CrazyThomas

I agree with Tom on his points about the "other" canopies that will work. I started on an interceptor 225, which was a CRW canopy. Good openings, harder landings. First thing I did was to get myself a BASE specific canopy. And it made a lot of difference not only in openings, but in landings. I wasn't experienced enough to notice differences in riser response or inflation. I was just happy having an open canopy overhead. I would like to add one thing. VENTS! if you are considering doing low BASE jumps, or even just slider off/down BASE jumps, I think vents on the bottom skin help considerably. I waited til I had my vented canopy before playing on the low stuff. And now I've gone low, so I would rather take on bigger objects. Low is fun, and opens up supposed "Un-jumpable" objects, but low is much quicker with everything. Quicker deployments and inflation needed, and quicker landings coming at me. Almost so quick sometimes I miss parts of it, except the adrenaline keeps reminding me of what went on. Low is not for everyone. High is not for everyone. The choice of canopies you jump mainly depends on you. What are you comfortable with? What would you risk your life with? I have heard of people taking skydiving rigs off my favorite 1200 foot antenna, and while that may work, I don't want to try. It must work, because they are still alive. but, to each his own. Make your choice based on what you think. and, have fun! Peace, Thomas

Once you get the needed experience, look into BASE jumping. A sport that weather matters only for safety, not regulation. I've jumped during snowfall, and at night with clouds. I have heard of people freefalling into fog. Talk about a low pull! Yet to do it, but I am waiting for the right day. Just don't let the weather get you down. Learn to manage it. As in, what are you comfortable with? I found downwind landings in high winds much safer into water. as long as the water is shallow, and fair temp. oh yeah, I have had exit winds of up to 40-50 mph, and as long as conditions are good on the ground, let's flick! Peace, Thomas

I have one DUI, and still don't have my license back. oh well, walking is good exercise. And, I am an alki by day, BASE jumper by night. when I sober up, everyone else is asleep, and then I can play on objects and not get seen. Still waiting to qualify for my night skydiving acceptance, but I find it much funner to just go do it. As in BASE, I can do it naked, at night, illegal, low pulls, whatever. The only rule in BASE is gravity. and as we all know and love, gravity takes no vacations. Peace, Thomas

I think that is a leg brace or a cast. As in, "Broken Leg". Glad to see someone else hurt in their love of their sport? wanna see my X-rays? broken back, broken femurs, broken skull, broken wrist, and that was all from only two accidents, netiher involved parachutes. Maybe parachute would have helped me? anyways, injuries aren't cool. They just slow us fanatics down. once we are cured, we'll be back at it. oh wait, I can walk again. where is my rig? time to jump again. Peace, Thomas

I second the opinion that an interceptor is not for BASE. I started on one, and ditched it as quickly as I could. The first thing I did was buy myself a BASE specific canopy. And my openings improved, my landings improved, and my confidence level improved. I had around 10-15 jumps on this interceptor, and only half the time could I stand up my landings. not because I wasn't flaring, but because there was nothing there when I hit the toggles. I skydived this canopy first, and stood up my landing. So, I thought it would be acceptable to BASE with. well, technically it was. I lived through it at least. but, all S jumps, and I did have a 180 or 2. so, my best thought is that if you are new to the sport, buy new gear, and BASE specific gear. and if money is an issue, maybe this sport is not for you. Think about how much hospital bills cost compared to the price of a rig. I can tell you from my experiences, that of the hospital bills I incurred from my stupidity, I could have bought countless rigs. of course, getting the insurance company to pay for parachutes is much tougher than having them pay for hospital bills. my .02 Peace, Thomas

Tom, this forum is a good thing. It gives a person an alternative to BASE board. not saying BASE board is not good, I'm just saying it's always nice to have a second option. That's why I liked my sorcerer. It was nice to have that second option, just in case. Thanks for creating this, and moderating it. Peace, Thomas

Low snag potential means NO SPEED LACES. that is a good place for lines to get caught on. and, with lines caught on a boot, well, not a pretty sight. I have heard of people DUCT taping the speed laces to reduce snag potential. I like to wear a boot that is comfortable, and fits the situation. Yet to be on the 60th floor, but I can imagine the waiter saying "That's not appropriate dress attire." and I would say... " Well, I am LEAVING quickly!" Peace, Thomas

Great rig! What a concept! I had one for 4 jumps, and it made me feel MUCH better about my ten minute "psycho slam" pack jobs. knowing that I had a reserve, even if I was the one who packed it, it was a second chance. I jumped it only from high altitudes, where I deployed with sufficient height to deploy the reserve if needed. Not a toy for beginners though. oh wait, what am I? I guess with less than 100 BASE jumps, I am still a low timer. Good thing I got it stolen from me. Now I can just wait to buy a new, ONE canopy BASE rig. Peace, Thomas

so, a question to all who might recognize insanity when they see it? Am I allowed to speak here? If I promise to be nice? Will anyone listen? Thomas