what42 0 #1 April 30, 2001 I finally did my first skydive!!!I've tried describing the experience to my friends/family and there aren't words to explain the feeling. I did an AFF1 jump at Skydive Monroe. There were no clouds in the sky and the winds were around 3-5mph. I spent a good 5 hours at the dropzone before I could jump because they were low on staff Friday and a large group of Tandams got there before me. I didn't mind too much because the people were cool and I learned some stuff. I didn't get nervous really until I got into the plane. This was my first time in a plane smaller than a commercial airliner. At least we took the King Air up instead of the C182. It felt odd but strangely comforting being crammed into the plane with everyone else. There were 9 or 10 skydivers on the plane. There was me, my two JMs, my camera guy and there was a group of five that were going to do some RW. There might've been 1 or 2 other Skydivers on board but I didn't really notice. Then, one of my JM's said it was jump run. All of a sudden the 5-way was out the door and my Reserve JM went out. I went out after, then did my "hotel check" and up-down and we released. Amazing....It's almost impossible for me to describe what came next though I'm sure you all understand. It was true flight...an awesome feeling of weightlessness. Then I noticed one of my JMs giving me the coa signal, so I did my COA then my 3 practice pulls and another COA. I kept getting the "legs straight" signal so I guess I need to work on that. Then the camera man slid over and flew in front of me. So, of course I geeked the camera a little checking my altimeter occasionally. At 5k I waved off and pulled...then I saw one of the most beautiful sights in the world. A nice big canopy unfurlling above me. It opened right, so I played around a bit until my JM started giving me directions on coming in for a landing (over the radio of course). So, I did my landing pattern and came in. I flared at the right time but was unsure so I tried to do a PLF. After talking to the JM later he said I could've stood it up if I tried. My girlfriend then ran up, I gave her a hug and a kiss and then talked to the Camera some more. I couldn't keep a grin off of my face for at least an hour afterwards.It was an amazing experience and I can't wait until my AFF2 jump. I'm very glad I got the video as I've watched it at least a dozen times. Unfortunately I made a promise to my self not to do another jump until after finals are finished with. I guess I've written enough for this post...anyone else done thier first jump lately?Wesley--I want to fly! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Head 0 #2 April 30, 2001 Wesley,Hey man, congratulations! Welcome to the sport! Don't worry, finals aren't too far off and there are plenty of warm, sunny days to come!Head Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Iflyme 0 #3 April 30, 2001 Yeehaw!!! Sounds like you had fun! The KingAir sounds like a nice quick ride to altitude... My ride up is always a C-182, which take us about 25 minutes. Anyway, welcome to the wonderful world of skydiving! When do you go up again? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
what42 0 #4 April 30, 2001 QuoteAnyway, welcome to the wonderful world of skydiving! When do you go up again?My finals will be over in a little over a week so not too terribly long. The KingAir was a quick ride to altitude. Not sure how long though because my mind was a little preoccupied.Wesley--I want to fly! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #5 April 30, 2001 Wooo hoooo! Congrats and welcome to the sky! Oh, and it takes about a week for that perma grin to go away pull and flare,lisa Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cloud9 0 #6 April 30, 2001 Welcome to the sport, now get back up there as soon as you can. Cause it just gets better from here. Congrats! Some fun eh! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rhuurrr 0 #7 April 30, 2001 Rock on Wes-I too passed my AFF 1 today!!!! (it was a redo, after failing to pull my own rip last week). No kidding man, what a wonderful sight, looking up and seeing that beautiful 240 square foot canopy hanging above, and the DZ ohhh so far below! there were two tandems that went out after me so I had a little company up in he sky. They came by for a shout and then got plenty of distance from the 'newbie'. Man, I was so psyched, just had to hang out for a while thinkin' "man, that was the shit!" My girlfriend landed shortly after me(she was on the next load, which had left before I landed) and came down with the same SEG on her face....man, we're hooked!I went to manifest to see about going back up for level 2, but they said they were booking up, and it could be several hours, and i might not even get on then, so we decided to use the rest of the day to revel in our achievements(she passed level 2 today).... Ahhh, next weekend feels oh so far away!(and I've got finals and a coupla essays too!)the sweetest words I have read, "....on to level 2"Wooooooooooohoooooooooo!Jack-------------------------------http://home.pacbell.net/rhuurrr Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
what42 0 #8 April 30, 2001 QuoteI went to manifest to see about going back up for level 2, There's no way I could've done another jump the same day. I was too out of it after the first one. Hopefully that will go away with experience but damn that was an awesome ride. Congrats on your passing too and good luck with finals.Wesley--I want to fly! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PalmettoTiger 1 #9 April 30, 2001 Welcome to the skies!! Lisa's right about the PermaGrin. I think it's caused by the hook that freefall set into your mouth. Pretty soon you'll get reeled back in. And don't be offended if they start a betting pool on how long it takes you to mention skydiving in any conversation. They're whuffos, and they can't understand skydiving any better than a desert rat can understand a swim. Congrats!! Blues, squares,PTiger Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dutchboy 0 #10 April 30, 2001 Congratulations! Looks like we have yet another Georgia skydiver here at dropzone.com. Hope to see ya around some day.The Dutchboy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zennie 0 #11 April 30, 2001 Ah, skydiving claims yet another addict. Congrats dude! Welcome to the skies!------------Blue Skies!Zennie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tee 0 #12 April 30, 2001 Welcome to the skies Wes!!! You will never look at a sky the same again....EVER...you will have a perspective on it that only skydivers & pilots can have. Tee Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cyberskydive 0 #13 May 2, 2001 Cant beleive I missed this thread! Dude! Next time you're out at Monroe ask everyone who wrote the new website-then come over to me and say hello!-LOLD.Chisolm C-28534webmaster@sunraydesigns.comhttp://www.sunraydesigns.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mountainman 0 #14 May 2, 2001 Hey RHUURRR.....my wife and I did a tandem last Oct and are going to start training this year. We cannot wait!!! I cannot wait to have that feeling of jumping and accomplishment. Don't you agree? It's even better to experience it with someone you love.Blue skys and stay safe..you and your g/f.NEW AND IMPROVED!!!http://home.woh.rr.com/brandonandlaura/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
what42 0 #15 May 2, 2001 QuoteNext time you're out at Monroe ask everyone who wrote the new website-then come over to me and say helloI think you were there. I heard someone say something congratulating someone about the new website but my girlfriend was quickly walking out the door encouraging me to hurry. lol I'll say Hi next time. I'll probably be back at Monroe next Wednesday or Friday once my finals are over with.Wesley--I want to fly! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
