Took first S/L jump Saturday

[Pooface 0]

I just took my first jump this weekend out at http://www.dropzone.com/dropzone/Detailed/156.shtml Toledo. It was pretty much what I expected except for the jump. My instructor kept jokingly saying that he hadn't taught the course in awhile and would keep referring to the book. (I had complete confidence that he knew what he was talking about) The people were very laid back and it was fun to just sit and watch people people come land.

The jump was nothing like I expected. They just got a new grand caravan out there and I couldn't do a S/L out of it unfortunatly. I eneded up getting a special trip up in the Cessna because I was the only person doing the S/L course. I climbed out there and let go and it was nothing like I thot it would be. I have been wanting to do this for 8 months or so but you just can't imagine it. I started to swim but was able to land it ok. It was really eerie to just all of a sudden to be sitting there, 3500' or so up, completely alone, completely quite. I know a lot of dropzones make everyone to a tandam first and I think that might be a better idea for first timers.

But overall it was great and I want to go back for sure!
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>-/oMy Space

[skymama 37]

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

[WingFlyer 0]

Welcome to skydiving :) I'm new myself and went through the S/L course just as you did. The first couple of jumps I think you're brain just needs to learn to not freak out. Relaxion comes down the line :)

You swam, I ran. I looked like I was trying to run back into the plane. It was hilarious to others :)

I won't even spend lots of time giving you tips because I think you just need to get up there and do it more. Get used to the feeling a little. Telling you to relax is easier said than done, this I know. It will come though, it's all about number of jumps and breathing. Take a deep breath before letting go. Exhale and let go.

You get less and less scared as you get more jumps, and it gets more and more fun. Pretty soon, it takes over your brain and you itch to jump again all day long :)

[EricTheRed 0]

Glad to see you here.

Hope to see you at the DZ this weekend.

Glad you enjoyed your 1st jump!

illegible usually

[Pooface 0]

Well first off thanks for all the input. I felt like the only person who could screw up letting go and falling from a plane. I've pretty much thought non-stop about it and I think my brain isn't reassured enough that I'm not going to fall out the harness. I like things being fairly tight and responsive and the whole leave the chest and leg straps alittle loose seems weird. I'm pretty scrony and bendable and I just see my chin sliding right under that strap and away I'll go.

I'm hoping to go out next saturday and take a couple more jumps as I have a Spanish Quiz on monday and an impressionist piece due in painting so this weekend is taken. (school seems way less cool now)

>-/oMy Space

[WingFlyer 0]

Go over how the jump should go in your head. visualize. See it happen well. When youre eating, walking, before falling asleep etc. When you actually go do it, you'll be a machine :) It will be much easier. Rather than focusing on not screwing up next time you go, focus on the visualization and making the jump go like you pictured it.

I'm sure it will be better this time. It's great you're sticking with it. Once you hit that first 45second jump, you will be so stoked you'll be grinning for a week straight.

[Pooface 0]

I took my second jump yesterday and it went incredibly. Much more relaxed, held my arch and finally felt like i got it. I had been practicing it in my head alot and it was just so much easier.

I also got to use a 230 skymaster instead of the 248 and I dropped like a fly which was much better.

Practice pulls next time!

>-/oMy Space