My Son's first day!

[2cmyzx 0]

So it begins as my 16yr old Son has been coming to the DZ with Me for about three years now. All the time wishing he could jump and Myself thinking that OK he would probably do one and be scared to death and not do it again. A week ago saturday we were sitting around the DZ and the Chief Instructor asks my son, Kurtis, if he would like to jump? He replies "YES" and so they sign him up for the First jump course on this last Friday night. The worried Dad takes him to the course and He does great so we camp out at the DZ on friday night and He sleep's like a rock and I am awake pretty much all night! The day has come, Saturday July 2, and He gets on the first load, yes I am now the one who is scared to death! He does fine and then does jump #2 and does fine! #3 he moves on to practice pull's and does one before the thunder storm moves in. So we tie the plane down and go for lunch and my Son now has 3 jumps and I am feeling so proud of him. Everyone at the DZ pretty much went to lunch and the storm passed and we went back to the dz. He then gears up and does jumps 4, 5, 6, as practice pulls and to his suprise the Instructors clear him for his first freefall! He decides on his own that he needs another practice pull and does #7 as a practice pull. Jump #8 was his first clear and pull and then did 2 more on #9 and 10. He did in one day what took me a month to get done and I didnt even get to my first freefall until jump #12. The previous record for students at our dz was 6 jumps in the first day and My Son did 10 and went from first jump to last 3 jumps pulling on his own! I was so proud of Him that on his first clear and pull I was on the ground looking up when he left and deployed that there were a few tears coming down my cheeks. It was one of the best days of My life as well as my Son's!

[slotperfect 7]

That is REALLY cool Kelly! Congratulations to both your sone and you as the proud Dad!

My son Logan is nearly 14 and will learn to pack this summer. He eagerly awaits the day he can make a skydive with his Dad. His sister Meredith is now 11 and talks about it all the time. Their patience is admirable as is their enthusiasm.

Reading your post made my day. Thanks for sharing it!

Arrive Safely

John

[colossus 0]

Congratz kelly!
I know that Kurtis was really looking forward to it. Tee hee hee... I am glad that he SHATTERED Paul and Shamus's records :)

[gordy 0]

That is an awesome story, thanks for sharing.

[BlueSBDeath 2]

Very well done!!!

That is a great reflection on his desier and determination!! These young ones can do anything they want, they just need to try!!

Congrats Dad!!!

I also love the fact that it was a SL progression, this is the same method I learned to jump back in 1978.

Stay Safe!!

Arvel

BSBD...........Its all about Respect,

USPA#-7062, FB-2197, Outlaw 499

[2cmyzx 0]

Thanks, It is actually IAD program which is pretty much the same as SL except the instructor deploys the pilot chute, not much difference at all. I also got to take a tandem ride with a new instructor who needs the 5 tandems with experienced jumpers over 100 jumps on Sunday. It was the instructor who dispatched me on my first freefall so we both had a excellent weekend! Thanks again, Kelly!

[packing_jarrett 0]

Yeah, My dad was the same way. He was nervous too but I guess not to nervous since I'm doing it now at 14! Its so cool to have 3 generations of skydivers. My dad is so proud of me

Na' Cho' Cheese

[Speer 0]

Congratulations Kelly!

Having shared the air with my son (and a tandem by my youngest daughter), I understand your pride.

I wish you many years of Blue Skies and great family togetherness in the air.

Russ

Generally, it is your choice; will your life serve as an example... or a warning?