Sinkster 0 #1 March 18, 2002 Hey ya'll!I made my second jump this weekend, it was AFF level 2. My first jump was 3 weeks ago. Here's the story:I showed up to the DZ Saturday morning despite heavy cloud cover and 50% chance of rain b/c "dadgummit I was gonna jump!" Anyways they put about 3 loads up that day jumping between the clouds (It didn't rain) but I wasn't able to get on a load b/c of the stringent AFF weather reqs.At this point I was obviously disappointed but I was just going to try the next day b/c "dadgummit I was gonna jump!" Because of the 2.5 hour drive the DZO suggested I stay the night because they have showers and toiletries and a couple couches in a lounge/video area outside. So I ended up sleeping on one of the couches.BTW, there were a few people that also slept over and some of the locals and them made a bonfire at the DZ and I bought my FIRST BEER! (We drank Heineken and Budweiser (I thought I was a beer snob but boy did that Bud taste good yum yum hehe.))So I got to listen to people tell stories about their first cutways, why/when they first jumped, philosophize a little about skydiving, and just goof off in general. I thought it was amusing how one dude fell off a stump and got hurt (momentarily) when he'd been falling from thousands of feet without any problems hehe. I think the DZ drunken bonfire can probably claim a fair amount of injuries compared to the landing zone lol.Anyways, so I woke up the next morning and just waited again all day but right after I ate dinner around 4, I got in on a jump (although I might have had to ride down.) and we rode up and someone farted (First smell of fart in plane! lol) I hope it wasnt me but I dont think it was unless the pressure change can somehow suck farts out of you hehe.This time was less scary than the first because I was ready but I exited a tad de-arched but we still slid down the "hill" of air the right way cuz I arched quick and then did 2 PRCP's and then a right turn and a left and forward movement. The turns were not too great because I was too hasty and I was surprized at how much pressure it took to move my arms like that and turn in free fall. I have to remember to be more aggressive next time and make sure my arms stay in a plane. But the forward movement was great and I can remember looking down moving forward and seeing the difference in movement because of the patchy clouds below!I was done with all this by about 8 or 9k, like I said I was too hurried to try to do the turns and forward movement (which led to me messing the turns up a little instead of taking some time to focus on them more) and then I just decided to try to relax and feel the wind and enjoy the free fall, although we started turning somehow (i think a leg moved) but I reacted and straightened it out or I think I did unless the JM's did something.But here's the nugget of wisdom for all first jump ppl out there. Despite not relaxing enough and having my brain work about 100 times faster than my body could keep up, the second jump was so much better than the first as far as consciousness and awareness. I was able to enjoy the view better and now I feel confident that this is a sport that I will REALLY!!!!!!!!! enjoy and can do. At this point I don't even care about messing up any AFF jumps nor the bill--they have me by the wallet like a big dog and I love them for it. hehehe I just want to jump! So if you haven't made that second jump, go do it. You will notice that things get a lot more clear. I am still so happy about that jump it was worth waiting the whole weekend for just that and I will be back next weekend for more!Oh yeah, I also got to fly through a cloud under canopy between 3 and 4k (the clouds were moving so fast I didn't have a choice) and I was surprized at the turbulence and temperature drop in there but it was really cool. =) Also flared a hair late and landed a little crosswind so I ended up "running" the landing out--it was fun though--I didn't know my legs could move that fast! I didn't look at the ground like you guys said I just looked ahead like landing a plane and it helped so I will nail it next time.Sinkster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #2 March 18, 2002 You have learned a couple of important lessons. The first being that staying at the DZ is the way to go! Second...There is a wealth of skydiving info learned around a bonfire. One of the best learning tools a DZ has...."I only have a C license, so I don't know shit..right?"-Clay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dropdude 0 #3 March 19, 2002 Gratz on making your second jump dude! it only gets better!Dropdude Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lazerq3 0 #4 March 19, 2002 QuoteOh yeah, I also got to fly through a cloud under canopy between 3 and 4k FAA & USPA...Please excuse this statement as a misunderstanding due to a new jumper in this sport........He ment to say that he flew through some Industrail haze that day due to a new factory opening up!!! Way to go man.!!!! jason Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sebazz1 2 #5 March 19, 2002 I tell students frequently how frustrating being an AFF student can be. It can and most likely will try your patience. But your patience will be rewarded. Congrats on your second jump and yes congrats too on sticking it outI have told students that if they come to the DZ and they are there all of the time and they still do not get to jump within 30 days I will do thier refresher for free. "I know I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing" -- socrates Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airann 1 #6 March 19, 2002 Nothing better than an occasional cloud. I like them. Congradulations!!!Ann ~ www.AirAnn.comOwner of recent pictures of Levin in RW suit.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
