fundgh 0 #51 April 30, 2009 I agree with many in this thread, and have my own $.02 to add. The sky will always be there, and if you have the desire, you will always be able to get up into it. Life priorities are also very important. I stopped jumping 2+ years ago with just shy of 200 jumps. But really the way I think of it is that I never stopped, I just haven't jumped since then. I still have all of my gear, and it was never a conscious decision. I just blinked and 2 (or is it 3?) years have gone by. For me, it was the recurring cost and effort of re-packs and Cypress checks. Without a home DZ or a regular rigger, it was always an added effort to get those things done. I had gotten to a point where I was going to the DZ (no particular one) by myself and jumping with whoever looked lonely or invited me on a jump. In other words, I didn't have the family, and I didn't have any jumping friends. Everytime I watch a free fly video clip, or any exit (skydiving or base); I really get the itch, and know that I will someday be back. My problem is: do I sell my rig, or keep it? I keep it so that I can assure myself an easy re-entry into the sport. I feel if I sell my rig, I will be throwing in the towel. But I also know that I would be happy making 3-4 jumps per day 2-3 times every couple of months. I don't need to jump every weekend or 10+ jumps per month. I bought a camera helmet and started exploring the idea (5 or 6 solo jumps and 3-4 2-ways) when I reallized that I didn't stay current enough, especially considering my total jump numbers, to safely continue jumping with a camera. So I sold it. As far as comparing risks of other activities with skydiving and conducting risk analysis with regards to your family; you have to do what makes you happy. I would never want my dad to have given up who he was for me. Yeah, I am glad that he was there my whole life (so far), but I would be saddened if he had given up skiing or backpacking to avoid "unnecessary risk". I ride motorcycles (dirt bikes and sport bikes), I shoot guns, I surf, and I travel internationally for work. My biggest consideration as I start a family is: what makes my truely happy, what takes me away from my family the least (and still keeps me satisfied), and what has the least impact (financially) on our well being. It is a tough decision, as I feel I need to get rid of one of my high dollar/high risk activities. I am leaning toward getting rid of the sport bike and getting back into skydiving. I just need a family! You are doing yourself some good just by recognizing the fact that introspection is necessary, but as others have said; don't over think it. You can get killed any day of the week doing a normal routine activity. Evaluate your attitude, and continue to learn. Stay as safe as possible without sacrificing what makes you you....FUN FOR ALL! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy_Copland 0 #52 April 30, 2009 Quote It's not actually that dangerous and only the egomaniacs will tell you it is. Spoken like a true..................................................TOURIST! I consider it to be like anything in life, if you take it slow and manage the risks in a calculated manner, chances are you're gonna be OK. Now if you're swooping with 50 jumps you can see how skydiving could be really dangerous. Go polish off your wonderhog and clean that bloody thai dye off your shirt. 1338 People aint made of nothin' but water and shit. Until morale improves, the beatings will continue. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
