MikeForsythe 0 #26 August 8, 2005 QuoteHowever, the WFFC still is the only place I can run into people from all over the country at one place.Huh, your kidding, right?Girl, you need to get out more.I have yet to have been at any of the larger boogies and even some of the smaller ones and not seen people I know from across the country.Time and pressure will always show you who a person really is! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vallerina 2 #27 August 8, 2005 QuoteQuoteHowever, the WFFC still is the only place I can run into people from all over the country at one place.Huh, your kidding, right?Girl, you need to get out more.I have yet to have been at any of the larger boogies and even some of the smaller ones and not seen people I know from across the country. Oops! I worded it incorrectly (it's early on a Monday morning, and I didn't get much sleep!) Basically, I'm going to run into more people that I don't get to see very often at the Convention than anywhere else.There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpergirl 0 #28 August 8, 2005 I went to WFFC in 1996 and 1997 in Quincy. It was PACKED and scary with all of the canopies in the air. There were always canopies in the air at any given moment, anytime between sunrise and sunset. Now, I look up and have to wait 10 minutes to see canopies. WFFC used to be called the "Disney World for skydivers." Now, it's just another little amusement park. It's fading away. It will be replaced with something bigger and better... with better temperatures!! It's hotter than hell here!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #29 August 8, 2005 Last year everyone was wearing sweatshirts and fleece since it was highs in the 60's during the day. Take your pick.. warm or cold Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riddler 0 #30 August 8, 2005 WFFC doesn't hold much of an appeal for me anymore, and I haven't gone the last two years. The one thing I liked was hanging out with and skydiving with the very cool people. Some great 4-ways and 8-ways (thank you flyangel2, mustard, BillVon&Amy and everyone else!!), some pretty good freefly jumps, and a few awesome demo jumps with Ralph and the big flag (thanks Mike and your very nice King Air!). Planes - there aren't very many I can jump out of that I can't jump a lot of other places. A few years ago, they had the C-130, but I really thought tickets were too expensive. The best planes were Larry's, and I can jump those in Eloy. Fees - anything more than $40 is going to turn me off. It's already costing me a few hundred to get out there. People - just like the real world - 95% are cool, and 5% are real assholes. I've been an asshole to a few people, so I completely understand. But sometimes it just gets out of hand with SO many of them Girlfriend - every time I left her alone, different guys kept trying to get into her pants (we're talking WAY beyond just flirting here). I understand that too - there's a shortage of skychics in the world. But after she says no the first time - just leave her alone, please Party - It's fun until about two in the morning, then I really wish there was a "quiet area" to pitch your tent. Don K - only met him a few times, and he was always nice to me. But everyone I talked to that had business dealings with him had something negative to say about his business practices. I've got to think that if you don't treat your helpers well, it's going to translate to bad future business. But that's only speculation on my part. Boogies in general aren't that exciting for me anymore. The good things don't outweigh the negatives. I would much rather visit DZs on a normal business weekend. 'Course I still plan on doing the holiday boogie with ya'll Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vallerina 2 #31 August 8, 2005 QuoteBoogies in general aren't that exciting for me anymore. I know exactly what you mean. The big-way camp last October was one of the best skydiving events I have ever been to. It was like all the good parts of a boogie without all the crap! I'm much more likely to spend money on something like a camp rather than a boogie.There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amanduh 0 #32 August 8, 2005 Quotebut it is NOT the safest place to jump. At this point, for me, I would rather meet my friends at a small low-key boogie or a skillz camp. I 2nd that 150% Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riddler 0 #33 August 8, 2005 QuoteI know exactly what you mean. The big-way camp last October was one of the best skydiving events I have ever been to. It was like all the good parts of a boogie without all the crap! I'm much more likely to spend money on something like a camp rather than a boogie. You know, you've got a good point. I've had so much more fun and rewarding experiences at camps. People get together and focus on the skydiving or tunnel flying, and not on the partying and politics. Maybe I'll just do camps from now on - thanks! Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,587 #34 August 8, 2005 I was at the May camp with Vallerina. It's like going on a bigway event where you can't get cut, and a boogie where it's really about the jumping. Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vallerina 2 #35 August 8, 2005 Quoteand a boogie where it's really about the jumping. It's also like a boogie where it's really about meeting people, learning, having fun, etc. There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #36 August 8, 2005 We're the same. We want to meet people, but have good skydives. My experiences at the WFFC were cool, but I wouldnt go back. We'd rather go to camps, invitationals, Espace, The Herc boogie, where the jumping is more basedon quality then quantity.Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACMESkydiver 0 #37 August 8, 2005 I know a couple people on here, Weege and Phree I think, mentioned boogie safety. This was my biggest fear before. -I know it's stupid for me to ask since I'm not going to a boogie for maybe another year, but might this be part of it? Is there any data on fatalities and major injuries at boogies, as far as trend information? Growing? Shrinking? Are the boogies getting SAFER now that there are fewer people, or is the injury rate still the same or climbing? I'm just wondering. -Hell, I have never enjoyed my first jump at a new DZ and have almost chickened out of quite a few, forget having hundreds of people there... I think the 'bravest' I have ever been in my sky-jumpin' was to take a jump out at Lodi. I didn't know anyone there at all, and I usually don't deal with stress without at least someone I know to help me out a bit...~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #38 August 8, 2005 When I spend a lot of money, I want to get something out of it. *** And there in, is the key. I don't know a whole lot about the 'inner workings' of the WFFC, but I do know something about the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh convention, having been a part of it for 25 years. There, I've seen the attendance fluctuate dramatically over the years and have talked with many people as to why this might be happening. It like the WFFC is the 'main' hard core annual attraction that is supposed to attract enthusiasts from all over the world. And although they like the WFFC try to out do the prior year with new attractions and specitality programs. The attraction as far as most people I've spoke with is 'Fun points per dollar spent'. It's a juggling act for the organizers because there is a definite bottom line they have to contend with. They HAVE to make 'X' dollars just to be solvent, and +'X' for profit, making it worth while to even do. It's a weird sliding scale to keep everything in balance and show a profit. More people in attendance doesn't necessarily mean more money. More people also means more facilities and support personal to see to the needs of those attending. I've seen the juggling act at Oshkosh go through similar strains that the WFFC seems to be having. A couple years back the EAA nearly DOUBLED the price for vendor space...it worked against them because a fair number of vendors stopped coming. I spoke with a tee shirt vendor that said he had to sell 70% of his inventory just to break even! There at least..20% of the vendors quit coming and it's a major chunk of change that's lost. They kept rasing the cost of admission, thinking that people were so dedicated they would pay up and just keep coming, that too proved an error. Lots of folks decided to make the trek every other year or even 3rd year. At that convention...you can drop 150 bucks just to park and get full access to the grounds for two people. Eating, drinking and a couple mementos and you've blown the weeks food budget. There was a point in there where even though fewer people came through the gate than the prior year, there was more profit shown. At the WFFC..70 busks isn't a lot to spend if you're going to be there for the whole thing, considering what you get. But last year I was just passing through on the way to another gig and I wasn't worth what basiclly would have been 100 dollars to jump once or twice...so I just sat around all day and drank FlyAngels beer. Like the EAA convention, WFFC is going to see up and down years, it'll eventually come to a point where it's an attractive event for a certain amount of people period. Too many and it's not as efficent or 'fun'...to few and it's way too expensive for what you get. All in all, I for one think the WFFC is run well and doesn't cost so much that a large percentage of people that 'might' attend are discouraged on that point alone, though it appears to be approaching that line. Sure there are bugs to be worked, but we're lucky to have the option of even going to such a 'grand' event. ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingnut 0 #39 August 8, 2005 QuoteThe convention would be better served to only have it every two to three years instead of every year i like this idea too, having something every year lets everyone go all the time and then it'sjustnot a must go to event, one BIG thing every 2 or three years wuld keep the interest, sort of like when you play games at a summer camp for kids, you stop while everyone is still having fun so you can come back to it and have more fun vs. goingon untill everyone is bored with it and then don't want to do it again... ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #40 August 8, 2005 Every other year would be great. Having an S&TA or three out there ready to cut off wrist bands of people would go a long ways to making the canopy traffic a lot safer and more welcoming to everyone. Better beer choice is nice too. I'd love to see them bring back the boogie video. I loved in in 2002 when I could run up and grab one of the guys sitting around and take them on my jump then actually make the boogie video. 2003 was hard to find someone to jump with you, and making the video was near impossible. Make the video be on skydiving as a whole acrss the boogie, not like the one years video. "The Shocker", unless you knew the jokes it was a waste.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dougjumper 0 #41 August 8, 2005 On my way, Plan on it.. NO MORE SCOOTER CRASHES for me. Watch out you Crazy ASS GOLF CARTS dont need no stinkin broke arms again especially two around the same time. I can add that really sucked two years ago. Came to Convention with one left with two. Hellofa Time... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #42 August 8, 2005 I was there this past weekend and will be heading back this upcoming weekend. It is definitely a lot quieter and calmer than when I was there in 2003. This is probably going to be my last WFFC. I'll just do more traveling in the upcoming years to other boogies. The $70 is a bit much for registration - especially since I'm only there a total of 3 1/2 days. Luckily, I live "close" by and can drive but if airfare was needed, I wouldn't have gone. It's great seeing those that I haven't seen in ages, but the only "pull" (excluding friends) is Mike Mullins King Air and that's just because of the quick climb and zero G out the door. Food choices - only real choice is the Carbone Zone. The other food vendors definitely aren't putting out the same quality food as 2003. And if your vegetarian, the choices are exceptionally limited. The coffee guy isn't there this year either. I, also, don't drink beer so the free beer isn't a pull. And the jello shots are the WORST that I have ever had. They need to take lessons from Jello J and TF107 as to how to make them. The DZ.com tent was dead this weekend. I think the most that I saw in the tent thus far was 8 people on Saturday night. Tenting room was completely open and easy to find a space. The bathrooms are a nice addition but are very far from the main tent area. And it wasn't too bad for a "quiet" area. Where I was tenting (main tent area not too far from the DZ.com tent), the area was dead quiet by 3am and even those that weren't quiet were talking softly a tent or two away so they weren't really "loud."Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpergirl 0 #43 August 8, 2005 I've been here since Thursday and keep waiting for it to start. It's so dead. Disappointing actually. Cora, Im' glad you're coming back this weekend!!! Find me when you get back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snowwhite 0 #44 August 8, 2005 QuoteSo i got a call from Bolas last night......3am Sunday night and there was NO parting going on at the convention....whats up with that??? He was just in the wrong location! I hear that there was a little "See how high you can stack the picnic tables, and then try to lift a volkswagon on top of it" contest at about that very timeskydiveTaylorville.org freefallbeth@yahoo.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gravitational 0 #45 August 8, 2005 QuoteHe was just in the wrong location! Dave and his multiple personalities do not constitute a party. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marcandalysse 0 #46 August 8, 2005 Ron, I hear an echo and the smell of thai food.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingnut 0 #47 August 8, 2005 Quote"See how high you can stack the picnic tables, and then try to lift a volkswagon on top of it" contest at about that very time i missed the golf cart ramp jumping sat night and i am curious to the story about the guy that drove a car into the swoop pond.. we saw the car and heard people talking but never got the story.... we were trying to figure out if the car actually went in or just busted the front on the embankment to the pond, one would think it would never get out once it went in.... unless he got pulled out... don't know..... oh... and the mayors wife is a party animal........ ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #48 August 8, 2005 QuoteHaving an S&TA or three out there ready to cut off wrist bands of people would go a long ways to making the canopy traffic a lot safer and more welcoming to everyone. Every boogie I've been to has issues with canopy traffic - people chasing flags on final, flying less than ideal patterns (or no pattern at all), etc. A boogie like WFFC, with so many open areas to land in and so many planes dumping all day long, is going to be a bit chaotic under canopy even if everyone follows one landing direction. imho, a mandatory pattern and landing briefing for all prior to jumping would help a lot more than would cutting wristbands off those who make mistakes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gravitymaster 0 #49 August 8, 2005 QuoteQuoteHaving an S&TA or three out there ready to cut off wrist bands of people would go a long ways to making the canopy traffic a lot safer and more welcoming to everyone. Every boogie I've been to has issues with canopy traffic - people chasing flags on final, flying less than ideal patterns (or no pattern at all), etc. A boogie like WFFC, with so many open areas to land in and so many planes dumping all day long, is going to be a bit chaotic under canopy even if everyone follows one landing direction. imho, a mandatory pattern and landing briefing for all prior to jumping would help a lot more than would cutting wristbands off those who make mistakes. The problem with a meeting is that wind conditions sometimes change as much as several times per hour. I think a friendly chat with an S&TA would help more than anything. The current method of trying to control the landing patterns by using the PA as jumpers approach the landing area is pretty ineffective. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #50 August 8, 2005 Quotecurrent method of trying to control the landing patterns by using the PA as jumpers approach the landing area is pretty ineffective. Is this what they are doing? Really?Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
