CrazyThomas

Yo, I don't know. Whatever you feel is best for you. But, I bet it is warmer down there than up near where you are. I prefer camping, but that is not always allowed. Maybe you and your roomies could camp together? Save the lodging money, buy beer with it, and have a "campers party". Peace, Thomas

Hey Suz, ever seen the show "Married with Children"? I don't think Al Bundy was too wrong in that show. Raising kids isn't easy. What if you had a child like me, who was completely different than anything you had ever seen before? Maybe good, maybe bad. Maybe I would cause you to get gray hair before your time? Married with children is not everyone's dream. Maybe yours, but not mine. Think of all the extra responsibility that comes from not only marriage, but children. Too much for me to handle, at this juncture. Maybe instead of being sad that you are alone, be happy that you are still free? Smile more, the right guy may be out there looking for you. Just try to stay happy. That's the main thing in life, or so I heard. Peace, Thomas "If I never try, I'll never fail."---Crazy Thomas

with that last comment about footprints, I would like to add one thing. Sometimes in the snowy season, I will walk around the site extra. to and from the fence, to and from the driveway, and create lots of extra footprints, so a person could not trace where the last step was taken. This could lead to thinking more people were there, but I try to do it in a manner where it looks as if one person came to the site, walked around outside it, did not trespass, and left. Nothing happened. just someone came to see it, and when they read the "No Trespassing" sign, they left. Peace, Thomas

What about footprints though? I jump here in a state that encounters snow. So, the question becomes, are footprints acceptable to leave? They leave evidence of activity at a site. I can only imagine the site workers coming to work some day, seeing footprints that lead one direction. To the object. The footprints dissappear, and there are no other tracks leaving the object. Except for those mystery footprints that somehow appeared in the field, about 200 meters away from the object. It's only a matter of time before the authorities can piece together what has happened. Especially with me discussing it like this. I just wanted to share that sometimes footprints are too much to leave. and remember, when jumping with friends: "Sand people ride single file to hide their numbers." Peace, Thomas

Another problem comes from her attitude, not yours. You want the best for her, and you think that preventing her, or stopping her from BASE jumping is the safest thing. My parents echo this opinion. The problem comes with the BASE jumper's attitude. If you consider it, most jumps are made illegaly. not all, but some are. And, the attitude that I follow with illegal jumps, is this: "Yes, my parents don't want me doing this. Most of my friends don't want me doing this. heck, even society doesn't want me doing this, therefore they made laws to try to prevent me from doing this. BUT I really really want to experience this, and feel this, and go through with this. So, I guess I have to stop listening to everyone except me." then comes more problems. When a person stops listening to anyone, because all they have heard is objections and negativity. They become set in their mind, and nothing anyone else says matters. So, even if you were to give her good advice, she may dismiss it because it is not what she thinks. The best way to convince a person to believe an idea that is not their own, is to make them think it is their own. This is accomplished by asking questions. I learned this at a job once, and applies a lot of places in life. "Never tell anyone anything. Only ask them." Once you take the telling attitude, you sound more important, more knowledgeable, and it puts the other person on the defensive, Does this sound reasonable? Peace, Thomas

How about practicing some selective deafness? Like, I'm sorry. I didn't hear you. I was busy thinking about jumping. What did you want? ooops, still didn't hear you. I guess I'll be at the dz if you need me for anything. do it, enjoy it, what else matters? Peace, Thomas

Private Check Ride? what is that, where the instructor checks your privates while you are flying? I guess it's good you passed. seriously, I'm just post whoring. Peace, Thomas

seriously, you have a list of this? cool, do you want me to become a whore also? because I could if you wanted traffic. I prefer to dance in traffic, but I can create some if you want. Maybe try another list. I tried this for a poll on blinc, but it got clipped out, like many other posts of mine. Most hated Poster? or how about this list Drunkest Poster? or how about Most obnoxious poster? because, not challenging anyone, but I think I could take #1 in all three of those, if those were lists. "heh heh heh heh, that was cool"--Beavis and Butthead Peace, Thomas p.s. I like keeping it peaceful though.

Quotei think there are laws at work here to such as "once in motion stays in motion" or energy can be created but not destroyed..Quote Not to nit pick here, but I would like to clarify something. I believe the first law of thermodynamics that you were trying to state reads: Energy can be neither created or destroyed. It is also called "The law of conservation of energy." Removing energy from one system simply transfers that energy into another system. Then we must consider what is considered a system. Energy cannot be created. It can be transformed, or harnessed for our use and enjoyment, or in the nuclear sense, for our destruction. But this is not a board for a physics discussion. I just wanted to clarify that we cannot create energy. Peace, Thomas

Very nice response. You brought up a lot of interesting points. Especially the point about telling friends, family, and girlfriend. That may or may not be covered in a typical FJC. I don't know. My instructor went over these things with me, and I still ended up deciding on my own it was best to tell the truth about my new found love. My girlfriend loved me enough to tolerate me BASE jumping. When I decided I wanted more than tolerance from her, I broke up with her. And then cried for almost 2 years over that decision. (done crying now) Thinking....what if that was the best thing? Also, the family thing. You are not alone. I have massive problems with my parents over the "To BASE or not" issue. I decided giving up college was worth BASE jumping. I may finish it when I can, in my own way. For now, jumping is #1. My dad has finally, after 3 years, said that he realizes how much it means to me, and if he has to accept or tolerate it to be a part of my life, then he will. My mother.....not quite there yet. She will talk to me about it, just to talk to me about something. But I know she hates me BASE jumping. BASE jumping is more of an attitude than a sport. Really, number of jumps does not make one jumper better than the others. Take XXXX, with over 1000 BASE jumps, for example. He is good, and I am not implying that he isn't. He is an example that accidents can and will happen even to the best. From what I heard, he was doing everything he could, and it was simply just his time for a strike. An ounce of prevention is worth a pund of cure.---heard that somewhere. I guess if you never want to be hurt BASE jumping, the best prevention is abstinence. Never BASE jump, Never get hurt BASE jumping. Is that worth it though? When I was really depressed last summer, I thought of things this way: "If I never try, I'll never fail." Which worked, I never failed. I also never tried anything, and never accomplished anything. All a person can really do is hope for the best, and plan for the worst. Peace, Thomas

I started BASE jumping to distance myself from the politics and rules that skydiving seems to have. Sure, there is comraderie, but only if you follow the rules and are liked. This is true in both sports. BASE--Being A Silly Earthling. BASE jumping has rules also. Many are unwritten. Things like not publicly naming sites, calling the local, and respecting the sites. And gravity, which is the rule that is strictly enforced throughout the world. I don't mind following rules when they make sense, and I can see they are for my protection. Believe it or not, I try to be as safe as possible. But, I also try to be an individual. That seems to be the only freedom I have left in this knee-jerk american society which I live in. Everything is either illegal, or possible to get sued over. WHY? Even me dancing on the streets with my shirt off in 20 degree temps gets me a free visit with the police, posing to be concerned for my health and safety. So, I wonder what freedoms are actually still left in this country that is supposedly free from oppression. Seriously, not much is tolerated in America anymore. Tolerance is preached, and strictly enforced. A double standard in my mind. If I say I hate gays, that could be hate speech. And the same people who are putting me in jail for speaking freely, are telling ME that I need to be more tolerant. That speech comes after this one: "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law." Wait, I don't hate gays though. I don't hate anyone, unless they hate me. Even then I try to accept them and their difference of opinion. More BASE related stuff. Ok, so, the worst thing I see is first jump courses being offered. Because, it has cheapened the sport in my mind. All you need is money, and the right skydive experience? WRONG! I remember when you had to go find an experienced BASE jumper, and prove yourself a worthy student before the lessons were taught. Sure, a FJC teaches respect, but is there any test for this lesson? Maybe we should tighten entrance requirements for a FJC course? Anyone care to offer thoughts? Agree/Disagree? Peace, Thomas

Sorry, my bad. Thanks for the editing. It helps. Seriously, I mean no malice or miscontent. I just thought....but I thought wrong. Thanks Tom. Peace, Thomas

Wise words from a wise man. Peace, Thomas

maybe we could discuss packing times, I read above a logical concern about packing for specific jumps. This is well founded, and well thought up concern. I ask this: How long should a BASE jumping pack job take? On my black death objects, a good, clean pack job will take darn near one hour. When I am unconcerned about opening headings, it may take somewhere around 10 mintues, Does anyone have thoughts on how long a "good" pack job should take? I feel it depends on slider up/slider down issue. Slider down is definitely longer. food for thought Peace, Thomas

XXX? Do it with suction cups. But, a person should have training with suction cup use before attempting to clinb that. Maybe we should ask J.V.? He did it, with somewhat non-positive results. Peace, Thomas

Climbing skills you ask about? I respond that it is only another tool in the tool-box, so to speak. You can get your BASE number without a drop of climbing knowledge or experience. If that is all you are after though? But really, how hard is it to climb an Antenna? They are like big ladders into the sky. And big enough A's have ladders inside of them, some even have elevators. Maybe you could apply your climbing skills to help medi-vac your befallen friend who is stuck on the talus? Maybe you don't want that honor--or responsibility? If you want climbing skills, go get them. It will open up more exit sites for you. If you just want to BASE jump, stick with bridges. What if I ask about some other courses of education? Like, I am thinking about finally bagging my B. Should I take a "breaking and entering" course? Because, normally buildings have elevators and stairways. The big trick is breaking through the last door, the one that leads to the roof. Just my .02, Peace, Thomas

Quoting Matti Nykanen? Wasn't he a ski jumper for Finland back around the 80's? I thought I recognized the name as an olympic ski jumper. Am I correct about this person, or were you quoting someone else? Thanks, Thomas

a person should be more worried about the "Homeland Security Bill" which is being voted on by congress. That strips away all rights of us dumb americans, without us knowing. Maybe Uncle Sam will come knocking on my door for knowing this. Seriously, probable cause, and warrants are no longer needed. All they need to do is call me a terrorist, and they can search me, seize me, and hold me for a month or two. Then, I have to prove my innocence, or I will be jailed forever. Maybe better for society, but who wants to judge? someone does...... peace, Thomas

Ever Play both softball and baseball? Because, umm....I bet you would rather get beaned by a ball in softball than baseball. There is the difference. Skydiving is softball. Nothing hurts too much, unless you get thrown out. Baseball, you can get severely injured (hit by pitch) and still get a free base. Only problem is you may need a designated runner to take your place. Just my .02 peace, Thomas

OK, you got me interested. I like your top ten. Let me try my luck. Here goes: 1--Beginning And Soon Ending 2--Bringing A Sooner Ending 3--Being A Stoned Ego-maniac 4--Brought A Stupid Ego 5--Buying A Simple End 6--Buying A Small Eraser 7--Bet A Single Endeavour 8--Bet All Says Easy 9--Bet Anyone Says Exit 10--Because All Savor Exits wow, that was easy. took me darn near 3 minutes, which would have splattered me on a BASE jump. Maybe we should consider last words. I heard this joke somewhere: "Famous Last Words: Hey, Watch This!!!" Peace, Thomas

I am starting by echoing what you have already heard. You can't stop her. Why would you really want to take away some happiness from her. Like said before, a true friend accepts their friends, and tries to help their decisions to the best outcome possible. I could tell you a story of my first and only student, but would rather not for fear of flammage. Summary goes like this: We disagreed what the student should jump first, but I listened to his thoughts and reasoning, and decided the best thing I could do was help him, and not stop him. He was set on starting, and I was set on helping as much as I could. When we disagreed, all I could do was help him with his ideas. The hospital and scars idea might work. Somewhat a reality check. Has she been in the hospital before? if so, remind her to think of what it was like. If not, I could send you some of my X-rays that are not so pretty to share with her. A scary truth to the sport of BASE jumping is that every jumper will have an object strike sooner or later. I had mine at jump #61. It was not fun, and it scared me big time. Afterwards, all I could think of was definitely not stopping, but how to prevent it from happening again. A BASE jumper's mind is kind of single track. Jump, jump, jump, and jump again. If I get hurt, how long before I can jump again. It's a viscious circle, but once in it, it is very hard to get out of. I don't want out of this circle of thought, but I might live longer if I did. Not live fuller, or love life more, but live longer. I only ask, what's the point of living if I can't enjoy life? Your friend has insight into this. She has done well by at least having an instructor. Hopefully, the instructor knows of her landing difficulties, and will factor them into her jumps. I have seen many first timers doing water jumps. Landing problem mostly solved, except a person should have a boat there to help them get out of the water safely. All one can do in this sport is hope for the best, and plan for the worst. Does she have a living will written? Does she have insurance? How will her friends react if she is injured? All questions you may wish to discuss with her. And maybe ask her if her ground crew is ready for a "not so good" outcome. Like, do we strip the rig before we call 911? Or some other options I hope she has considered. Here's the tough question to think about, and much tougher to ask: What happens if you die? just my .02 Peace, Thomas

last thing I heard about tail inversions, was that the Tail Gate was designed to help fight this phenomenon. Something like it restricts certain lines so that nose first inflation goes first, but the tail does not flip up. I read (I think) on BR's website that they noticed the bottom side of the tail flipping up on some video they were studying. and then came up with the tail gate. I'm glad they did this research, and not me. I always jump a tail gate now, on low stuff, or slider off. I feel it helps my openings. just my .02 Thomas

very valid points. BASE jumping is not a romantic idea. It is a very serious sport, and a very dangerous sport. Inherently dangerous, just like skydiving, only with much bigger dangers. The risks are the same. Life, death, serious injury, or paralysis. Skydivers may benefit from reading this as they may re-consider the question: "To BASE or not?" low pulls occur skydiving also. I have never intentionally done one (), but have been open at 1400feet, which is way too low for most skydivers to accept. and all I could think was that I hadn't started a BASE jump higher than that, yet. I heard a friend of mine who had an opening at something like 450 feet, marked on his pro track. needless to say, discussion was given to him by the skydivers who witnessed this. That is pretty low for a skydive standard, but a BASE jumper might pull at 400 feet during a terminal jump. Might. or maybe lower. I bet the guys jumping wing suits do some low pulls, but they also have a different freefall speed. all factors to consider. also, freeflyers have something to consider from this. They are going much higher speeds, so break off occurs higher up to bleed off the extra speed. but they know this already, so it would not be new information. only something to think about. Peace, Thomas

sure, why not? This could be a fun discussion, maybe even interesting. who knows, something useful might come out of it. I think what Faber said is pretty useful to know. I have never noticed this pumping effect, but now will look for it. Maybe this thread will promote safe practices for low pulls, if there is such a thing. Here are some questions: At terminal, where do low pulls occur? I have heard around 300 feet. Of course, from 300 feet starting, that is a low pull just in jumping. But I have heard that a 2 second delay from a low object is practically the same as a go and throw. as in, both happen as quick. Anyone care to comment on this? Peace, Thomas

Maybe we can have a polite discussion about low pulls. Not a contest as to who goes lowest, but some general safety thoughts on doing low pulls. I will start with some of my thoughts. Use your best parachute and set up if performing a low pull. Many times have I seen people at a certain bridge doing low pulls with round canopies. I think it is fine to use a round for water jumps, but why low pulls? They seem to open a little less consistently than squares, but that's only my observation. I would want the canopy that is most consistently opening super fast if I were doing a low pull. Be careful judging altitude. Do not rely on your judgement for counting off seconds, as judgement may be impaired by the surge of adrenaline, or the visuals one gets. again, only my opinion, but I have found that I can't count worth a darn on my BASE jumps. so, I try to pick out visual clues to let me have a better judgement of pull times. Another advantage of jumping low stuff (sub 250ft), is most jumps for me are go and throws. no counting, just go and throw and then hope for the best, think for the worst. Don't do competitions to see who can go lowest. I mean seriously, the winner dies? that's no prize. or worse yet, the winner gets paralyzed? Because if two BASE jumpers are entering a low pull comp, uh-oh. They are already HARD CORE by nature, and then they are about to go a little more hard core by performing low pulls. So, basically I think low pulls can be, and are fun and safe. as long as we can perform them with relative safety. Every BASE jump is a low pull by USPA standards, but then again most of our jumps are illegally performed anyways. stupid trespassing laws. food for thought