SpeedRacer 1 #1 Posted October 26, 2002 OK. maybe its a delusion of mine that everyone here has nothing else to do but skydive... for me, skydiving is a f&*king life-changing experience.... nevertheless, its STILL just one ingredient in all the things I do. But I know some people who show up at the DZevery day & I don't know how they do it. Now here's aquote Ipicked up: Quote I'm havin my first whuffo weekend since June, and there aren't any skydivers who live in this stupid town. Don't know what in the hell to do... Nowthat's not he first time I've heard this, but I still don't understand this.... How the fuck can anyone be bored on the weekend???? I've got family stuff on wekends...coupla uncles and aunts, my mom, my dad, though my parents are divorced its still a diverse & close knit family.... Plus I livein an area where there are, WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE, great restaraunts, constant festivals...live theatre... pubs with great live music, including rock, reggae, blues, jazz, country, bluegrass, etc... Also art gallery openings most weekends, again, all within walking distance,,, OK I admit that in my neighbor hood theres always a lotta shit going on....I get to skydive about once every couple of months...but thats because of all those other activities mentioned above..Oh , did I also mention I'm taking art classes, working full time, and an aactive member of a homebrew club, with all of its activities & demos??? So what I'm wondering, is my life typical of skydivers, and if it is, how the fuck do y'all manage to wind up at the DZ almost every weekend (even when the weathe sux) w/ all the other shit going on in your life?? Speed Racer -------------------------------------------------- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpeedRacer 1 #2 October 26, 2002 I said the above only because I seem to be the only one at the DZs I go to who can make it there only once every two months...I just don't know how other people do it. And I'm not even married & I don't have any kids. Speed Racer -------------------------------------------------- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #3 October 26, 2002 There is something outside the DZ??? Dude... put the crack pipe down. The DZ is my second home. Next year I plan on keeping a sleeping bag on site all summer. I went 9 months with out seeing my family since the weather was nice and I could jump. I don't have the excess money to go out to eat... it all goes to jumps.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpeedRacer 1 #4 October 26, 2002 Quote There is something outside the DZ??? shit maybe its true that most skydivers live out in East Bumfuck where there's nothing else competing for your time....I'd kinda hoped that this was just a stereotype.. Speed Racer -------------------------------------------------- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #5 October 26, 2002 I live in the middle of Columbus right next to an arts district and near a town centere so there is always something going on... but screw all that and get to the DZ. The more time I spend at a DZ the happier I am. I was happy for weeks after WFFC. Its all about what I want... I could be the typical person and have friends and visit family but screw that... I'm happy just sleeping on a 10 year old couch with holes everywhere every weekend just since that puts me closer to like minded people.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #6 October 26, 2002 I'm facing one of my first whuffo weekends in a long time this weekend. I am sort of lost for what to do, so I'm going to go play some handball (haven't in forever) and go to the range for a couple hours. Oh, and go see Jackass The Movie. --"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quatorze 1 #7 October 26, 2002 well, after next weekend I am taking a break, from the sport for a week or two, been jumping like crazy for the past wo months, just a break. I too live in a very cultural part of town, a few blocks from the music/night culb center, and a few more to the museums and parks, but why o' why would I want to go hang out with a bunch of people who either can't figure out that yes Jerry really is dead, want to spend the weekend drunk, look at art work that other people did, or sit and watch the grass grow? Oh wait, there are people/activities like that at my DZ, but the big difference is that they are me and I am them and we are friends. But as the man says, to each, his own I'm not afriad of dying, I'm afraid of never really living- Erin Engle Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scoby 0 #8 October 26, 2002 I snowboard, when there's snow. In the summer, I camp and hike. Mostly though, on whuffo weekends, I party like a rock star. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stacy 0 #9 October 26, 2002 I live in west palm. weekends i'm at the DZ. recently i've been travelling farther to go to a DZ just because of some awesome people and a great vibe (rock on ZHills!). There is a lot that goes on during the week in WP though. I'm all for going out during the week here. There's Clematis By Night (free live music by teh fountains, beer truck, etc), Blue Martini, CityPlace, Bradleys, Amici's famous Happy Hour, about 9 kajillion gorgeous beaches/beach volleyball, yoga, pool/spa at my apt, Think N Drink, the list goes on. Occasionally i'll just take my guitar out to the beach and play. life's not so bad. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quatorze 1 #10 October 26, 2002 Quote I live in west palm. weekends i'm at the DZ. recently i've been travelling farther to go to a DZ just because of some awesome people and a great vibe (rock on ZHills!) Are you going to be there Nov, 1,2&3, The SO and I are in a quandry between SDA and their Fall Boogie and coming down to Z-hills to hook up with the Bomb Squad and hopefully blow some shit up I'm not afriad of dying, I'm afraid of never really living- Erin Engle Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stacy 0 #11 October 26, 2002 not SDA that weekend. I'm at the tunnel for a camp, but my first 4way team's video guy is going to be visiting the Hills. I just may sneak down there Sat night to say hi, haven't seen him since Memorial Day. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quatorze 1 #12 October 26, 2002 Well, that is one less DZ.commer that I will meet, have fun at the tunnel I'm not afriad of dying, I'm afraid of never really living- Erin Engle Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyhi 24 #13 October 26, 2002 Quote shit maybe its true that most skydivers live out in East Bumfuck where there's nothing else competing for your time. I actually live in West Bumfuck, I'll have you know and there is plenty to do here. We have the WBF Philharmonic (actually, it's a guy named Phil and he has a harmonica) and that is just entertaining as hell. He does Feelings, yaknow. Actually, I bike and run during the week and use to teach night school, more for the experience than the money. But here in Northern FLA there really are only the three M's to do: Malls, Meals, and Movies.Shit happens. And it usually happens because of physics. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waster 0 #14 October 26, 2002 Quote OK. maybe its a delusion of mine that everyone here has nothing else to do but skydive... for me, skydiving is a f&*king life-changing experience.... nevertheless, its STILL just one ingredient in all the things I do. But I know some people who show up at the DZevery day & I don't know how they do it. Now here's aquote Ipicked up: Quote I'm havin my first whuffo weekend since June, and there aren't any skydivers who live in this stupid town. Don't know what in the hell to do... Nowthat's not he first time I've heard this, but I still don't understand this.... How the fuck can anyone be bored on the weekend???? I've got family stuff on wekends...coupla uncles and aunts, my mom, my dad, though my parents are divorced its still a diverse & close knit family.... Plus I livein an area where there are, WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE, great restaraunts, constant festivals...live theatre... pubs with great live music, including rock, reggae, blues, jazz, country, bluegrass, etc... Also art gallery openings most weekends, again, all within walking distance,,, OK I admit that in my neighbor hood theres always a lotta shit going on....I get to skydive about once every couple of months...but thats because of all those other activities mentioned above..Oh , did I also mention I'm taking art classes, working full time, and an aactive member of a homebrew club, with all of its activities & demos??? So what I'm wondering, is my life typical of skydivers, and if it is, how the fuck do y'all manage to wind up at the DZ almost every weekend (even when the weathe sux) w/ all the other shit going on in your life?? I totally agree with you dude. There is definately more to life. I love spending my weekends with "whuffo" friends, they are great fun. It does seem that to be counted as a proper skydiver, you have to spend your life at the DZ and have no contact with the outside world. I have mentioned the fact that people here seem to have no other interests other than skydiving, and they reply saying that there is fuck all else to do. Jesus wept, what a limited life. I love skydiving, it is great fun, but i only jump a couple of times a month. I could jump every weekend, but that would mean spending all my money on skydiving, something i am not prepared to do. I have a life to fund, and skydiving is only a small proportion of my life, it occupies a, dare i say, healthy part of my time, rather than being my sole purpose in life. Oh well, i just count myself lucky that i have other shit to do with my time. I don't mean to be insulting to anyone here, and if i have offended anyone, i apologise. But, you people should try other stuff in your free time. I challenge you guys to have a "whuffo weekend" and not have fun. Catch up with those friends you haven't spoken to in a while. Spend the weekend drunk, party your arses off, go to the cinema, go bowling, read a book in the sun, go shopping, spend time with the family, go for a walk(holy shit, exercise!), meet friends for coffee, or just relax and listen to the radio. There is so much more to do, and you are missing out on it all. What did you guys do before you started skydiving? You must have done all this stuff, or you had really boring lives and in skydiving you have found something to do with your time. Go on, try it, and if you actually try and do stuff, you will enjoy it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quatorze 1 #15 October 26, 2002 Quote Quote OK. maybe its a delusion of mine that everyone here has nothing else to do but skydive... for me, skydiving is a f&*king life-changing experience.... nevertheless, its STILL just one ingredient in all the things I do. But I know some people who show up at the DZevery day & I don't know how they do it. Now here's aquote Ipicked up: Quote I'm havin my first whuffo weekend since June, and there aren't any skydivers who live in this stupid town. Don't know what in the hell to do... Nowthat's not he first time I've heard this, but I still don't understand this.... How the fuck can anyone be bored on the weekend???? I've got family stuff on wekends...coupla uncles and aunts, my mom, my dad, though my parents are divorced its still a diverse & close knit family.... Plus I livein an area where there are, WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE, great restaraunts, constant festivals...live theatre... pubs with great live music, including rock, reggae, blues, jazz, country, bluegrass, etc... Also art gallery openings most weekends, again, all within walking distance,,, OK I admit that in my neighbor hood theres always a lotta shit going on....I get to skydive about once every couple of months...but thats because of all those other activities mentioned above..Oh , did I also mention I'm taking art classes, working full time, and an aactive member of a homebrew club, with all of its activities & demos??? So what I'm wondering, is my life typical of skydivers, and if it is, how the fuck do y'all manage to wind up at the DZ almost every weekend (even when the weathe sux) w/ all the other shit going on in your life?? I totally agree with you dude. There is definately more to life. I love spending my weekends with "whuffo" friends, they are great fun. It does seem that to be counted as a proper skydiver, you have to spend your life at the DZ and have no contact with the outside world. I have mentioned the fact that people here seem to have no other interests other than skydiving, and they reply saying that there is fuck all else to do. Jesus wept, what a limited life. I love skydiving, it is great fun, but i only jump a couple of times a month. I could jump every weekend, but that would mean spending all my money on skydiving, something i am not prepared to do. I have a life to fund, and skydiving is only a small proportion of my life, it occupies a, dare i say, healthy part of my time, rather than being my sole purpose in life. Oh well, i just count myself lucky that i have other shit to do with my time. I don't mean to be insulting to anyone here, and if i have offended anyone, i apologise. But, you people should try other stuff in your free time. I challenge you guys to have a "whuffo weekend" and not have fun. Catch up with those friends you haven't spoken to in a while. Spend the weekend drunk, party your arses off, go to the cinema, go bowling, read a book in the sun, go shopping, spend time with the family, go for a walk(holy shit, exercise!), meet friends for coffee, or just relax and listen to the radio. There is so much more to do, and you are missing out on it all. What did you guys do before you started skydiving? You must have done all this stuff, or you had really boring lives and in skydiving you have found something to do with your time. Go on, try it, and if you actually try and do stuff, you will enjoy it. As I afore mentioned: Quote But as the man says, to each, his own And no I never really had a boring life, it just was life. How boring could the life of a firefighter have been? I'm not afriad of dying, I'm afraid of never really living- Erin Engle Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #16 October 26, 2002 My whuffo weekends are spent with my kids. But, I often find it funny how jaded I am about living in Central FL. So many people spend thousands of dollars to vacation here, and I do all I can not to do the things they come here for. The three main things are theme parks, the beach and shopping. Theme Parks- If there is a Hell, I'm sure it's designed to look like a theme park! I can't think of anything worse than standing in an hour long line for a 45 second ride, in 95 degree weather and with people from Middle Eastern coutries who don't believe in bathing regularly. But, wait...there's more! You don't just get to do that once, you get to do that ALL DAY LONG! And as an extra bonus, you get to pay $60 for your ticket, $5 to park and if you plan on buying the food and drinks in the park, you had better take out a small loan. Beaches- yes, the beach is wonderful and beautiful. I love a pretty sunset. But, I grew up in Sarasota, 5 minutes from Siesta Key beach, rated one of the best beaches in the world. The beaches on the east coast just ain't the same. Plus, it's an hour for me to drive to the beach from where I am, so you pretty much have to devote most of the day to the beach experience of hauling all the crap you'll need to spend the day there with the kids. And, after being a sun worshipper for the better part of my life, I'm really starting to regret it now that I see the effects it's had on my skin. So, when I feel I need a little color, I just head over to my complex pool. The kids prefer the pool to the beach anyway. Shopping- Orlando is a mecca for Outlet malls and good deals. But, as a skydiver, everything that is a potential purchase gets computed into how many jumps that equals. So, I don't shop much anymore. But, last weekend the big "Mall of the Millenia" opened up in Orlando, with all the "northern" stores that none of us locals ever get to shop at- Bloomies, Macy's, Neiman Marcus. On the news it was reported that people actually waited an HOUR to be able to park and traffic was backed up for miles on the interstate! The also reported that they didn't actually see too many people with shopping bags.So, that's my report on beautiful Orlando. C'mon down! But, if you want to come down and skydive...now THAT would be worth the trip! She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflyanvil 0 #17 October 26, 2002 It's not really fair to say that if you're at the DZ every weekend, Skydiving is IT, and you have a really boring life. Dont forget that the weekend is a small percentage of the week-two days only. I have not missed one weekend of jumping since this april-yes, the weather has cooperated that nicely this year, I have jumped EVERY weekend Now, I have also done SOOOOO much other stuff; During those other five days that are in the weekFor you that say you do a couple jumps every few months, you may want to read up on the importance of currency in the sport.Vid "stons fal, evrysing fals, but doesnt on purpos change its flite pas an positioning..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VisionAir 0 #18 October 26, 2002 I live in a town of 7700 in the middle of the Ozarks...there ain't shit to do. It's an hour and a half to two hour drive to the dz and I spend everyweekend the wife will let me. There are hardcore and there are not, to put it simply. Huh?!? What cloud?!? Oh that!!! That's just Industrial Haze Alex M. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snowbird 0 #19 October 26, 2002 I have lots of other things to do, I just choose to spend most weekends skydiving. I will admit that, since this was my first season of jumping, and I was bit hard by the bug, I've been very obsessed. Gladly though! I want to learn as much as possible about this sport, and I love the atmosphere. Why not be at the dz most weekends? My learning curve is much steeper the more I jump. The gear I bought has been put to good use, and I'm starting to understand (in my newbie way) how to fly her, which wouldn't be happening on rented gear used a few times a month. And by cultivating friendships at the dz, I've gained a whole slew of new friends who enjoy helping me out as I learn. As a newbie needing coach jumps and continuous advice/help, being well known at the dz makes it much simpler to get that kind of help. And as someone else pointed out, there are five other days in the week! Volunteering, social stuff, excercising/hiking/swimming, writing, cooking, and housework all fits quite nicely into those five days. I'd hazard to say that, if once every now and then is enough for you, you just haven't been bitten nearly as hard as some other people! Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea. -Robert A. Heinlein Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skyrose7 0 #20 October 26, 2002 I got a lot of shit when I started skydiving. THis is because I immediately wanted to be out there every weekend. So, I used to spend every weekend going out with whuffo friends and doing different things, but I don't live in a place where there is a lot to do. Grand Rapids, Mi is nicknamed "Bland Rapids" You end up doing the same thing over and over. Why do I want to go out to the same bars and get wasted? That leads me nowhere. Also, whenever I did hang out with my firends after I started skydiving, all I got was shit for it. That isn't too enticing, ya know? I do know that IF I only went out to the dz once every couple months, I wouldn't have gotten to know the people out there and enjoying that friendship is a big part of skydiving for me. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The mind is like a parachute--it works better when it is open. JUMP. MaryRose Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skreamer 1 #21 October 26, 2002 Quote There are hardcore and there are not, to put it simply. I don't think spending every weekend on the DZ makes you hard-core. If the weather is crap or you can't afford to jump and you have nothing else to fill your weekend (and life) with then you are pretty sad. Buy a good pair of running shoes or a mountain-bike, read a book, learn a new hobby. Living in a small town is no reason not to live a full life, in fact it is too easy to waste your life away on fluff when you live in a city. Will Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #22 October 26, 2002 Quote in a small town is no reason not to live a full life Personally I usually find more to do when I'm in a small town. Hiking, Mt. Biking, paintballing, repelling (off of what ever you can find, train bridges, towers, etc), man there was a ton of stuff I used to do before I jumped, when I lived in a small Texas town.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jessica 0 #23 October 26, 2002 Quote But, I often find it funny how jaded I am about living in Central FL. Oh Andrea, that's hilarious. It's true though. I used to live in downtown Dallas, and I drove home every day right by the grassy knoll. There were always tourists crawling around, even in the rain. I wanted to unroll my window and scream "WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU??" Friends from out of town always wanted to go to the West End. "Why?" I'd ask. "That place is a dump!" And now I live in San Antonio. At first, I was enchanted, and wanted to go to the River Walk all the time. Now I avoid it like the plague. To answer Speedy's question: Because of my job, I've never been able to make the dropzone my second home. I've just never had the time. But I do love skydiving, and if I had the chance, I'm pretty sure I'd be out at the dz every chance I had. That doesn't mean I wouldn't do other stuff though. When I was living in Dallas, I was in writer's groups, I met friends for lunch regularly, and I had an active after-hours social life. Maybe I'm naive, but I believe you can skydive "hard-core" and still be a well rounded person. Anyway, all you yankees have all winter to be cultured. *poke*Skydiving is for cool people only Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChileRelleno 0 #24 October 26, 2002 Dave, go to the Gym! ChileRelleno-Rodriguez Bro#414 Hellfish#511,MuffBro#3532,AnvilBro#9, D24868 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #25 October 26, 2002 dude I just moved to Las vegas, and I have NO idea what to do! Serioulsy! i know thewre has got to be a thousand things PER day to do, but I am not into gambling which is only one thing. clubs?? on occasion they are REALLY fun but not all the time for me! I like parks/ skydiving. swimming etc. OUTDOORS for me. but I am really getting aggrivated that I am ALWAYS TIRED due to work I cant seem to go and do anything.. You know when you have to force your self to go to the Dropzone that something is wrong! I should be there right now, but I think I am safer on the ground due to my lack of ability to sleep.. Cranky?unfortunately I am cranky often b/c of this sleep schedule! and that pisses me offfamily? not here! friends?? not yet! not likely until I get off this fukn shift! I used to go biking, running, etc. but I am on the verge of a major life style change due to this shift... just when I start getting used to working nights the weekend gets here and kicks my ass. shit even food shopping is a chore I have been putting off until I was awake enough....now I have NO food. It bugs me that I am in vegas and I can do nothing but complian about being hidden from society ... anyway. I guess I'll sit here and try to get the strength to go food shopping... My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
