Skydiving regularly even though scared of it.

[EricaH 0]

A fellow jumper & I were discussing a 3rd jumper. This 3rd person is a friend of mine - wonderful person & a fairly decent skydiver. They've been in the sport for quite some time and have at over 500 jumps.

Well, the discussion point is this. This 3rd jumper is always gung-ho about the sport all winter long; ready to crack out the jumps & rock a 4-way team. But; come season, they're never around - ever. There's always an excuse. I've only been jumping for 2.5 years & am sure this person has done right around 100 jumps if that in that time span.

So, the thought is that they are actually afraid of jumping. They just do it cause it's something they've done so long & it's become such a part of them that even while not participating that often; they are still a jumper. When they do jump; they're often timid and never overly excited about anything. They've never been seriously injured but as someone in the sport for over 10 years has had a number of malfunctions.

Any thoughts? Think this happes often? think it's something that grows (fear) or is it there to start with just increasingly overwhelming?

There is no can't. Only lack of knowledge or fear. Only you can fix your fear.

PMS #227 (just like the TV show)

[flyangel2 2]

Not sure if they are afraid or if they are just enjoying doing other things too.

It is possible to be a skydiver and not have to "eat, drink, f**k, skydive."

I have been around for awhile now, and you won't find me skydiving every weekend. During the winter I don't jump much since I'm enjoying winter sports, but you will hear me talk about how excited I am to get back into the air. I don't find myself racing out to the DZ to do a jump, and once I'm there you aren't going to see me running around acting all excited about being there.

You say your friend is a fairly decent skydiver, and has over 500 jumps. Maybe that's all they want out of the sport, to be decent and have fun when they feel like going out to the DZ.

Sit down and ask your friend straight out.

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey

[tigra 0]

My jumping has slowed down considerably over the past few years. It isn't fear. I've had work issues, then stopped the OT but bought a house and had money issues. At times, the jumping hasn't been that FUN for me, and that kept me on the ground. But, I can honestly say that the jumps I am making now are actually better jumps than when I was making 10 jumps a weekend almost every weekend. It works out.

Maybe your friend isn't getting the same feeling from jumping that he or she used to get. It happens. As long as she/ he isn't a danger to her/himself or anyone else, I wouldn't be too concerned.

[justaflygirl 0]

The constant "talk" all winter and then lack od jumping in the summer would confuse me too. Have you in relaxed situation, ever just jokingly brought it up...

like "if your skeered, say so?!?!?!"

[ScottMcC 0]

you know erica, some people have these crazy things called "jobs" that get in the way of their jumping from time to time.

and yes, some people even have to work weekends.

but I don't know for sure...it would help if I knew who you were talking about, but that would be rude.

[Tonto 1]

"A fellow jumper & I were discussing a 3rd jumper."

I've been jumping 20 years. I'm averaging about 220 dives a year, but there have been years I did as little as 20, and others I did as many as 500. I jump weekends only.

I don't get scared much anymore. I used to have gear fear until about 2 years ago when I stoped mucking about and kitted myself out properly with the help of my GF, who also jumps, and is a good influence.

I know I skydive a lot out of habit. I climb on occasion and am involved in Chinese Kung-Fu, being an "in house" student to my SiFu, so I do have a life... but... On days I don't skydive, I'm lost. I can watch TV, I can go to movies, but really, I'd rather be at the DZm even if its raining. I guess I'm headed to be a Chett Poland one day, and will be happy just to hang out around jumpers when I'm too old to jump myself.

I've realised that my number of jumps is finite, and that I probably won't make 10 000, and will be a few hours short of 200 if old age forces my retirement. This makes me appreciate each and every dive, and keeps me hungry for the next one.

Life is good, but the common thread running through my adult life is skydiving. It's lasted longer than any job, any love, any goal, and when life seems to let me down, the sky is always there to inspire me.

Ask your friend. They'll probably tell you what you want to hear.

t

It's the year of the Pig.

[skymama 37]

I have lots of reasons why I can't make it to the dz...lack of cash (I won't go into debt to skydive), soccer games for my son, wanting to spend time with my whuffo SO. I probably am also a timid jumper, but that's because I'm always concerned about being safe because of my kids. They might seem like excuses to others but they are real reasons to me. My goals don't include being famous in the sport or joining a team or anything, I just want to have some fun. Maybe it's simple things like that for your friend.

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[LawnDart21 0]

Three of the most talented skydivers I have ever known can now be found
1) On a golf course
2) Building a house
3) Kite surfing

Interests can change, I guess it happens.

(Granted they dont talk about jumping all winter, so it doesnt technically relate to the thread, it just reminded me three super talent jumpers arent jumping that much anymore.....)

--
My other ride is a RESERVE.

[Lindsey 0]

I was thinking just what you said. I do get pumped about skydiving, but there are so many things that are also priorities.....often higher on my priority list. I'm not *scared* about jumping, but I try to be realistic about the risks, given that I have a young son and am a single mom. I do believe, though, that the time will come when I'm able to skydive more often than I've been able to in the past few years, and I am truly looking forward to it.

linz

--
A conservative is just a liberal who's been mugged. A liberal is just a conservative who's been to jail

[EricaH 0]

Wow, I really love what everyone has said here. Stupid work interfered w/ my replying yesterday.

I absolutely understand 100% that life gets in the way of jumping all weekend every weekend. And that while some oldtimers are around 98% of the time; others enjoy the occasional remider of what life was like back in the day on an odd weekend an month. For anyone w/ children, esp the younger ones dependant on you - I am proudly amazed that you are able to jump. I hope I am when/if my time to be a mom comes. Prioritzation is key, and many have their's in order.

My friend I know has work & a life outside of the dz. It's not just that. It's the talk of a banging 4-way all winter, then they come to the dz rarely, talks lots about making jumps & getting good practice in; but then may do 1 or 2, then their beer light goes on & it's time to stop jumping.

I know I can chat w/ them. Though since we're not all that close; it is prob not my place. It's also prob not my place to be talking about them. I just thought it would make an interesting general topic of discussion.

I hope to end up on the same track as it sounds Tonto is on. Happy jumping as much as I can in a year w/ out excess pressure. And closer to the sunset years; hanging around the bonfire, just getting a few in a month - much like many of the oldtimers @ my dz.

I can also understand fear affecting jumping sometimes, we probably all go through that at some points. Everynow & then the little threads suspending me above the ground sure do look awfully small and the others on the plane look crazy nuts.

edited to add:
to those of you @ my home dropzone, it's not Drew. That is the only response I'm giving as to particular people. It could literally be anyone else.

There is no can't. Only lack of knowledge or fear. Only you can fix your fear.

PMS #227 (just like the TV show)

[tempretired 0]

I don't post replies much but your post is very interesting.

While all of the replies to your emails make perfect sense and many of them could be the issue with your friend, I think you have a relevant point. The only way to know is to talk to your friend.

The reason I think that this post is interesting is because I fall into a few of the categories and I also fall into your category.

Currently, I am not skydiving for a few reasons. Back in 2000, I moved to a new state/city for my job and work was overwhelming. So, I was only jumping a few times per month (if that). Then I got married in November 2002 and we had our first child in November 2003. That sort of ended it. I just don't have the time to get to the DZ and make enough jumps to stay current and I feel currency is the safest way to do it. Also, I think about my family too much up there.

I must also be honest with you. When I was active, I think I was a little like the way you describe your friend. I am/was a pretty good safe skydiver and enjoyed it tremendously but there were times when I was uneasy for one reason or another. I was never scared but I was uneasy. During the days that I felt uneasy, I would still skydive but would do less jumps that day to make sure I was ready. Let's not forget that we all have seen or known people who have been killed or seriously injured skydiving. Hell, we've all made some big mistakes and made it through. So, this is probably more normal than people care to admit. Despite these feelings I still loved it and continued to skydive. In the summer of 2002, I took the Skydive U course and that helped me tremendously. Maybe you can recommend that to your friend.

To fill the spiritual void due to not skydiving, I now run, bike, swim, weightlift and do trialthons, marathons, half marathons, etc. I know these things take up time like skydiving but I train early in the morning or late at night when everyone is in bed. These things might not give me the adrenaline rush but they do provide me with the same accomplishment, soothing emotions, and spriritual feelings that skydiving did.

One day after my family grows up, I'll be back. Maybe sooner.

sorry for the long reply.

[RedassSkychic 0]

Some people just don't follow through with things they talk about. They may be like that in other aspects of life too, not just skydiving. I know that there's lots of things I'd like to do but when it comes down to it I know I'm not really willing to put in the money or work that is required. Its easy to talk about doing stuff . Something like a kick-ass 4-way team takes alot of work and money that alot of people just aren't able or willing to contribute.

[Airman1270 0]

After more than 22 years I'm still scared to jump. Not the paralyzing fear of a first-timer, but there's always some apprehension. Not nearly enough to persuade me to quit, though.

Funny thing, there have been a few times when I wasn't scared at all. I can't explain why. One of these times occurred after a three-month layoff, when you'd think I'd be more nervous than usual.

I average fewer than 50 jumps a year, so maybe that's why (I think) I'm more scared than the next guy. To quote a guy at the Ranch, with a schedule like mine "every jump is a first jump."

Cheers,
Jon S.

[Zoter 0]

Quote

"every jump is a first jump"

Or a potential last one....enjoy every one the same no matter what you are doing...
I say there should always be at least one bit of fun on every skydive you do.....or else...whats the point

[HydroGuy 0]

Maybe they are talking about it because they believe it is what YOU want to hear...

If they don't want to jump 10 times a day...so what? Maybe 2 times a day is plenty for them. Maybe they look forward to the beer light/social hour more than the green light...

Get in - Get off - Get away....repeat as neccessary

[EricaH 0]

tempretired - i understand your view & thank you for replying & showing again how widly vaired the skydiving community is. thank you for adding to the discussion.

I vary from feeling good bout doing 3 a day to feeling down that I only got in 7; my b/f calls me a groundhog at time - I'm the last person to judge someones jump numbers & most peopel know this.

I've just brought up this story as a discussion topic; not needing advice or ideas to work out differences. There are no differences and I'm sure my friend is fine & happly living out his life.

There is no can't. Only lack of knowledge or fear. Only you can fix your fear.

PMS #227 (just like the TV show)