Genn

Absolutely! I thought I was going to have to sell my custom Mirage w/PDR113 to accommodate a larger reserve, which I've wanted for some time now. However, I wasn't ready to drop all that cash on a new rig. This solves my dilemma. Thanks PD! I'll be upsizing to a PDR126- with extra cash in my pocket and no hassle of selling/buying/ordering/waiting/waiting/waiting some more/....broke.

Artisan™ Portrait of the Crafter (ISTP) - Yup, that's me. http://www.typelogic.com/istp.html Like their fellow SPs, ISTPs are fundamentally Performers (note the capital 'P' :-)), but as Ts their areas of interest tend to be mechanical rather than artistic like those of ISFPs, and unlike most ESPs they do not present an impression of constant activity. On the contrary, they lie dormant, saving their energy until a project or an adventure worthy of their time comes along--and then they launch themselves at it. The apparently frenzied state that inevitably ensues is actually much more controlled than it appears--ISTPs always seem to know what they're doing when it comes to physical or mechanical obstacles--but the whole chain of events presents a confusing and paradoxical picture to an outsider. ISTPs are equally difficult to understand in their need for personal space, which in turn has an impact on their relationships with others. They need to be able to "spread out"--both physically and psychologically--which generally implies encroaching to some degree on others, especially if they decide that something of someone else's is going to become their next project. (They are generally quite comfortable, however, with being treated the same way they treat others--at least in this respect.) But because they need such a lot of flexibility to be as spontaneous as they feel they must be, they tend to become as inflexible as the most rigid J when someone seems to be threatening their lifestyle (although they usually respond with a classic SP rage which is yet another vivid contrast to their "dormant," impassive, detached mode). These territorial considerations are usually critical in relationships with ISTPs; communication also tends to be a key issue, since they generally express themselves non-verbally. When they do actually verbalize, ISTPs are masters of the one-liner, often showing flashes of humor in the most tense situations; this can result in their being seen as thick-skinned or tasteless. Like most SPs, ISTPs may have trouble with rote and abstract classroom learning, which tend not to be good measures of their actual intelligence. They tend, sometimes with good reason, to be highly skeptical of its practical value, and often gravitate towards classes in industrial arts; part-time vocational/ technical programs can be useful to even the college-bound ISTP. In terms of careers, mechanics and any of the skilled trades are traditional choices, and those ISTPs with strong numerical as well mechanical gifts tend to do extremely well in most areas of engineering. Working as paramedics or firefighters can fulfill the ISTP need to live on the edge; they are at their best in a crisis, where their natural disregard for rules and authority structures allows them to focus on and tackle the emergency at hand in the most effective way. ISTPs with more sedate careers usually take on high-risk avocations like racing, skydiving, and motorcycling. While aware of the dangers involved, they are so in touch with the physical world that they know they can get away with much smaller safety margins than other types.

A is no longer a student. You break, you buy!

One of the kindest souls to walk this earth. Cya on the other side.

Very sad, indeed. Q's fun loving spirit will be extremely missed, always remembered, and never forgotten. This is the last jump we made with him, in Pepperell, Mass. when he organized the 2001 New England CRW Record. This sucks.

We're shootin' for a 12:00 start today, RAIN OR SHINE Accuracy, CRW, Sportsmen Loads, BBQ, Beer, and Friends... BSBD

What Kevin said... Also, in no/light winds, after I land I immediately pull my canopy by the risers to the ground. I learned this the hard way... After a great jump and uneventful (so far) landing, I just dropped my toggles to let the canopy fall over on its own. Next thing I knew, I woke up on the ground after having the wind knocked out of me. My friend thought he would clear the top of my canopy and land further ahead of me. His foot caught the tail of my canopy, which lifted me up and slammed me face first into the ground. It happened so fast. I didn't know what occurred until somebody told me, when I came to. So, a broken nose and sore body taught me this the hard way. That was awesome!

Only one way to find out... One of my most favorite/memorable almost naked jumps was in the winter... There was a few feet of snow on the ground. My gf Melita and I were doing some winter jumps out of the cessna. At about 4 grand, she turned to me and asked if I would do her first naked jump with her. I asked the pilot if he would fly around a bit while we took our clothes off.....4 grand pass and we did a 2-way. Stand-up landings (pfeww) and started to walk back. Then we hear the plane...he flew over and dropped our clothes out over the landing area..... We were on the dl up until that point..then out came the audience. This is the only shot they got. Anyway, it wasn't nearly as cold as I thought it would be. But, it was only 4 grand, and it was awesome!

I can't believe that actually made it onto the forum. That's on our Dirt Cheap Cypres' that I made back in 2000, maybe 2001. Uh oh!! Are you dating a Sportsman? Rock on!

At that altitude, I would definitely hold the jumper or want to be held. One canopy is better than no canopy.

It was so special to hear your voice today!

Vinny from The Ranch gave me his 143 this weekend to try and find somebody to swap with for a 126. He's sick and lost a lot of weight

Hi Chris, The Ranch used to host Para-Ski Nationals at Hunter Mountain in NY. It was one day of accuracy on the mountain and the other day , the GS course. I'm not sure if this is what you are talking about tho. I heard a rumor they might be bidding for next year. But, you know how rumors go. Nothing has been confirmed that I know of but I will ask this weekend. Blue Skies!

I've been on the BTD for almost a year and have had great results. I use the Live Right For Your Type book as a reference (That's the updated version to ER4YT). Also, the BTD forums are very informative. Dr. D'Adamo posts there regularly. Being a Type O, yes, white bread does make me fat . However, I can eat other types of bread. The diet doesn't completely eliminate foods but give you other great alternatives. So what I can't eat white/red potatoes, I eat sweet potatoes instead.

Do you think there should be more focus on it?Quote That question is very dependent on the instructor, IMO. Blue Skies!

Actually, I do know somebody that has been that drunk...but I'll never tell!

Yes, the Racer. When I am logged in, it isn't marked 'scam'.

I used the 'Report a Scam' link in the classifieds section and would like to know how long it takes for a reply/confirmation that it was received. Thanks.

Edit: Taken to PM

Andreas, I hope this doesn't deter you from continuing with the sport. I can understand your frustration. I believe you are rightfully upset. If you were given the opportunity to do the jumps you paid for, this thread would probably be a positive review instead of a negative one. I looked at Extreme Sports Cafe's website and didn't see anything that clearly stated a no refund policy, given your circumstances. Also, I did see them claim to have students graduate from the course in 3-10 days. The 3 months you gave them seems more than adequate. It is clear to me this person is looking for any/all reasons not to accommodate you. It's no wonder new membership is down.

I'm also a big fan of the windstopper gloves. Personally, I use the North Face Windstoppers. Along the way, some friends let me in on a little trick that helps the sweat issue. I take my gloves off in the plane to prevent sweat from being trapped inside the gloves and put them back on prior to exit. I found this has really helped.

Hi John, I'm in Passaic County and The Ranch is only about an hour from me (287 to the Thruway). I did my AFF there quite a few years ago and still highly recommend it now. Great Instructors and a large fleet of airplanes.

Hi Jason, On The Ranch's website, under the student corner section of the website, there is an article that may or may not answer some of your questions. http://www.skydivetheranch.com/stall.htm HOW TO DETERMINE THE STALL POINT OF A PARACHUTE Before we discuss how to find the stall point of a parachute let's define Stall Point and what happens to a parachute when it stalls. The Stall Point of a parachute can be described as the point when the parachute is no longer producing Lift. This is caused by an excessive Angle of Attack. Angle of Attack is often defined as the angle between the cord line (a straight line between the leading edge and the trailing edge of a parachute)and the Relative Wind. When a Standard Ram Air Sport Type Parachute opens properly its shape is typically rectangular or elliptical. The cells of the parachute are inflated with air. These cells will normally remain inflated as long as the Angle of Attack has not been exceeded. A simple way to Stall or exceed the Angle of Attack of a parachute while airborne is to Pull Down on Both Steering Toggles at the same time till the Parachute Deflates or Collapses. It is important that Skydivers be able to recognize when a parachute is approaching its Stall Point, How to Stall, and How to Recover from a Stall. To find the point where a parachute is approaching its Stall Point: 1. Check to see that the parachute is working properly 2. Check that you are clear of other traffic 3. Check that your location and heading will allow you to land safely 4. Check that your altitude (2500 feet the first time) is sufficient to recover 5. With steering toggles in each hand, pull them smoothly down together while looking up at the bottom skin of the parachute. As you approach the Stall Point, the bottom skin of the parachute will start to wrinkle. 6. Look to see where your hands are, this position should not be exceeded for the Landing Flare, to do so may cause the parachute to Deflate or Collapse To Stall the parachute ( refer to above 1 thru 5 on approaching the Stall Point), then continue to pull down both steering toggles till Collapse or Deflation occurs. Standard 9 Cell parachutes when Stalled will normally turn initially, then with further deflation the corners of the tail will touch each other and the parachute will descend at a higher than normal rate. It is Important to note that Skydive The Ranch sets the Steering Toggles on the Main Parachutes so they are difficult to Stall, while the Reserve Parachutes are set to manufactures limits and will normally Stall if the Steering Toggles are pull down too far. To Recover a Stalled Parachute, smoothly return both steering toggles to the half brake position (Some high performance parachutes may have difficulty reinflating properly once stalled due to severe self induced line twist. Always check the manufactures operating instructions before attempting to stall a parachute.) If Stall recovery techniques are done too quickly, it increases the parachutes tendency to surge forward ahead of the skydiver. If this happens close to the ground, the parachute and the skydivers body can hit the ground at approximately the same time. This type of landing is normally refereed to as a Face Plant or Full Body Slam. Hope this helps.

Not sure the web addy you are trying to use, but this is the one in my favorites and seems to be working. http://www.skydivelostprairie.com/ I think they require an A license.

Have you considered the Lost Prairie Boogie? End of July, I think.