pyke

yes - I've received it (this past weekend!) Jon Pinyon and Kyle Stark ran it for 6 local jumpers. Really helped me get in touch with where my sit needed to be, and how to better control instability. As for how it compares to the sky, and is it different with my rig on - we're about to find out this weekend...CAN'T WAIT!!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Kiwi, RB #926, AFF-I, FAA Snr. Rigger, RN/BSN/Paramedic

We don't understand how bad it hurts to cramp, yet we "deal" with it...turnabout is fair play!! and ABSOLUTELY NOT ALLOWED in the first 6 months...ABSOLUTELY!!! Hints are for the holidays...if you want it - say it. We do!! {whine}I want sex....!{/whine} Amen!! They must teach this one in that part of sex ed class when they seperate us to different classrooms. I HATE this!!! There are two ways to do EVERYTHING - our way, and YOUR way...if you want it 'Burger King'-style...THEN DO IT YOURSELF, and be fine with it!!! Again, AMEN!! Not true...'absolutely anything you wear over your thong is fine!! These were good....and mostly true. Too bad women still have our numbers...but for all our posturing...we still have the last words... Yes, Dear!!

My .02... Unless you're hoping to make a run for anything OVER regionals...I wouldn't invest in suits as a team. I know of at least 2 4-way teams who all banded together on inception and bought new RW suits...only to have the suits without the team (one team has yet to make ONE jump as a TEAM). Since you're so low on the experience scale, and not likely to be pushing more than intermediate class for your meets - I wouldn't worry about the suits NOW...get your fall rates down and learn each other's idiosynchrocies...that should develop not only a team identity (which may result in a team colour!), but a strong friendship (hopefully!). New teams IMHO should be more focused on team "flying" then the "look" of being a "team". I've started a FF team with a friend, and outside of a team name - we're more interested getting our flying down (harder than it sounds!!)- then matching looks. Again, for what it's worth...my .02. Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Kiwi, RB #926, AFF-I, FAA Snr. Rigger, RN/BSN/Paramedic

#76 - packed a ripped slider into a Fury 220 and was told on the ground, "it *should* work". I was aware enough to go straight to my handles j.i.c., and I looked up to see a 'text book' bow-tie...several explicitives left my mouth as I went through the sequence of handles...mostly mad at MYSELF!! Oh...and I packed a mal for another sport jumper on his Stiletto

Our DZO made the announcement when she learned of it, and we were all busy jumping... so I replied with: I wonder if he knew he was dead, or did someone have to remind him??!! Reagan was the first president I *remember* and life wasn't all that bad under his terms. Since then - well, that's a different story, but clueless or not - his presidency was both good and bad, but WAY more good then those of late. So, I say - cheers to you, Ronnie!

Sorry - Yup - it was, in fact, a Samsung video. Must have gone one page past the Sony's and not realized it. Still, if Sony jumped on that idea and provided enough features for both - could make two cameras obsolete! Anyway - just posted for your benefit. Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Kiwi, RB #926, AFF-I, FAA Snr. Rigger, RN/BSN/Paramedic

http://www.bhphotovideo.com Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Kiwi, RB #926, AFF-I, FAA Snr. Rigger, RN/BSN/Paramedic

well - I could *swear* it was a Sony...but I'll double check tonight when I get home. Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Kiwi, RB #926, AFF-I, FAA Snr. Rigger, RN/BSN/Paramedic

Just got a B&H catalogue in the mail last night and was flipping through it for kicks... Don't know if anyone has seen this yet (I looked for a link, but couldn't find one), but it appears that Sony has come out with a dual camcorder. It has two lenses (mounted vertically - so it's still compact - no bigger than a TRV style). The video looks like it's about the same as a low-end TRV camera (didn't see steady shot listed, or some other key features), but the still had capabilities of 30 f/p/s and had higher than normal megapixel quality for most video still captures (like 4.4 megapix). I'm not saying this is to be the next BIG thing, but it *may* address the need for two cameras one, or two, iterations of this model later on. Just have to allow for a bite switch for the still and up some of the options for the video. Anyway, thought I'd share. Also, in that same catalogue, there is an ad for AVID software that shows a tandem and some RW shots as demo pics. NOICE!!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Kiwi, RB #926, AFF-I, FAA Snr. Rigger, RN/BSN/Paramedic

I'm working on flywing camera for tandems and am struggling with body position for good video/flight. I'm getting coached by our most experienced camera flyer and he's helping a great deal, but figured I would throw it out for other opinions/insight. What is the best body position (or what position works best for you) for flying camera?? (what I do now:) I'm flying a wingsuit jacket (seperate piece) and FF pants. I've been working on arching more from my pelvis ("squeeze your arse cheeks together") than my trusted RW arch, and getting my legs a little lower than normal for 'sitting up more'. Any and all tips you can provide...(photos help tremendously too)...would be GREATLY appreciated!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Kiwi, RB #926, AFF-I, FAA Snr. Rigger, RN/BSN/Paramedic

once again, your logic and experience astound!!! Thanks for the input - I'll stick with my 22!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Kiwi, RB #926, AFF-I, FAA Snr. Rigger, RN/BSN/Paramedic

I bought the 6/32 the other day...and I strongly recommend cutting them to the length needed before you screw them in... AND screwing them into the hardware away from the helmet... I had the damnest time trying to get them in "raw"!! Now, they just slip in!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Kiwi, RB #926, AFF-I, FAA Snr. Rigger, RN/BSN/Paramedic

Yup, the 40 just takes better stills. Good if you want to snap off a few instant boogie nightlife photos, or have it double for a digital still when not jumping, but otherwise, not practical for jumping footage. Perhaps we can get Quade to chime in on this one, but if I'm not mistaken - the 30 and 40 are simply newer, spruced up versions of the TRV-22/33. Your thoughts, quade? I know we both own the 22 (bought mine after your rave reviews), but after buying it, I thought I might/should have spent the $75 extra on the 33 for the 'occasional' still photos and higher resolution for grabbing stills from video. Were we smarter to stick with the 22, or should I/we be looking to 'upgrade' to the 40 soon?? Just thought I'd ask, was checking out the 40 last night and the thought occurred to me (doesn't happen often - so I had to run with it!) Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Kiwi, RB #926, AFF-I, FAA Snr. Rigger, RN/BSN/Paramedic

Well, not that it's worth much, but my $.02... I agree with many of your points jmfreefly. And I also agree with Phreezone's comments too (I got yo back, bro!). I started off on my belly and did my first 250 jumps that way. Sure, I played around a bit and had some fun doing 'nothing' skydives, but I can fly my slot and build just about any 5 way you can picture. I believe my RW skills are honed enough that, for now, they're good enough. I've also gained much more confidence in my canopy flying and setting up to know that I can land on or off the dz (an often overlooked aspect of the sport...and I have the femur scars to prove it!). So, now I'm looking for what else I can do. If you were to ask me - birdman is where my heart is...but I don't own a suit yet, and with only a few BM's around my dz - I'd like to have some fun doing other stuff too. I've done about 30+ FFs and I don't know crap!!...so, for me, the fun is learning something I didn't know. I love it when dives work though...and when I'm on my belly and we work out a plan that is executed nearly flawlessly in the sky - THAT IS WHERE IT'S AT!! I'm guilty of being one of those "jump out and work it out" jumpers for FF'ing, but for now - I need to be. I would really like to be a skydiver who can fly their slot in any position. But, I'm also guilty of being one of those RWers who used to say, "oh, you're with the 'dark side'" I believe that every jumper should be able to make the claim that they can fly their slot - no matter what. It's not only safer for everyone if you can, but it's safer for you "should" something ever happen where you need to work it out quickly. Flying stable is paramount - Landing is even more critical!! Anyway - like I said, not worth much, but my $.02 Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Kiwi, RB #926, AFF-I, FAA Snr. Rigger, RN/BSN/Paramedic

Glad to know I'm not the only skydiver with good taste in literature!!

In case you missed it this year...I can HIGHLY recommend to plan on attending the Family Reunion next year!! Some highlights were: * The jalapeno eating contest...4 Habeneros eatin' back to back (each counted as 3), plus regular ones for a total of 25 to the winner!! (a particular Johnny Cash song comes to mind!) * The Sombrero Contest and Pinata Whackin...in FREEFALL??!!!! * The Barstool Racer, and Crash Test Dummy!! * the initiations! * ...and who could forget the 'not yet world famous' baglock correction performed by an ingenious, fast-thinking brother using his....what did you say?....SOMBRERO!!! Again, if you know what's good for you...you'll plan on this boogie EVERY YEAR Thanks Chester for all the FUN! RB #926 Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Kiwi, RB #926, AFF-I, FAA Snr. Rigger, RN/BSN/Paramedic

Have looked through the SDSebastian website/calendar...have looked through the dz.com calendar - but CAN'T FIND IT! Want to put it on my calendar...cause it's in the summer plan this year!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Kiwi, RB #926, AFF-I, FAA Snr. Rigger, RN/BSN/Paramedic

This has been happening to me too, lately. To the point of pissing me off, but I think I've figured it out: I close the door with my elbow. You can take a lot of punishment with your elbow...cause there are few, if any, nerve endings there. That way - if you do get a shock - you hardly feel it. Short-sleeve, long-sleeve - doesn't matter. works like a charm!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Kiwi, RB #926, AFF-I, FAA Snr. Rigger, RN/BSN/Paramedic

I'm so there...it's NOT !!! See you then! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Kiwi, RB #926, AFF-I, FAA Snr. Rigger, RN/BSN/Paramedic

Let's see...since i've only jumped a few dz's in and around GA....let me give you my take: GA: Skydive Monroe - Very nice, medium sized dz. From altitude you can see as far north as Athens, and UGA (listen closely - you can hear REM over the K.A.'s engines). To the West you can see Stone Mountain (a.k.a. "THE BIGGEST F**ING PIECE OF GRANITE IN THE WORLD), and on a clear day - you can just make out the ATL skyline. Skydive Atlanta (Thomaston) - Very fun, young, medium dz. From altitude you can see...well...hundreds of acres of GA farmland...and lots of GREEN. It reminds me of where I learned how to jump in NZ, so it holds special meaning. Not to mention, the Super "disco" K.A.!! Cool. ASC (Cedartown) - Who cares...wouldn't jump there again if the jumps were free, a chick blew me on the ride to altitude, and all the packers were naked. All I remember from jumping there...TREES, both in and around the ENTIRE DZ!! But don't let that stop you from them taking your money. Skydive the Farm - Haven't been yet, but I hear Hans has a great place, and lots of amenities. Can't wait to check you out, the Farm!! NC: Raeford - Very cool, medium dropzone in NC. T&K Thacker run a very well organized, safe, friendly dz. Possibly the best part of the dz is Aviators after hours, but the people who jump there make it worth the entire trip. Miss ya, and will see you again soon, Raeford! FL: Z-Hills - Spent all day last Sat there. Very well laid out, fun, enjoyable dz. Would go back in a second for another fun day/weekend/boogie - anytime. Thanks to all who showed the two GA jumpers a good time, and lots of fun. There's plenty more to choose from...but whomever said it earlier was most accurate... Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Kiwi, RB #926, AFF-I, FAA Snr. Rigger, RN/BSN/Paramedic

Muchas Gracias Signor... I can't wait for Friday...I'm off to the FAMILY REUNION in Chester, SC. Tequila, Margaritas, Hotties, Pinatas, and oh yeah - I might skydive too, if I remember!! Since Sat will hold another special meaning for me too...I'm gonna get F**KED UP!!! Hasta Mi Amigos! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Kiwi, RB #926, AFF-I, FAA Snr. Rigger, RN/BSN/Paramedic

Hey all you Z-hills jumpers...come help welcome Pyke to the Florida skydiving scene in style! I will be in Z-hills for the whole day of jumping THIS Saturday (May 1). I hope to meet as many of you post whores as possible...and possibly a few other stragglers as well! Challah back if yo' goin' to be there!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Kiwi, RB #926, AFF-I, FAA Snr. Rigger, RN/BSN/Paramedic

Chuck, Hang in there buddy. I'll try to ring you later on this week/weekend to see how you're holding up. You, Paul, and all the folks up there are in my conscious constantly...and I hope like hell Raff pulls through this. Much love, Chuck. Blaine

See you in Hollister before too long! Rob, you're a great personality to have at any dz...and a good sport about "combat docking" during WS jumps. Thanks for making Monroe your home while you were here. I have enjoyed all the jumps we made...and hope that our paths cross in the future. AND, I hope your wife is with you then, too - we're so sick of hearing how wonderful and great she is...without getting a chance to meet her!!! Fair Winds and Following [Skies]! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Kiwi, RB #926, AFF-I, FAA Snr. Rigger, RN/BSN/Paramedic

OH MY GOD!! I am shocked, stunned, and horrified this has happened!! I met P.Raff a couple of times on my visits to Raeford and he is a top guy. I've yet to meet anyone who has anything negative to say about him. My most sincere condolences go out to his family and I will be definately be thinking of him and his family through this very difficult time. My heart is with the Raeford family while they go through this. Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Kiwi, RB #926, AFF-I, FAA Snr. Rigger, RN/BSN/Paramedic