foremostin 0 #1 May 10, 2003 Due to an accident I am someone that needs to land on the ass what are the thoughts on a piece of plastic attached to the pants to slide in on? This is not a joke it is a thought that is being consideredHow can you go back when you don't know why you're here Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZigZag 0 #2 May 10, 2003 Paragliders have well cushioned bottoms, and you might find a rigger that can help you out in building a pad for your tush, just don't rely on the pad itself. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #3 May 10, 2003 If an injury is requiring you to land on your ass, have you considered that you may want to wait till the injury is more healed, to help prevent other problems? Also, landing on your ass can result in a broken/cracked tail bone, which (from what I'm told) is not fun.Now, back to your question...my question is what about your leg straps? Even if you have that piece of plastic to help you, don't you think you'll end up damaging your leg straps eventually? --"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
foremostin 0 #4 May 10, 2003 Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately my injury is permanent. I am as healed as I will ever get. I have taken in to consideration all that you have said & already have a padded jumpsuit. I have also thought of putting a little piece of plastic on my leg straps. Me & my rigger are trying to work out all the kinks.How can you go back when you don't know why you're here Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,584 #5 May 10, 2003 How about a bigger canopy and a PLF? It might give you more consistent landings than your butt, because you won't be stopped like a rock on a wall if you hit a bump. I used to know a guy with a very bad leg from polio; he always PLF'd his Strato Star. He said that yes, he always fell. Then he didn't have to calculate the landing perfectly for his one good leg, and that way he'd always get back up again, too. 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
andy2 0 #6 May 10, 2003 why not just wingload at like .5 and time your stall correctly so you get some backwards motion, first your feet would touch down very briefly, with not a lot of impact (due to the low wingloading) then you would fall on your ass, with the brunt of the impact. If you had a BIG cushion type thingy on your ass this might work. I would suggest testing your "prototype" out without a parachute and just falling on your ass in the grass. I'm not experienced at landing parachutes or anything, but it seems with the slight backwards motion you get from starting a stall too early into the wind, added to the ass landing, you'd be alright. Good luck, and take my advice with a grain of salt, please. --------------------------------------------- let my inspiration flow, in token rhyme suggesting rhythm... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andy2 0 #7 May 10, 2003 Also, swing your feet slightly out front, so you're prone to not slam all your weight down on them. You'll just naturally fall on your ass. I know this, because this was my first landing under a parachute, and it didn't hurt at all. I think the key to this not hurting is to have a HUGE canopy. --------------------------------------------- let my inspiration flow, in token rhyme suggesting rhythm... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #8 May 10, 2003 Follow Wendy's advice and start with a big canopy loaded at less than one pound per square foot. Secondly, look at the air cushions they build for para-gliders. These huge Cordura cushions are inflated by the wind and provide a two foot cushion of air between your butt and your planet. You would probably have to sew on some sort of zipper to prevent the para-glider cushion from inflating in freefall, then you would have to remember to un-zip it after opening. Also consider wearing some motocross or BMX armour to protect your spine, because this is the real issue. Sure your buttocks can take a beating, but the bones and discs in your spine will not last nearly as long. Take it from someone with a herniated disc in his spine, any vertical impact on your spine will soon damage it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
councilman24 37 #9 May 10, 2003 After I shattered the ankle end of my tibia I couldn't take a running step for about two years. At about 200lbs I started jumping a Raven IV and then a Manta. This was in the late 80's. If I had any forward speed left I had to slide on my butt. I got very good at flaring for my rear. I'd ususally stand up at the end of the slide like sliding into second. After they took one of the screws out I could run again and got a Sabre 190, now a sabre 170. I never needed any extra padding. But, you do need excellent canopy control and smooth lawn for landing. The key is to be very consistent in flaring for zero vertical speed. For a couple of years after I could run I routinely flared low, timed for my rear instead of my feet. I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VectorBoy 0 #10 May 11, 2003 I'm NOT trying to be a smart ass for a change but you need wheels! Maybe something that folds out after your canopy is deployed your ass is way too important to risk this. Do you use your feet in unison or just your butt? Glen. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
foremostin 0 #11 May 11, 2003 I guess I should have mentioned that I am paralyzed due to an accident @ Quincy 2 years ago.I have some use of my hip muscles that enable me to pull up my legs. I Jumped for the first time by myself today after 20 months. I have a big padded cushion on my back. I appreciate all of the replys. The one thing about this sport is that the people in it are the greatest people on the planet with some of the most positive attitudes about anyone wanting to jump. I slide in with no problems, something like a tandem. I still have some bugs to work out but hopefully they will be resolved.How can you go back when you don't know why you're here Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,584 #12 May 11, 2003 I'll bet you do have a big padded cushion -- that's great you're getting to use it. Makes complete and total sense now not to do a PLF. Some type semi-stiff but flexible plastic might be a really good idea. It'll spread the shock a little more evenly, and make your butt and back more slippery. Take care, and have a wonderful time jumping. 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
mjosparky 4 #13 May 12, 2003 QuoteDue to an accident I am someone that needs to land on the ass what are the thoughts on a piece of plastic attached to the pants to slide in on? This is not a joke it is a thought that is being considered Way to hang in there. I think plastic or anything stiff may cause a problem if it shifts before landing. There is a Co. in Oregon named AERO and the make a foam the is used in fighter plane seats, F-18, F-16 etc. I have worked with this foam and I think a butt pad of this would work great. If you pull your legs up you can come in like tandems do at some DZ's. I will try to find the address of the com. and send it. Good luck and blue skies. SparkyMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VectorBoy 0 #14 May 12, 2003 I like the idea of slippery plastic with a nice foam sandwich between it and your but. Glen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
