provide plenty of new adventures. And I agree- never again a whuffo Best to you and your family. peace, robyn "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

once on coach jumps can i pull at 8k for real, if i tell them my intention and let everyone know?? to practice canopy? is there a chance i will get lost and wind up miles away (i have nightmares about that btw lol) have you done it?? "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

lol no one told me my prize i have no incentive to count words... plus some posts are longer than mine in recent threads.. quit pickin on the invalid!! haha is that a football helmet?? oh god. i actually was told by the dentist they would fit me with a mouthgard for sleep and sports activities in order to validate the 5 y warranty. i really never will live this down. psyched to dive into brian's book (edit to add: NOT with my teeth)! glad to hear you enjoyed it and was helpful :) pm your way soon too! blue skies!! "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

I don't think anybody has ever died from knowing aerodynamics, although quite a few have from not knowing enough. Fair enough. I guess my thought was just that since some aspects can be over-thought and actually be a distraction, I was not sure if in my case/in general this would be pushing the envelope for knowledge base at this level. That said, point taken. Since I don't have much better to do.. (not that I would ever, ya know, bite a cessna, as someone said, i'm not that crazy ) but since i have some time to devote to some more on the ground learning, wanted to see if folks felt this was a useful place to direct learning energy (along w/ packing of course). Sounds like an affirmative. Thanks for the suggestion about the glider! That is an awesome idea; mix it up a bit, and get another perspective on what these inputs really translate to. Germain's book Parachute and its Pilot, as well as his book on fear, are on their way to me right now! Thanks again, any more ideas, keep em coming, and thanks for pointing out the importance of the balance of logical thought and reading and such, as well as the actual act of playing around with inputs up high and translating the knowledge to action and observation in the "real world" of canopy control. blue skies/ robyn "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Disclaimer- I still vacillate between trying to play my guitar, which I have had for ~8 years, and letting it gather dust under my bed.. so my level of knowledge and skill is pretty low in general and fluctuates.. However, many Bob Dylan songs are often good ones to start with if ya like Dylan.. "Blowin' in the Wind" was one of the first Dylan songs I learned.. Sometimes if browsing online or whatever for songs to learn, the tab will throw in some tricky barre chords- just know they are not always necessary, and that you can omit them or find a version with them already left out for earlier players. It still sounds decent. Also, House of the Rising Sun- but I'm biased, it was the first song I was taught to play when I was given the guitar. Enjoy, congrats, and you may have just motivated me to get back into a guitar phase ;) blue skies (ok and if Bob Dylan and general hippie music is shunned among the sky people, please ignore this post and let's all be friend? ) "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

do you need to understand aerodynamics either a bit, or in depth, to be a good canopy pilot? can it be a benefit? a detriment? basically i feel like, to optimally control my canopy i will want to (eventually?) understand what it does and why, not just "pull toggle right and it goes right." because on a big student canopy i can sorta do whatever and it generally works ok, but i want to build good habits so i know how to give proper input to a smaller one down the line. examples-- i want to know what causes a stall, what wind direction (esp. variable and crosswinds) and turbulence do and why, what the yaw axis means, how to intuitively work with my canopy in changing conditions or unexpected occurrences, etc. and ESPECIAALLY in an emergency, to have that basic intuitive knowledge from the get-go that allows me to make a smart choice and react almost instinctively but with some forethought, that balance, if i have several options of what i could do for say an avoidance maneuver or low turn, etc. (i don't expect answers- just whether this knowledge is available through study of aerodynamics and whether it is worth pursuing learning those basics) any ideas for resources that could help? to what extent these concepts and field of study are useful as a canopy pilot? visuals/demo can be helpful as to my learning style. i do have germains "the parachute and its pilot" on the way- is that a book that will cover some of this, i assume? other book or vid ideas? and it is quite possible this is something that either i am considering too early as a student, or over-thinking, if so please tell me this w/out hesitation, i just don't have a sense for it and when i hear some of these concepts it goes over my head. i also have a genuine interest in this field as it relates to the sport etc. i am generally told i do ok to very well under canopy and landing, but i don't often understand exactly what i am doing or why i am doing it. i guess i want to more of how my canopy is responding and why- though i do play around with it, and observe, without background/basic knowledge, you cannot interpret that, yk? input appreciated, blue skies/ robyn "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

LOL damn you monkycndo, i will never live this one down. so... is it still called spanking the monkey if you're a chick btw? And for the record, with a 16 month old wild child running about, no monkey spanking gets to occur. Very sad indeed. Monkeys are nice... off to the dropzone woot woot.. have fun with the monkeys tonight ya'll "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

We don't know each other and i am just a student but I still feel a pang to hear of someone leaving the sport. I am so glad to hear that you have gotten so much out of it and are feeling confident with your decisions at this point, and as stated, the sky will always be there if you return, but best wishes on your new journeys in life!!

Uhhh that seems a bit of a PA but I will let it slide.. I actually feel that when someone takes the time to respond to me, or may genuinely enjoy helping analyze a newer jumper's situation, they deserve that I take the time to reply specifically and personally when possible. LOL i like that quote. and yes, it does take me more time to write a short post. dare accepted. what's my prize?? "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Based on your detailed description, I would say go for it! Sounds like an all around positive situation, the cons and inconveniences are few and addressable. I agree with making sure that grandma knows her place in the parenting thing/discipline etc. but if that is not an issue now, then it hopefully won't become one later either.. It might help to get something either written up of informally discussed just to make sure there are some clear boundaries, but it doesn't sound like there are boundary issues to start with so shouldn't be hard- just that in any shared living situation, I think it can be useful to discuss expectations off the bat with everyone. Best of luck, keep us posted, and blue skes!! robyn "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

LOL are you trying to kill me today bry? actually, i heard there's one used in large animal veterinary medicine called carfentanyl or something that knocks out an elephant in like a microgram dosage range.. yikes!! so.. some vicodin-flavored coffee sounds just fine haha. What's on the docket for today? Hope you are doing well! And, thanks for the coffee "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

AWW that is no fun at all!! It is, however, the "right" and "responsible" answer, I suppose, so points for that.. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Haha fair enough. I'll take some, if you can spike it with some painkillers :P Jk. I swear every time I post in this thread it is most certainly NOT morning.. but, we can pretend right? How are you?? "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Understandable- but see, that is what I and others were trying to say about skydiving- it gets cheaper as you spend time in the sport, so by getting creative, sacrificing, going into debt (not that i advise that lol, but i think we have all been there) etc. you WILL get the that point, as you have w/ horseback riding. so just don't see it as a perpetually out of reach expense, yk? Meanies!! Oh and nova I cried a big fat tear for each one of those obscenely beautiful straight-toothed happy smilies in your post, lol. Am I the only one who lacked the knowledge that dentists were so bogus!? Anyway OP, ignore me, they just like to fuck with my head haha- but do be sure in that vein to check out your medical and dental, estate planning, pet and/or child care in case of injury, all that stuff, in the same vein as planning for your financial abilities and needs in the sport. As someone who rides horseback, you may already be on top of this! Good luck, blue skies (if there was a bloody crooked- toothed smile icon, i'd give ya one right about here, but there isn't so just use your imagination.. ) "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

i would be honored to know that much about the sport by then to write such a book (but on the downside, all FJC students- and instructors- everywhere would hate my guts..) LOL. yeppers. i do think it is relevant to add, though your version is indeed quite eloquent and accurate lol, that for new and reasonably responsible jumpers who want to get their ducks in a row prior to jumping out of planes-- don't assume that all dental coverage is created equal, or that if you have awesome medical coverage, you simultaneously have awesome dental coverage. sometimes life's a bitch like that.. and sometimes people are stupid like that. just something else to throw on the "what to consider BEFORE jumping outta planes" list. and yeah- BIRFFDAY JUMPIN'!!!! "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

i did it silly!! and as stated by a PP- 1) relax 2) takes time (and 3) thanks

Well, today they did another exam, and a pulp sensitivity test with an electrical current device. Of the four top front teeth affected, two registered no response- meaning the tooth is totally dead, two root canals followed by crowns. A third, the pulp/root is healing up well and alive, but needs a crown- since the bite surface and back were also severely fractured, a veneer would not adequately address the issue according to the dentist. The fourth tooth is also alive/pulp responds to stimulation, and only has some minor chipping, and can be fixed by smoothing away rough edge and/or small amount of filling. The bottom four were just knocked about a bit but will heal up on their own and getting less painful. And the wound on my lip and little bites/scrapes all over my mouth should just heal fine over time too.. doing salt water rinses and taking antibiotics to ensure nothing gets infected. For now though, the pain is the worst it has been yet, and ran out of vicodin so let's hope tylonel and ibuprofen do something useful to allow to me to get some sleep, even without the narcotics thrown int it ;) And ya, drugs are bad mmmkay, and all that, but when there are damn good reasons for their utilization (such as moderate to severe pain and/or actual medical injuries) I think we need to take advantage of that particular modern technology 100% Now, the bad part: The bill= Over 6k. Lesson to be learned (other than that i am a dumbass- ok, a former dumbass in recovery from dumbassedness lol)-- make certain you have your bases covered. I thought that between a will, power of atty for healthcare, finance, guardianship docs for my son, DNRs, living will, and excellent medical coverage, along with the fact that I have what I THOUGHT was decent dental, I thought I was fine. Trust me, just what I listed costs over five times what insurance will pay for dental this year. I can either go into debt at 30% APR to pay it, or borrow from family, which is such a kind offer but we all know the kinds of strings that can come when money is lent among family or friends (they shouldnt, but sometimes they do) So-- even if you think your bases are covered, keep on a'covering, Make plans a, b, c, and even d!! lol. oh and also life insurance. Just, point being, don't assume all your bases are covered only to get fucked if something happens and you realize you made a mistake or overlooked something significant. I cannot get in for the work until July 21st, so ground till then simply because there is currently opening/exposed fracture in the teeth that pressure change could effect, and due to the concern about disorientation due to either pain meds (which i wouldn't/couldn't take pre-jump) or pain itself (obviously, since i would not be on any pain meds!) Thus, while a few instructors and the pilot said I should be ok to jump, I think once I explained a bit more (it's actually a lot worse than first glance, most of the damage has to be explained or seen on xray) they seemed to concur a bit more on the side of caution- either way, I think I am staying on the side of caution here too.. But, luckily the dentist said, as one PP stated, that well done crowning would allow jumping asap if desired. He said he would have to make me a mouth guard for the warranty, for sports activities and sleeping, but i told him that if i managed to hit my teeth on the step again, there is a very serious problem beyond simply re-ficing the teeth!! I also talked with a coach at my dz who had a root canal last year and she said she jumped 3 days later with no issues.. so i will see how i feel, but likely give it until the end of the month- as long as i can get jumping in by my birthday i am a happy camper lol. and i do have time to focus on packing and learning the "rules of the road" at my new(er) home dz. I have a packing lesson scheduled tomorrow at 11; wish me luck

To begin: the shortened version for those among us with short attention spans LOL: I tried to reply to a lot of people here. Just scroll to find my reply to you personally (either by your msg quoted, or your username bolded) if you don't wanna read it the whole damn thing, or just don't read it at all lol and for what it is worth, thanks for contributing if you did indeed contribute :) Basically exits have a few weak points for me right now, and I am working on it, will be relaxing more and being more patient once i am back up in the air. Oh and after Monkey's and my discussion about releasing pent up energy last night, I fear he may have had the opposite of his intended effect, since I can never write a short message again now.. because then everyone will know I am masturbating simultaneously!!! LOL.. don't even ask. blue skies.. You got a 182 that will get to 14k?? idk about the PP's dz or aircraft here, but that said, when the incident happened with the step, switching from the past 6 PAC exits, to the smaller poised Cessna one, I asked my AFF-I what altitude would be doing? He responded we'd be going to 12k this time likely. However, I noticed my alti kept climbing and had hit around or slightly over 13.5k when pilot gave the light and door, so while I am a newb and know nothing about aircraft, terminology, etc. and altitude capacity, I too was a bit surprised at how close the Cessna's climb (though taking longer, of course) matched that of the PAC's alti that I had started getting used to.. and yeah, thrillstalker, that is a very good point in that learning to get stable (and to exit and STAY stable) is good (essential) to learn higher up and early on to build good habits for a potential aircraft emergency. That said, then, what do you think about the hop and pops? I realize being unstable is no reason not to pull if you are at pull altitude (at least in my program, I assume that is standard across most maybe with perhaps some margin, but obviously i stick to what i am taught for priorities at my dz and will pull, stable or not)-- that said, when I had a release dive (2nd of 3) and kept losing and regaining stability the entire time, I eventually knew I had to deploy despite it- now in that case I managed to flip onto belly/arch just as i threw the pilot chute out and got away with only some line twists- but i realize worse mals can be caused by position. In two levels will be my first hop n pop, from 5k.. is this going to be a concern, or is it more of simply knowing that you can accurately respond under simulated pressure and get under a functioning canopy even with a low altitude exit? I guess perhaps I was just a bit concerned about not having this kick thing fixed by then.. Thanks for the reply and perspective. Yes, our brains are wired that way, and after 23 years of the goal being to find something solid for my feet, I guess i realistically cannot expect that instinct to disappear immediately. I am glad it is not a big of deal as maybe I made it out to be, and I think my instructor was simply calling my attention to be aware, not because she felt it was a huge problem at this point, just an awareness thing.. I think that relaxing (easier said than done though!) is key to so many aspects of this sport, afaik so far- such as getting myself to the point where i could arch properly and be released in freefall- had to come through consciously choosing to relax and arch, almost like a mantra (yeah that sounds like a paradox.. but breathing, smiling, visualizing, positivity, choosing NOT to overthink/choosing TO relax.. etc.) does help. It is useful that you point this is out because honestly when I think it through I believe that exiting is the most "high pressure" or high intensity moment, when I am least relaxed. More *relaxation* on exit could be a better goal for me than specific tasks or "do/don't do this" thinking.. On my injury, I was thinking- DON'T jump up, and DON'T kick your legs, get them into relaxed arch the second they leave- and look how well that worked, right.. I have noticed the two times I have done something pretty seriously wrong resulting in injury (focusing too much on not kicking-- among other things-- on the exit where I mashed my teeth, as stated, and focusing too much on stand-up vs. plf landing on the sprain in my ankle incident) these have been contributing factors both times and need to be addressed for me to progress and stay safe and continue to improve. I do think I need to just let some of that go, work on it but not overthink it, and I like what a PP said also about being in the moment-unless that was another thread, I think that was the thread about my poor poised c182 exit with the injury- but either way, thanks for those words of wisdom as well. The idea being, on exit, be fully present, aware, and relaxed, prepared to exit, etc. and skydive this way- present to the moment within and surrounding. That is what this is all about right? I think that advice applies to many facets of the sport and my approach, thanks for summing it up like that. I realize that I put too much pressure on myself sometimes that may not be needed. Just need to relax and go with it, I have seen that the progression does work and I trust my instructors, my equipment, my self.. While I don't usually get a huge fear attack, I find least comfortable and relaxing time for me is between door opening and the first 1-3 sec of exit. This is possibly something that I just need to learn to accept and relax into, and the legs will follow. Thanks too for your feedback erdnarob- it's good to know I didn't fuck up the easiest exit of all time or something with that cessna one (though that said, with the kicking thing, i have done it on the pac just as much, since i have worked my way to one JM and solo exits) but yeah..I just want to be able to feel relaxed and enjoy exit, especially since you can't really make a skydive without one (an exit that is, of some sort) lol, and would like to make sure that I am able to exit different planes successfully, and not be limited by fear or not being "able" or willing to jump certain aircraft type. i agree that it is a valuable skill to learn the safe way to exit multiple craft. and BTW-- 43!!? That is wild!!