Deuce 1 #1 July 2, 2003 It's generally exciting. Occasionally it hurts. The key is to channel the impulse towards recklessness into activities that give a rush, but are structured and disciplined. For a long time, I kept in balance by doing solo car stops at night on cars filled with suspected evildoers. Occasionally they didn't want to cooperate, and I was able to practice the martial art of arrest technique. All pretty dangerous, always exciting, occasionally terrifying. Sound familiar? Skydiving is the same gig. Sometimes we get cracked up, like motorcyclists, snowskiers, and other folks who like to get out near the edge. We temper all this with good equipment, emergency procedures, and friends who generally won't let us harm ourselves, but let's be honest, it's physically hazardous. This came home after last weekend when we traded big injury stories. I think just like all motorcyclists will eventually go down, all skydivers will eventually biff. I have been jumping for the last six weeks on a broken ankle.(I just got cleared for physical activity yesterday) Last winter I jumped on a sprained knee. I can stand anything up in 15 mph winds, and I am very, very proficient at the butt-slide landing. I can even downwind one. But if I had needed to run one out, I would have planted in a big way, probably broke more stuff in my legs, and probably wrists, and destroyed some expensive camera gear. I didn't deceive myself about those chances. I rolled the dice, and I won. So I can't give anyone advice on taking it easy. Not without being hypocritical. If you choose to jump hurt, be very aware of the chances you are taking. Say them out loud. "If I have to downwind one, and I have to run it out, I'm going for an ambulance ride and they will put pins in my legs" Still want to jump? This is in no way meant to be a dare or a boast. I won my "Man" merit badge a long time ago. It's about recognizing the consequences of your decision. There's a funny old saw about "most skiing injuries happen on the last run of the day" (get it?) By jumping hurt, you risk making the last jump of your life, or if you're a little more lucky, the last jump of your season. So, think hard about it. If you're legs aren't working, what's gonna happen? If you're arms aren't working, what's gonna happen? I can't tell anybody to just be safe. That's watching the sun set, and I don't recommend it. But be as safe as you can be. Sometimes just a little safer, for people who love you. JP Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andy2 0 #2 July 2, 2003 not to mention rebreaking a broken limb is about 10x as painful as the original break. It usually breaks up a lot more than the original. But taking it easy is for pussies! I say go all out, all the time. --------------------------------------------- let my inspiration flow, in token rhyme suggesting rhythm... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymut 0 #3 July 2, 2003 Yeah, what he said. Well said, I might add. Matt A well-informed person is somebody who has the same views and opinions as yours. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LouDiamond 1 #4 July 2, 2003 Deuce, I think you have been warned about drunk posting Your post makes WAY too much sense and is full of good points to ponder. Now please, go talk to the lizard and stay away from the keyboard as you sound to wise for your own good my friend"It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required" Some people dream about flying, I live my dream SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sducoach 0 #5 July 2, 2003 JP, Yu da man!! (just wait until you are 50...........) Blues, J.E.James 4:8 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zenister 0 #6 July 2, 2003 i'm sooooo tempted to make a tongue in cheek post about us needed a BSR for jumping while injured, but... glad to see you think about, understand and accept the risks you take when you skydive, and relevaluate them from time to time..everyone should do so, and everyone should be aware that many people accept the risks they take even when others see what they are doing as "insane" good job.. Quotepush the envelope, watch it bend...____________________________________ Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NastyClown 0 #7 July 2, 2003 you forgot anal sex sans condom.. not safe but exciting.. and I don't care if it hurts.. it ain't my ass... Sit on my Nose.. it squeaks and vibrates.. Have you ever been ass-rammed by a clown with size 15 shoes? spreadng clownjizz all over the freakin place... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cornholio 0 #8 July 3, 2003 So can I show this to you the next time I see you jumping at Byron ? You have no more boogies to attend for a while, right ? Why not take it easy for a bit and rest up so you CAN standup those no-wind landings ? Please read this with much care and respect, but sometimes you can be a dummy too. You just said it in your post. Butthead: Whoa! Burritos for breakfast! Beavis: Yeah! Yeah! Cool! bellyflier on the dz.com hybrid record jump Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
