Viking 0 #1 July 2, 2001 How long does it take before i am not nervous about standing next to an open door at 12,5?? I know this is somthing that will bother me for a while but how long before that sight doesn't make me turn white? Remember when Sex was safe and skydiving was Dangerous? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
msdeva 0 #2 July 2, 2001 It took me about 30 jumps til I could stand in the door and not constantly think to myself 'you're %(*&@% crazy for jumping out of planes'. But of course, the minute I let go - I remembered that I wasn't crazy, this was the reason I got on that plane in the first place - so I could fly.I got over it by constantly reminding myself how great it felt to be out of the airplane, and how cool it was going to be to be able to fly with other people, AND doing deep-breathing exercises on the plane - especially at the 2 minute call.I still get a bit anxious while waiting for my turn out the door, but once I'm in the door - I'm fine. I have 66 jumps now, so hopefully I'll get over that in time as well. I still do deep breathing after the 2 minute call - it really helps me to relax more during my skydive - and the key to a good skydive is being relaxed. It's amazing what a difference deep breathing makes during the skydive as well - I finally nailed a sit when I told myself to relax, close my eyes, and take a few deep breaths.Hope this helps.Deva Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pyke 0 #3 July 3, 2001 I used to get the butterflies when I was a student and I think it took the second or third full freefall jump to kick that habit.I don't know what it is, but something about the idea of being in the sky has always allured me, but when I could finally get there...wasn't nothing keeping me from it.So, as far as suggestions to you for kicking the habit...just relax..breathe deep breaths and concentrate on the 5 elements (for my own personal growth, I have "formulated" a 5 element plan to keep your mind off the fact that you might be "crazy for jumping out of a plane")....by the time you complete the second...you won't care about the look of the door at 12, 500.So, focus on 1)plane, 2)exit, 3)freefall, 4)canopy, and 5)landing...and you shall go far. (Each of these elements involves different thought patterns and from the time I get in the plane, I am mentally going through all of them, so when they arrive, I don't have to do much thinking other than dealing with emergencies, or varying it up to make it more fun!) - the more you occupy your mind with other thoughts, the less nervous you might get.And shoot the shit in the plane...it helps EVERYONE relax!!Just a few thoughts...Kahurangi e Mahearangi,PykeNZPF A - 2584 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lazerq3 0 #4 July 3, 2001 Took me till jump 12 to kick those damn door demons in the ass!!!! Best punt I ever madejason Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymedic 0 #5 July 3, 2001 about 15 jumps for me...then I really started enjoying this sport...Marc Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GeekStreak 0 #6 July 3, 2001 Viking,My feeling is that you'll find out when you get there. I've only made 2 SL jumps, but... I rode up in the door seat both times. The first time it scared the doodle outa me when that door came open. The ground was, at once, sooo far away and yet sooo close. Climbing out on the strut was pretty scarry the first time! The second time I was fine and climbed out without hesitation. 1111,GeekStreak Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xybe 0 #7 July 3, 2001 Mmh much fear I sense in you young Skyjumper.Fear leads to buffeting, buffeting leads to instability, instability leads to hard openings, hard openings lead to crotch pain and sorrow!Anyway, I have lost currency just after my last student jump though (motly) due to no fault of my own. Now I get the butterflies just watching my AFF videos!I'll be jumping again in September, so I'll tell you how may more jumps before I my knees don't feel like jello at the door.Xybe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lazerq3 0 #8 July 3, 2001 Quotejello at the doorMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites DiverDave 0 #9 July 3, 2001 On my first jump, I was in the very back of the Otter opposite the door (while my two friends, also on AFF1, were all the way in the front against the cockpit bulkhead). Since it was quite hot, I sat there staring out the open door from about 1k to 8k... the left-hand banking turns were particularly exciting!For me, the real nerves started at like 10 or 11k, when things really went from 'airplane ride' to 'i'm actually leaving this airplane.' Once I was in the door ready to exit, though, the nerves vanished... it was all about the air at that point.Throughout AFF and the solos that followed, the 'nervous' altitude got higher and higher, until it was gone altogether... from then on, all good!Soon you'll amuse yourself by trying to guess your altitude AGL while sitting in the open doorway... or even dangling a foot or two in the breeze.Cheers... Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites n2skdvn 0 #10 July 3, 2001 Its diffrent for every one i dont think i really ever was nervous at the door (maby in the plane...i hate being in the plane)i have around 360+ jumps and going to the door and getting out is kinda automatic i just think about what im going to do in the air opening an d landing (always check your spot before you jump!!!!!)my words for you would be to relax in the door . take deep breaths . think about the dive and go!have fun and dive safely!have chute. will fall. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Shark 0 #11 July 3, 2001 Viking,I don't think it ever goes away completely. After a few solos you'll still get butterflies, and after dozens of jumps you may still have them. They tend to go away on climb out and exit count. Maybe because you are concentrating on the moment, or not fucking up. For me it's the latter. I had the "first" jump butterflies on my "first" night jump a few months back. Kind of fun, actually.Shark Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Viking 0 #12 July 3, 2001 i am not afriad of the jump i love that part its the fear of slipping and going out by an act other than my own. Remember when Sex was safe and skydiving was Dangerous? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites lazerq3 0 #13 July 3, 2001 Quotei am not afriad of the jump i love that part its the fear of slipping and going out by an act other than my ownLook at it this way... your going out that door regardless, now whether you go out gracefully or you totally blow the exit, as long as you got a chute on and you know how to get stable you'll be alright. When I first did a one handed hold on the strut and another hand on the other jumpers leg I thought holy shit I'm going to get blown right off of here. We completed the jump succesfully and I told the other jumper I was kinda freaked out cause off my grip he said no big deal you were going to jump anyway,, if you blew the exit we'd do it again!!! Just remember its the fear that makes it fun!!!!!!Good luck jason Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Albatross 0 #14 July 3, 2001 Viking I am going with Shark on this one all the way. They never quite go away. It is your mind telling you that the open door is dangerous and it doesn't quite get the idea of a canopy on your back. If you feel them acknowledge them and let them come and the look at them and know that they are not in control. "Fear is the mind killer. I will let it wash over me, and around me. When it receeds only I will remain." A great quote from Dune that a friend with similar issues reminded me of. Fear is a good thing as long as you don't let it rule you. You will come out of the plane make it a choice not a concequence.Ready, Set, GOOOOOOOAlbatross Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites mouth 0 #15 July 3, 2001 I think the nervousness is part of the thrill. I still get nervous if I sit right by the door...thank God for otters where I can always sneak in before the last person or two. As for falling out....isn't that the point??? Relax and remember that we all fear something. How you deal with it is what sets us apart from the rest of the unfortunate world. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Billy 0 #16 July 3, 2001 I'm with Shark and Albatross here,,If ya don't get a thrill ya might as well stay home and watch golf!! That FF,, sorry thats fear factor,, is your body gettin primed,, it's a heightened awarenes for survival,, for life,, that deep breathin is important, don't hyperventilate,, but think about,, in our C-207 were sittin kinda cramped,, packed in like sardines usually,, ya just don't breathe as deep as ya do standin up straight,, and at 12-14K your hurtin for 02 unless ya live above 7K,, your gonna feel it whether your aware of it or not,, so a few good deep breaths every few minutes above 9-10K is something your body needs just ta stay sharp,, unless ya have crappy lungs thats all ya need,,I love the view from the sky,, I love ta sit by the door,, So breathe, relax and focus on how much fun your gonna have and what ya gotta do ta jump again,, it ain't that difficult,, Golf puts me ta sleep,, but jumpin just fires me up!! Enjoy the whole experiance,, the people,, the gear,, the prep,, the climb ta altitude,, the visualization,, the climb out,, the release,, And thats just the start a the fun part!!Blues Bro!!B Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Darkzone 0 #17 July 3, 2001 Hey!! Who says you shouldn't be nervous?Anyone who says they don't have even a little anxiety about leaping from an aircraft in flight is asking for trouble. Fear produces adrenaline and it's adrenaline that helps provide the fight or flight reactions in times of stress.Should the unthinkable happen while you are on your descent then it's that adrenaline pumping round your system that will help provide you with the quick reactions that you will need to save your life.If you are not nervous, then MAKE yourself nervous Whooooohooooo!!! Hahahaha!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites PhillyKev 0 #18 July 3, 2001 "i am not afriad of the jump i love that part its the fear of slipping and going out by an act other than my own."I had that too. Of course I still get excited going to the door, but that fear of slipping out before I'm ready is gone. Level 6 cured that for me. Back flips....a couple of them followed by barrel rolls and other out of control, unintentional maneuvers. But you know what? I was able to get stable right away every time.I think it's the whole "good exit and presentation" that's drilled into your head. I thought if you didn't do that you'd be screwed. But you can tumble outta that plane sideways and head down and it only takes a second to get stable again. No harm no foul.cielos azules y cerveza fría-Kevin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Michele 1 #19 July 3, 2001 Viking, on my first rehearsal exit (on the ground) on AFF, I did exactly what you're talking about - I slipped as I was getting into my crouch, and my right foot came all the away out of the "door" and onto the concrete. Which bothered me. So I asked my JM what happens if I do that again? His response? "Push off, get all the way out, arch hard, and we'll catch up". In other words, if it happens, turn it into something you are in charge of. As for tricks or techniques, I am still finding out what works for me. You will find out what works for you, but the only way to find that out is to get to-and then out-of the door. I've managed to do it even when my head was screaming otherwise, and each time I get into the sky, I remember how much I love being there, and how incredible it really is. Just my thoughts.ciel bleu - Michele Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Viking 0 #20 July 3, 2001 i guess its just b/c everybody at the DZ knows me b/c i hung around and did odd jobs for like two months and in the process became friends with damn near everybody well Edge the rigger still won't let me talk to him unless i bring him a cheese burger or somthing but anyway i guess i just don't want to look bad infront of them.we will see how i do on lvl 2 this sunday.Remember when Sex was safe and skydiving was Dangerous? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites SkymonkeyONE 4 #21 July 3, 2001 Anxiety of that sort never really goes away completely. I have been skydiving over 20 years now and I still get a bit anxious. This happens occasionally when I am jumping new gear or haven't been able to make a skydive in a few weeks. On those days I will check over my equipment over and over until I climb out. Once out the door I am always relaxed. I don't normally sit next to the door in the Otter, but when I do I don't normally look out until it's time to spot. The exception to that is when I am jumping at an unfamiliar DZ and really don't want to get hosed on the spot. Don't sweat it, but at the same time be very sure your gear is on right. Still, if you are bothered by the door, just don't sit there. The deep breathing thing talked about in another response really helps too. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites freaksister 0 #22 July 4, 2001 I had door anxiety on my first tandem but that was it. What scares me now is landing. One jump away from 50 and I am as nervous as ever, and all because of landings! They are getting worse and now I have some sort of mental block because of them or something...Sis It isn't brave if you aren't scared... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Jessica 0 #23 July 4, 2001 QuoteThey are getting worse and now I have some sort of mental block because of them or something...I have the exact same problem. I've never stood one up, NEVER, and I think it's cause I "know" I won't be able to. My DZO has talked about putting me on a radio too, and I kind of wish they would, cause I need some help. I've never hurt myself, but I embarass myself every time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Aviatrr 0 #24 July 4, 2001 Quote I have the exact same problem. I've never stood one up, NEVER, and I think it's cause I "know" I won't be able to. My DZO has talked about putting me on a radio too, and I kind of wish they would, cause I need some help. I've never hurt myself, but I embarass myself every time. A good friend of mine had the same problem.. She weighed around 125, and they put her on a 230 for AFF.. She couldn't stand up a single landing.. She had almost 50 jumps, and hadn't stood one up....hadn't even come close, really.. One day, I took that enormous 230 away from her, and gave her my 190.. She stood it up 4 times in a row.. She downsized her way to a 135 in the next 20 jumps, and stood up every landing.. The canopy they had her on - and said she couldn't downsize until she could stand up that one - was so ridiculously underloaded that it was not responsive..What size canopy are you jumping, and at what wing loading?Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites PLFKING 4 #25 July 5, 2001 QuoteA good friend of mine had the same problem.. She weighed around 125, and they put her on a 230 for AFF.. She couldn't stand up a single landing.. She had almost 50 jumps, and hadn't stood one up....hadn't even come close, really.. One day, I took that enormous 230 away from her, and gave her my 190.. She stood it up 4 times in a row.. She downsized her way to a 135 in the next 20 jumps, and stood up every landing.. The canopy they had her on - and said she couldn't downsize until she could stand up that one - was so ridiculously underloaded that it was not responsive..Hey Mike --I'm in the same boat as April and Jess......40 jumps now, and only 8 stand-ups. My progression in every other aspect of jumping (i.e. exits, manuevers, on-heading deployments, canopy control, landing patterns, hitting the target, etc...) has been great -- even surpassing my own expectations -- but that last 20-30 feet of elevation is mentally kicking my ass. If I flare when I think I need to, I'm dropping like a brick the last 8-10 feet ; if I make myself wait another second, I'm doing the "butt-bounce"....ouch ! When I try to slow down my flare, that opens another can of worms, and none of them are pretty....I was also told by several people that a smaller canopy with more responsiveness would help, but it seems like it's getting worse.......I'm carrying a lot more speed at landing, and it seems to me that the timing of my flare is even MORE crucial now, and I'm failing miserably at it. I did my training on a Manta 288, and my rig is a PD-230 ( I weigh 235 with my gear). The thought of down-sizing and being even faster at landing is scary enough to keep me up at night. I wish there was some magical way for my jumps to just end when I'm 20 feet up.....like flying into a safety net or something.It's gotten to the point that I've been seriously considering tying a 10-foot length of rope to my ankle, and flaring when it starts dragging the ground, but I feel that would add another set of potential problems to an already dangerous sport.....the act of plf-ing doesn't bother me at all, and (unfortunately) I've become very proficient at it, but every plf has the potential for injury -- no matter how good I am at it, eventually the law of averages is going to bite my ass. And, to me, watching someone come in, flare, and gracefully stand it up is the most awe-inspiring and beautiful sight in the sport (maybe because I CAN'T do it !).This problem isn't going to make me stop jumping, but it does worry the hell out of me. I know I've joked about the idea for a long time, but I'm seriously thinking about seeking out the fat kids, and strapping on the rollerblades........The PLF (I'd like to retire this moniker) King Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
DiverDave 0 #9 July 3, 2001 On my first jump, I was in the very back of the Otter opposite the door (while my two friends, also on AFF1, were all the way in the front against the cockpit bulkhead). Since it was quite hot, I sat there staring out the open door from about 1k to 8k... the left-hand banking turns were particularly exciting!For me, the real nerves started at like 10 or 11k, when things really went from 'airplane ride' to 'i'm actually leaving this airplane.' Once I was in the door ready to exit, though, the nerves vanished... it was all about the air at that point.Throughout AFF and the solos that followed, the 'nervous' altitude got higher and higher, until it was gone altogether... from then on, all good!Soon you'll amuse yourself by trying to guess your altitude AGL while sitting in the open doorway... or even dangling a foot or two in the breeze.Cheers... Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
n2skdvn 0 #10 July 3, 2001 Its diffrent for every one i dont think i really ever was nervous at the door (maby in the plane...i hate being in the plane)i have around 360+ jumps and going to the door and getting out is kinda automatic i just think about what im going to do in the air opening an d landing (always check your spot before you jump!!!!!)my words for you would be to relax in the door . take deep breaths . think about the dive and go!have fun and dive safely!have chute. will fall. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shark 0 #11 July 3, 2001 Viking,I don't think it ever goes away completely. After a few solos you'll still get butterflies, and after dozens of jumps you may still have them. They tend to go away on climb out and exit count. Maybe because you are concentrating on the moment, or not fucking up. For me it's the latter. I had the "first" jump butterflies on my "first" night jump a few months back. Kind of fun, actually.Shark Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viking 0 #12 July 3, 2001 i am not afriad of the jump i love that part its the fear of slipping and going out by an act other than my own. Remember when Sex was safe and skydiving was Dangerous? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lazerq3 0 #13 July 3, 2001 Quotei am not afriad of the jump i love that part its the fear of slipping and going out by an act other than my ownLook at it this way... your going out that door regardless, now whether you go out gracefully or you totally blow the exit, as long as you got a chute on and you know how to get stable you'll be alright. When I first did a one handed hold on the strut and another hand on the other jumpers leg I thought holy shit I'm going to get blown right off of here. We completed the jump succesfully and I told the other jumper I was kinda freaked out cause off my grip he said no big deal you were going to jump anyway,, if you blew the exit we'd do it again!!! Just remember its the fear that makes it fun!!!!!!Good luck jason Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Albatross 0 #14 July 3, 2001 Viking I am going with Shark on this one all the way. They never quite go away. It is your mind telling you that the open door is dangerous and it doesn't quite get the idea of a canopy on your back. If you feel them acknowledge them and let them come and the look at them and know that they are not in control. "Fear is the mind killer. I will let it wash over me, and around me. When it receeds only I will remain." A great quote from Dune that a friend with similar issues reminded me of. Fear is a good thing as long as you don't let it rule you. You will come out of the plane make it a choice not a concequence.Ready, Set, GOOOOOOOAlbatross Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mouth 0 #15 July 3, 2001 I think the nervousness is part of the thrill. I still get nervous if I sit right by the door...thank God for otters where I can always sneak in before the last person or two. As for falling out....isn't that the point??? Relax and remember that we all fear something. How you deal with it is what sets us apart from the rest of the unfortunate world. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Billy 0 #16 July 3, 2001 I'm with Shark and Albatross here,,If ya don't get a thrill ya might as well stay home and watch golf!! That FF,, sorry thats fear factor,, is your body gettin primed,, it's a heightened awarenes for survival,, for life,, that deep breathin is important, don't hyperventilate,, but think about,, in our C-207 were sittin kinda cramped,, packed in like sardines usually,, ya just don't breathe as deep as ya do standin up straight,, and at 12-14K your hurtin for 02 unless ya live above 7K,, your gonna feel it whether your aware of it or not,, so a few good deep breaths every few minutes above 9-10K is something your body needs just ta stay sharp,, unless ya have crappy lungs thats all ya need,,I love the view from the sky,, I love ta sit by the door,, So breathe, relax and focus on how much fun your gonna have and what ya gotta do ta jump again,, it ain't that difficult,, Golf puts me ta sleep,, but jumpin just fires me up!! Enjoy the whole experiance,, the people,, the gear,, the prep,, the climb ta altitude,, the visualization,, the climb out,, the release,, And thats just the start a the fun part!!Blues Bro!!B Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darkzone 0 #17 July 3, 2001 Hey!! Who says you shouldn't be nervous?Anyone who says they don't have even a little anxiety about leaping from an aircraft in flight is asking for trouble. Fear produces adrenaline and it's adrenaline that helps provide the fight or flight reactions in times of stress.Should the unthinkable happen while you are on your descent then it's that adrenaline pumping round your system that will help provide you with the quick reactions that you will need to save your life.If you are not nervous, then MAKE yourself nervous Whooooohooooo!!! Hahahaha!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyKev 0 #18 July 3, 2001 "i am not afriad of the jump i love that part its the fear of slipping and going out by an act other than my own."I had that too. Of course I still get excited going to the door, but that fear of slipping out before I'm ready is gone. Level 6 cured that for me. Back flips....a couple of them followed by barrel rolls and other out of control, unintentional maneuvers. But you know what? I was able to get stable right away every time.I think it's the whole "good exit and presentation" that's drilled into your head. I thought if you didn't do that you'd be screwed. But you can tumble outta that plane sideways and head down and it only takes a second to get stable again. No harm no foul.cielos azules y cerveza fría-Kevin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #19 July 3, 2001 Viking, on my first rehearsal exit (on the ground) on AFF, I did exactly what you're talking about - I slipped as I was getting into my crouch, and my right foot came all the away out of the "door" and onto the concrete. Which bothered me. So I asked my JM what happens if I do that again? His response? "Push off, get all the way out, arch hard, and we'll catch up". In other words, if it happens, turn it into something you are in charge of. As for tricks or techniques, I am still finding out what works for me. You will find out what works for you, but the only way to find that out is to get to-and then out-of the door. I've managed to do it even when my head was screaming otherwise, and each time I get into the sky, I remember how much I love being there, and how incredible it really is. Just my thoughts.ciel bleu - Michele Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viking 0 #20 July 3, 2001 i guess its just b/c everybody at the DZ knows me b/c i hung around and did odd jobs for like two months and in the process became friends with damn near everybody well Edge the rigger still won't let me talk to him unless i bring him a cheese burger or somthing but anyway i guess i just don't want to look bad infront of them.we will see how i do on lvl 2 this sunday.Remember when Sex was safe and skydiving was Dangerous? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkymonkeyONE 4 #21 July 3, 2001 Anxiety of that sort never really goes away completely. I have been skydiving over 20 years now and I still get a bit anxious. This happens occasionally when I am jumping new gear or haven't been able to make a skydive in a few weeks. On those days I will check over my equipment over and over until I climb out. Once out the door I am always relaxed. I don't normally sit next to the door in the Otter, but when I do I don't normally look out until it's time to spot. The exception to that is when I am jumping at an unfamiliar DZ and really don't want to get hosed on the spot. Don't sweat it, but at the same time be very sure your gear is on right. Still, if you are bothered by the door, just don't sit there. The deep breathing thing talked about in another response really helps too. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freaksister 0 #22 July 4, 2001 I had door anxiety on my first tandem but that was it. What scares me now is landing. One jump away from 50 and I am as nervous as ever, and all because of landings! They are getting worse and now I have some sort of mental block because of them or something...Sis It isn't brave if you aren't scared... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jessica 0 #23 July 4, 2001 QuoteThey are getting worse and now I have some sort of mental block because of them or something...I have the exact same problem. I've never stood one up, NEVER, and I think it's cause I "know" I won't be able to. My DZO has talked about putting me on a radio too, and I kind of wish they would, cause I need some help. I've never hurt myself, but I embarass myself every time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aviatrr 0 #24 July 4, 2001 Quote I have the exact same problem. I've never stood one up, NEVER, and I think it's cause I "know" I won't be able to. My DZO has talked about putting me on a radio too, and I kind of wish they would, cause I need some help. I've never hurt myself, but I embarass myself every time. A good friend of mine had the same problem.. She weighed around 125, and they put her on a 230 for AFF.. She couldn't stand up a single landing.. She had almost 50 jumps, and hadn't stood one up....hadn't even come close, really.. One day, I took that enormous 230 away from her, and gave her my 190.. She stood it up 4 times in a row.. She downsized her way to a 135 in the next 20 jumps, and stood up every landing.. The canopy they had her on - and said she couldn't downsize until she could stand up that one - was so ridiculously underloaded that it was not responsive..What size canopy are you jumping, and at what wing loading?Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PLFKING 4 #25 July 5, 2001 QuoteA good friend of mine had the same problem.. She weighed around 125, and they put her on a 230 for AFF.. She couldn't stand up a single landing.. She had almost 50 jumps, and hadn't stood one up....hadn't even come close, really.. One day, I took that enormous 230 away from her, and gave her my 190.. She stood it up 4 times in a row.. She downsized her way to a 135 in the next 20 jumps, and stood up every landing.. The canopy they had her on - and said she couldn't downsize until she could stand up that one - was so ridiculously underloaded that it was not responsive..Hey Mike --I'm in the same boat as April and Jess......40 jumps now, and only 8 stand-ups. My progression in every other aspect of jumping (i.e. exits, manuevers, on-heading deployments, canopy control, landing patterns, hitting the target, etc...) has been great -- even surpassing my own expectations -- but that last 20-30 feet of elevation is mentally kicking my ass. If I flare when I think I need to, I'm dropping like a brick the last 8-10 feet ; if I make myself wait another second, I'm doing the "butt-bounce"....ouch ! When I try to slow down my flare, that opens another can of worms, and none of them are pretty....I was also told by several people that a smaller canopy with more responsiveness would help, but it seems like it's getting worse.......I'm carrying a lot more speed at landing, and it seems to me that the timing of my flare is even MORE crucial now, and I'm failing miserably at it. I did my training on a Manta 288, and my rig is a PD-230 ( I weigh 235 with my gear). The thought of down-sizing and being even faster at landing is scary enough to keep me up at night. I wish there was some magical way for my jumps to just end when I'm 20 feet up.....like flying into a safety net or something.It's gotten to the point that I've been seriously considering tying a 10-foot length of rope to my ankle, and flaring when it starts dragging the ground, but I feel that would add another set of potential problems to an already dangerous sport.....the act of plf-ing doesn't bother me at all, and (unfortunately) I've become very proficient at it, but every plf has the potential for injury -- no matter how good I am at it, eventually the law of averages is going to bite my ass. And, to me, watching someone come in, flare, and gracefully stand it up is the most awe-inspiring and beautiful sight in the sport (maybe because I CAN'T do it !).This problem isn't going to make me stop jumping, but it does worry the hell out of me. I know I've joked about the idea for a long time, but I'm seriously thinking about seeking out the fat kids, and strapping on the rollerblades........The PLF (I'd like to retire this moniker) King Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
