JanJ

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

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.

Thanks, pkasdorf, I needed to hear that this week.

This post has been SO helpful! I'm 49 years old. I have 21 jumps in right now and have been wondering if this sport is for me since I've not been able to achieve objectives on my last few coached RW jumps. Reading these comments has made me realize that I don't have to be perfect just yet, and that maybe those younger kids may be more aggressive but I can still have fun taking it slower. Thanks for the encouragement!

I only have 16 jumps logged, but my "moment of truth" came at my 8th jump last month. I was so scared I drove right past the DZ entrance fully intending to go back home. Fortunately, I changed my mind and turned back. The DZO took a lot of extra time that day to get me over the hump -- something for which I will be forever grateful! What was I afraid of?? When it came down to it, I couldn't pin it on any one thing. Now, I get a little nervous, but it's a good feeling of anticipation. What I'd like to know from you experienced jumpers is -- Do you go through occasional periods of high anxiety in your dives, or once you get over the fear, is it over?

Just graduated from AFF last weekend!! I've been reading posts from you all for months have learned and laughed a lot. I know this is a subject that has probably been batted around before, but do any of you have any suggestions for a newbie timing a flare? I think I am waiting too long and have had some pretty hard landings recently. Will video help, or is it just a matter of fine-tuning and experience? Thanks ahead for your help!