Beer...

[lifewithoutanet 0]

Got my first wingsuit flights this past weekend. Flew a loaner Classic 2. First two flights out of the Skyvan and then the third out of one of the Otters.
First flight: Hopped out and spread 'em to a nice, stable flight. Did my practice touches and checked my altitude. As I was told, was shocked to see I was still well above 10k when I first checked my altimeter. Experimented w/ flying the suit; subtle turns to either direction, then a graceful 360. Kept flying on and played w/ body positioning, diving then planing out to slow down (damn, that felt cool). On deployment, had 6 or 7 line-twists; 150 jumps on my Sabre 1 150 and this is the first time that's happened. I was unzipping already and looked up at it, calmly thinking, "Okay, just finish unzipping so you can deal w/ that shit." Kicked right out of it. I figure I had a shoulder or knee low when I deployed and I've heard that it's common for new wingsuit fliers. Rest of my deployments were uneventful.
Second flight I experimented w/ flying the suit, alternating between muscling it and relaxing, basic body positioning and just feeling the flight of the suit.
Third flight, took what I'd learned from the first two and tried to fly as efficiently as possible. Varied a little because I still wasn't sure exactly where the sweet-spot was, but managed to get an average speed of 74mph and got 80 seconds out of 7500 feet of freefall. Certainly room for improvement, but still felt pretty damn good.
Oh...did I mention that I'm hooked?
-C.

[greybeard 0]

What took you so long. Oh, the suit. Congrats and welcome to the flock! Crank it up!

[lifewithoutanet 0]

Thanks, man. Wish it had taken me longer to get down, but that will come w/ a little more training and experience. Looking forward to some flocking dives.
-C.

[KrisFlyZ 0]

Quote

Thanks, man. Wish it had taken me longer to get down, but that will come w/ a little more training and experience. Looking forward to some flocking dives.
-C.

Good Flocking at 74 mph needs the fliers to be really good or be of similar build and they must be flying similar suits.

You don't need to slow down to be able to flock, just learn a few things. Looks like you jump at atleast one DZ that has experienced Birdpeople, so that should not be an issue.

Kris.

[lifewithoutanet 0]

Quick clarification...

Quote

Good Flocking at 74 mph needs the fliers to be really good or be of similar build and they must be flying similar suits.

You don't need to slow down to be able to flock, just learn a few things.

So...which is it? I'm just a little unclear... Speed is not much a factor in flocking? Or it's a factor at such a [relatively] high speed? That throws me off a little, given the speeds at which we track together on tracking dives.
I think I'm reading this wrong. Mind clarifying for me?
Thanks.
-C.

[LouDiamond 1]

Quote

Good Flocking at 74 mph needs the fliers to be really good or be of similar build and they must be flying similar suits.

You don't need to slow down to be able to flock, just learn a few things.

WHOA. I have no clue what Kris is trying to say either.

Flocking is about flying relative to others regardless of what suit they are in. In general, flocking is NOT about trying to go as fast as you can or how long you can stay up. What is important is being able to fly your suit and not have your suit fly you. You must be able to maintain a heading and also know how to apply the brakes both vertically and horizontally to stay relative to others. Zooming around in the flock is dangerous to everyone as is not tracking off and clearing your airspace above(wave off) and below you(looking) before dumping. If you don't know what I am talking about check out my video and you will see instances of people "popping" up under others, zooming and not tracking off before pulling.At the speeds we are flying and leading with our heads it's not a good idea to fly accross the sky into someone else.

Once the rabbit has deemed the flock to be built enough he can open it up and put a little speed on, just like a normal tracking dive. Most first flights have averages in the 90s more or less so someone in a C2 with adequate jumps shouldn't have too hard of a time doing 74. But again, it's not about speed/distance/time on flock dives, it's about being relative to one another so don't let that become a focus. Focus on flying as best as you can and learning the nuances of the suit and flying SAFELY with others. You will only improve if you fly with others and are forced to do what ever it takes to stay with them be it faster or slower.

Have fun with the suit for now, don't get wrapped up on the numbers it's a dead end street. Once you get good at flying the only thing you should be concerned about is your personal bests if that even interests you.

Welcome to the flock

"It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required"
Some people dream about flying, I live my dream
SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING

[Peej 0]

Well it's about time! Nice one bro
peace
PJ

Advertisio Rodriguez / Sky

[livendive 8]

Made my beerth birdman jump this weekend as well (yesterday) and shared a case with friends at the DZ last night. Everything went well, sweet opening, 69 mph average. Need to scrounge up some extra cash now.

Blues,
Dave

"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!"
(drink Mountain Dew)