windcatcher 0 #1 May 7, 2004 Hi guys! This is especially for all you YOUNGER jumpers, mainly under 25. Do you guys feel that because the majority of skydivers are older (what, 30's-40's?), you are discriminated against at the DZ?? I once had some older jumper give me dirty looks when I came to the dz, what did I do? Anyways, I was just wondering if you guys notice older jumpers ( not necessarily more experienced, just OLDER) not wanting to start friendships because they think you are too "immature" or whatever. I think I am mature for my age (21) yet I am a little nervous about finding a home dz when I start to get my A license. Just because I am younger doesn't mean I won't make an awesome jump partner, right? Don't you think older jumpers like having young 20somethings at the dz, to add to the mix and make it more interesting? I guess I am a little anxious. Sarah Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SarahC07 0 #2 May 7, 2004 I started a thread on this awhile back... And I know what you mean, I'm only 18.... if you want to vent.. PM me, I'll listen. heh, and my name is Sarah too... that's creepy, but cool! Sarah Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
piisfish 140 #3 May 7, 2004 at the DZ's I went , I don't think it's a problem... Just a question of attitude... Sure you'll find people who do not segregate you because of your "youger"age... and in a while you'll be able to show to the old farts that youg ones can also fly... And remember, everybody started with a 1st jump, then a second....scissors beat paper, paper beat rock, rock beat wingsuit - KarlM Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sdctlc 0 #4 May 7, 2004 Come on now Sarah, still venting!!! Scott C."He who Hesitates Shall Inherit the Earth!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GravityGirl 0 #5 May 7, 2004 Damn! You must be jumping at the wrong DZ. We love fresh meat, uh, I mean younger skydivers at Byron! Youthfull energy is what keeps the place rockin'! In case you are wondering, I'm not young. Just a dirty old lady! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Peace and Blue Skies! Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hookitt 1 #6 May 7, 2004 Quotemy name is Sarah too... that's creepy, The name Sarah Creeps me out too Don't worry too much. You'll be over protected and beating guys off with a stick if any thing. Some old guys see people come and go so often they would rather write you off in the beginning of your career and wait untill you've been around awhile to form a friendship. This is not the norm but it does happen fairly often. It's just a bunch of skydivers any way. A good bunch of people. We're all new at something so don't worry too much. You've got 4 jumps so just keep going back and have fun!My grammar sometimes resembles that of magnetic refrigerator poetry... Ghetto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lawrocket 3 #7 May 7, 2004 QuoteYou'll be over protected and beating guys off Ummm. I think you meant, "You'll be overprotected and you'll be doing your best to keep the guys away." Yours just doesn't sound right... My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
windcatcher 0 #8 May 7, 2004 Yeah,it's too bad there AREN'T younger skydivers at the dz. Guess I'll just hafta pick an older one... Where are all the 20something skydivers...with facial hair....oh, and a motorcycle?! Sarah Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #9 May 7, 2004 Nope, never had that problem. Younger jumpers sometimes have a tendancy to be "know it alls" or assume they progress faster than they really do, and take it more personaly when the are excluded from a jump. More often than not it's an issue of skill and patience that keeps people off a jump, not age. Relax, don't worry about a couple bad apple, and have fun. Just remember that others have been around a while, and respect that.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pilotdave 0 #10 May 7, 2004 Wow I've never heard of a woman not being welcomed on a DZ with open arms! My DZ has quite a few older jumpers (even 2 active jumpers that have been jumping for over 50 years) and I've never noticed anyone discriminating based on age (only experience, which is gonna happen anywhere). The older jumpers only get mad when ya wanna break off over 2500 feet. Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingnut 0 #11 May 7, 2004 never had that happen to me and i started jumping at 17 and am now 23 almost 24.... was diffrent though when i was younger, but not really.... ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hookitt 1 #12 May 7, 2004 Quote Ummm. I think you meant, "You'll be overprotected and you'll be doing your best to keep the guys away." Yours just doesn't sound right... Woops Same meaning but your wording is much better... Typing frenzy you know?My grammar sometimes resembles that of magnetic refrigerator poetry... Ghetto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bodypilot1 0 #13 May 7, 2004 QuoteJust a dirty old lady! Bump -www.WestCoastWingsuits.com www.PrecisionSkydiving.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bodypilot1 0 #14 May 7, 2004 Maybe they aren't discriminating Sarah. I bet if you show up at the DZ for more than 4 jumps in 3 yrs, like Hookit said, you be beating them off with a stick? -www.WestCoastWingsuits.com www.PrecisionSkydiving.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lolie 0 #15 May 7, 2004 Quote once had some older jumper give me dirty looks when I came to the dz You're just not hanging out with the right people... I'm 19 and have seldom felt more comfortable than I do at the dz! The dropzone is my family, and I feel like I've been adopted as a daughter or sister or just a good friend. Maybe you need to do a little traveling and find more jumpers our age--especially if you are jumping at a small dropzone. Part of it may just be that you're still "growing up" as a skydiver--once you're off student status, you may find older jumpers warming up to you. In the air, your birthday is irrelevant; it's all in your attitude and how you fly. -Miranda you shall above all things be glad and young / For if you're young,whatever life you wear it will become you;and if you are glad / whatever's living will yourself become. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SarahC07 0 #16 May 7, 2004 The more time I spend with the folks at my dz, the more they rock.... I bet things will change for you, as they did for me Sarah Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #17 May 7, 2004 I'm 24, so I fit in your category, and I don't feel like I'm singled out. I'm just one of the jumpers. I've been in the sport for 4 years and have some experience, so that may make a difference as well.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
windcatcher 0 #18 May 7, 2004 Most of the guys at dz's are friendly to me...I am just hoping that "certain" jumpers don't shun me or whatever...perhaps because I am female Sarah Mother to the cutest little thing in the world... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
windcatcher 0 #19 May 7, 2004 Actually, I really enjoy the older crowd that skydiving attracts. I once dated an older, welcoming skydiver who helped me feel more comfortable around them. But this guy was different....he answered all my skydiving-related questions before we dated! I just hope that older skydivers will still want to jump w/ me....if not, oh well Mother to the cutest little thing in the world... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
n23x 0 #20 May 7, 2004 It has been my experience thus far that most other jumpers are very welcoming, irregardless of age. However, I would definately agree that there tends to be a little bit of a lag at the beginning due to the amount of people that come and begin some student training, and then quit. But, once this point in the road has been crossed where they know you're there for good, it does feel much more friendly and welcoming. .jim"Don't touch my fucking Easter eggs, I'll be back monday." ~JTFC Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crzjp20 0 #21 May 7, 2004 yeah i have had no problem. I have been turned down on jumps before, like people said no to jumping with me, but they are very nice to me. I have had no problems. In fact the 3 guys i jump with the most are all over 35 at least. and i am 20. but hey i have a really friendsly DZ at the moment, we will see what happens when i move next week.-------------------------------------------------- Fear is not a confession of weakness, it is an oportunity for courage. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
windcatcher 0 #22 May 7, 2004 Hey Peaches-HAHA! Let me know what your new dz is like. Mother to the cutest little thing in the world... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
windcatcher 0 #23 May 7, 2004 One of the sweetest jumpers I've ever met was a 50some yr. old guy. I would love to jump with an old timer! Sarah Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #24 May 7, 2004 If you are already dating skydivers.. you'll fit right in at any DZ. And if you are going to a DZ to seek out dates... You'll REALLY fit in.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crzjp20 0 #25 May 7, 2004 ha you lauch at my peaches but you havnt heard the story..... ok i will, havnt decided yet, there are 3 within a few hours of my new house in lousiville Kentucky.-------------------------------------------------- Fear is not a confession of weakness, it is an oportunity for courage. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
