Low time fun jump

[labrys 0]

I’ve read a lot of posts from people describing AFF / coaching jumps on this forum and I’ve loved every one. I’ve also enjoyed the hell out of hearing more experienced people discuss interesting or unusual things that happen when they jump. What I haven’t seen much of is anyone discussing the mundane, learning to skydive stuff that happens in the middle. I had a good, fun jump today so I thought that in the interest of semi-post-whoring and sharing what it’s like to be a low-time jumper I’d talk about it. I’m always curious about what other people at my experience level (50 jumps) are feeling. Maybe someone else feels the same way.

I wasn’t going to jump today for a number of reasons. It was cold. Not a little cold, a lot COLD. I partied a bunch last night and was hurting. I had a bad experience on my last jump and was feeling a little insecure. It’s the last reason that made me decide that I needed to put on extra layers and go do it. I rested up at home and went out later in the day than normal. I wanted to shake off the boogieman and put it behind me, as it were.

I got to the DZ and started looking around for people I knew. Within minutes a very nice (and very, very skilled) guy named Mark walked up and asked me if I was manifested and what I was doing. I said “Yes, and I don’t know” and he said “Come with me, we have a 4-way” I was a bit nervous. I’ve done RW with mixed groups of experienced people and starters ( my forte there was been “RW observer” because I get separated and have a hard time rejoining) and I’ve done RW with groups where everyone else has been really experienced instructors and have helped me stay close and actually turn a few points. This was going to be my first jump with experienced non-instructors and I was SURE I would wonk it up. The dirt dive was faster paced than I was used to.

The ride to altitude was freezing cold. I was near the door because we were the first group out and my toes were popsicles half way up. I realized that my foot was wedged into one of the other guys in my groups groin and tried to shift my position and apologize. He smiled and said “its okay, it’s cold”. It took me a minute to get it and laugh. We got our 2 minute warning and got ready to go. Checked straps and handles, got a pin check, swapped skin with everyone nearby. Then nothing happened. We waited by the door a good 10 minutes after the 2 minute warning for an adjustment in the jumprun.

I got a little short of breath waiting. I felt more anxiety that I have felt since my 3rd-4th jump. I think it was a combination of having a bad experience the last time and having the jumprun change. I combated it by visualizing the plan and taking deep breathes. Finally, the DOOR. It was a launched exit and I funneled it, but not so badly that it couldn’t be recovered. I turned a 360 and managed to stay close enough to rejoin with the formation. A couple of points later it was time to turn and track. My track felt good and I had a sweet opening. Then came the problem. I think I’ve had some minor problem on almost half of my jumps so far. And I do mean minor for the most part. 1 or 2 line twists, pump the slider down, inflate the end cells, etc. This one was new. I have a full-faced helmet with a non-movable visor. I opened facing the sun with a fogged up visor and couldn’t see anything dead ahead. I was sure nothing was in front of me, but being blind spooked me so just to be on the safe side I grabbed the rear risers, looked right, and turned 90 degrees.

Life was good after that. I got in the pattern and landed where I wanted to. It was a good skydive from my perspective. I’m sure I was bad compared to the skill level of those I was with, but it was much, much better than the last couple of RW “observation” jumps I’ve done. I think this is what the next 200 (at least) skydives that I do are all about. Getting a little better, listening to the advise that comes my way, trying to figure out how I funneled the exit but not letting it beat me up too much, and the never, never overrating the “relax and smile” factor. Thanks for the great skydive, guys!

Owned by Remi #?

[wzettler 0]

sounds like a good story. I have had the same problem with a full-face in the winter. I usually half take off the helmet and set it on the top of my head. you just have to make sure it is still secure so you don't lose it. If you think you funnelled the exit, tell the others in the group and ask for advice right after the jump on how you can improve....good job!

I think when Jesus said "love your enemy" he probably meant don't kill them.