AZcondor 0 #1 May 10, 2007 I am looking for an experienced flyer that will be able to help me improve my skills. I live in AZ and have little experience. I went on my first tandem 4 days ago. I know that is takes time to learn the intricacies of this sport. That is why I am searching for a crusty veteran A little about me: -Male -6’3”, 200lbs -25 years old -Physically fit -Willing to learn -Fascinated by the dedication and respect that you must give this sport. -Out of all the different specialties I would like to focus on tracking/birdin' it (wing suit baby!) -Enjoy Beer If you or a friend would like to pass down your knowledge please post back or PM and I would like to meet you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ironmanjay 0 #2 May 10, 2007 GO to the Drop Zone where you did your tandem and they should have some student programs that will help you get started in the sport. Probably AFF(Accelerated free fall) or possibly a S/L(static line) program. They will give you the low down on skydiving.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #4 May 10, 2007 You're in Arizona? I think there MAY be some experienced jumpers hanging out at Skydive Arizona. Maybe. Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andrewwhyte 1 #5 May 10, 2007 Yep, Skydive Arizona should be good. Just make sure you avoid anyone with a french accent. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AFFI 0 #6 May 10, 2007 Quote Just make sure you avoid anyone with a french accent. That applies anywhere ya go ... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZcondor 0 #7 May 10, 2007 I have been to their location and website. I am looking at a program that they offer that will certify me with an "A" license for roughly 2g’s. (Ouch!!! any thoughts?) My goal is to become an experienced wing suit flyer. But, I have been reading that you need to feel more than comfortable with regular skydiving before you can strap up in a wing suit. Can someone offer a timeframe or number of jumps before you felt comfortable with jumping before you jumped with wings? I know that this differs from person to person, but I want to get an idea. I am dreaming about getting back up there. I literally have been dreaming about jumping for the past 3 nights. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jakee 1,594 #8 May 10, 2007 Quote Can someone offer a timeframe or number of jumps before you felt comfortable with jumping before you jumped with wings? The standard manufacturers reccomendation is to do 200 jumps before trying a wingsuit. It's not that entry level wingsuits are that difficult to fly, but they do add quite a bit of complication if something does go wrong. Best not to take shortcuts.Jumping wingsuits is a great aim to have though - they are awesome fun.Do you want to have an ideagasm? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tdog 0 #9 May 10, 2007 Yes, the initial investment is high, but it is a life long passion, and cheaper than a weekend of (nice) golf once you get your "stuff".About the wingsuit... They say 200 jumps minimum... But it varies from person to person. I jumped with a guy who had just a tad over 100, but spent the first 100 focused on wingsuiting progression, (like tracking, pulling the parachute with limited range of motion, etc), worked with a wingsuit instructor, and he was a rockstar as we flocked together... So, with a passion and desire and focus, you can push the limits a bit on the numbers - so as long as you have good training. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jheadley 0 #10 May 10, 2007 Quote You're in Arizona? I think there MAY be some experienced jumpers hanging out at Skydive Arizona. Maybe. I thought they all left after swooping was banned? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZcondor 0 #11 May 10, 2007 Does the forward momentum alter the way that the cute is deployed? Do you have to stop gliding and fall straight down to deploy? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tdog 0 #12 May 10, 2007 QuoteDoes the forward momentum alter the way that the cute is deployed? Do you have to stop gliding and fall straight down to deploy? At lot of times they recommend "talk to your instructor" on these forums because learning in person is completely "better".... But, since you are asking about stuff not relating to your immediate learning progression.... Look at a wingsuit - your arms are connected to your torso with fabric. You cannot move your hands above your head for stability at pull time, or at any time for that matter. So you have to learn to deploy with both hands to your side, and have the balance to fly stable with limited range of motion. Also, yes, it is likely you will still have forward speed at pull time... More specifically, it is about "relative wind". A parachute does not care "which way is down", it cares, "which way the wind is coming from". So, as the relative wind comes across your body in a wingsuit, it's "source" is from infront and below you, and its "destination" is to behind and above you. So as you throw your pilot chute into the relative wind to deploy while wearing a wingsuit - the pilot chute goes above and behind you (assuming you still were traveling somewhat forward at pull time)..... This means the openings of the parachute can be altered from what traditional skydivers feel when they are flying "straight down" in the relative wind... Instead of the parachute coming directly off your back, perpendicular to your torso, (like non wingsuit flight), it comes off at maybe 45 degrees.... Hence some people modify their parachute container knowing the bag will be coming off at an angle. In extreme cases of forward flight (read this as an extremely flat angle of relative wind coming across your body) - the parachute opens behind you. This does not matter much, because it will still work... But at the same time, it matters a lot... Why? Well, under a normal skydive, you "rotate" 90 degrees from belly to earth to feet to earth on deployment. If you are in a fast forward track on a wingsuit, the canopy opens in the relative wind behind you, so you rotate more like 180 degrees on deployment, then as things stabilize you end up feet to earth... Fast rotations like this can make the openings feel harsh... Now, you definitely can perform a maneuver (like collapse all your wings and arch like crazy and intentionally backslide) to kill your forward speed in a wingsuit - but this takes time and altitude... Everyone has different opinions on the best way to fly at deployment time. I have a happy medium that seems to work for me... Once you get a few jumps (or even now to pique your interest) - you can get Scott Campos's wingsuit book. It answers a lot of these questions.... Also, look at movies at www.skydivingmovies.com of wingsuit flight. You will see deployments and flying. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZcondor 0 #13 May 10, 2007 very nice info! Now I need a girl and family that will approve my new hobby Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tdog 0 #14 May 10, 2007 Quotevery nice info! Now I need a girl and family that will approve my new hobby Girl = you will find at DZ. Family = you will find at DZ. Problem solved. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrewEckhardt 0 #15 May 10, 2007 Quote About the wingsuit... They say 200 jumps minimum... But it varies from person to person. Almost anyone who can track reasonably (as in fly in formation and have a reasonable fall-rate range which may not be the flatest ) can fly a wingsuit. The problem is what happens when things go wrong. You need to be relaxed enough not to make the situation worse and to pull all of the handles in the right order. Some experience actually doing that when you only have three handles to deal with would be nice to have before getting in a wing suit. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azdiver 0 #16 May 11, 2007 Girl = you will find at DZ. .where the hell do you jump, i will be visiting soonlight travels faster than sound, that's why some people appear to be bright until you hear them speak Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
popsjumper 2 #17 May 11, 2007 That applies to most any DZ...just go and get in line, your turn will eventually come around. My reality and yours are quite different. I think we're all Bozos on this bus. Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jheadley 0 #18 May 11, 2007 Also, if you have a small canopy and swoop, your place in line will move up considerably. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
That applies to most any DZ...just go and get in line, your turn will eventually come around.
I think we're all Bozos on this bus.
Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239
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