ianyapxw 0 #1 January 12, 2014 Hi everyone I'm new here, just wanted to join this community and participate in discussions and stuff (: Here's my skydiving journey (or lack thereof): In 2011, during a holiday, I went for the iFly first timer experience. It was kinda cool, but I didn't think much of it after that. One day in 2013 I was curious, so I just typed skydiving into youtube randomly. I came across many good videos, and one that I still have as my favourite is this here about freefly progression. To me, skydiving from what I saw on youtube was something that looked cool, and might be something I wanted to do. As I watched more skydiving videos, I typed things like "Why we skydive" into youtube to see other people's perspective, and to try to understand the sport from actual skydiver's perspective. After posting on reddit, I considered flying in the local tunnel. Tunnel time is expensive, and since I am a conscript with only an allowance, tunnel (+ existing hobbies) would use up ALL my money. At that time, I considered not giving it a shot, but after a discussion with my mom, she urged me to go. She reasoned that you only have opportunities sometimes, and just be prudent if I go. At that time, I figured that I'll invest in learning belly, then focus on splitting tunnel time to keep costs down. Problem is, once you start, it's hard to stop. I'm sure you all can understand . Belly wasn't good enough for me, and when I moved on to back, I felt awesome! I should be moving to sit sometime soon as well. I now spend quite a fair bit of time (and of course money in the tunnel). It's something I look forward to, and look back on fondly. I can definitely say I have no regrets! I currently have money set aside for A license and a secondhand parachute, and should be starting A license once my military commitment ends and I leave the country in ~2 months (no DZs here). Anyone has any advice regarding skydiving in Australia ? Lastly, is there any place here that we can swap videos and engage in discussions? I know that there is a "videos" section but it seems to be relatively inactive, no vimeo videos, and no discussions going on. Furthermore, it doesn't seem to include BASE jumping stuff (I don't know if that does not belong here? But I do watch BASE videos too). Problem is, reddit has many good videos, and though I'm no longer interested in being active there, I still go back to see if there's new videos. Can I share videos here assuming credit is given to the original creator? Looking back from the time I first typed "skydiving" into youtube, I realise I've come a very long way. Yet at the same time, these videos remind me I have a very long way to go . It's not discouraging that people fly much better than me, but it's in fact something that makes me smile and feel good, just thinking of what's ahead. It's one step at a time, and I have to say, I definitely am looking forward to the journey Blue Skies! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Trafficdiver 8 #2 January 12, 2014 Stop going to the tunnel. Spend your money on skydiving and get your A license. Then go back to the tunnel. That's my advice.. As for posting and discussing videos check out Iloveskydiving.com on Facebook. Lots of good stuff there. But...you'll find out soon I hope...making the videos is way better than watching them! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ianyapxw 0 #3 January 13, 2014 Trafficdiver Stop going to the tunnel. Haha I don't actually have a choice, because my country has no DZ. Furthermore, I need something to feed my addiction Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #4 January 13, 2014 Welcome to the forums! http://www.basejumper.com/ yet? Good luck with your training. Don't forget to relax! 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
ianyapxw 0 #5 January 13, 2014 Thanks! (: I've seen you welcoming newbies on the forum, it's great for us (: I know about basejumper but haven't checked it out. Haha that's what I'm worried. IF I fly as well for AFF as tunnel, I'll have no problems, but I've heard of the door monster... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #6 January 13, 2014 Just have confidence in yourself and don't get overwhelmed by how tiny everything looks on the ground. It all gets bigger pretty quickly! 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
ianyapxw 0 #7 January 14, 2014 skymama Just have confidence in yourself and don't get overwhelmed by how tiny everything looks on the ground. It all gets bigger pretty quickly! Yes Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GAjumper84 0 #8 January 15, 2014 Welcome! You are definately right about seeing better flyers than you or I on video. The fact that it is challenging is what makes skydiving great! As far as finding out about DZs in Australia, I would suggest posting that question in the events and places to jump section. I have seen a good many jumpers from Australia on here, so I am sure they will have some good advice. Good luck on your AFF! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ianyapxw 0 #9 January 15, 2014 Thanks for the advice! (: I guess I'll post it in a few weeks/months time depending on if/when I'm going over! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
