In Iraq....no jumping for a year or so?

[jloirsdaan 0]

Hi everyone...quick question. I'm currently stationed in Iraq...will be here for the better part of a year and no chance to jump (except maybe a two week stint around six months in). I have been jumping for just over a year and haven't went more than three weeks without jumping (until now...has been almost a month). I have 175 jumps and a B license. Question is has anyone had a six month to a year layoff...I am sure lots of people have...just looking for some feedback on what it was like after not jumping for that amount of time. Like riding a bike and you never forget? Or did it surprise you and was like starting over? Personally I think (and hope!!! ) that it is like riding a bike! Anyway you guys and gals do a few jumps for me and then maybe I won't go uncurrent! ! Again any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Jordan

Go Fast, Dock Soft.

[hookitt 1]

It's like "riding a bike"

You'll be a bit rusty but you won't forget how to skydive. You will get the usual emergency procedures retraining and probably jump with an instructor so they know you can fly in control and pull your own pilot chute and you're good to go.

I've jumped with people that had 200 jumps and 4 years off... etc.. and they all did fine.

Heck, you'll never forget how to ride a bike, and simply falling is a whole lot easier.

Stay safe over there!!!

My grammar sometimes resembles that of magnetic refrigerator poetry... Ghetto

[matthewcline 0]

You'll be fine just like Hookit said.

I spent the "year off" there myself and after jumping with a coach one time I was back in the swing of things. On the 2nd and 3rd coach jumps I decided to make the coach work (after all I did put him through the course 18 months earlier).

Focus on where you are and all of us will be here for you when you get back.

Find me and I will get you current, on me.

Matt

SFC
US Army
Ft. Campbell

An Instructors first concern is student safety.
So, start being safe, first!!!

[Michele 1]

Thanks for serving; I appreciate it!

As for layoffs, yes, it's really like getting back on a bike. You may have some wobbles at first, but pretty soon you'll be flying like you never left the sky. I'd take the poster above up on his offer when you get home, and then you'll be good to go.

Thanks again! And stay safe!

Ciels-
Michele

~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek
While our hearts lie bleeding?~

[Doogie320 0]

Jordan,
I'm a contractor on my second year in Afghanistan with a 6 year (yikes!) layoff in progress. So I have to refresh my gear, retrain, etc. No worries.

The important thing to consider is that the sport will be here when you return. I don't know what your job is but everyone in Iraq is a warrior right now. Stay safe, take care of your teammates and yourself, and accomplish your mission(s). We'll be here when you get back.

BDBD,
D-20712

[Andy9o8 2]

In addition to what everyone else has said here, remember that in the northern U.S. and Canada an awful lot of jumpers lay off for 4 to 6 months every winter, then get re-current every Spring. You'll be fine.
Be safe and thanks for your service!

[jloirsdaan 0]

yeah good point...didnt think about that....that makes me feel much better!

Jordan

Go Fast, Dock Soft.

[dgm458 0]

Hey Jordan.

Sux to hear your back in hell. I saw Lisa post that she's back in SC with family. Keep us updated on your happenings.

Piss on some insurgents for me.

David (Mike's brother)
Powerline dodger

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Failure to prepare is preparing to fail