livendive 8 #51 January 27, 2005 QuoteI started skydiving alone (and in fact didn't even tell any of my friends I was going when I did my FJC) Me too. I didn't tell a single person, so that nobody but me would know if I chickened out. Blues, Dave"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!" (drink Mountain Dew) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
swedishcelt 0 #52 January 27, 2005 QuoteI remember this girl who called the DZ on her birthday and just decided she wanted to jump. Nobody came with her. She had a blast. I kind of wish she would have come back, she was really fun.I looked skydiving up on the net, got directions to DZ & went on my own to meet people & eventually schedule my tandem. I also started AFF without any friends other than the new ones I met at the DZ. The people at the DZ were friendly & nice. That's exactly how I decided and followed through with PPL ground school. I can't wait for the weather to improve so I can continue learning new things about both. I've often thought of going to learn to snowboard too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #53 January 27, 2005 QuoteMe too. I didn't tell a single person, so that nobody but me would know if I chickened out. Great minds think alike. That was exactly my rationale! Of course, all the people who were mad at me for not telling them are now wishing I'd shut up about this crazy skydiving thing! (I do recall thinking, while I was filling out the emergency contacts on the waiver form, "What will Mom and Dad think if they get a call from a skydiving place when I didn't even tell them I was going?")."There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
swedishcelt 0 #54 January 27, 2005 QuoteQuoteMe too. I didn't tell a single person, so that nobody but me would know if I chickened out. Great minds think alike. That was exactly my rationale! Of course, all the people who were mad at me for not telling them are now wishing I'd shut up about this crazy skydiving thing! (I do recall thinking, while I was filling out the emergency contacts on the waiver form, "What will Mom and Dad think if they get a call from a skydiving place when I didn't even tell them I was going?").I did and thought the same exact thing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dougiefresh 0 #55 January 28, 2005 Sometimes I feel like I do everything alone. Ultimately, everything you do is for yourself and becomes a part of you, whether others are around when you do it or not.Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so. --Douglas Adams Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpinfarmer 0 #56 January 28, 2005 QuoteQuoteI started skydiving alone (and in fact didn't even tell any of my friends I was going when I did my FJC) Me too. I didn't tell a single person, so that nobody but me would know if I chickened out. Blues, Dave Me three. I didn't want to hear all the noise from everyone before I went. I've also done a lot of other things alone. I especially like to travel alone then meet up with people when I get to my destination. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vallerina 2 #57 January 28, 2005 QuoteUltimately, everything you do is for yourself and becomes a part of you, whether others are around when you do it or not. I completely agree. The people that are around can alter that experience some. I'm also glad that there are certain things I didn't do alone. I could've done them alone, but having people that were close to me sharing experiences with me has enhanced it sometimes.There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
livendive 8 #58 January 28, 2005 QuoteQuoteUltimately, everything you do is for yourself and becomes a part of you, whether others are around when you do it or not. I completely agree. The people that are around can alter that experience some. I'm also glad that there are certain things I didn't do alone. I could've done them alone, but having people that were close to me sharing experiences with me has enhanced it sometimes. I agree and will add that other times, the experience itself isn't so much what I'm after, but the company/comradery. If I feel like hanging out with friends this weekend, it doesn't matter too much what we do...skydiving, snowboarding, go-cart racing, drinking, whatever. In those instances, the company is what I was going for so it would be silly to do it by myself. Blues, Dave"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!" (drink Mountain Dew) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Peej 0 #59 January 28, 2005 Ok i'm a little late to this thread but i see nothing wrong with doing stuff by yourself. I travel by myself, i go to movies by myself, i go surfing by myself. Perhaps it's cos i'm comfortable with just me and the voices Advertisio Rodriguez / Sky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
selbbub78 0 #60 January 28, 2005 Of course! Actually yesterday I started ice skating lessons by myself (no big deal), I was talking to my mom later on, and she was shocked that I was taking lessons by myself. What's the big deal? I never understood that. CRW Skies,"Women fake orgasms - men fake whole relationships" – Sharon Stone "The world is my dropzone" (wise crewdog quote) "The light dims, until full darkness pierces into the world."-KDM Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #61 January 28, 2005 QuoteOf course! Actually yesterday I started ice skating lessons by myself (no big deal), I was talking to my mom later on, and she was shocked that I was taking lessons by myself. What's the big deal? I never understood that. I find it mos intriguing that people are surprised if you take a class by yourself. I've always thought that classes are the *perfect* thing to do by yourself. Because they're structured and there's usually lots of opportunities for interaction, they are the perfect way to meet new people under comfortable circumstances. I suppose it also depends on your goals for the class. My FJC (15 people) consisted of four singles, a group of five, and three couples/pairs. Of those, three of the four singles have continued on to get licensed (or close!), the rest were just out there for a one-time jump and a fun afternoon. That's the kind of thing I can see wanting to have friends with me for, but when I decided I wanted to be a skydiver, I certainly wasn't going to stick around for one of my friends to commit to it - I'd still be waiting!"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #62 January 28, 2005 Classes by yourself are great! I just signed up for two today. Decided my check list of things I want to do is going to get done. CPR and First Aid certifications are on their way. Next...follow a vet around for a day to see if I'm nutty enough to go back to school. 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
Keith 0 #63 January 28, 2005 I do things by myself all the time. I started skydiving by myself; I take road trips/vacations, go to movies, go out to dinner, amongst other things - all by myself. I like me - well, most of the time anyway.Keith Don't Fuck with me Keith - J. Mandeville Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,584 #64 January 28, 2005 QuoteI started skydiving alone QuoteMe too. I didn't tell a single person, so that nobody but me would know if I chickened out I started alone, too. But mainly because I wanted to, and, well, it didn't occur to me to ask my friends if they wanted to. Maybe I needed more friends 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
Muenkel 0 #65 January 28, 2005 I have multiple personality disorder. So unfortunately I'm never alone. Chris _________________________________________ Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
op5e 0 #66 January 29, 2005 Actually it is not that weird you can top rope solo rock climb and then you use a device like a gregory (sp?) and pretty much climb to your hearts content. My climbing partner started doing it when I stopped climbing with him. Bouldering is my cup of tea though when it comes to solo climbing. http://www.rockclimbing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=14641&highlight=#14641 I think that taking a snowboard or skiing course by yourself is not that weird at all as normally if you do go down with someone and its your first time, they might already have done a course etc.. And then you are left for the first hour or two doing the course while your friend hurts themselves and then you go ski/snowboard while they are at the pub. I did my first skydive, snowboard by myself. And I regularly explore new cities or just go to a pub by myself. If you are not happy with your own company then how can you be happy with someone elses. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eeneR 3 #67 January 29, 2005 QuoteActually it is not that weird you can top rope solo rock climb and then you use a device like a gregory (sp?) Im not so sure the indoor gym down the street would be kind to that...not to mention im not THAT good of a climber... Im still learning. My comment about solo climbing was strictly that of top rope in a standard indoor gym. but now that i know they installed auto belay systems on a few spots...i can go climb solo all i want woohoo...She is not a "Dumb Blonde" - She is a "Light-Haired Detour Off The Information Superhighway." eeneR TF#72, FB#4130, Incauto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #68 January 29, 2005 Climb by yourself? I thought the number one rule was to not go out alone. Sorry, you would never catch me doing rock climbing alone. I'm sure that guy that had to cut off his forearm would now support that number one rule of not climbing alone. It's just not about belaying yourself, it's also about safety. I've done snowboarding lessons alone, and it paid off. When my boys were younger, I'd drop them off at school and head up to a nearby resort. Since it was a weekday, there weren't a lot of people there. I was just learning the board, and wanted some lessons. I'd sign up for the group lessons, and it would turn out that I was the only one signed up. I'd get two or three instructors for the price of a group lesson. After awhile they got to know me, and really challenged me. I've also done a number of backpacking trips alone, but someone always knows where I'm at and when I'll return. If I have not contact that person by a certain time, then they can start to worry about me. When ever I do a solo trip, I either have all three of my dogs with me, or at least one. And the gun is packed and always within reach.May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
op5e 0 #69 January 29, 2005 Bugger I always think outdoors if I hear top rope or leading etc... I found a great climbing gym in Singapore (Bukit Merah Clubhouse) which was a squash court that was modified and basically had holds everywhere and angles, blocks added everywhere. And huge mats on the bottom, and you had no ropes you just climbed and if you fell you just land on the matts. Climbing on the roof was really fun and I am glad I attempted it when I was climbing 4-5 nights a week, as I would not have got one hold now days. That was the a great setup. http://www.rockclimbing.com/routes/gym.php?ID=1019 Just like to add the regular place where my friend would climb alone was in the middle of the city where there were dozens of climbers and huge amounts of joggers and other people passing by. I would never recommend anyone climbing ALONE or climbing without the appropriate skills or someone to mentor them. However because there was a cliff in the middle of the city all too often I saw people who knew nothing teaching others to climb, very dangerous combination. Also I was only replying to the original post that refered to solo top roping because I knew that it was possible and can be done relatively safely. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #70 January 29, 2005 Thanks for posting that website, there are some great pictures there.May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #71 January 29, 2005 YOU ARE !!!! Ok...so class is done...2 hours of belaying - auto and with a belayer. Test is the next time I go in. Had a total blast!!!! I'm hooked. So...when do we go next?????????? At least it's not as expensive as skydiving. 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