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Hi Tom -- I'll be in Phoenix for a bucket of demos from 28 Dec to 4 Jan. But it looks like I will be down at Eloy on the 1st with my GTi (which is due to arrive any day now). I'm sure I'll be busy trying to learn it's flight characteristics, but would absolutely love to fly with you. Not to mention that I'm being housed in a tall hotel in Phoenix... Oops! I'll take that one to the other forum or private email... Blue Skies, Bryan

Hello Everyone -- To Kelli: My apologies for not making it down Saturday and Saturday night (I was the one who suggested the hotel party in the first place and then couldn't make it down). But I think we all made up for it at our extended stay/drinking session at the Outback and Chili's the night after. And to Wingnut and CanuckinUSA: It was awesome meeting both of you -- and a big thank you for the jumps! Canuck -- next time we meet up let's do a sit-fly together...the winds averted my plans of doing one with you late in the afternoon. Blue Skies, Bryan

Hello -- The Air Force Academy is sending four 4-way teams and will have 18 people competing in Style and Acc (traditional accuracy). Unfortunately I won't be there, but I won't be too far away. I've got several demos to do in Phoenix during that week and I hope to get down to Eloy to jump with some dz.com folks! Blue Skies, Bryan

Wow -- I could really go on with this one. I'm a little short on time (got to pack for a jump tonight!) but I'll come back and expand on this a little later. Good quality Radios: an absolute must. Even if the object is low enough to talk back and forth. Things go wrong in BASE, and sometimes very badly, clear and instant communication will save you in more ways than one. And when you buy them, spend the money to buy 2 or 3 -- you'll need to equip your Ground Crew too. Rangefinder: most useful gadget next to an ETrex Vista. I can't tell you how many times I've been looking at a new site and thought it wasn't high enough until I pulled out the rangefinder. It takes the guess work right out of it. And if your into jumping things in the 300ft range and below, it sure is nice to know exactly how high the object is. (30ft can make a huge difference when it's 15% of your available altitude) GPS: it seems that the ETrex Vista is the standard amongst BASE jumpers today. My first real experience with one was in September when I was roaming Europe with Tom. On several occasions, we simply plugged in the coordinates and went on the hunt with GPS in hand. Please keep in mind that this could be deadly in the wrong hands, but both of us have the experience to walk up to a site and evaluate the different variables necessary to jump. At any rate, I went right out and bought one the moment I got back -- and I love it. Monocular: essential tool that I carry on every jump. Want to know what the breeze is doing on top before you hike up that cliff? Check out the bushes on the ledge with the monocular. Want to know who is in the car that pulled up near the base of the site? Grab the monocular. I think you get the picture. Collapsible water containers like the Platypus: they fold up really small when you need them to. Toilet Paper: BASE is the best laxitive in the world. Not to mention that a little square makes a great wind-drift indicator. Low-profile fanny-pack: something to keep all your gadgets in! Boots: spend the $$$ and get some of the boots sold by Vertigo or Basic Research. I own a pair from Vertigo and absolutely love them. They're Gore-Tex, no hooks or snag points, contains a "rocker toe" for easier foot launches, and are by far the most supportive boot I've ever seen while still maintaining a decent weight. Consider it a helmet for your ankles. You may want to consider some wrap-around shades with clear lenses for night jumps. Nothing stinks more than coming in to flare and taking it in the eye from an invisible tree branch. Petzyl Zipka: ultra small LED headlamp with retractable band...and be sure and pick up a red lens for it. Very thorough First Aid Kit for the car. You may even want to equip the kit with splints and serious pain medication in the event that your in a very remote place (happens often in BASE) Goo: there's nothing like a shot of it when you have another 400ft to climb... Digital Video Camera w/ fire-wire cable: you think skydivers like to see themselves on video? Wait till your around BASE jumpers. Oh my... Ok. There's more -- but I have to start packing... Bryan

Hello -- Tom Aiello has been working extensively on something similar to this. You may want to contact him and share/exchange ideas. I think he is BASE jumping down in Mexico right now...and if he doesn't have internet access, it may be 10 to 12 days before you can get in touch with him. Blue Skies, Bryan

Like most people here, I generally set mine as reminders for certain tasks. And while it varies as to each type of jump I do, I keep them exactly the same every time I do that specific jump. Here's some examples: Typical 4-way jump: 1st one: 4,000ft (signifying break-off) 2nd one: 2500ft (deployment) 3rd one: 1,500ft (emergency procedures) Tandems: 1st one: 6,000ft (wave-off the camera man and smile) 2nd one: 4,000ft minimum deployment altitude for the main (my normal deployment altitude is 5,000ft) 3rd one: 2,500ft (better have executed my emergency procedures) AFF: 1st one: 6,000ft (most common altitude for a student to lock-on/cease manuevers) 2nd one: 4,000ft (general altitude to pull out a student if he/she hasn't already done so themself) 3rd one: 2,500ft (last chance to help the student -- time to think about taking care of myself) These are just examples of what I do -- please keep in mind that these altitudes work for me, but may not for others. See what works for yourself and go from there. Blue Skies, Bryan

I always feel like I'm intruding in here, since I'm not a BASE jumper, but I've done a ton of research. Absolutely not. Thanks for your contributions! Your attention to detail is a good sign... Blue Skies, Bryan

Welcome to the site and more importantly, welcome to the wonderful world of skydiving! Blue Skies, Bryan

Hello and welcome to the site! I gave up on skydiving discussion forums a long ime ago because they weren't regulated. This place is great because Sangiro and the moderators go to great lengths to keep things in check. All in all, it's a great place to hang out, meet people, and exchange information. Hope to hear more from you and hope to jump with you in the big blue sky someday. Bryan

I had 580 skydives before I made my first BASE jump. However, my training began well before that first BASE jump. I lurked around on the BASE Board for almost 2 years reading every word that was posted, literally soaking in things like a sponge. At that point and time, I had a fascination with BASE, but was unsure if it was right for me. And then one day, I saw this guy at the drop zone with an actual BASE rig. I dropped everything I was doing and stood off to the side watching and listening to everything this guy did and said. Before he left, I introduced myself and my expressed my interest in BASE. After I gave him my phone number, I walked away not realizing that as a BASE jumper, you will be hounded time and time again to "teach" people. And most people have no idea what a tremendous responsibility this can be. A month or two later, I ran into "Mick" again at the DZ. Without being overbearing, I hung by his side and gave him my number again as he was leaving. Lucky for me, Mick contacted me a week later to ground crew for him off a local span. I'll never forget seeing my first live BASE jump. I'm convinced that the adrenalin was coarsing through my veins at the same rate as the jumper himself. For the next 6 months, I drove for Mick, I ground crewed for Mick, I did site-surveys with Mick, and I practiced canopy drills like there was no tomorrow. The entire time, I continually analyzed things and made sure that this was absolutely something that I wanted to do. BASE has given me the greatest rewards in life, but it is also a deadly serious pursuit. I wanted to make darn sure I knew what I was getting myself into. Knowing that I was ready for that first jump, Mick took me to a 700ft span that is ripe for first-timers. (for those of you following all the posts on this thread, yes, it was the same place where Tom made his first jump) That night changed my life forever. I was waiting on CR's (Consolidated Rigging) doorstep the next day and ordered my first rig. My approach was more of a traditional way to get into BASE. Find a mentor, and sponge information for months on end until you felt you were ready. It's hard to do this, because as I mentioned before, it's a huge responsibility for the mentor -- more than you know. Nowadays, I feel there is a better way. Take your time and really think about whether or not you want to do this. In the meantime, soak up all you can on the internet, or better yet, from BASE jumpers in your area. Take the bad with the good (you can learn a great deal from other's mistakes/ignorance). And practice all the accuracy and CRW you can get your hands on! Then spend the money on a first jump course with a reputable company. There are many out there -- Consolidated Rigging, Basic Research, and Vertigo are just to name a few -- there are others out there too. Take your time and decide which course suits your taste as each one has a different style of teaching. After your first jump course, and after you own BASE-specific gear, seek out an experienced group of jumpers to mentor you. There are increasing opportunities every day to meet other jumpers, you just have to know where to look. Whatever you do, take your time and only move forward in difficulty when you are ready. I'm of the personal opinion that too many people are going too hard, too fast -- and the increasing numbers of injuries and fatalities may be a result of this. And if you're still following my lengthy post (sorry!), I jumped a Vision container and a Mojo 260 on my first BASE jump. (BASE-specific gear) Blue Skies, Bryan

They ran out of White Atmotex. But just so you know, Kim gave us plenty of other options that would have gotten the suits here quickly, but we decided to wait for our colors. (white atmotex and white wings) Bryan

Hello Everyone -- A lot of us regulars are thinking about getting 3 or 4 rooms at the Canon Inn. It's about 5 or 6 minutes from the DZ and more importantly, they have 5 or 6 different hot tubs in an indoor garden room. I'm thinking with a handful of beer-induced skydivers at night, things could get interesting. As the weekend of the 9th/10th gets closer, I'll PM everyone on this post with details... (lots of floor space) Blue Skies, Bryan

Hello -- I guess it depends on your goals. Are you looking for a place with exceptional weather? Are you looking for top-notch instruction? Are you looking for a place that you may call home one day? Is price a consideration? All very valid questions. There are dozens of fine drop zones in the US. And undoubtedly, many fine DZs near you. To better answer your question, it's beneficial to know the answers to the questions above. Blue Skies, Bryan

I agree -- it stinks! Blue Skies, Bryan

Thanks to everyone for their replies! Baxter -- Of course I remember you from the Perrine. I would love to meet up with you sometime for some winged flights. I travel quite a bit...so I'll surely take you up on the offer and look forward to the opportunity! blair700 -- I'll most certainly make it your way too, and the same applies should you ever travel to Colorado....winged and/or fixed object flight... Kevin -- I placed my order on August 12th. Birdman ran out of my color choice in Atmotex and I've chosen to wait for that color to come in. (On a side note...I've found Birdman to have *excellent* customer service considering that they have given me several different options -- thanks Kim!) Jay -- man, I can't wait to join you when the time is right. I saw the video...excellent job dealing with the situation! I look forward to many flights together. This weekend looks like a no go for me...this demo program has the hooks in me pretty deep and I have lots of plans this weekend. I'll shoot you an email with more info... Blue Skies, Bryan

No skydiving stickers for me -- considering the places I go, I don't want anyone to associate me with anything resembling a parachute. Bryan

Ok. I can't hold back any longer. I'm an experienced skydiver and BASE jumper...and have long been fascinated with wingsuit flight. For one reason or another, I never got around to ordering one, that is, until the twofer deal came out. In the meantime, I read *every* single post in this forum, and have since talked extensively with several friends who fly wingsuits reguraly. I'll have my suit in a month or so and am bursting at the seams knowing that another dimension of human flight will soon begin. I didn't want to post until it came, but I can't hold it in any longer -- so "hello" fellow Birdmen! I can't wait to join you in the big blue sky. C-ya soon! Bryan

Hi Hook -- Nice post! If the weather doesn't turn south, hope to see you this weekend! C-ya, Bryan

Hi Frogger -- Slightly off-topic, but in answer to your question... When BASE jumping, I jump a 280, loaded at .79 -- I can tell a big difference in the flight characteristics between slider at the links and no slider at all (the same as it being behind your head or taken apart with a split-slider). If you really want to flatten out your wing, the most convenient way to go is mini-risers with small links (or slinks) and a collapsible slider. A split-slider would achieve the same goal, but it also requires reassembly after each jump. Not neccesarily difficult, but slightly more time-consuming than pulling the slider off the risers and recocking it. In the fast-paced world of skydiving, convenience is nice. But keep in mind that either way works well. Blue Skies, Bryan

I'm only a 15 minute drive to one of my home DZs...but it's also my office job during the week. (I work full-time at this place) My other home DZ, the one I go to for fun on my days off, is 52 miles one-way. (a 50 minute drive) As we all would do, I've driven hours upon hours each weekend for a little altitude. Isn't it funny what we'll do for a jump?

Hi Dan -- I'm interested in the manufacturer's recommended wing-loading. I may have overlooked it, but I could not find it on Atair's website or Morpheous' website. What does Atair recommend? On another subject: Respectfully, I've made quite a few jumps with Tom (several multi-state trips, one extended international trip, and dozens of local loads...amounting to 100+ jumps together) and I've found him to be one the most thorough people I've ever met when it comes to evaluating gear. Sure, we all have our personal opinions, but Tom will continue to jump a product, test-drop it, measure it with every scale known to man, and then formulate his own opinion. Certainly much more than I or many others are willing to do. Tom has given the Troll praise in many areas (flight characteristics being one of them), but he has also found some traits that he doesn't like (opening characteristics being one). Regardless, I enjoy comparing data with a fellow experienced jumper who formulates his opinions from definitive experience, and not just a small handful of jumps. He's willing to give the bad with the good. And he's more than willing to tell people that his opinion is solely based on his own anaylisis and it's up to each person to go out and see what works for themselves. At any rate, I'm interested in Atair's thoughts on wing-loading. Is it higher than the current accepted standard of .7ish? Thanks and Blue Skies, Bryan

Nice Michelle. Glad to see that things are working out and that you are sticking with it. I can assure you, that we've all been there before. Big Blue Skies, Bryan

Hello -- I'm a little hesitant to give you instructions on how to perform a front loop and a back loop because it may vary from the techniques that your instructors would like you to use. However, as an AFF Instructor, I can give you the following advice: Being nervous the first time you try a back/front loop is understandable -- you're leaving the stable environment that you've started to become accustomed to. But that is the exact reason you do them in Levels 6 and 7. It demonstrates that you can regain stability. And that is a very important skill to have before graduating from student status. Odds are, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how easy they actually are. And if you fall off axis, or end up on your back, simply arch and bring yourself back over. You'll gain enormous amounts of confidence knowing that you can do this. Being nervous the first time you exit a plane at 3,500ft is definitely understandable! As mentioned by many others on here, arch like crazy, be sure to keep your head up and your eyes focused on the plane. Doing so will only help your arch *and* it will help you to maintain aircraft heading. If your drop zone will allow this, you may want to pay for a 5,000ft jump and do a practice exit exactly like you will use at 3,500ft. It's a nice way to "step it down". Also keep in mind that you have more time than you think when you exit a plane at 3,500ft. You can easily take a 5 second delay and will only be 400 to 500ft below the plane. Just like any other instructional skydive, listen closely to your instructors, practice what you need to do, visualize it, and then perform it. And most likely, you'll still be nervous the first time you do it. But hey, in it's proper form, nervousness is good and it is also fun. Be sure and let us know how it goes -- and be sure to share your excitement and accomplishments with your fellow jumpers over some cold refreshments that evening. Blue Skies, Bryan

And don't forget that you'll have 60 seconds or less of working time. (no comments on this one ladies) Blue Skies, Bryan

I really do have 2 home drop zones. (so sorry to post more than one) Falcon Drop Zone: Without a doubt, Fat Tire. Skydive the Rockies: Anything cold and free...but we're more of a Guiness DZ.