To Continue or Not to Continue???

[mofo554 0]

After 10+ static line jumps, I switched over to AFF. I took the course in early July, but because of many factors (weather, scheduling conflicts, plane being grounded, etc.), I was unable to jump until mid August. Anyways, I have successfully completed the first four levels in four jumps. Two problems exist at this point. First, I am in college, and as a result I am lacking much of both time and money. Second, Michigan weather will soon make it impossible to jump, thus grounding me until spring. It is not possible for me to get my license before winter, so either way, I am going to have to do some sort of refresher course, and at least one check dive once spring begins. My question is, should I try to finish AFF before the weather sets in, or should I stop completely and wait until spring? How would each option likely pan out? i.e. how would each affect the total costs, time investment, etc.

[CrazyIvan 0]

If I were you I'd jump as much as I can and see how far can I get before the cold weather hits.

My opinion.

__________________________________________
Blue Skies and May the Force be with you.

[littlestranger 0]

Go for it, at least you'll have fun...

[Fast 0]

Bah, Cold != no jumps.... it just means cold jumps

~D
Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me.
Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

[Dumpster 0]

Complete your AFF as quickly as possible -- You will benefit in many ways. Cold weather? As long as your DZ can get a plane up, jump it. Cold weather jumps build character, and are alot of fun, even if it's just hop-n-pops. Just like hunting, snowmobiling, etc- you have to dress for it. It's not that hard, either.

Bottom line - CONTINUE!

Easy Does It

[mofo554 0]

The DZ I'm jumping at doesn't operate during the winter....otherwise, I'd be there!

[Fast 0]

Quote

The DZ I'm jumping at doesn't operate during the winter....otherwise, I'd be there!

Yeah but there are DZs in michigan that do. If it was me I would try hard to get aff done, and get your Lic. if you have 10SL and 4 AFFs already you can probally get there before winter is too bad.

~D
Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me.
Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

[skymama 37]

I'm with everyone else, get as much done as you can as soon as possible.

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

[Fast 0]

After long enough, you would be left wanting. Mid winter would hit, the cold gray bleak winter, and you would be regretting not having made more jumps in hopes of getting your Lic, or finding a dz that takes students through the winter.

~D
Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me.
Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

[CloudOnMyTongue 0]

Whatever work you do in skydiving you will be moving forward. If you don't get your license you'll have to take a refresher course, and if you don't go any further in AFF you'll have to take a refresher course.

You will benefit and learn so much just by hanging out at the DZ (I did).

You will be in school in the spring and have to study then too.

If you take a drive to another DZ once every 3 months it will keep you current, as long as you finish the AFF course before winter at your DZ.

In other words, I concur with the rest, keep jumping you won't regret it.

[pilotdave 0]

The more jumps you have before the winter layoff, the less you'll have to relearn when you start again.

Dave

[BeerJump 0]

Quote

The DZ I'm jumping at doesn't operate during the winter....otherwise, I'd be there!

My advice...MOVE!

Here in Calyforny we can jump nearly year 'round!

[dterrick 0]

Heya Mofo,

I made 15 s/l (well, IAD in Canada) jumps my first season before we shut for the season.

Trust me, you may have to repeat a few jumps but if you spend ALL winter hangin' out on dropzone.com reading safety and training, gear and rigging, and other forums - while saving a few bucks each week - you'll be back to speed in no time.

If you ae THAT close - go for it and let the charge cards melt (I'm pissed that our plane needed too much work to justify staying open or another 3 weeks that fall). If not, concentrate on your tudies and save the extra $'s. Talk to your JM's and DZO and you might be able to swing an early season discount or something. You're far better off to learn things "right" the first time, even if it means stepping back next spring. It's much like bike riding...

-Dave

Life is very short and there's no time for fussing and fighting my friend (Lennon/McCartney)

[KATO33 0]

Quote

Bah, Cold != no jumps.... it just means cold jumps

D to the Itto

Blue Skies Black Death

[Unstable 9]

So whats wrong with jumping in cold weather again??? Nothing Gloves, an extra layer of clothing, and a fullfaed can't fix!

As for being a poor college kid, come to Kansas State University parachute club - it's an entire Dropzone of people EXACTLY like you!!!!!!

=========Shaun ==========

[mofo554 0]

Again........the DZ I jump at COMPLETELY closes down during the winter....there is no jumping whatsoever once it gets cold.

[AntiPinkChrissy 0]

just to let you know, Tecumseh jumps throughout the winter.

~La La Gang Member #2~

[mofo554 0]

Would they be willing to accomodate a student just off of AFF?

[whocares 0]

Drop out of school, move to a warm state and be a DZ bum

[AntiPinkChrissy 0]

Normally the rule is, if you are off of student status and have your own gear, then you can jump throughout the winter. If you have specific questions, the DZ's phone number is 517.423.7720 or 1.800.skydive
We do have AFF instructors at Tecumseh if that helps any, I realize that you jump at Napoleon, they are a great DZ too. Just trying to give you some options.

~La La Gang Member #2~

[mofo554 0]

Actually, I did my S/L at Tecumseh, and 3 tandems as well. I had heard from Mike Reed and Ron that they were trying to bring in AFF pretty soon...who are the AFF instructors, and is Tecumseh now officially offering AFF training?

[RippedCord 0]

Go to school. Get your education. THEN spend time on your hobbies. There's too much going on right now and you have the whole summer to start jumping again.

-just my 2 cents.

AMDG

[AntiPinkChrissy 0]

we have been doing AFF for about 2 months now, about 4 students have graduated. I will PM you the instructors names, but there are about 5. If this is something you are interested in, call the DZ before you come out so we can ensure there are enough AFF instructors out.
editted to add: just noticed that you can't receive PM's. Our AFF instructors are Brad, Bruno, Cliff, TimDave and Ed

~La La Gang Member #2~

[michaelflying 0]

jump jump jump jump jump pjump jump jump jump jump jump jump jump jump jump jump jump jump jump jump jump jump jump jump jump

www.skydivekzn.co.za

[andy2 0]

do what feels right...go at your own pace.

---------------------------------------------
let my inspiration flow,
in token rhyme suggesting rhythm...