CHRCNF

I put it in the wash shortly after posting this last night. It made it, though I am still a bit weary as the jumpsuit was purchased in "worn" condition. But it's my first jumpsuit, so I suppose it's okay for it to get even more "worn."

What is the general consensus for this? What is the best method for washing a jumpsuit, and more importantly, how often should it be washed? Jumping in the Texas heat, I assume I'd need more frequent washings, I just haven't really heard this topic discussed much at the DZ and wanted to tackle the issue before my jumpsuit starts smelling TOO bad. CHRCNF

I would have to totally agree. It's somewhat of a "community experience." A group jump with no dive flow. One of my favorites!

What is the method used to place the cigarettes on the mockup? Do you place them standing up to where you can read the label or rather on the side? And does your mockup use circular metal as the one at my dropzone does or is it squarish?

We should ban together and embrace minor skydiving injuries. If we can jump out of an airplane, have a hell of a time, and then maybe suffer a break or even take a hard fall just a hand full of times, then it's worth it. Though I guess there will always be those people who don't "get it."

What kind of winds do you usually declare as your limit? What are the biggest predictors of winds? Have you ever gone up in completely reasonable winds and then started your pattern about the same time as some big gusts came in? W/ only 40 jumps (and awful canopy control) I'd prefer to stay below 18 MPH, but what conditions would be appropriate to keep myself from jumping? CHRCNF

High Altitude- around 30,000'? Low Opening- How low do you pull on one of these jumps? How high will they take you on these jumps and why does it take so much longer to get to only about twice as high as usual? Is the one extra minute of free fall really that different and worth THAT much money? What is the whole experience like? CHRCNF

I've been skydiving for only a few months now (w/ A license). I've noticed that it's very difficult to discuss skydiving with friends and family that don't jump. Now that the novelty's wearing off I'm not incessantly talking about skydiving. But on the occasion when it does come up in conversation, I have found it to almost be a waste of time to try and explain anything. I guess I'll just leave skydiving matters at the dropzone. : )

So... Which DZ in Tx has the BEST parties/nightlife?

...and w/ 34 jumps, how many more on my belly should I get before even attempting to get help with it?

What are the thoughts on different brands of AAD's within the skydiving community? Everyone at my dropzone seems to think Cypress's are the shit. From all I can tell Vigil does more and gives you the most bang for the buck.

Does anybody know how reliable Ralph Hadley is?

Where'd you get your first rig from? I'm looking for my first, but it's continually becoming more and more of a chore. I'm beginning to consider buying a new container, reserve, and AAD and then look for a used main. Would it be worth it? Any advice?

...So, what's next? Obviously I'll still have the support of my instructors who have helped me out more than I can put into words... But, what happens next? Kind of an open ended question, I just want to see how it worked out for all of you. Thanks for the stories/guidance! CHRCNF

I've recently taken up skydiving (and absolutely LOVE it!), and while I certainly have a number of student/coaching jumps left in which I intend on using the DZ's student gear, I have a few questions/concerns that I'd like to see addressed. I'm 6' 0" and about 160-165 lbs (depending on how much I've eaten). First of all, how should I go about finding a rig? I realize that with such an odd stature finding someone selling at the DZ might be out of the question. So, is buying online out of the question? I've been looking and have found a few good options (though still not ready to purchase). I'm thinking that I might be better off buying all of the components separately rather than looking for a complete rig. Any thoughts? Additionally, what kind of gear should I look out for? Are there any brands that stand out more than others? What brands should I avoid all together? I was thinking upon obtaining an "A" license I would be ready to fly a 170-190. Are my expectations accurate? Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated! CHRCNF