bazelos 0 #1 February 17, 2006 about skydiving, I am their only kid, my dad doesn't have anyone else in this world but me, and I know I should be streight with them at talk to them about it but I know that they will be worried like hell. I wasn't really thinking about it till my girl was telling (well crying mostly) not to jump this weekend. I told her how it's ok, how I am going to be fine, and that nothing's gonna happen to me, but if she's so scared, I don't know what my mums gonna be like. Also, is it "bad" that I don't consider the sport dangerous? Or will I reconsider my thinking after I have my first jump?He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Floats18 0 #2 February 17, 2006 Knowing that the sport is dangerous is essential. If you haven't jumped, you don't know what door fear is all about but if you do you will feel it fo sho. The fact that you are plumeting toards the earth is to be feared and respected, the ground will not get out of your way. On the upside, its the most incredible thing I've ever done and I'll always try and convince anyone that they should give it a try. Just let your loved ones know that you're going to do it as safely as possible, and then follow through.--- and give them wings so they may fly free forever DiverDriver in Training Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
champu 1 #3 February 17, 2006 It's certainly dangerous, but the way you make things safer is simply by respecting the dangers they present. In other words, don't think you can't kill or severely hurt yourself, and you probably won't. Also, I didn't drop the news on the parents until I had an A license and a rig. I felt at that point I'd be better equipped to field any questions they might have. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMax 0 #4 February 17, 2006 Quote Also, is it "bad" that I don't consider the sport dangerous? Yes, it is. The sport is dangerous and understanding the danger will make you a safer skydiver. Quote Or will I reconsider my thinking after I have my first jump? I don't think so. Not until you see someone get injured or die. After your first jump, you will probably be excited and eager to make more. Quote but I know that they will be worried like hellQuote Sure they will. Go make your first jump and experience it for yourself - the chances are you will be just fine Only then, and if you decide that this is what you want to keep doing, you will deal you your folks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skybytch 273 #5 February 17, 2006 I didn't tell my parents I was jumping until I had almost 10 jumps. It took a couple of years before they would even come out to the dz to watch. My mom still doesn't want to know when I'm jumping because she'll worry - that's just what mom's do. But it's your life and it's your choice; they may never understand but eventually they'll stop giving you shit about it. QuoteAlso, is it "bad" that I don't consider the sport dangerous? Yes. What part of throwing yourself at the ground at a high rate of speed seems safe to you? It's not. You could screw up and be seriously injured or die. You could even be seriously injured or die even if you do everything right. Accept that risk for yourself before you jump, or don't jump. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites tmaricle55 0 #6 February 17, 2006 How old are you? Just asking because that really kinda defines the type of answer you will get. I started jumping in my 30's.. yeah, a little late in life! The only reason I jump if for myself... I walked into a dropzone by myself and went for it knowing no one. So there was no peer pressure at all. I had about 12 jumps under my belt before I told my family or anyone else. The thing is I knew if I got hurt in any way shape, form or fashion. I could take care of myself - I have a great job - insurance, own my house... ect. If you still live at home and your on your parents insurance ... it might be something to think about. As I tell my little brother.. it's their rules while you live in their house and they are footing the bill. Muff Brother # 3883, SCR # 14796 ICD # 1 - Pres. Yeah, I noticed and I think it's funny! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites bazelos 0 #7 February 17, 2006 I am only 21, I have never had any accidents, I'v never broken a bone in my life, and the only thing a bit dangerous I'v done is freediving. I used to get all kinds of crap from my granparents (I was diving since I was litle at the island where my granpas are) how I could drown, even thought I used to go deeper, for longer, than anyone else of my friends, nothing ever happened to me. Ok so it was only around 70-80feet but I was like 14 at the time so it was a good laugh! I mean, I am stuck with the mentality that nothing is ever going to happen to me, I guess I will get rid of that when I fracture/brake something or as I get older, but whereas everyone I talk to about it seem to be cautious and even worried, I am just excited. Or is it just an age thing?He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites peacefuljeffrey 0 #8 February 17, 2006 Hahahaha! When I did my first jump, it was 1991 and I was in college. When I told my parents that I wanted to do a skydive, my dad said hold on a bit, let's get you a $100,000 life insurance policy, and then you can skydive! I still have the policy in effect! It costs me just about $265 a year. Why not? I did four more jumps in the next few years after that, but didn't get licensed and really into it until 2003, and my family is cool with it. They know that I do it with safety foremost in mind. Skydive conservatively, learn all you can, force yourself to err on the side of caution, and keep your ego out of the way, and you'll be fine. Please, don't feed their fears by dignifying the notion that to skydive is to go seriously close to death every time. If you go jetskiing, do you treat it as though you're "this close" to drowning? --Jeffrey "With tha thoughts of a militant mind... Hard line, hard line after hard line!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites PRSKY71 0 #9 February 17, 2006 I begin this post with the caveat that I've only done one tandem (this past weekend) and I am so excited about going through AFF and hopefully continuing in the sport for years to come. I do recognize that it is a dangerous sport and fully respect and appreciate that. Like you, I have not told my parents. I am an only child -- be it one of 34 y.o. -- and when attempting to tell my mother this past weekend -- post jump -- she put her hand up and said "I don't want to know anything about it. It's your business but don't tell me anything about it. And don't tell your father." I will approach it again when I have a quantifiable number of jumps under my belt, but for now, when I begin AFF I'll just enjoy the hell out of it and be SAFE. The indestructible mentality you reference is perfectly natural -- in my opinion -- for your age. The senior in me would simply stress common sense and safety. --IveCharacter cannot be made except by a steady, long continued process. -- Phillips Brooks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites udder 0 #10 February 17, 2006 I got my A license posted to the dropzone office cause I didnt really want to deal with my parents. My Mom has a few issues and I don't see the need to worry her further. Though she knows I jump she doesnt know where or when I go. I also happen to be starting a skydiving club at uni so it may be a dead giveaway. We have medical insurance so if I have a pethadiene fileld chopper ride it wont cripple the family. I used to feel really guilty but now I think that if I killed or injured myself in any other activity it would be an accepted outcome of the risk of living. Better get going. Need to do the dishes and Dad needs the computer. And remember if you die, your mom will be PISSED!"In one way or the other, I'm a bad brother. Word to the motherf**ker." Eazy-E Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites popsjumper 2 #11 February 17, 2006 Quote...Skydive conservatively, learn all you can, force yourself to err on the side of caution, and keep your ego out of the way, and you'll most likely be fine. This I wholeheartedly agree with..and then some. You know, if I had one wish to be granted for the skydiving community, it would be that everyone fly with this attitude. Thanks for saying it.My reality and yours are quite different. I think we're all Bozos on this bus. Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Icon134 0 #12 February 17, 2006 I think a lot of it has to do with how you break the news to you're parents. Of course having said that... my parents took the fact that I skydive relatively well. But they're confident that I will minimize my risk so that I can return home safely at the end of the day. btw: on a down side each time I have pointed out that someone I know has died in the sport and reminded my mother that it "could" happen to me. She usually says something like "But it won't, you'll be safe..." They have come to accept it more in the past couple of years... Of course they really can't tell me to stop since I'm over 30 and I am a self sufficient engineer... edited to add that I also have a 400,000 life insurance policy for only $27 a month and it even includes a major injury clause Livin' on the Edge... sleeping with my rigger's wife... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Hambone 0 #13 February 17, 2006 My parents are split on thier feelings for Skydiving. My mom has done a tandem and my dad...well my dad answers the phone everytime i call him after a day of jumping with "you didn't go splay huh". He wouldn't even come watch my mom do her tandem. But they love you and they want you to be safe. The sport is definitely dangerous. But if you are careful with it will be the most amazing thing. I have heard it described as the Ying-Yang, work to jump, jump to forget about work. I would say do some jumps then tell them, by that time you will have a much better knowledge and be able to offer counter arguments. Enjoy, also the first time out is incredible, and it only gets better.Yeah...You need to grow up. -Skymama Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Katherine 0 #14 February 17, 2006 Realise that it IS dangerous, learn all you can to minimise the risks and if you decide to keep jumping after the weekend then tell them. Mine were cool about it, but I have to let them know i am still alive afte a day at the DZ! On my first few jumps I was way more scared of getting in the door than I was of jumping, just something about sitting on the edge with my leds out of the door freaked me out - it was such a relef to hear GO! xLeeds University Skydiving Club www.skydiveleeds.co.uk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skydivermom 0 #15 February 17, 2006 ***Skydive conservatively, learn all you can, force yourself to err on the side of caution, and keep your ego out of the way, and you'll be fine. __________________________________________________ This sums it up better than anything I've read so far. Thanks Jeffrey. To the original poster: My mom was there when I made my first jump (a tandem). My sister made one with me that day so Mom got to watch both of her daughters glide to earth. She LOVED it. When I decided to continue, she was understandably nervous - but for the most part she is absolutely thrilled to see me enjoy life so much...and after only 28 jumps, I still struggle with fear and the reality that something COULD happen. I think that is what keeps me alert....and it also keeps me from getting complacent. P.S. Something did happen on jump #7....When I let go of the plane, I smacked my nose on the step. Had I not been alert and a little fearful going out the door, I probably would not have done as well as I did on the dive.Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. 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skybytch 273 #5 February 17, 2006 I didn't tell my parents I was jumping until I had almost 10 jumps. It took a couple of years before they would even come out to the dz to watch. My mom still doesn't want to know when I'm jumping because she'll worry - that's just what mom's do. But it's your life and it's your choice; they may never understand but eventually they'll stop giving you shit about it. QuoteAlso, is it "bad" that I don't consider the sport dangerous? Yes. What part of throwing yourself at the ground at a high rate of speed seems safe to you? It's not. You could screw up and be seriously injured or die. You could even be seriously injured or die even if you do everything right. Accept that risk for yourself before you jump, or don't jump. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tmaricle55 0 #6 February 17, 2006 How old are you? Just asking because that really kinda defines the type of answer you will get. I started jumping in my 30's.. yeah, a little late in life! The only reason I jump if for myself... I walked into a dropzone by myself and went for it knowing no one. So there was no peer pressure at all. I had about 12 jumps under my belt before I told my family or anyone else. The thing is I knew if I got hurt in any way shape, form or fashion. I could take care of myself - I have a great job - insurance, own my house... ect. If you still live at home and your on your parents insurance ... it might be something to think about. As I tell my little brother.. it's their rules while you live in their house and they are footing the bill. Muff Brother # 3883, SCR # 14796 ICD # 1 - Pres. Yeah, I noticed and I think it's funny! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bazelos 0 #7 February 17, 2006 I am only 21, I have never had any accidents, I'v never broken a bone in my life, and the only thing a bit dangerous I'v done is freediving. I used to get all kinds of crap from my granparents (I was diving since I was litle at the island where my granpas are) how I could drown, even thought I used to go deeper, for longer, than anyone else of my friends, nothing ever happened to me. Ok so it was only around 70-80feet but I was like 14 at the time so it was a good laugh! I mean, I am stuck with the mentality that nothing is ever going to happen to me, I guess I will get rid of that when I fracture/brake something or as I get older, but whereas everyone I talk to about it seem to be cautious and even worried, I am just excited. Or is it just an age thing?He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peacefuljeffrey 0 #8 February 17, 2006 Hahahaha! When I did my first jump, it was 1991 and I was in college. When I told my parents that I wanted to do a skydive, my dad said hold on a bit, let's get you a $100,000 life insurance policy, and then you can skydive! I still have the policy in effect! It costs me just about $265 a year. Why not? I did four more jumps in the next few years after that, but didn't get licensed and really into it until 2003, and my family is cool with it. They know that I do it with safety foremost in mind. Skydive conservatively, learn all you can, force yourself to err on the side of caution, and keep your ego out of the way, and you'll be fine. Please, don't feed their fears by dignifying the notion that to skydive is to go seriously close to death every time. If you go jetskiing, do you treat it as though you're "this close" to drowning? --Jeffrey "With tha thoughts of a militant mind... Hard line, hard line after hard line!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PRSKY71 0 #9 February 17, 2006 I begin this post with the caveat that I've only done one tandem (this past weekend) and I am so excited about going through AFF and hopefully continuing in the sport for years to come. I do recognize that it is a dangerous sport and fully respect and appreciate that. Like you, I have not told my parents. I am an only child -- be it one of 34 y.o. -- and when attempting to tell my mother this past weekend -- post jump -- she put her hand up and said "I don't want to know anything about it. It's your business but don't tell me anything about it. And don't tell your father." I will approach it again when I have a quantifiable number of jumps under my belt, but for now, when I begin AFF I'll just enjoy the hell out of it and be SAFE. The indestructible mentality you reference is perfectly natural -- in my opinion -- for your age. The senior in me would simply stress common sense and safety. --IveCharacter cannot be made except by a steady, long continued process. -- Phillips Brooks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
udder 0 #10 February 17, 2006 I got my A license posted to the dropzone office cause I didnt really want to deal with my parents. My Mom has a few issues and I don't see the need to worry her further. Though she knows I jump she doesnt know where or when I go. I also happen to be starting a skydiving club at uni so it may be a dead giveaway. We have medical insurance so if I have a pethadiene fileld chopper ride it wont cripple the family. I used to feel really guilty but now I think that if I killed or injured myself in any other activity it would be an accepted outcome of the risk of living. Better get going. Need to do the dishes and Dad needs the computer. And remember if you die, your mom will be PISSED!"In one way or the other, I'm a bad brother. Word to the motherf**ker." Eazy-E Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
popsjumper 2 #11 February 17, 2006 Quote...Skydive conservatively, learn all you can, force yourself to err on the side of caution, and keep your ego out of the way, and you'll most likely be fine. This I wholeheartedly agree with..and then some. You know, if I had one wish to be granted for the skydiving community, it would be that everyone fly with this attitude. Thanks for saying it.My reality and yours are quite different. I think we're all Bozos on this bus. Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Icon134 0 #12 February 17, 2006 I think a lot of it has to do with how you break the news to you're parents. Of course having said that... my parents took the fact that I skydive relatively well. But they're confident that I will minimize my risk so that I can return home safely at the end of the day. btw: on a down side each time I have pointed out that someone I know has died in the sport and reminded my mother that it "could" happen to me. She usually says something like "But it won't, you'll be safe..." They have come to accept it more in the past couple of years... Of course they really can't tell me to stop since I'm over 30 and I am a self sufficient engineer... edited to add that I also have a 400,000 life insurance policy for only $27 a month and it even includes a major injury clause Livin' on the Edge... sleeping with my rigger's wife... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hambone 0 #13 February 17, 2006 My parents are split on thier feelings for Skydiving. My mom has done a tandem and my dad...well my dad answers the phone everytime i call him after a day of jumping with "you didn't go splay huh". He wouldn't even come watch my mom do her tandem. But they love you and they want you to be safe. The sport is definitely dangerous. But if you are careful with it will be the most amazing thing. I have heard it described as the Ying-Yang, work to jump, jump to forget about work. I would say do some jumps then tell them, by that time you will have a much better knowledge and be able to offer counter arguments. Enjoy, also the first time out is incredible, and it only gets better.Yeah...You need to grow up. -Skymama Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Katherine 0 #14 February 17, 2006 Realise that it IS dangerous, learn all you can to minimise the risks and if you decide to keep jumping after the weekend then tell them. Mine were cool about it, but I have to let them know i am still alive afte a day at the DZ! On my first few jumps I was way more scared of getting in the door than I was of jumping, just something about sitting on the edge with my leds out of the door freaked me out - it was such a relef to hear GO! xLeeds University Skydiving Club www.skydiveleeds.co.uk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydivermom 0 #15 February 17, 2006 ***Skydive conservatively, learn all you can, force yourself to err on the side of caution, and keep your ego out of the way, and you'll be fine. __________________________________________________ This sums it up better than anything I've read so far. Thanks Jeffrey. To the original poster: My mom was there when I made my first jump (a tandem). My sister made one with me that day so Mom got to watch both of her daughters glide to earth. She LOVED it. When I decided to continue, she was understandably nervous - but for the most part she is absolutely thrilled to see me enjoy life so much...and after only 28 jumps, I still struggle with fear and the reality that something COULD happen. I think that is what keeps me alert....and it also keeps me from getting complacent. P.S. Something did happen on jump #7....When I let go of the plane, I smacked my nose on the step. Had I not been alert and a little fearful going out the door, I probably would not have done as well as I did on the dive.Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
