Evelyn 0 #1 November 7, 2004 Being a newbie I'm still a little nervous about deploying on a 12 way. I make sure I get a good track, then look around and above before I deploy. I'd just deployed and saw a spinning canopy coming towards me. I recognized the person and knew he was a very experienced skydiver, so wasn't worried he'd run into me, just thought he was playing with his canopy, but I instinctively grabbed my rear risers and turned away. As it was, he went past me with enough room to avoid a collision even if I hadn't turned away. When we got down I found out he'd had a malfunction and had no control over his canopy. I was happy that I had reacted correctly by grabbing my rear risers and turning away, but I am also thinking that was pretty dumb to assume that because he's a very experienced skydiver he won't run into me. So I learned a very important lesson. Do what YOU need to do in a situation. Don't just assume that because someone is very experienced that THEY will deal with it. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing ~ Helen Keller Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sundevil777 102 #2 November 7, 2004 Definitely right, we should always check for other canopies even as your own canopy is opening. I know a lot of people say to grab risers first, but I have always grabbed toggles first, I do it without needing to look for them, and I think I have greater control over the canopy just as fast as if I tried to grab risers (less force required).People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jerry81 10 #3 November 7, 2004 QuoteDo what YOU need to do in a situation. Don't just assume that because someone is very experienced that THEY will deal with it. With that, I agree 100%. But I disagree with your title- I think it's important to ALWAYS assume that others don't see you and won't do a thing to avoid you or make your canopy ride easier. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
falxori 0 #4 November 7, 2004 true. but a note from experience... do what you have to do but be careful not to surprise others. its very possible that while someone is flying next to you (for whatever reason), keeping flying straight with no sudden moves is the safest thing. but as always, common sense and good practice (and a plan) are the key... O "Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FlyinseivLP2 0 #5 November 7, 2004 Yes it was pretty dumb of you assume that they would avoid you. Even the most seasoned skydivers make mistakes, sometimes killing themselves and possibly others. Read the fatality reports and look at some of the jump numbers in there. Never count on someone else to save you life for you. Good job avoid the collision and hope there is a leason learned in this. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #6 November 8, 2004 Unless you've talked to them before the jump and you're trying to fly canopy relative it is far safer to assume everyone in the sky is constantly trying to kill you or at least has no idea what is going on. Even the old wave the legs thing might just mean that the other guy saw another skydiver and isn't necessarily waving his legs at you.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #7 November 8, 2004 QuoteDefinitely right, we should always check for other canopies even as your own canopy is opening. I know a lot of people say to grab risers first, but I have always grabbed toggles first, I do it without needing to look for them, and I think I have greater control over the canopy just as fast as if I tried to grab risers (less force required). On a 210 canopy, this toggle grabbing might work just fine. However, on a smaller canopy if you grab for the toggels -on opening- you just might cause your canopy to malfunction. ltdiver Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sundevil777 102 #8 November 8, 2004 I don't unstow the toggles until after it opens, so it should not be a problem. It is my habit, and I just think I can do it as fast as grabbing riser could help me avoid others.People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #9 November 8, 2004 QuoteI don't unstow the toggles until after it opens, so it should not be a problem. It is my habit, and I just think I can do it as fast as grabbing riser could help me avoid others. Do as you feel is the safest for both you and others around you. Using rear risers allows your canopy to be in 1/2 flight (thus slower) and avoid close canopies with more control. Unstowing toggles puts your canopy in full flight (faster forward speed) and less time to avoid a collision course. Again, with a larger canopy this is not as evident, however if this 'unstowing toggles' scenario is practiced by those with smaller canopies it is a riskier move. Most evident with 100+ ways we have at larger DZ's, but as a cameraflyer I've had to avoid others who pulled in my space with just a 4-way. ltdiver Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sundevil777 102 #10 November 8, 2004 I understand your point, but I can grab both toggles and pull them down enough, all in one motion, to stop the canopy very quickly. My point is that I think I can achieve a desired input more effectively with the toggles compared to the risers I think I got in the habit of grabbing the toggles quickly with my old Paraflite Astrobe. That thing would simply not open until I popped the toggles. It was like pulling a trigger.People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skyyhi 0 #11 November 8, 2004 I ALWAYS have my hands on my rear risers upon deployment. This allows me to react to situations immediately. I don't have to wait to be in full flight before avoiding a situation, and it allows both hands to be free so I can do what is necessary. Never assume anything. You are responsible for YOUR own life. . .________________________________________ Take risks not to escape life… but to prevent life from escaping. ~ A bumper sticker at the DZ FGF #6 Darcy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChileRelleno 0 #12 November 8, 2004 Ya did good girl and learned a important lesson, your here to talk about it. Those instincts may have helped you, but training and set procedures will do alot more. ChileRelleno-Rodriguez Bro#414 Hellfish#511,MuffBro#3532,AnvilBro#9, D24868 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
