Power of the Whuffo

[DexterBase 1]

True Story...true story...

So I was in the Potato state with some friends over the weekend. There were a lot more spectators than there had been on the couple of trips before that.

I was out on the bridge and I talked KMonster into sitting out a jump and running some video for me. I was going to do my third McConkey of the weekend, my third ever actually. Next to KMonster is a guy dressed head to foot in Denim (we'll call him The Gazer). Total Whuffo, just out there to watch us having a good time.

I climbed over the rail and after I was satisfied that the canopy was ready for me to launch out over, I gave the count and hucked off. (I'm not trying to brag but my exit did look pretty cool...)

As soon as the parachute pressurized, my left toggle was gone. (looking back, I'm not sure if I hit it with my hand going for the risers, or if I dragged the toggle over the rail as I climbed over. Either way, the toggle was trailing the canopy and flapping around in space. Fortunately this is no big deal.)

I figured I could make a minor malfunction into a valuable training jump so I chuckled a little and tossed the other toggle too. Let's see how this baby flies on risers, no better place to practice.

Meanwhile, KMonster is capturing the whole jump on Video. The jump looks like any other jump, but the conversation in the background is priceless.

True story...


The Gazer: "Whoa..F*@k dude. that guy lost both his things"

Kmonster: "Who lost both what things?" (She was looking through the viewfinder and couldn't see the control lines)

The Gazer: "Those things that steer the thing."


True story. I have the video to prove it.

[Faber 0]

Dexter i would like to see the jump if im alowed,specialy the landing,which were the way i had my accsident last year,today it still scares me if i should have to land on only rear risers again.
You could mail it to me,i take 10mb.
Thanks

Stay safe
Stefan Faber

[ifics 0]

Quote

The Gazer: "Whoa..F*@k dude. that guy lost both his things"

Kmonster: "Who lost both what things?" (She was looking through the viewfinder and couldn't see the control lines)

The Gazer: "Those things that steer the thing."

LMAO!!!!!!!

[base615 77]

Just a quick note. I've landed on rear risers only and 1 toggle/1 riser and I can definately say that it's easier to get a good flair if you keep your remaining toggle. You have to flair unevenly but if you ditch both you lose a hell of a lot of control surface.

Craig

[TomAiello 26]

Generally, I'd recommend keeping the remaining toggle in your hand, but flaring on both risers. That way you keep your control surface intact, but don't have to time the two motions to each other (something few of us have ever practiced).

It is possible to flare with one toggle and one riser, and even get a much better flare, but it takes lots of practice to get it right (otherwise you just end up doing a sideways face plant). If you haven't practiced it, I'd just keep the toggle in hand, and flare on the risers.

-- Tom Aiello

Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com
SnakeRiverBASE.com

[DexterBase 1]

Disclaimer: I'm not an expert in BASE jumping (or anything else for that matter) so talk to your mentor, chat with your friends, and make good decisions.

I was aware of that before I tossed the other toggle. My recommendation is to keep the remaining toggle in your hand and flare with both risers.

I figured I wouldn't have the opportunity to fly it on pure risers (or if I would ever want that opportunity) again, so I chose to toss the other one.

I wanted to see how it would act in the worst case scenario. I figured if I could no wind it with neither toggle, I could handle anything better than that.

Edit: My landing was very smooth but I was prepared for a less graceful touchdown. Just don't over-do the riser flare. It only takes a little to plane out the canopy. Much more than that and you're gonna be on your butt very fast.

I'd prefer a PLF to an asymmetric landing any day. Asmmetric landings don't present a good impact area to the ground and I feel you're more likely to be injured. A good PLF will work in most cases.