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Hi Zelda. I think it depends where you work and how much you actually care what others think. I work for the Auditor General of Alberta (government office) and the few "old timers" that know I skydive view it as a reckless act and actually frown down upon it. Now that I have been here awhile and people know me, I say screw them, if they don't like my decisions for my PERSONAL life that does not affect my work then tough. But I know that skydiving does hurt my professional "reputation" here at work. Some tend not to take me as seriously when they find out about me skydiving and do associate it with a reckless attitude. But that is just my work and I may worry more about it if I planned on being her for the long haul.

Now there is some added proof that when skydiving is in your blood there is no getting rid of it (and who would want to anyway) Welcome back to the sky!!!

That pic leaves FAR too much to the imagination Skreamer. We need more than that!

Hey Mike, I have already booked the time off of work for Lost Prairie, we'll have to get together for some jumps...or at least some drinks. We have to work on getting Stacey out too (she mentioned before she is thinking about coming)

Way to go Pammi!!!!

Hi there. In my opinion, the wind tunnel is an AMAZING tool for skydiving, even more so at the student level. There are too many benefits to mention them all but some are: Because the wind tunnel is only so big in diameter, you learn to fly in one place instead of sliding all over the sky, plus a 15 minute slot in the wind tunnel is like 15 jumps, but you get all the time at once, not over a few weeks time, that in its self will increase your learning. Plus the instructors are right there watching or even participating in your jumps. I say go for it!

You've got to try this Pammi (and all the other dz.commer girls) But don't let on to your man what you are doing. You should see the look on their faces when their thoughts change from "what a crappy spot...what was she thinking" to "Oh my gawd...naked woman in a jump suit". It is priceless.

Hey BFK, welcome to dz.com. One thing you will realize here is that it is one BIG family, so never worry about coming on for a little advice.

You're always such a sweety froggie!!!

I never have to trade it, it is great having a skydiving boyfriend!!!

I'm with ya Pammi!!! To cristen my new jumpsuit, I got nekkid under mine took my boyfriend up for a 2 way and I "accidently" gave us a bad spot....landed in the field....and YUP, it worked like a charm!

Hey Dan. Welcome to your new home.

Doasfu, I have always wanted to try that one too. That ride would give a whole new meaning to the phrase "ground rush"

Way to go Skreamer and Zennie, Vagas is an awesome idea! And hopefully it will allow us westerners to be able to afford it too.

If I MUST sacrifice myself to the Beer Gods in order for you to get good weather this weekend I will....it will take alot out of me....but for you 3 I will do it!

Most people I know who own a Skytronic have said the same thing. The ProTrack is an awesome toy if it is within your budget, if not I would highly recommend the ProDytter, I have had no problems with mine and it is easy to use with 3 altitude settings.

I couldn't agree more. I remember when I was off student status I still had a feeling that I didn't know hardly enough under canopy. My AFF program didn't teach flat turns, how to work the rear risers etc. and I believe those to be VERY important canopy skills which could even save your life someday. And if you don't have other experienced jumpers around that tell you those skills exist or do alot of reading on your own....how else will you know?? This program could be a great asset for students!

Hey Stacy. That would be awesome if you could make it!!! Montana is an absolutely amazing time and the view under canopy is equally amazing!

Oh I soooo wanted to go to Mexico this year, but unfortunately work has been far too busy to get any time off. (the fingers are crossed for next year) The Lost Prairie boogie in Montana is a given though....I would quit work to go to that one. Does anyone else frequent the Lost Priaire boogie????

Great thread Froggie!

I don't have any advice on fear that hasn't already been mentioned. But I do have an interesting tid-bit of information on why we feel the way we do about skydiving.... People have always craved new and exciting experiences. The reason is that such experiences bring pleasure. And the feeling of pleasure is caused by activation of groups of nerve cells in certain parts of the brain. These nerve cells communicate with each other and with nerve cells in other brain regions by means of chemical messengers called "neurotransmitters" which transmit signals and activate nerve cells. The part of the brain which is activated by exciting experiences is the "limbic system", which is composed of the oldest part of the brain, "the rhinencephalon", the emotional part. SKYDIVING "kick-starts" this part of the brain activating the amygdala, which is concerned with emotional memories especially those arousing feelings of fear and avoidance, as well as the septal region and hypothalamus, "pleasure centers" of the brain. Activation of these regions by input from our bodies during the act of SKYDIVING causes nerve cells to release the neurotransmitters "seratonin and norepinephrine", which in turn activate other nerve cells locally and at a distance. The amount of seratonin and norepinephrine bathing nerve cells in different brain regions, regulate moods, from exhilaration to despair, from moment to moment, as well as over longer periods of time. Activation of these regions of the brain are responsible for the complex set of feelings we feel when we jump out of that airplane. by Denson G. Fujikawa, M.D.

Did you see the speed of his swoop in the VX46!!! AMAZING!!!....crazy...but still amazing!

Way to go Omri! All that persistance paid off!!

Right on! I'm glad you finally made it into the sky!

Hey Frank. Well, I am glad to hear that you are okay.