usernametaken

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Posts posted by usernametaken


  1. Quote

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    not sure i ever understood the sense of "paying Up front" for a whole bunch of training skydives...:|


    Maaaybe for AFF only... and if it's a 20 % or MORE discount....

    but never for a deal that carries,,,,, until 'you're licensed.'[:/]>:(

    I also know for a fact that more than few Dzs offer that package in 7 days! Granted, these are the larger "resort" Dzs like, SDC, Perris, and Spaceland (to name a few). Smaller DZs may make a difference for obvious reasons but that doesn't make it right, especially since they have your money. You've received some great advice from some long-time jumpers. Time to advocate on your behalf.



    I will say in my case it made a lot of sense to buy an A license package. For one thing, I was able to do 3-4 AFF jumps on a per-jump basis before I had to commit to it. And I ended up saving about 30%.

    As to being able to jump, it's been fine overall. Even on days with 70 tandems, I've been able to jump. They do prioritize AFF. Just my $.02 from my experience.


    There are more than a few DZs (Perris, SDC, and Spaceland), to name just a few, that promise an "A" license in a week, weather permitting. Granted, these are all resort type DZs but it sounds like the money you might be losing from time off could possibly justify taking your money elsewhere. You have got some great advice from long-time jumpers, 3 word responses aside [:/], I think it's time to advocate on your own behalf and speak up.
    "Think like a man of action; act like a man of thought." -Henri L.
    Bergson

  2. cool vid. just like a boogie and it was no surprise that the REAL Skygods were humble and willing to give back to the sport and be accessible to newbies. Unlike the pseudo-skygods who just think their crap doesn't stink. :)

    "Think like a man of action; act like a man of thought." -Henri L.
    Bergson

  3. Quote

    Not a fan of the latest 'strongest beer' arms race. One of those competitions where someone eventually wins by making a 99.9% alcohol beer, and then wonders "so why did we just do that?"



    I agree. The bourbon barrel aged stouts I prefer are are boozy enough. When does this gimmick or quest overtake the most important quality, flavor?

    Keep it.
    "Think like a man of action; act like a man of thought." -Henri L.
    Bergson

  4. I was a static-line student and didn't get videotaped. All I remember was being so pissed that my mini-logbook read "reverse-arch and looking down" that I went up again the same day!

    Didn't take my eyes off the pilot till I felt a tug! B|

    "Think like a man of action; act like a man of thought." -Henri L.
    Bergson

  5. Quote

    This is ridiculous...

    There aren't that many universal truths out there, but there are at least 2:

    Toilet paper over.



    I am beside myself that more people are clueless about this. If I go to someone's house and the TP is "under, they are dead to me. There money is on the dresser and I tell them to hit the road!

    I mean, it's the little things, am I right? B|
    "Think like a man of action; act like a man of thought." -Henri L.
    Bergson

  6. Quote

    >Btw, here's now NOT to progress in canopies.
    >Manta>Raven 4>PD 210> Excalibur 170

    Yep. Unfortunately that's been supplanted by progressions like Navigator 235>Sabre2 170>Sabre2 150>Nitro 150 (by 35 jumps.)



    I am grateful to be older, wiser, and free of metal parts.

    I have wrestled, skied, jumped out of planes and cliff dived, and have never broken a bone in my life.

    *knocks wood*
    "Think like a man of action; act like a man of thought." -Henri L.
    Bergson

  7. Quote

    For some reason I ended up with a lovely, extremely costumized (costum colors and embroidery, there is nothing like it in the world) Aerodyne Icon. 8 weeks delivery time, but the stock rigs are said to be ready in two weeks!B|

    It works and is comfortable. And they come with the skyhook now.:)



    I've said it before, I really like and am amazed by how the Icon has evolved. Compared to the first Icon, it is totally different in terms of both technology and aesthetics, all for the better.

    That is why I bought my first Talon; RI was doing stuff that was different but not "out of the pocket" crazy.

    Same with PD. I think it is obvious what companies are committed to R & D and continually tweaking.
    "Think like a man of action; act like a man of thought." -Henri L.
    Bergson

  8. My first rig was a used "student racer" and a Strong Lopo and Raven 4, for reserve and main, respectively. Hello, does this thing even flare? (I was poor, too)

    My next main was a PD 210 (dating myself here) and it gave me tip-toe landings in every condition, every time I jumped. I loved that canopy.

    That adjustable lift web sucked and I had to adjust it constantly.

    As I have stated before, the DZ was a Racer fanatic and did everything but say "you'll going in with a PC in tow if you don't jump a throw out. I was too young and dumb to know any better.

    Btw, here's now NOT to progress in canopies.

    Manta>Raven 4>PD 210> Excalibur 170 :)

    In perfect conditions in was great. In less than ideal conditions, er, uh, I had to run to the showers and change my undies. Going from a Porsche that you can control to a Formula 1 car is not so smart. Miracle I never hurt myself and learned a lot. Lotsa grass stains on that Talon. :ph34r:

    "Think like a man of action; act like a man of thought." -Henri L.
    Bergson

  9. Quote

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    >I am curious why you picked a diablo though . . .

    They were the #1 canopy to spin up at Perris for a while. They are remarkably unstable with brakes stowed. Once released they seem to fly OK though.



    I put 400-500 jumps on a Diablo. Never had a problem or chop.

    Kinda tired of the"Know it all" attitude.:)


    I am waiting for Diablo Pilot to weigh in on this issue.
    "Think like a man of action; act like a man of thought." -Henri L.
    Bergson

  10. Z-hills was the first big DZ I visited when I was younger and loved the vibe. LOVED IT!

    I don't mind traveling to a tunnel.

    What is the best stretch of time to be at Z-hills and Eloy in the winter?

    Btw, I am excited about camping. I don't rough it. I will have a BIG tent with plenty of STUFF. :)

    Finally, I want to be south for the winter. That is really important to me. I have lived in the midwest for XX years and I still hate winter. >:(

    "Think like a man of action; act like a man of thought." -Henri L.
    Bergson

  11. Quote

    When are you doing these two months? If summer, there are options up north too like Skydive Chicago among others. :)



    Bolas, I am hoping to get that time in and then continue jumping a lot, not only for myself but to get ready for Summerfest 2011.

    Love SDC and jumped there before, but I was hoping to make this a trip somewhere warm so I can avoid getting pounded by snow during late fall and winter.

    There are two seasons where I live in the midwest: winter and summer. Bitch-slap cold and sweltering heat and humidity. [:/]
    "Think like a man of action; act like a man of thought." -Henri L.
    Bergson

  12. I have decided that I will be spending 2 months in 2011 at a "Resort" style DZ. I missed out on my youth and hope to camp. I also hope to make 200 jumps; the first 100 belly, the second 100 FF.

    1) DZ should be camping friendly and have enough amenities to make life sustainable on the DZ.

    2) Belly and FF friendly while being "accessible."

    3) Live in the midwest and would love to be somewhere warm as opposed to somewhere hot/humid during the summer. (though I am willing to be persuaded)


    The way I look see it, it comes down to the following, but again, I am totally open to suggestions.


    Eloy
    Deland
    Z-Hills
    Sebastion
    Perris
    Elsinore
    Skydance

    People speak so effusively about how cliquey and TEAM oriented Deland is or its the greatest place ever. I am easy-going and would like to think I get along with most. Is it FF friendly?

    I hope to make some coaching jumps on belly and FF, too.

    Thanks, everybody!

    p.s. Did I mention tent recommendations? I hear Eloy nights can get chilly. B|
    "Think like a man of action; act like a man of thought." -Henri L.
    Bergson

  13. Got a swatch from aerodyne today for their stealth rig that is like a soft and shiny honeycombed leather. It's beautiful. I was told it is more vulnerable aesthetically, which really didn't bother me. What bothered me a little was it was a a little stretchy, especially compared to cordura, which they sent me to compare.

    I am sure it is easier to pack and is super comfortable, all wonderful things. My worry is the harness staying connected to the conatiner. ;)

    Anybody seen this material or ordered it? It is a double reinforced vinyl honeycomb or rubberized vinyl. I can't remember what Sandy called it but I feel in love with the look and texture.

    I mean, how bad could it be right? It's TSO'D. :|
    "Think like a man of action; act like a man of thought." -Henri L.
    Bergson

  14. Quote

    ".?,. I am coming back to the sport after a fairly long layoff (I once owned and jumped an Excalibur).,."

    ...................................................................

    Excaliur main canopy?

    or

    Excalibur container?



    canopy
    "Think like a man of action; act like a man of thought." -Henri L.
    Bergson

  15. Quote

    Quote

    Like I said, "dirty."

    http://nymag.com/daily/sports/2010/07/_lance_armstrongs_final_tour.html



    I think most of the riders are battling it out on an even field.... Clean or dirty.



    Remi,

    Can you elaborate a little more on this for me? Are you saying since everybody is doping or dirty, in one way or another, it's all good? (especially since there doesn't seem to be much we can do about it)

    Cycling has such a long and historic tradition, like baseball, I think it's a shame. Especially if one rides, ya know?
    "Think like a man of action; act like a man of thought." -Henri L.
    Bergson

  16. Like I said, "dirty."

    http://nymag.com/daily/sports/2010/07/_lance_armstrongs_final_tour.html
    "Think like a man of action; act like a man of thought." -Henri L.
    Bergson