377 22 #51 September 13, 2005 I wonder if there is some objective test you could take to decide when its time to hang it up? Not just a reaction time test, but something more comprehensive. I made over a hundred round jumps in the old days (60s and 70s) then quit. The DZ scene was much different then than it is today, but it tends to be idealized by us old guys. There were plenty of big egos under round chutes. Its not a new thing. I started up again five years ago and love it. I loved the good old days, but the gear (especially surplus stuff) SUCKED. Capewells were never designed for in the air cutaways, the reserves were too small, etc etc. The new gear is better in every way except price. I am now in my 50s and intend to jump for a long time. I recently had a malfunction and cutaway fast with no problems. My question is how do you really know when you no longer have what it takes to be a safe jumper? You cannot judge it yourself and your friends may be reluctant to tell you that its time to quit. Any thoughts?2018 marks half a century as a skydiver. Trained by the late Perry Stevens D-51 in 1968. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cutaway1 3 #52 September 13, 2005 I believed in the gear in the early 60's when I started, but I did't know if I believed in me, I hadn't been tested and didn't really know how I would perform when it counted, I called it anxiety then, but it was more like cold fear, but I gained confidence as I went along. When you lose that confidence, you will know. And may you find many more years of sheer fun. TimSCR-21 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steve1 5 #53 September 13, 2005 Quote. My question is how do you really know when you no longer have what it takes to be a safe jumper? You cannot judge it yourself and your friends may be reluctant to tell you that its time to quit. Any thoughts? I've often wondered about this. None of us like to admit that the day may come when we shouldn't be jumping. I have friends who are in their 60's and they are very confident jumpers. I think they are some of the safest jumpers out there. Their years of jumping experience is probably the reason. But just like old drivers who shouldn't be driving there are probably skydivers out there who shouldn't be jumping. I've in my mid fifties, and am noticing big changes in my physical abilities. One big change is in my reflexs and balance. They are changing big time. My vision is going down hill fast. It's no biggie though because I can wear glasses. Possibly I can't think as fast as I once did. This could be a problem, because skydiving is not meant for slow people. I was at a boogie this past summer where a really old guy was jumping. In other words he was an older fart than I am. They were doing some RW. I heard he went to take a grip and accidentally pulled another guys reserve. When he got on the ground to debrief he asked where so and so was, because he was gone most of the jump. He didn't even realize that he had pulled the guys reserve. I plan to quit jumping long before I get that bad. When I get too old, I plan to either jump by myself or ground myself. I know one old jumper, in his 70's, who always jumps alone. (probably a good idea) I imagine if a person gets too decrepited it might be hard to find a DZ that would let you jump. Most DZ's drive off anyone who is a risk factor. I remember reading someplace that, "Time is the rider that breaks youth." I guess it's something we all have to face someday. I plan on fighting it to the end though. My kids and wife sometimes kid me about sending me off to a "home" soon. But hell, I can still hold my bowels and pull a rip cord! So I'm not going yet!....Steve1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gemini 0 #54 September 13, 2005 http://www.airtrash.com/newphotos/litdon27.jpg Blue skies, Jim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 4 #55 September 16, 2005 QuoteWho's the guy in the middle? See attachment. SparkyMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skypuppy 1 #56 September 16, 2005 What happened to his leg? Does the prosthesis cause him to spin in freefall? Is he part of the pieces of eight team, too?If some old guy can do it then obviously it can't be very extreme. Otherwise he'd already be dead. Bruce McConkey 'I thought we were gonna die, and I couldn't think of anyone Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #57 September 16, 2005 part of the pieces of eight team *** Last I heard they were now called~ "20% OFF!" ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hottamaly 1 #58 September 16, 2005 QuoteWhat happened to his leg? Does the prosthesis cause him to spin in freefall? Is he part of the pieces of eight team, too? His legs are just like his pappy's. They (Don and Jr) even fly the same. Skydiving gave me a reason to live I'm not afraid of what I'll miss when I die...I'm afraid of what I'll miss as I live Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 4 #59 September 16, 2005 QuoteQuoteWhat happened to his leg? Does the prosthesis cause him to spin in freefall? Is he part of the pieces of eight team, too? His legs are just like his pappy's. They (Don and Jr) even fly the same. Here is a picture of his Daddy. (see attachment) SparkyMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GreenLight 8 #60 September 17, 2005 Now there's an idea worth checking into... He should become a dissmember of Pieces of Junk... I mean Eight.... Here's Lil Don practicing on a creeper...Green Light "Harry, why did you land all the way out there? Nobody else landed out there." "Your statement answered your question." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #61 September 17, 2005 He must have to walk in the street with the good foot on the curb, with the difference in leg lengths... other wise he'd just walk in circles! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 4 #62 September 17, 2005 QuoteHe must have to walk in the street with the good foot on the curb, with the difference in leg lengths... other wise he'd just walk in circles! Sure, make fun of the crippled kid! SparkyMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #63 September 17, 2005 QuoteQuoteHe must have to walk in the street with the good foot on the curb, with the difference in leg lengths... other wise he'd just walk in circles! Sure, make fun of the crippled kid! Sparky *** "Hire the handicapped...they're fun to watch!" ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 4 #64 September 17, 2005 Quote"Hire the handicapped...they're fun to watch!" Teacher, Teacher, he's doing it again. I'm going to report you to a greenie, that what I'm going to do. SparkyMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bozo 0 #65 September 19, 2005 QuoteQuote"Hire the handicapped...they're fun to watch!" Teacher, Teacher, he's doing it again. I'm going to report you to a greenie, that what I'm going to do. Sparky making fun of gimps does not constitute a personal attack.....i'm a gimp...I should know. bozo bozo Pain is fleeting. Glory lasts forever. Chicks dig scars. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hottamaly 1 #66 September 20, 2005 QuoteQuote"Hire the handicapped...they're fun to watch!" Teacher, Teacher, he's doing it again. I'm going to report you to a greenie, that what I'm going to do. Sparky You tell him Mike, don't let him make fun of Lil Don. He's too cute!!! Skydiving gave me a reason to live I'm not afraid of what I'll miss when I die...I'm afraid of what I'll miss as I live Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GreenLight 8 #67 September 24, 2005 Well for all you people who haven't given up the sport yet, Air Trash is meeting at Perris tomorrow at 9am for some skydiving and beers. Lil Don will be there and by the way, He got his first ride in a Cessna today with MJ Butt in her freshly painted Cessna. MJ, Bully, Lil Don and myself got to fly around Corona for about an hour today. It was great. I'll have pictures posted on the Air Trash Website over the weekend. So come on out to Perris and jump or just hang out with us on the ground in the parking lot. Lil Don will be there and I think Big Don might be there too.....Green Light "Harry, why did you land all the way out there? Nobody else landed out there." "Your statement answered your question." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
