TS177 0 #1 May 3, 2005 Hey! I'm new to the sport, and to these forums. I am 18 years old (guy), from Grand Rapids Michigan! I am a skydive student right now, but cant wait to freefall! Just wondering though, do any of you guys jump alone a lot? I dont have any friends that want to get into it, either theyre scared or they dont have the money. How do you guys meet other skydivers to jump with? Because I think I would have a lot more fun meeting and jumping with other people. If your from the GR area give me an email! [email] Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #2 May 3, 2005 I don't jump too much, I usually average around 20 jumps a weekend. Forget your whuffo friends, go to the DZ and you'll find jumpers that will become good friends.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mdrejhon 8 #3 May 3, 2005 I did this at Gananoque: Socialize at the dropzone. Camp at the dropzone's campsite. Don't got home after sunset on Saturday. Ignore weather forecasts. Go anyway. Play sports during rainy and windy days. Have a beer night after operations end. Play poker. Fly steerable ramair kites when all the planes are grounded due to strong winds. Watch videos together and laugh together. All of the above happened last weekend. Making new friends, now I keep in touch with four people from the dropzone, and I am carpooling with some of them to the dropzone since it is a 2 hour drive away. Some dropzones are more social than others. This is easier to at some places (i.e. Skydive Gananoque). That's the best way. Don't be too shy to say hello to the other dropzone regulars, and start up a conversation. You may not succeed with the first person or two (they turned out to be overworked employees for me, so pretend they're too busy), just keep introducing yourself. Get to know the regulars at your dropzone! Some good ice breakers: "Hi! My name is Mark. What's your name?" "I'm training here, looking forward to my A rating!" "What's your level of experience?" "How many jumps do you have?" "What area are you from?" "What do you do for a living?" "Blue skies!" (as a substitute for "hello"/"goodbye" during good days) If someone tries to shake your hand in a certain way, memorize it! Next time you shake your hand, do it that way instead of the regular handshake. That's the dropzone's handshake you just learned. Once you're beyond a few jumps, you'll probably be learning about the 24-pack of beers and the cream pie tradition. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #4 May 3, 2005 QuoteIf someone tries to shake your hand in a certain way, memorize it! Next time you shake your hand, do it that way instead of the regular handshake. That's the dropzone's handshake you just learned. Either that or you just shook hands with the DZ dog and that handshake will be offensive to humans. Don't take the odd handshakes too seriously, some do them, some don't and there are even variations on DZs between different jump groups.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GoatBoy 0 #5 May 3, 2005 Hey, Fellow michigan jumper here, I jump at Tecumseh. I started out alone also, couldn't talk any of my friends into it. I found the best way to find people to jump with at the DZ when first starting out is to just not be afraid to approach people and ask questions or start a general conversation. One thing that also helps a lot is if everyone hangs out after sunset make sure you stick around and just converse with people, once you get talking to some people I'm sure they will invite you on a jump. It is hard being the new guy on the DZ, and sometimes the regulars forget to approach new people and make them feel welcome. Flying Hellfish #31 "I'm not allowed to talk about it till after the trial" www.SkydiveTecumseh.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #6 May 3, 2005 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
Flyinrob 0 #7 May 4, 2005 Welcome to our skydiving family. I am also in Michigan and jump at Napoleon. Come spend the weekend some time and get to know some of us. I know everyone there really tries to make new folks feel welcome and there is usually always someone who will jump with you. Also, as was previously mentioned, spend some time socializing at the fire at the end of the day, it is a great time to get to know people. Have fun, be safe.. Rob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
