KellySmiles

I'm a little farther along in AFF than you, but I still get nervous. I've mentioned it in another thread, but before the first non-tandem I ever made (it was just the 2 AFF instructors, a camera flyer, and I in the plane, along with maybe 2 or 3 experienced jumpers that kept to themselves at the front), I nearly started crying. They were set to video parts of the ride up, but I actually had to ask them to turn the camera off because I couldn't even think about trying to joke around with them (you know the usual stuff... "Wait, you're taking these two with you? Did you sign that extra waiver?")... Then I was fine again, but for the 4th jump, I was freaking out again. I was afraid that I was going to lose the instructor because I am more than 100 pounds lighter than him, so I thought my fall rate would be dramatically slower, or that I wouldn't be able to stay stable. With the help of the lovely folks on here though, I quickly got over that and realized that I was simply being a lunatic, as usual. I'm still a little afraid, but after each "milestone," it's like I conquer a new fear, feel better for a few jumps, then something new pops up. LOL But it's not a bad thing because I definitely don't want to be complacent!!! Best of luck, and I'm sure your fear will lessen over time!

Thanks for all the suggestions!!! As I mentioned in my original post, I really think the arm and back strength might be an issue for me, and that's what it sounds like skydiving uses the most. I'll look into the yoga aspect of it.... that'll probably be lower impact on my joints too (mild arthritis). Thank you again!

Hey everyone! I'm starting AFF, and I was hoping to get some advice as to what may be useful to work on with my personal trainer. I'm in about average shape, but I'm a smaller girl, so I'm thinking that I probably need to get my strength up a bit. Maybe arms and upper back so that I can control/steer the parachute better? Or just general strength and flexibility for the freefall maneuvers? Thank you!!!

Hey everyone! New to the forums and to the awesome world of skydiving! I just got back from my first tandem jump this morning, and it was beyond words it was so cool and fun! The DZ I went to also offers AFF, so I signed up to begin next weekend -- that's how much I loved it!