pantablo 0 #1 July 4, 2006 Hello. Second post, first was in Introductions. My nephew, in Argentina, asked me to help him start jumping. He first asked about getting rigs and equipment here in the US (I'm in santa monica CA-los angeles area). I know, from the motorcycling world, how important it is to start with the right equipment for a beginner, and to do whatever procedures or classes need to be done to be a safe jumper. So I have some questions for you all. I realize I should probably ask these in the Int'l forum since its related to starting jumping in Argentina...but my spanish sucks. My nephew is 17 yo., 190lbs, 6ft 3 in. What should he do if he wants to start jumping? How does one go about learning to jump and amassing the equipment inexpensively? What equipment should he get, as a minimum, to start and what should he consider getting later? Is used equipment a viable alternative and if so, is the DOM significant, and how? How can he find out what size(s) he should be looking at? And more importantly, what questions should I ask HIM so that I can get better/more info about his quest? I know thats a ton of info I'm asking for...and, yes, I've done a rudimentary search but to be honest I was overwhelmed by all the numbers, terminology and information, so any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Regards-pablo- www.pma-architect.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bob.dino 1 #2 July 4, 2006 Hi there. Student skydivers use gear provided by their skydiving school. Until he's passed certain proficiency tests he's unlikely to be allowed jump any gear that he does own, and the choice of gear to purchase will be related to his skill level. In short, I'd suggest that your nephew learns to skydive before starting to acquire gear. Here's a list of dropzones in Argentina. They'll be able to train your nephew and when the time comes, they'll help him choose appropriate gear. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pantablo 0 #3 July 4, 2006 thanks for the info bob.dino. Any info on what school entails? or links to such info, would be greatly appreciated. How long are the schools, etc. In the motorcycling world there is a safety course you can take (here in the US) called MSF course but it hardly prepares you to ride. I dont have a sense of how the school relates to everyday jumping. After passing the school, one is certified? His asking me for help obtaining gear makes me suspect he might have done a school already-something to verify. He might be looking for better pricing through me (in the US)...I dont know. I'll follow up with the dropzone info you provided. Again, I apologize for what must be incredibly ignorant questions but I appreciate the help. Regards-pablo- www.pma-architect.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dharma1976 0 #4 July 4, 2006 http://www.dropzone.com/dropzone/South_America/Argentina/index.html Davehttp://www.skyjunky.com CSpenceFLY - I can't believe the number of people willing to bet their life on someone else doing the right thing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #5 July 4, 2006 http://www.dropzone.com/content/Detailed/519.html Above is a link to an article on learning to skydive - it will probably answer a number of your questions. As for "better pricing" I don't know if there will be better pricing here in the States vs. in Argentina, but if he's looking for you to find some "deal" for him, that's not all that likely to happen. Sometimes training programs will offer a discount if you purchase all (or some) of the student jumps up front, but generally, the price is the price. There are some DZs that cost more and some that cost less, and there may or may not be a relationship between the cost and the safety - there are far too many other variables involved to make a blanket statement."There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pantablo 0 #6 July 7, 2006 Thanks again everyone for all the onfo and advice. All good info and apparently I have much more homework to do for my nephew.pablo- www.pma-architect.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freelyflyn71 0 #7 July 7, 2006 When he gets ready to buy gear, I would recommend, at the very least, buying a container new, given his height of 6'3". I got really lucky with a used container at my height of a little over 6'4". It will be worth the extra $ for the comfort of a custom fit! The Braver the Bird...The Fatter the Cat. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bob.dino 1 #8 July 7, 2006 QuoteWhen he gets ready to buy gear, I would recommend, at the very least, buying a container new, given his height of 6'3". I got really lucky with a used container at my height of a little over 6'4". It will be worth the extra $ for the comfort of a custom fit! I'm 6'3". A friend of mine is 6'8". Both of us can find plenty of second-hand rigs that fit - many tall people have much of their height in their legs. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bob.dino 1 #9 July 7, 2006 QuoteHow long are the schools, etc. In the motorcycling world there is a safety course you can take (here in the US) called MSF course but it hardly prepares you to ride. NWFlyer's link will help. Once you've finished initial training (this will consist of a ground school plus a number of jumps that depend on the training method), a student is usually allowed to jump on their own, or with an instructor/senior jumper. They will then have to complete further requirements such as number of jumps and landing accuracy to receive their initial licence (usually "A licence") that certifies them to jump with other jumpers. QuoteHis asking me for help obtaining gear makes me suspect he might have done a school already-something to verify. He might be looking for better pricing through me (in the US)...I dont know. If he doesn't know enough to know exactly what he wants, he's almost certainly better off spending a little more and buying through people in Argentina. They'll help him get equipment that suits. After all, it's not a bargain if it contributes to an accident requiring hospitalisation QuoteAgain, I apologize for what must be incredibly ignorant questions but I appreciate the help. Not a problem. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pantablo 0 #10 July 9, 2006 well I have some new info- it would appear its not skydiving at all, it sounds like BASE jumping. He jumps off cliffs with a round parachute-open already- and then floats down or flys around a bit using the cord/tethers for control (dont know the rigth terminology. definitely round parachute (round instead of elliptical possibly a result of lower incomes in his area? dunno), definitely no plane involved and parachute does not have any armature (I suspected hang gliding upon hearing this)...thats BASE jumping, right? He has done it but there isnt any schooling involved, or at least he hasnt gone to any schooling for this. where to go from here?pablo- www.pma-architect.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
