BBKid 0 #1 July 1, 2003 Sooo, did 5 jumps this weekend. 2 DP's (no giggling at the back) on Saturday, 1 more on Sunday, on the 1st 182 lift of the day, then cloud and rain set in. "Bugger" I thought as I envisaged having to squeeze in another DP and 1st freefall on Wednesday afternoon. I got my freefall brief anyway, and then at about 1.45 the cloud lifted and I was gearing up. People kept asking why I wasn't scared, this was jump 13, but I was just trying to maintain a positive attitude - after all, you guys do this allthe time, right? I was still calm on the ride up, and enjoyed watching a friend do his first DP (I usually go first out the door), and was still cool as we went up to 4500ft. I'm doing a bit of spotting, and knew from the scenery that we would be coming up to the exit point soon. The jumpmaster yells "cut!" then tells me to climb out. A quick check that the ripcord handle is still in place, and my all my straps/pads/handles are where they should be, and without thinking about it I'm holding on to the wing strut, right leg trailing. A quick look in, and I pretended the JM was still holding out a static line for me, hoping it would keep me calm...some hope. "GO!!!!" I arched hard, then realised I wasn't attached to anything. As I reached for the handle, terrified, I thought, "why is the plane at that funny angle - am I headdown?" Thankfully I felt the reassuring pop, and 2 seconds later I'm looking up at a lovely canopy opening above me. Much relieved swearing later, I did all my usual flight drills, then put the toggles back on the velcro to put the ripcord in my leg pocket. As I took control again, I realised the right toggle was jammed, and was seriously thinking "should I chop, or land on rear risers?", when it popped out after a good tug. One nice bumslide landing later, I was told on the debrief that I didn't compensate enough with my left arm, and rolled right, but didn't go fully on my back. I was going to call it a day after that, but I'd agreed to give a ride to my friend back into town, and he'd just remanifested, so I thought I might as well push my luck, and got all the gear on again. Watched my bud do a second good DP, then was climbing out again before I knew it. I rested my head on the strut and thought about a hard arch. When the JM shouted for me to go I launched myself sideways, grinning back at him as the plane flew over my head, and I just knew it was good. I knew I could, and had, got the pull previously, so I just enjoyed those 3 seconds before the pop. A bit more care when putting toggles on velcro, the usual fun with rear risers at altitude, aimed for the clouds (cloud on my tongue!), then headed back for a pretty good accuracy landing. Man I love this sport - shame the weather looks sucky for tomorrow. Many thanks to all at Peterlee, especially Bryn Chaffe for the freefall brief, and to Geoff Mason for JMing me so well. Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CrazyIvan 0 #2 July 1, 2003 Congratulations man!!!!__________________________________________ Blue Skies and May the Force be with you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phonics1981 0 #3 July 1, 2003 Nice one mate!! I jump at Peterlee too and am well impressed with all the staff there. I recently completed my AFF with no rejumps and I credit alot of that to the excellent level of help I was given by all the instructors like Dave Mitchell and Dick Kalinski. Unfortunately due to me being well ill, ive only done a few jumps since finishing the course but cant wait to get back up there after me hollys! ------------------------------------------------------ "Ive given up on sigs cos I make a mess of them!" ------------------------------------------------------ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WayneRATS 0 #4 July 1, 2003 phonics didn't know you jumped there, yuou'll have to say hi, yes scouse lad.. freefall is great.. the arch works but you will have to prove it to yourself i guess push those hips forward and everything will go well fancy going wednesday?------------------------ Can You Ere Me Now? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Muenkel 0 #5 July 1, 2003 Nice job man. And great for you getting back on that plane and re-doing it. Chris _________________________________________ Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WayneRATS 0 #6 July 2, 2003 on 3rd dp and 1st freefall, geoff mason threatened to fill me in if i messed it up ------------------------ Can You Ere Me Now? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChileRelleno 0 #7 July 2, 2003 "SWEET!" and Congrat's. ChileRelleno-Rodriguez Bro#414 Hellfish#511,MuffBro#3532,AnvilBro#9, D24868 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CrazyIvan 0 #8 July 2, 2003 Quote"SWEET!" Is that today's word? __________________________________________ Blue Skies and May the Force be with you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phonics1981 0 #9 July 2, 2003 Quote"SWEET!" Can only be truly pulled off when it follows "DUDE!!" ------------------------------------------------------ "Ive given up on sigs cos I make a mess of them!" ------------------------------------------------------ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
