pyke

to get this: all you have to do is go on a Far Away Quest and your answers will be revealed!!! (for the dummies version...go to the FAQ page and look up the quote section!!!!...c'mon guys, get with it!!!) Then you can do anything you want to!!! Especially when it involves BEER!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke NZPF A - 2584 USPA C- ?????

I think I can speak for all of us who haven't jumped one yet when I say.... BITCH!!BITCH!!BITCH!!BITCH!!BITCH!!BITCH!!BITCH!!BITCH!!BITCH!!BITCH!!BITCH!!BITCH!!BITCH!!BITCH!!BITCH!!BITCH!!BITCH!!BITCH!!BITCH!!BITCH!!BITCH!!BITCH!!BITCH!!BITCH!! Oh yeah, YOU SUCK too!!!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke NZPF A - 2584 USPA C- ?????

I umm'ed and ahh'ed with this one for a while when I was a student. It wasn't until I was just off student status that I had probably my coldest canopy ride ever. I got down and couldn't feel my hands for about 20 minutes. Learning in NZ meant expecting lots of days where you either jump through 'wet' clouds (industrial haze) or landing in wet grass. Everyone at my dz was converted to, something like, 2mil scuba diving gloves. Because when they get wet they still have all their grip to them. I bought the cheapest pair I could find (since I don't scuba) and had me mum sew on some velcro straps for the wrists. They work great! Having jumped with them in both the very cold and the very hot...I can say that they have excellent breathing ability and great warmth. My .02 Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke NZPF A - 2584 USPA C- ?????

One of the j/ms at Monroe told me about her policy....I believe it is through State Farm. She sounded like she had a pretty sweet policy, even though she is a skydiver. They are used to people asking about it now, so they had a sheet that they made her fill out with things like last jump, number of mals, cypres yes or no, how many jumps in a year, what ratings, do you freefly etc...so, you might have some luck ringing their customer service dept. tryin' to help. Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke NZPF A - 2584 USPA C- ?????

well /s, I don't know if anyone on dz.com wants your lungs, so I was thinking maybe ebay, but who cares...as long as it brought me the dosh!!! I think you can count out your liver...and mine for that matter...don't know a skydiver who's livers would be worth a shite anyway (well, there are the odd few, but they are in the minority) anyhow...I wouldn't want to chop you up, dude, who else is going to show our HH around when he comes to the glorious UK this summer??? Take care of him bro, he means a lot to a lot of people!!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke NZPF A - 2584 USPA C- ?????

I am with skybytch on this one!! I got dibs on the funds from skreamer's lungs...they got to be worth some dosh...even if he is British!! That ought to keep me in skydiving for a while!!! j/k skreamer...we luvs ya!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke NZPF A - 2584 USPA C- ?????

Wow, LIAR, WANKER...how much more do you think it would take to get Pammi in here to flame me. That should make for some interesting reading. I haven't been told what an absolutely BAD person I am in so long. 'ere fishy, fishy, fishy....'ere fishy, fishy, fishy! I love you guys, thanks!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke NZPF A - 2584 USPA C- ?????

Hey now, I thought you loved hearing about my problems!!! LOL Besides, Sis and I aren't what I would call "incestuous"...just disturbed!!!! In SO many ways!! Anyway, when are you back Cyber?? Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke NZPF A - 2584 USPA C- ?????

Well, I take it by posting this you weren't around for the ASC flaming that happened about 3-5 months ago. Boy, did you miss a roasting!! To sum it up for you as objectively as possible: ASC listed themselves as 3 diff dzs in 3 diff states. They own the domain names to 3 different sites as well. apparently, if you rang one of the numbers on any of the sites, you were bound to get different info re: prices and times than if you rang a number from a diff site- still taking you through to ASC - so there was a lot of deception happening there. Also, several people had jumped there and flamed them with reviews. Sangiro answered the call of all the abuse on the forums and dropped all but the listing for them in GA, which was the ONLY real one. So, if skydivinginfo.com leads you to believe that ASC is the ONLY dz in the area/state...that seems to be what they are hoping for. But, you decide based on your own information/experience. As far as your question re: organization recognition...I don't think I understood it from the way you wrote it. Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke NZPF A - 2584 USPA C- ?????

yup, they worked on you didn't they??Oooh, DAMN!!! that had to hurt ouch, pull it out...my throat isn't big enough for my WHOLE LEG!!! i'm in for it now, eh babe?!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke NZPF A - 2584 USPA C- ?????

Skydive Monroe The left corner of the grass runway (no longer used) that runs perpendicular to the paved one is where we put most of our (sport)landings. You can just make out the circle of stones that outlines our windsock (I usually aim for it, work on accuracy - LOL!) Otherwise, most swoop the grass to the side of the runway. Tandems land in the grass in front of hangar just next to ours. Our hangar is the dark roofed building. Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke NZPF A - 2584 USPA C- ?????

I don't have one, but I believe it stands for Star Crest Recipient and Star Crest Soloist. you get the SCR if you participate in an 8 way as part of the base you get the SCS if you go into the 8 way something like 6th or later. I don't think they mean much, since just about anyone can be held in a base for others to dock on, and I don't know how hard it would be for some to miss a 5-7 way base, but I suppose an SCS would be better than an SCR. I know I am going to make enemies here, but oh well, I don't see the point of the awards anyway. Either you can fly or you can't. Awards like these don't say much to me. Since I know people with them and they screw up 3 and 4 ways!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke NZPF A - 2584 USPA C- ?????

Well, I would have to agree with Grasshopper on this too...and in my own defense, spectre, I never once mention that a 'packer' should consider packing reserves or doing any repairs on any rig, what-so-ever...that is up to a certified rigger. BUT, as a packer (new to packing, experienced jumper) if someone asks me to pack their main, that is all I do. I pack it like I would pack my own. I take the same care, do the same checks, and depending on what kind of opening they like (i.e. I solicit this info from them before or during the pack) give them what they want. I do NOT engage in undercutting, competition, or other dubious practices to "get" the pack job. If you (in the general sense) want it...take it. If it is your side job for cash, then by all means, pack to your little hearts content. I do it to pay for my jumps (barter) and nothing more. I trust other jumpers to pack my main, and I would hope they would trust another jumper(me) to pack theirs right. On the other hand, if they were strictly a packer and didn't jump at all, well, if they had proven their worth as a packer, then if I wanted it done, I wouldn't mind asking them. If I ever caused a mal for another jumper, I wouldn't have too much of a problem paying for their repack. But again, you wanted me to pack to save you the time...if you have a mal, you accepted that risk when you asked me to pack it. So, not that I take offense to your post, spectre, but to each their own. I have several people at my dz who are "rich" enough to pay a packer ALL the time. Well, if you are going to throw your 5$ bucks around like that...I don't mind if it falls in my pocket. Otherwise, I strongly believe in packing for yourself. But again, I am NOT a rigger and I don't try to be. If I see something that looks sus on a rig, I will stop the pack and consult the rigger...leaving it in his hands to deal with. Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke NZPF A - 2584 USPA C- ?????

Udder, while I do not share the same opinion of Spectre230, that doesn't mean that he doesn't raise some good points. Yes, it is wise to first listen and learn from a certified rigger. Understand some of the finer points of canopy maintaince/care/packing. Once you have that under your belt (mind you...you DO NOT NEED to become a certified rigger to continue from here - the USPA states that all rigs should be packed by the person jumping it or a certified rigger. If you do not have your licence, it will raise questions in jumpers minds as to whether or not you will be able to distinguish between a snivel and spank opening, but with enough practice under a rigger, you will learn the different techniques in doing both) then you can start packing sport rigs. But, the best way to learn is to jump in and ask ALL the questions you can...watch EVERYBODY pack their rigs...and watch ANYONE packing who packs different from what you have seen. If I see ANYONE packing a different way...I ask them to show me what they do. I have now sussed out one of the quickest pro packs I think I will ever need. I am on the ground in about a minute - which helps A LOT at boogies and such. Other than that...if EVER in doubt...ASK. The first thing I was told when I was cleared to pack my own rigs before jumping was...having a licence to pack parachutes is really a licence to ASK if ever in doubt. I accept if others will have differing opinions, or more to add, but here are my .02 for your consideration. Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke NZPF A - 2584 USPA C- ?????

yeah!!! Somebody who relates to my way of doing RW!!! miked - gotta love ya!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke NZPF A - 2584 USPA C- ?????

Thanks all for your suggestions. I DO hope that this is just a simple misunderstanding. I do not wish to bring anything down on anyone who doesn't deserve it. I will sort this all out asap at my dz with the rigger in question. Like I said, let's all hope there is a reasonable explanation for it all. and to answer the question of whether it was new or not...yes, I had to wait in an airport for the courier because I wasn't going to be at the address it was supposed to go to...it came straight from germany that week. And, I looked at the unit in the pouch (the on/off switch thingie) but couldn't find a serial # on it. I don't want to fire my reserve j.i.c. I don't need to. So, I hope to see you all in the sky shortly...if not...heads will roll!!!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke NZPF A - 2584 USPA C- ?????

cute pic bwilling...nice to see you back!! enjoyed the jump last weekend...too bad Sis can't fall for shit!!!!

Did someone mention fisting??!!!!Wooohooo!!! ....Awww, shit...it was a typo. DOH!! There I went and got all excited over nothing!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke NZPF A - 2584 USPA C- ?????

Following RedBull's idea a little further...I thought I would make a poll re: the topic. What would you call a group of skydivers? A (_______) of skydivers. A Boogie An Orgy A Formation A beer reference (ie. a Keg, a Six-pack, a Case) A Tribe A Freak Other (please write below) Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke NZPF A - 2584 USPA C- ?????

How would you feel if you gave your rigger a brand new cypres in the box and your flown reserve and ask for it (the cypres) to be installed with your repack. (you get your rig back, it has a cypres in it, and your reserve is now in date) You are one fat, dumb, and happy skydiver!! [months pass] ....then you go to a different dz and during the manditory gear check, you are told that you have a nearly 8 year old cypress, that is actually past due for its 8 year check. You are almost not allowed to jump due to this. WHAT WOULD YOU DO??? HOW WOULD YOU FEEL??? Things I am running through...this rigger is a crook and trying to pocket the new cypres and sell it off at a profit, this rigger is not who I want to be packing my rig if he cheats and steals, this rigger is an asshole who should lose his rating, this rigger made a mistake (don't see how, but could have) and is human and should have the opportunity to explain himself, this rigger is fucking with my life and should go to jail for attempt... any riggers out there care to elaborate on their views from the other side as well? Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke NZPF A - 2584 USPA C- ?????

nope, I mean, they made/were going to make me pay for entire my day of jumping before I jumped. I am fully aware of the jump ticket option (although at the time I hadn't experienced it, but since then we have used them for boogies at Monroe) And they get collected as you get on the plane (or in Dallas, you get your card swiped at manifest). This I get! and I have no problems with it. (and if this is how thing were to work, I was not made aware of it by ANYONE) Normal jumping days at Monroe are like yours in VA, you pay at the end of the day and everybody knows everybody, or if they don't, then Manifest certainly does ! No, I had made it clear to ASC that I was new to the country and the US way of doing things and I didn't get any support as far as interpretation, orientation, or what have you. I was told what to pay, and what load I was on. I had to ask where and how to get to the plane (packing and manifest are separated from the runway - no biggie, just followed the formation I was in). I have been to other dzs since where you get a full orientation of the grounds, the landing patterns, and what is the happs...and I agree with/like this. Regardless of how 'seasoned' you are...it is nice to be shown around a new dz by the staff. Gives one a welcome feeling. So, anyway, as I said, I just didn't agree with ASC, but that is okay, because there are 00's of jumpers that do agree with it every week/weekend. I found my 'home' away from home. Diplomatically yours, Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke NZPF A - 2584 USPA C- ?????

yeah, good one. Or even a word that is already commonly associated to a gathering of skydivers.... A boogie of skydivers! At least you can say that one in polite company!HA Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke NZPF A - 2584 USPA C- ?????

Ten Hut! Officer on deck. Sir, Yes Sir. Right away Sir. Going to the Reviews section now Sir. (seriously though, my sentiments exactly!! Everyone should rate all dz's they jump at, unless they are the webmaster for them, but still, that doesn't mean you can't at least point out the obvious about your own dz) Sorry Sir, I digress Sir. Going as we speak, Sir!! Thank you Sir, may I have another Sir! P.S. nobody can rate anything while HH has the script down - unless my computer is suddenly retardedly slow, I remembered he was working on them after waiting 5 minutes for the review screen to appear. Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke NZPF A - 2584 USPA C- ????? Edited by pyke on 7/18/01 12:07 PM.

Well, I too won't get into a verbal trash match about ASC and their politics, but I will tell you what I know from my experience there (note: experience isn't plural). I showed up and it took a while to figure out the process, but having jumped other dzs in NZ, I knew that there would be forms, so I went to Manifest. I registered and told them I would probably do one jump (budget constraints suck!). They asked me for the money then. (Now, having come from NZ, I wasn't used to this, and thought this might be the way things were done) They AREN'T. Asking for money up front is poor form in my opinion. I got introduced to a few people who seemed friendly enough. I was excited about jumping the skyvan ('cause I had always heard about them - p.s. it isn't there anymore). We planned our dive, did the dive, but I noticed on landing that it was a tight squeeze of a landing area in the trees. The winds were favourable, so landing didn't pose too much of a problem, but for a sub-100 jumper I was still a little weary about it. If you learn there, I suppose it wouldn't be much of a problem and you would get used to it, but my opinion is that a student should have copious landing areas and outs to choose from j.i.c.- and I just didn't see them there, but things could have changed. The covered a/c'd packing areas were nice, and I can imagine a blessing in the GA summer heat. So, all in all, I would rate my experience at ASC about a 5/10. It was a good jump, with some good people. I had fun with my dive (considering I hadn't jumped in over a month) and I liked the facilities. I can't say anything about the gear they use for students, or what their tandems are like. I got a sour taste in mouth (figuratively!) from the 'up front' payment plan, and the politics afterwards about their listing in 3 differents states under 3 different names doesn't sit well with my ethics of business practices. Shortly thereafter, I found a place to call home and I like where I jump. So, I will go back to ASC for a boogie, or a rain out at my home dz, but not for much else. [/lunch hour diatribe] Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke NZPF A - 2584 USPA C- ?????

Okay, so I am eating my lunch at my desk and checking up on the latest threads, when I click on this one and only the first line appears...I have my hands full with my sandwich and what comes to my mind is "formation". Then I scroll down and it is one of the suggestions. So, I vote for a formation of skydivers because no matter how many there are, they represent a formation and what breed of skydiver they are also doesn't matter, they still skydive/parachute out of a plane. So, that is my vote, but I agree with FFF, just don't call me late for the load, and I don't care if you call me a formation or a f*$#wad!!!HA Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke NZPF A - 2584 USPA C- ?????