guineapiggie101

is that a good idea or not? Or do most people who have gone through the AFF program, space out their level qualifying jumps? The DZ is working out the rig issues with me and I should be able to do a jump in a few weeks, yay!!!

If you have health insurance, doesn't your insurance coverage cover medical stuff (rescues and emergency services) that arise? If that is the case, wouldn't this be covered under that?

Davelepka, thanks for laying out the potential cost of this endeavor. It is a bit pricey I see but from the way you describe it, gear and stuff can be gotten later and/or in steps. First things first though, going through the classes and getting the license.

Again, without details it is difficult to say. But if you need custom gear, used will be hard to find. BUT, that does not mean it could not be modified (like changing the rig from throwout to ripcord with a leg mount....ect.) I have short arms and short legs, but the body structure of a normal person. Due the way the pullout knob is positioned, I have a hard time comfortably reaching the knob to pull it. And yes, the DZ suggested some of the above modifications that can be used. So far, I like what I am learning and I can't wait till I can do my jump. I just am proactive and wondering how big of an outlay this will be for me, if I were to continue with it. Cost analysis is always a good thing.

Yesterday I did the FJC, but was not able to make the jump due to concerns about me being able to safely and comfortably reach the knob on the rig to pull the parachute. The DZ is going to make some adjustments so that I can do it safely. It was also brought up that, if I do want to continue in this sport, that later on, I would probably have to get a rig custom made for me. If that is the case, how much would that be? And, due to my height and reach issues, would I ever be able to get used gear? So far, I like what I am learning and can't wait to do the first solo jump. I DO want to continue with the next class and see what else there is. My husband, on the other hand, thinks I am nuts for wanting to get into this sport. He brought up the question of cost so that made me think a bit. We both have expensive hobbies (him moreso), but he was just wondering how feasible it is. Most hobbies I have been involved in (aka fencing), I have had to have gear made up for me, and that has been a bit $$$.

I didn't end up jumping today. I went through the whole AFF course but there were some issues with me being able to reach the pull handle comfortably, so, in order to correct the issues, I will jump another day. I am fine with it because I know safety comes first and I want to be safe when I do this. Otherwise, I do like the vibe at Elsinore. Friendly instructors and people there.

I got fitted yesterday for my tandem. Actually it is kinda scary to realize what can happen when you go jumping. I decided to move my FJC course to tomorrow (12/28) because I am a bit excited about it and want to see what it is all about. Tomorrow should be interesting. I am also getting the video and photo package for this FJC. Hope it turns out ok.

Well I have reserved my first AFF course for the 2nd Friday in Jan at Skydive Elsinore. The price isn't bad and it should be fun.

If you were checking out a new DZ, would you do a tandem dive as a way to check out the drop zone, or would you just dive head first into it (after talking to the instructors to see if they have equipment for you), and sign up for the the first AFF course?

thanks to the both of you. if you wanted to choose a particular DZ to do AFF at, would you do a tandem jump first to see if you like it there, or would you just dive right in and sign up for the AFF course?

Thanks you all, for the info. I live in SoCal, (but did my 2 jumps in Hawaii when I was on vacation

Yes, I am in the US and I will check out your link. Thanks!

thanks. Is the static line progression, where you are attached to a line and thrown from the aircraft? It sounds like a really fun sport.

thanks for the info :) I am short, but not that light :) When I did the tandem thing, the DZ didn't seem to have problems with my height. I will drop in on the nearest DZ and see if I can get some answers. I do hope to be able to skydive. It is exhilarating to be so high up. what else makes up the AFF course?

A few weeks ago, I did my 2nd tandem skydive (first one was done at the same DZ, but 6 months prior), and had a great time. Now I am thinking of maybe learning to skydive. Not sure. I know some DZ's do an accelerated course where you can take the first set of lessons (?) in 3-6 hours, and then jump out of the plane with two instructors holding onto you, then letting go, and you landing on your own (via radio instructions). Is that the next step to finding out if this is a sport I could be interested in? Also, will my height have an issue with whether I can do this non-tandem? I am really short, like 4'5" tall.

I am new here and wanted to say "hi". I've only tandemed jumped twice in my life (all within a 6 month period at the same DZ in Hawaii) and now want to maybe learn how to do it. It is a lot of fun.