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That is an AWESOME book . . . I have read the follow-on book "The Mastery Of Love" which is also excellent. I heartily second Paul's recommendation! Arrive Safely John

On the few occasions I have used it over the years I have been on the road, and have patched it out with a proper patch after returning home. Arrive Safely John

Yeeowch! I'm glad it wasn't serious! I lost a battery off the back of my camera while standing on the edge of the ramp of the Casa at Raeford two years ago . . . It hit me in the leg and I turned to see it falling away. I threw my spare in really fast and hit "record" as I was leaving the ramp and managed to get the video anyway, but had visions of my battery (with my name on it) going through someone's roof. Fortunately the spot was out over one of the many open areas around the DZ. Arrive Safely John

Ouch! Rest easy and heal quickly, girl!! Arrive Safely John

Free Fall is taught differently in different regions, and I don't know exactly how it is taught where you are. I believe your best bet would be to discuss this same question with the instructional staff at your DZ. They should have a lesson plan that they can easily explain to you so you know what to look forward to!! Arrive Safely John

Hi Andrew! Maybe this will help . . . First, search the forums for the subject of your question . . . often there are many previous threads that are packed with information. Next, I would separate my questions into separate posts if the subjects are not closely related. Also, I would definitely choose a new thread, choosing the forum that best suits the question: for example, your question about the safety of the sport might best be answered by being posted in "Safety and Training." Now, on to your other questions . . . I don't know of an Australian Message Board, but I do know that there are a lot of Aussies registered here. From the home page, click on "Skydivers" on the left and choose "More search options." Then choose "Pacific/Australia" as the region and search. You will find quite a number of Aussies there, including many at your own DZ (you can narrow the search in that way by typing your DZ name in the appropriate field). I believe skydiving the be inherently dangerous, but it is made safe by state-of-the-art equipment and training, and a general attitude of safety and responsibility among its participants. When compared to many other daily activities, skydiving is much safer, in my opinion. You see, because I know it's dangerous, I respect that danger, and take precautions to keep it as safe as possible. Many "whuffos" who ask the question "what happens if both of your parachutes fail" do not ask themselves the same question about the brakes in their car which they drive on the freeway every day. I have had isolated incidents where the equipment did not perform like it was supposed to, but never a "close call" (by my definiition, anyway). I find skydiving videos on eBay quite often (do a search for "skydiving"). Also, the best skydiving internet classifieds (IMHO) are right here on this site. There is a "Video" category all by itself. Great questions . . . be safe and have fun! Arrive Safely John

Rather than jump in and defend myself against an angry voodew1, which was unwarranted, I will choose to explain the process further to mysky . . . You committed no cyber-social mistake by posting as you did. My suggestion was there only because I was given the same constructive suggestion when I was a newbie here as well. New jumpers and/or new posters get this suggestion all the time; the best examples are new jumpers looking for rig-buying advice, RSLs, and whether or not to wear a CYPRES. Do a search for those subjects or you'll see what I mean. As far as having the time to search the forums, I noticed that you posted the same question twice, having to wait for answers . . . what I am saying is the answers may already be there for the taking if you look.

[GentleSuggestion] So why not search the forums for that exact subject and learn from the details that have already been posted? [/GentleSuggestion]

Hi Jeff! Welcome! Congratulations on your progress so far . . . let us know how the rest of it goes for you!

Welcome back to Skydiving and welcome to these forums! It's apparent that the desire to take toi the skies never left you . . . I acknowledge you for responding to it. I have no advice on a DZ for you . . . maybe you can post in the "Places To Jump" forum with the same question - you may get some more responses there. Arrive Safely John

I asked the same question to an interpreter when I was deployed . . . he told me that since the Arabic and English alphabets are different, when the arabic names are "transliterated" into English it is done phonetically. Since there are many combinations of letters in English that make the same phonetic sound, the result is the different spellings appearing as you described. Arrive Safely John

You will definitely enjoy yourself in our humble skydiving abode. See you Saturday . . . look for the dude with the staff shirt and huge noggin. Arrive Safely John

Happy birthday, Deuce! Arrive Safely John

Hi Aandy! Welcome to our forums and to skydiving! You're right, this is a great place to hang out . . . enjoy it! Maybe you can say hi to Sangiro (better known as HH) who created and maintains this place for us to enjoy! C ya!

Hi James! Welcome to the forums! Wow, what a great essay on your return to skydiving! It's not rambling at . . . it was quite well done. I'm glad you came back and have gained such an awareness of what it means to you . . . let us know how the rest of your jumps pan out!

Welcome, Peggy! It's always refreshing to hear of those like you who find such instant freedom in our sport. I'm glad you didn't talk yourself into the "I'm too old" game. Get the most out of your next tandem, and keep yourself jazzed here during the wait for your training to start. Keep us posted! Arrive Safely John

I second that! Arrive Safely John

Cool! THanks for the history lesson!! Arrive Safely John

Welcome! You have already gotten good advice in this thread about where to go to answer your questions, so I'll just wish you good luck in your progress. Have fun! Arrive Safely John

Great job, Richard! Welcome to DZ.com! There area still lots of places training static line progression. I'm glad yours is going so well. Be safe and have fun!

Welcome to skydiving and the forums! I have never been to Delmarva, but have heard great things about it. Maybe I'll swing by on my way North sometime. C Ya! Arrive Safely John

Awesome! Ain't it great!?!? Glad you are enjoying your breakthroughs in the sport, and enjoying our forums. Arrive Safely John

Welcome to our world! Say hi to Sangiro, the creator of the fantastic family of ours. As far as all of your gear questions go, just jot them down and call me. I PM'd you my phone number. I'll be glad to answer all I can for you. Arrive Safely John

I have been using silicone spray for years. Sprayed on the center of a paper towel, then wiping the cable thoroughly. Lastly wipe the excess silicone off with a clean part of the towel. The surface of the cutaway cable actually contains very small poers, to which to silicone adheres - thus the "lube." I have heard manufacturers recommend mineral oil or 3-In-1 oil, but most Riggers I know use silicone. Arrive Safely John

Cypres Misfires IMHO the CYPRES is a VERY reliable device. I don't know which specific incidents you are referring to, but remember that not all jumpers choose to use a CYPRES. There are many threads about that here. My experience with both Airtec (the manufacturer in Germany) and SSK (the authorized US service center) has been very positive. Perhaps you can ask your question about MTBF to them? Cliff Schmucker is your POC at SSK, and Gerard Fetter your POC at Airtec. Arrive Safely John