randyp

Thank you every one for your advice and thoughts. It is really helpful. I plan to jump again sometime again this winter in the Miami area on vacation and hope my daughter joins me again. I do not think it was nerves but as breathing was easy as soon as the chute deployed but I am sure being relaxed will help more. I will hold off on the helmet right now and try blocking the wind with my hands. Also I will make sure I have as much skin exposed to absorb all that oxygen passing by me although I am not sure how much less I can wear than shorts and short sleeve. My son is now pumped and wants to jump but he is only 10 so he will have to wait until he is 18 unless we get to Australia after he is 14. (he says yes!)

I just did my first tandem jump this weekend and had a great time. I am looking forward to trying this for a second time. However I did have a problem while free falling. After leaving the airplane the instructor put us into a vertical dive until we caught up with the camera man. While in the vertical dive I was having trouble breathing from the wind speed. After leveling out I did not get any relief and still had trouble catching my breath. I did just a little better when I realized I was not properly arched and when I adjusted my position I was able to keep from passing out and catch a small breath. When the chute opened I was fine and enjoyed full breathing and loved the rest of the ride. I was not sure if anyone else has experienced this problem and what they did to solve it. I thought maybe getting a full visor helmet would help keep the wind away from my face and allow better breathing. However I am not sure this is allowed for newbee tandem diver. I normally do not have any problems breathing unless it is in a full blizzard and the wind is blowing in my face. However I am walking when this happens and can easily turn away from the wind.