fseven 0 #1 July 22, 2003 Hi All, Just wanted to stop in and say hello. Just did my first tandem on 7/19. Unlike another poster, I didn't have to do anything like pull the ripcord, so I just sat back and enjoyed the ride. I've read quite a few posts and my story sounds like theirs. It's nice to read these since the friends that I hang out with have never went and can't truly comprehend how it was, and how I feel afterwards. Luckily, I do have a couple of cooworkers that have jumped before and will understand :) I've noticed alot of people welcoming the newcomers and talking about the money burden. What I'd like to know is, what are some average costs? I think I could do the AFF training for around 1200 or so, but what does the average full rig/setup cost? Or a day at the dz making some jumps? I think I've decided that I'm going to do a second tandem before deciding on the training. (Or maybe I could just use the next tandem as the 1st AFF jump?) Anyways, I've heard that the second time you enjoy it alot more. Not that I didn't enjoy it, I did. However, I think I was so darn scared that when we jumped, my mind switched over to this dreamstate reality where I didn't truly comprehend things until the chute opened. One quick note for first timers: Never plan a weekend by yourself that starts out with skydiving. The camping afterwards seemed so non-important. All I wanted to do was get home and view my video and share the adventure with my friends. Cory Sorry for the long post. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fast 0 #2 July 22, 2003 Glad you had a great time! I did a tandem at the begging of the month, loved it so much that I decided I would make the money work no matter what. I have 5 jumps now, and I would say that my second jump I had much more awareness. I wasn't wondering what to expect, and I had responsibilities. (Like you I was just along for the ride on my tandem.) ~D Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #3 July 22, 2003 Hi, Cory! Welcome to the skies. Costs totally depend on a variety of things such as: Are you wanting to buy new or used rig? If you buy new, do you want some of the added extras on your rig? What brand do you want? How many jumps do you want to do in a day? How many jumps can you physically handle in a day? This sport can be exhausting. The second jump is more enjoyable. The third is even more so and so on and so on.... As you jump more, you start remembering more of the jump and enjoying it more.Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #4 July 22, 2003 Welcome to the forums! As far as rigs go, I always tell people to assume it's going to cost between $3000-$4000, depending on what you get. Don't forget that you'll also want a helmet, altimeter, goggles, and finally a jumpsuit. Once you get all those things, you just need to pay for your jump tickets which average at about $18. It's not so bad once you buy all of your equipment, huh? She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
katiebear21 0 #5 July 22, 2003 Welcome to our clan! Like everyone else said, cost will depend on what type of progression you choose (AAF/IAD/SL) and the dropzone. You can check out dropzones online. We have a good list HERE or you can go to the USPA site. You can check any of the gear shops or browse our GEAR section online. There are many great shops including Sunshine Factory, SkyKat, Square1, etc. Too many to list. You can usually find a great deal on all used gear. You are entirely correcct, though, everything else that was exciting in your life before will now pale to this experience! Welcome to the forums! Katie Get your PMS glass necklace here Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
b1jercat 0 #6 July 23, 2003 Hi ,welcome to the sport. It just gets better with every jump. have fun. blueskies jerry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robskydiv 0 #7 July 23, 2003 Hi fsevsn. The "dreamstate" you referred to is sensory overload. It's happened to alot of us on our first freefalls as well. Congrats on the jump. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveNFlorida 0 #8 July 24, 2003 Hello! Welcome to the forums. I'm new here, too. Just made my first two jumps this past weekend (19th & 20th), my AFF1 & AFF2. It does seem to be an expensive hobby! Moreso even than my coral reef addiction, haha. . My plan is to complete AFF training, get my A license, and then start saving toward some gear. I want to wait to see what type of diving I like best before choosing a suit, etc, cuz I think some are specially geared toward freefly, others not, etc.? Anyhow, as far as what to do next, if you think you can handle it, and are certain you want to do this as a hobby, go for the AFF training:) But, if you feel you're unsure, or that you might still have a problem with being in reality, then you might want to do another tandem first. I went straight to AFF and am glad I did. It is great, and the instructors are right there with you, just not strapped to you. It's your choice. Many of the DZs on here are rated by people who've visited, you can also post in the Places to Jump asking if anyone recommends one in your area. Have fun! Fly High! Angela. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slotperfect 7 #9 July 24, 2003 Welcome to the wonderful world of skydiving (and to these forums)! I suggest you spend all of your funds on training rather than gear for now so you can make as many jumps as possible each weekend. Take one thing at a time. The "dream state" you spoke of is called "sensory overload." We all experienced it to some degree during early stages of our training. It comes from instantly being thrust into a foreign environment accentuated by noise, speed, and the spectacular view. Have fun and keep us posted on your progress!Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fseven 0 #10 July 25, 2003 Thanks everyone for all the good info. I'll probably do another tandem sometime this summer to make sure that I really do like the sport. However, since it is all I've thought about for the last 6 days, I might be obsessed. Anyways, I'm just going to kick back and read through the skydivers handbook and save up some money for next summer (since I'm cursed to live in a state with long winters.) Once again, thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FrenchyDiver 0 #11 July 25, 2003 Nah, you aren't obsessed, but you got the "bug". Congratulations on your 1st tandem. Welcome to the family.JM Hispas Brothers President HISPA #2, Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
