CanuckInUSA 0 #1 February 12, 2003 I just finished watching the 2001 Pond Swooping Nationals video and I have to say not only was there some neat and gnarly stuff going in the video, but some downright dangerous stuff as well. There seemed to be more crashes than sweet swoops and I'd like to know whether or not the crashes were the norm for most of the swoops or were the producers just sensationalizing the event. Anyone is free to chip in their two cents here, but I'd especially like to hear from SkymonkeyOne as he was one of the competitors. Chuck if you do choose to answer this thread, what canopy were you flying? I had a hard time figuring out where you were with the swoop footage (though I did get a kick of you saying "take chances, don't wear a helmet" and then I see you jumping out of the plane with your helmet). Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymedic 0 #2 February 12, 2003 Quote what canopy were you flying Did ya miss the big diamonds on the bottom skin??? Marc otherwise known as Mr.Fallinwoman.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viking 0 #3 February 12, 2003 to answer your question since Marc is being a smart ass() Chuck is a Team Pilot for Atair, they make the Cobalt. I swear you must have footprints on the back of your helmet - chicagoskydiver My God has a bigger dick than your god -George Carlin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hooknswoop 19 #4 February 12, 2003 QuoteChuck is a Team Pilot for Atair Was, he is sponsored by PD now. Hook Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #5 February 12, 2003 The monkey would have been under the orange canopy with the blue diamonds. If I remember what was on the boards at the time he's only shown swooping for just a brief peroid compaired to some of the other jumpers. Side note since I only saw about 5 minutes of the video (the entrance sign swoop and one water swoop is about it) was there any mention of Lisa Galleger on that video?Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #6 February 12, 2003 I watched the video a 2nd time and did notice someone who looked like SkymonkeyOne swooping under an orange canopy at least once. But Chuck is more visible at other times in the video (he's interviewed twice and I believe you see him jump out of the airplane about three times). Yes the tape was dedicated to the memory of Lisa Gallagher (I believe she's shown swooping the pond at the beginning of the tape prior to the start of the event) and I don't mean to bring up bad memories for anyone concerning her. I was just curious as to ratio of crashes to good swoops. Some of those crashes looked pretty nasty. All in all though I liked the tape and is now one of my favorites in my skydiving tape collection. By the way, that's an awesome swoop at the beginning of the video (where what's his name, the guy who finished 3rd swoops through the Ranch's entrance gate). Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkymonkeyONE 4 #7 February 12, 2003 I was jumping an orange (blue diamonds, stabilizers and ribs) H-mod Cobalt 75. At least five of my swoops are shown. Two carves, one raft accuracy, one freestyle/canopy expression, and something else towards the front. That was a great meet, fatality not withstanding. Other than Lisa's tragic incident, there were no other serious injuries. A couple of people bruised tailbones on the distance runs; one guy twisted an ankle pretty good. Other than that, a few people quit after they realized that they were woefully unprepared and chowed heavily. The PSN is a very specialized swoop event. It is the one complete competition where one MUST contact the water on every run. Highest points are awarded there for longest distance covered with their foot or feet in contact with the water. It is very different than other meets; sort of like NASCAR guys on road courses. Some people who do well on tour do very poorly at the PSN. Others do well there, but have a hard time negotiating blades. The ones who are truly great excell at both. I was very happy with my placing at that meet, even though I chowed once. The dude swooping under the entrance sign is Kamuran "Sonic" Bayrasli. He is a good motherfucker, a fantastic swooper, and I consider him one of my best friends on the tour. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kimerson 0 #8 February 13, 2003 The gate swoper is Kamuran "Sonic" Bayrasli, an organizer of the event. He also swooped manifest. I'd have to say that for the most part there were more brilliant & successful swoops than 'chows'. The biggest 'chows' were, of course, during the final rounds which were "canopy expression" and the raft accuracy round. In both rounds it was expected competitors would get wet. And so they did. In the past, back in the competition's earlier days, 'chowing' was much more common. In the last three years or so, serious competitors from all over the U.S. and other countries raised the bar a bit and made splashdowns less frequent. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nws01 0 #9 February 13, 2003 Do a trick SkyMonkey! Then we will have cock-a-tilios! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
joshjumps 0 #10 February 16, 2003 There are several reasons that you will see more chows in that video. 1) Pond Chows are spectacular for videos and people generally like to watch them, so the good people who make these videos cater to that. 2) At this particular meet there are rounds that require water landings. It's pretty rough on gear amd people who have to buy their own gear sure don't like to do this. But, it is fun to watch and I don't see it going away from that particular meet. 3) Sometimes competitors push themselves very hard at these meets. The pressure is big and the money is big so they may make choices that are not conducive to a safe landing hence the water and the inevitable chow. Most experienced swoopers don't fall into this trap but some do and sometimes culminates into something bad. Anyhow hope that answers some questions. cheers, josh Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
weid14 0 #11 February 17, 2003 well, people watch NASCAR for crash potential right? makes for lively TV/Video.... same can be said for potential pond chowing at a meet. Of course no one wants people to get hurt, but a big splash usually brings a big cheer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cloud9 0 #12 February 17, 2003 Quote Chuck is a Team Pilot for Atair Was, he is sponsored by PD now. I guess I missed something. When did that happen? What was the reason? What is he jumping now? I'm very curious if it was the canopies or the deal. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
listo 0 #13 February 17, 2003 Congratulations on your retirement and thank you for your service to our great country.Now, whats up with this PD thing? Live today as tomorrow may not come Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkymonkeyONE 4 #14 February 17, 2003 I will be competing under PD Velocities this year in sizes 75 and 79. I don't need to get into any political or financial discussions about it, but I chose that company because I have had a great deal of history under their mains (I have owned six) and I liked the way my buddy's Velocities fly. I am sure that I will have great results with their canopy over my head. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
listo 0 #15 February 17, 2003 Uh oh.....I guess team extreme better get out there and start practicing now. I have a feeling Clawson has his work cut out for him now Has Atair decided on anyone to join Eric? Live today as tomorrow may not come Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkymonkeyONE 4 #16 February 18, 2003 I believe Brian Moffet has joined the squad. I like Muffin, he will represent them valiantly. I love you, man! Chuckie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
listo 0 #17 February 19, 2003 I know that this is the wrong thread, but do you know anything about the new PD rocket ship? A simple yes or no will suffice, however if you have heard anything about a release date................ Live today as tomorrow may not come Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rdutch 0 #18 February 26, 2003 ***>I just finished watching the 2001 Pond Swooping Nationals video and I have to say not only was there some neat and gnarly stuff going in the video, but some downright dangerous stuff as well. There seemed to be more crashes than sweet swoops and I'd like to know whether or not the crashes were the norm for most of the swoops or were the producers just sensationalizing the event. Just to say " I started Pond swooping Me! Back in 87, I was just sitting there and thought, hey lets go swoop the pond, all of this is because of me." Ray Small and fast what every girl dreams of! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
