MarkAtwood 0 #1 July 22, 2003 It was an accident. I never intended to jump in the first place... A few weeks ago my little sister went to SkydiveOgden to do a tandem for her 30th birthday. Her friend and I came just to give moral support. But while she was signing in, her friend and I kinda dared each other to go as well. A short while later, when they unfastened me from my tandem guy, and stood me back up on my feet (we landed on my ass), my first words were "I have GOT to do that AGAIN!". So, when I got back home to Seattle, I looked up the USPA web site, and called up Kapowsin Air Sports, and made the reservation for the AFF class. It was cloudy the day of the class, so no altitude for me, so they gave me a Static Line suppliment, and then I went up in a lil Cessna and was the first one out the door. That was #2. The following Saturday, I was back, and attempted my AFF1 jump, but screwed up my PRCPs (I kept slapping my own ass, instead of finding the handle), and finally my lead instructor pulled it for me at 5500. Crap. But it was still fun. That was #3. And then the next Saturday, 2 days ago, I was back. And I was ready, I thought. After practicing a few dozen PRCPs on a creeper with the REAL rig on my back, to make sure my hand knew where the damn handle was, we went up in the Otter, and I had a complete and total anxiety meltdown at 14000. But my instructor broke me out of it, got my trust, and out we went. Great exit, great PRCPs, pulled it myself, and landed decently. That was #4, and my instructor got a great big bear hug and a heartfelt thanks from me for helping me jump. Did turn training, then went up again to do it for real. Did the jump, with almost no anxiety at all, I guess I burned it all out earlier. The big mistake this time was I didn't have the student harness as tight as I should have, and I pulled my back a bit at opening. But that was #5. So I'm RICEing (rest, ice, compression, elevation) the strain, and I'll be back the Saturday after next. (They're closed next Saturday because Farringtons will be at some event.) But I'll be back the next Saturday! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
feuergnom 29 #2 July 22, 2003 welcome to the real world - looks like you really got hooked- enjoy the rest of your student life & remember to stay on the safe sideThe universal aptitude for ineptitude makes any human accomplishment an incredible miracle dudeist skydiver # 666 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CrazyIvan 0 #3 July 22, 2003 An 'accident' yeah right...we ALL gave the same excuse. Welcome to the sport and these forums and congratulations.__________________________________________ Blue Skies and May the Force be with you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #4 July 22, 2003 Welcome to the forums! 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 the forums and thanks for sharing your first jump stories! I only went through my AFF last year so I still get excited hearing others tell their stories! Take it easy this week and get back up there next weekend! Katie Get your PMS glass necklace here Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robskydiv 0 #6 July 22, 2003 Hi Mark. You definitely got bit by the skyiving bug. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
juanesky 0 #7 July 23, 2003 Welcome to your addiction and to this great sport. Keep the spirit high, and keep on learning.... Blue skies"According to some of the conservatives here, it sounds like it's fine to beat your wide - as long as she had it coming." -Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GeorgeOrwell 0 #8 July 23, 2003 Welcome Please keep us posted on your training good luck and blue skies-------------------------------------------------- If your not jumping your not living LEARN TO LIVE (L2L) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
b1jercat 0 #9 July 23, 2003 Hi Mark, hey you made your first jump at my DZ way to go. Kpow will take good care of you and welcome to the sport. Kpow and Sky dive oregon are teaming up for the jump fest and pro swoop tour qualifier this weekend so thats where your otter went. Come on down and hang if you can. blue skies jerry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
racer42 0 #10 July 24, 2003 Yeah it all seemed so harmless. Just an afternoon of foolishness on my b-day. Get to the ground and I'm so screwed. Ground school, AFF and before I knew I was out the door all by myself. What freedom. This is THE coolest sport. Welcome.L.A.S.T. #24 Co-Founder Biscuit Brothers Freefly Team Electric Toaster #3 Co-Founder Team Non Sequitor Co-Founder Team Happy Sock Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slotperfect 7 #11 July 24, 2003 Hi Mark! I acknowledge you for listening to the call of the skies and responding so quickly. Great job in your initial training . . . heal quickly and update us on how your next steps go. Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydivejersey 0 #12 July 24, 2003 Get better soon and get jumping. Then sell you house, car and kids, buy a rig and a trailer and live happy (joke - sortof!) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
outofit 0 #13 July 25, 2003 welcome! It is better to be dead and cool than alive and uncool! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #14 July 25, 2003 SWEET! congrats!! hey look down at the joint of your weak arm; right at the front of you elbow. see that vein? we use it to pump altitude into it! welcome to your new addictionMy photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
