JanJ 0 #1 March 7, 2003 I recently read an article on skydiving that mentioned five categories of skydivers: 1. The artist, explorer, pioneer 2. The recreational but totally hooked every weekender 3. The professional – movies, demos, jumpmaster 4. The competitor 5. The mainstreamer – comes out 5, 10, 20 times a year, maybe takes a week-long skydiving vacation (also referred to as ken_&_barbie or yuppie skydivers) The writer stated concern with “the mainstreamers” since the skydivers in this category do not get many jumps in per year. I find myself in this Category #5 having made 25 jumps last year. Here’s my question: Can I be a good, safe skydiver if I only make 20-30 jumps per season? I absolutely love this sport and would be at the dropzone every week, but work and family keep me from jumping (northern summers are way too short too). Also, I make an effort to read everything I can get my hands on about skydiving and attend safety seminars when they are offered. Could you give me some feedback? Thanks in advance. JJ P.S. Maybe I'll get more jumps in when I get my own equipment and am totally off student status -- one more jump (hopefully) to my "A" license. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,587 #2 March 7, 2003 Being currently classifiable as a Barbie, all I can suggest is tone down what you THINK you can do to include lack of currency. Just because you have 50 jumps (or whatever) doesn't mean you can go on a 4-way comfortably (if you do RW). Assume you can't or need to think hard, rather than assuming you can because others with the same number of jumps can. If someone experienced can convince you that you are ready for something, it's a lot better than if you're trying to convince that experienced person. Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #3 March 7, 2003 Whatever you do, don't get trapped into caring what other people think about your ability to commit to a certain number of jumps per year. Their opinion isn't all that important. QuoteCan I be a good, safe skydiver if I only make 20-30 jumps per season? Depends on exactly what you intend to do. At 20 to 30 jumps per jumping season, you'll certainly be no less safe than anyone just off student status assuming you get a recurrency jump at the beginning of each season. You'll be able to make safe solos and small ways and you probably won't hurt yourself too bad as long as you stay with fairly large canopies. On the other hand, if you are the type of person that lays off for several months and expects to be able to get in on a 40-way while jumping a high-loaded elliptical canopy the first weekend back, then I'd say that's probably not the safest thing to do and yes, you'll probably get hurt doing it. Oh, one more thing -- go to Safety Day at your local drop zone this weekend. It's free information about jumping safety. Even if you can't jump due to weather or finances, you can be thinking about safety.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JanJ 0 #4 March 7, 2003 I am a very conservative skydiver and intend on refining my basic skills this year (if the snow ever goes away). And yes, Safety Day is tomorrow and I will be attending. Thanks for the feedback. It is encouraging. JJ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
