Here to learn

[thomas.n.thomas 0]

Good day to all. I am completely new to skydiving, not yet even enrolled in AFF, but just finished a tandem jump and loved it. I've been reading as much as I can here since, trying to learn as much about the sport as possible before enrolling in training (I'll have to see if Uncle Sam will let me first, otherwise I've got another 3 year wait until I can).

I'm in DC for the next few years - not sure where I'll be after that, but it seems like the nearest spots are at least a couple hours from here. Not sure yet what field I'll start on.

Reading through, I've run across a ton of acronyms and terms that I'm completely unfamiliar with. More than likely, getting a USPA handbook is my best bet, but does anyone here know of a quick reference for all the technical language that gets thrown around here on a day to day basis?

Thanks in advance!

-Thomas

[wolfriverjoe 1,523]

There is a Glossary of skydiving terms here on DZ.com.

It's kinda hidden. I had to search around for a bit to find it.

The USPA SIM (Skydiver's Information Manual) has a lot of decent info, but it reads like stereo instructions. There's a glossary in the back too.

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

"~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

[muff528 3]

Welcome!

Try this one:
"Parachuting, The Skydiver's Handbook" by Dan Poynter and Mike Turoff.

Available through your local DZ or here.

[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

[thomas.n.thomas 0]

Thanks so much for the replies. Those links are indeed what I was looking for.

I can't wait to start training. I've considered trying to do it just on the weekends or taking a few weeks off of work and doing it all at once. If I were to do the latter, what recommendations as to DZ would you all have? I'm open to anywhere in the US. My stipulation is that I need it to be somewhere with stable weather so I can be sure to make a couple of jumps each day (I'm thinking southwest?) and a slow progression. I'm very intent on the "don't practice until you get it right, practice until you can't get it wrong" mentality.

[skycamefalling 0]

On the west coast I would say check out Perris or Elsinore. I have heard that Eloy in Arizona has pretty good weather for the winter. Or, take your pick from any of the great DZ's in Florida. There is a dropzone tab at the top of the screen. You will be able to find info on all of the DZ's there.

Speedracer~I predict that Michael Jackson will rise from the dead.
And that a giant radioactive duck will emerge from the ocean and eat Baltimore.

[bluetwo 0]

Quote

Welcome!

Try this one:
"Parachuting, The Skydiver's Handbook" by Dan Poynter and Mike Turoff.

Available through your local DZ or here.

I second that!! You might find some of the info repetitive, as in you knew it or read it somewhere else, but you can't really go wrong with reading some of this stuff 2 or 3 times.

Blue skies

_______________________________________

[thomas.n.thomas 0]

Looks like I'll have that book in 5-8 days. It will be all I can do to not be reading it at work.

Thanks for the suggestions. Looking forward to hearing more from you all as I learn what questions to be asking.

[popsjumper 2]

Welcome TNT!

Let me put in another word for the SIM as mentioned above.

The SIM is our skydiving bible. It has everything you need to know about skydiving and how to keep yourself as safe as possible.

As you already found out, you can download a softcopy to your desktop from USPA.org. I would strongly suggest buying a hardcopy, too. You can take the hardcopy with you anywhere.

(I put mine in my bathroom...captive audience, so to speak )

The softcopy is great for the search function.

All your training will come right out of the SIM.

Good luck in your quest to spen half your paycheck for the rest of your life.


Check out Skydive the Farm (link below) for training opportunity.

Andy

My reality and yours are quite different.
I think we're all Bozos on this bus.
Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239

[thomas.n.thomas 0]

Thanks for all the warm welcomes. Just as a little update, I'm confident that I will be able to start AFF this Spring (long story involving a lot of paperwork bs from work). My hopes to take off time and do a whole bunch in a few weeks looks to be a bit unrealistic with my current workload, so I'll be going down to Skydive Orange on the weekends. Anybody from there on here? That's where I did my tandem jump and I'm really looking forward to getting to know everyone there.

I'm also getting pumped for a little tunnel time (date and time still a subject of much debate based on a best friend's fiancee - see the tunnel forum for more details).

Apart from toning down the OCD to reasonable levels as regards checklists and reading everything in sight that has the words sky, jump, or parachute in it, are there any other recommendations for getting prepared for AFF?

[gelliebean 0]

Quote

Good day to all. I am completely new to skydiving, not yet even enrolled in AFF, but just finished a tandem jump and loved it. I've been reading as much as I can here since, trying to learn as much about the sport as possible before enrolling in training (I'll have to see if Uncle Sam will let me first, otherwise I've got another 3 year wait until I can).

I'm in DC for the next few years - not sure where I'll be after that, but it seems like the nearest spots are at least a couple hours from here. Not sure yet what field I'll start on.

Reading through, I've run across a ton of acronyms and terms that I'm completely unfamiliar with. More than likely, getting a USPA handbook is my best bet, but does anyone here know of a quick reference for all the technical language that gets thrown around here on a day to day basis?

Thanks in advance!

-Thomas

same to you
so is there really a tons of Acronym?
bet its kinda hard. but if you willing to learn you will :D


__________________________

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Bravery is the capacity to perform properly
even when scared half to death.
http://www.skydiverinsurance.com/