Respect

[Michele 1]

It has occurred to me, recently, that "respect" is an interesting, tenuous thing. In skydiving, it's even more interesting. And rather more tenuous.

I had the chance to hang out yesterday with some folk I really, really respect - both as human beings, and as skydivers. And it got me wondering just what about them I hold in such high regard.

These folk bring out in me some good stuff - and, sadly, some bad stuff...like just how much I have to learn to be safe in the air, to be safe under canopy, to be a safe jumper all the way around. They are helping me find my limits, and push past them. And they make me comfortable enough to try things which, 6 months ago, I would not have tried. And they are able to make me laugh at my gawky, robotic self in the sky, and then bring me to a point where I can learn from both my mistakes and my successes.

So I was wondering - what is it about someone (no names needed...) that you really respect. That if they asked you to try something, you'd do it, because they suggested you were ready for it. That if you're getting way down on yourself, they "whack" you around until you understand that it was a successful jump, irrespective of if the goal was met or not. That you'd rearrange your schedule to be able to jump with them, just because of that opportunity.

What is it you respect about your group of jumpers?

Ciels-
Michele

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

[jumpinjackflash 0]

All of the above Michele, all of the above.

Our folks are incredible. Safety first at all costs. Our jm's are so damn busy you wouldn't even think they were noticing you (tandems, aff's, packing, etc...).

However, it just blows you away when you leave the plane, maybe roll on your right a bit, or flip and later as your on the ground reaching for a soda, one of them will come up and say, "You know, you won't roll like that if you..." or "Always make sure you..."

Then you realize that with all the insanity and activity, many of them are watching everyone like a hawk, all with the spirit of watching out for their own, trying to ensure everyone makes it to the end of the day with a beer and a smile.

Our people are talented, professional, and incredibly giving of themselves.


Truly a great place to be.



Jack

Quantum Leap, Sullivan MO

It's a gas, gas, gas...

[Squeak 17]

There was a guy (instructor) at my DZ who unfortunatley has moved on.
He's arrogant, bombastic and opinionated (like me) which is why he was moved on.
But I like him and respect him.
He was my AFF1 JM2, got loads of time in the sport 20+ years, over 7000 jumps, but he alsways had my safety first in his mind.
He would often take the piss outa ppl (me included) but I never heard him give any advice to someone that he didn't beleive could benefit from it.
He talked me into a 150 canopy when i was looking at a 170. I've got 250+ jumps on it now.
Once when I was still on student gear, with about 20 jumps, the CI said it was safe for me to jump, the winds were within my operation legal limits.
My friend the JM said, he thought it was a little gusty, for me but if I wanted to then take care. I went up and jumped, and on final approach I was not making any forward distance, and I was decending right on top of a stand of trees.
I was just about to turn 180 and land down wind in a clearing, when the JM casually walked out from the hanger cross wind pointing where he wanted me to land. I followed his direction and landed safe and upright, since then I defer to him (or did) when I need clarification on a point on skydiving saftey.
He's a nice bloke and the DZ is poorer without him there, it's also more boring without his aggitation
He's fishing now earning a living catching lobster

You are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky)
My Life ROCKS!
How's yours doing?

[tigra 0]

Well, I will say there are some load organizers I will go out of my way to jump with. I'll jump with them (if they'll have me) when they're organizing newbies and I can get with a more "advanced" group because these people are so positive, informative and fun to jump with. And I'll take something away from the jump even if it is a less challenging skydive.

And I've also had some mentors in the sport who have pushed me to try new things I wasn't sure I was ready for and gave me confidence just by having confidence in me. Roger Nelson was one of those people.

maura

[bozo 0]

These folk bring out in me some good stuff - and, sadly, some bad stuff...like just how much I have to learn to be safe in the air, to be safe under canopy, to be a safe jumper all the way around. They are helping me find my limits, and push past them. And they make me comfortable enough to try things which, 6 months ago, I would not have tried.
Michele

[Michele 1]

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Wow ! Like stuffing you full of margaritias and shipping you home ? Like that ?

Nah, that was the bonus.

Like being there when I'm trying for my SCR (again), with 9 people...or teasing me to change my mood (ahem. Thanks....). Or reminding me that everyone was, at some point, where I am. Not hating me because I can't fly well yet, and got lost in the sky. Teasing me about plowing furrows and laughing at me because of the hole in my jumpsuit...and then reminding me that skydivers don't "boo hoo," they just jump. Waiting out the weird winds with me, and then saying sure, let's go again.

Things like that.

Thanks for being there....and for singing happy birthday! LOL....

Ciels-
Michele

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

[bozo 0]

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Wow ! Like stuffing you full of margaritias and shipping you home ? Like that ?

Nah, that was the bonus.

Like being there when I'm trying for my SCR (again), with 9 people...or teasing me to change my mood (ahem. Thanks....). Or reminding me that everyone was, at some point, where I am. Not hating me because I can't fly well yet, and got lost in the sky. Teasing me about plowing furrows and laughing at me because of the hole in my jumpsuit...and then reminding me that skydivers don't "boo hoo," they just jump. Waiting out the weird winds with me, and then saying sure, let's go again.

Things like that.

Is it ok for me to do all that without being a USPA Coach ?

bozimbo

bozo
Pain is fleeting. Glory lasts forever. Chicks dig scars.

• Quote

[Michele 1]

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Is it ok for me to do all that without being a USPA Coach ?

Yup.

Ciels-
Michele

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

[FallnAngel 0]

Hi, Michele!

What a great question! Among the many people I respect in this sport, there is one in particular that I thought of immediately when I read your post. I think my respect for him evolved in phases:

When I met him the first time I stepped foot on a DZ - I respected him because he was The Instructor. He automatically had my respect because of his position of authority.

When my husband got hurt during AFF L3 - I respected him for his compassion.

When I worried incessantly throughout my student levels - I respected him for his ability to listen and to teach and to make me laugh at myself (especially when I did funny things in the air that didn't seem so funny when it was happening)

When he takes time out of an extremely busy day to jump with me now, I respect his ability in the air & under canopy.

When I talk to him after jumping is over for the day, over dinner, over a beer, I respect him as a friend.

Blue skies,
Karen