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*Sheesh, how did skydivers cope before the internet? Easy, they quit their jobs, moved out the DZ, and lived the life we all dream of...skydiving day in and day out until they either got sick of being poor, or hooked up with another skydemon - settled down and needed to pay a mortgage. Before that, pretty much, there wasn't as many doing it, so it was quite easy to 'live the life'. Just didn't think I would pass up on this one! Arohanui, B NZPF A-2584

>*The roller coaster at the top of the Stratosphere is actually kinda boring. The fun thing there is the reverse-bungee thing (I think it's called the Sky Shot). You sit in this chair and it shoots you like 150 up in the air. Pretty weird feeling being up that high and suddenly seeing the ground going *away* from you. You feel like your going to shoot off the top. Lots of fun. My bro & I rode it over & over.* I found this out AFTER I did the skyshot and the roller coaster at the top...the company that USED to run it went BANKRUPT and couldn't afford to keep up its maintainance. So, they leased it out to a firm, who JUST operates it. I agree, the skyshot is quite a blast. Doing it a night was even more of a thrill, but after we got down and were informed of its' politics, you won't be finding me on that thing ever again. So, what I am trying to say is that (to my understanding) nobody is LIABLE for your injuries, but being in the US, I am sure someone will find someone liable for something. My .02 on this particular matter. P.S. How do you get those bars to appear on the side of things you copy from other people's posts...only thing I haven't figured out yet. Arohanui, B NZPF A-2584

*why did you have to chop? Line over malfunction (courtesy of my packer) *what are your recollections of the skydive (from exit to landing the reserve) I was filming a tandem skydive when it was my turn to deploy. After I threw my pilot chute, I looked up to watch the main canopy open, when I noticed the line over. After a couple attempts to clear it I decided that I didnt have the altitude to keep trying so I looked at my handles, cutaway, and pulled the chrome. After the reserve was out, I turned my camera off, tucked my handles in my jumpsuit, flew to the landing area, landed safely on my feet, and finished filming the tandem on their landing. *how soon after did you skydive again? The very next load. *what was your state of mind on your next skydive? I didnt think about the previous cutaway, I was filming another tandem so I focused on my video work. *how did your family react when you told them about it (you did tell them didn't you???) My family still think Im nuts, especially since I told them by showing the video already dubbed over to music and slaow motion.

God, I can't believe I forgot about this... on my jumpsuit there is a really cool tribal design of a kinda headdown, kinda track. I would scan it in, but I don't have a scanner. The guy who made my jumpsuit designed it himself (considering he is 1/2 Maori) it seemed to fit with his suit making business. BTW, his suits are professionally done and custom made. If interested..let me know. With the exchange rate they work out to be less than 140$US. He jumps himself so he knows exactly what a suit should have/be made of. If anyone wants to see his design, send me an email and I will run to kinko's (with my suit...can you imagine that one!?) and photocopy it. For the price of a stamp, you can use his design to inspire your tattoo. I don't think he would even mind if you stole it...more business recognition for him!!! Just remembered, so thought I would share. Arohanui, B NZPF A-2584

Hooray for the person who thought of this one!! Sounds like fun. Things to consider... 1) i have bungeed the "worlds mightiest" and the "worlds first" (both in NZ) and I would have to say that bungee-ing doesn't even compare to skydiving. The only thing they make money on is the "fear" factor of standing on a ledge that you "can" see the bottom of. Not like skydiving where you can see the ground, but have heaps of stuff to do between the door and it. So, for those of you questioning it...I would save my $$ for more jump tix. 2) The Imperial Palace has (without a doubt) the best dressed cocktail waitresses. Look for Lisa when you go. Once you find her, you will lose HEAPS of $$ at blackjack because you won't be able to take your eyes off of her. 3) Everything in Vegas is really close. So, even if you went downtown to some of the cheaper casinos (I know that the Fairmont and 4 Queens have really cheap rooms i.e,39-55$/night). Taxis wouldn't cost more than about 4$ per person, so groups would be encouraged to go everywhere together, save for the obvious (not leaving anyroom for you guys...I have been here too long

You know you are a akydiver when: Your boss thinks you are nuts because everytime you pager goes off you pitch your wallet!

I am part of the marked fraternity/sorority. I have a self designed (f***ing awesome) tribal silver fern draping over my shoulder. But here is my question... How would you get a fairly ornate item like a canopy or boxman translated into a tribal design so it was more abstract? I have considered the whole skydiving tattoo thing myself, but would want it to be more abstract than just a canopy or freeflyer (not picking on those of you out there with them). so, if you have any suggestions, or have one designed could flick them on to me. I PROMISE I won't plagerise anything out of. I don't believe in that sh*t. Just looking for inspiration. Not expecting heaps, but anything is better than nothing. Cheers, Arohanui, B NZPF A-2584

Hi there, Anybody know some url where i can get some skydive drawing for a tattoo? Thanks

I almost rode the plane down on my level one repeat pff. I still got out. I was however doing a hop n pop from 5500 when I rubbed the container on the back of the plane and popped the reserve pc out. I looked at the JM and said that bad ain't it! He held on to it and the plane ride down was wicked! Big banking dive, then in takeoff the pilot got about 15' off the ground and pulled up fairly hard! The part that got me was this jump was a reserve ride! Wrapped the PC around my arm and couln't clear it! Wierd eh?

I have a general question to throw out: What do you think about associations like the ECPA (Extreme Canopy Pilots Association) and what others are doing? From what I understand, they are an association that will promote canopy control & safety. For example, they will have different levels of canopy control to be achieved by a student so if you are "licensed" to do hook turns then you can perform them at dropzones that may require a "hookturn license". They are going to be doing more than just licensing, but I think that is an interesting application of what may happen with canopy control licenses. I think that this is a good thing...safer anyways, but I am sure that there are some people that think otherwise. If anyone has any further information on the ECPA or what the USPA or any other association is planning please inform the group. There isnt a lot of information out there, so lets here it. Thanks!

frustrated skydiver stuck in singapore

Sabre?

Hey, I want to come!! I only live two or three hours from y'all!

Pammi Nope no cutaway the mal was totaly self induced I know this. I have more confidence in myslef knowing I can deal with a mal. I hate to admit it but it was one helluva ride! I thought after a mal I would be shaking with fear walk away and never want to do it again. I laid on the ground cause my knee hurt and I was happy to be on the ground! I think about it daily and wish I could be back in the air! The next day was when it really hit me. I just crave that feeling of the door opening! My next jump is 13, that a strange jump to anyone?

fruce & friends webmaster

D, dude, you f***ing crack me up! You are so correct with that one!!!! How about, Po'fall!~! Or CreditFall!!(BankFall)!! LMMFAOAROTFL!!!!! Arohanui, B NZPF A-2584

hey bro, I don't jump in Chicago, but I have some advice for you. I don't want this to sound like an order, but get over your shyness! I am definitely familiar to showing up to a new dropzone and not knowing anyone. Try changing countries and dropzones!!! Anyway, one thing I have noticed since I have been in the sport is that skydivers are some of the nicest people. Go up to the manifest person next time and ask if there are any solos on the load (or even make an announcement) then hook up with them. Next thing you know, you have 3 new friends (assuming you get in on 4 way). Start chatting to them about WHATEVER and then you're away laughing. I know it can be intimidating to go to an established circle of friends and try to break in, but hey, you are just as interesting to them as they probably are to you. I wish you good luck with you mingling skills, but hang in there. Before too long, you won't be the new kid and someone else will want to be included. Then, you can approach them knowing what it was like for you and you will know even more people at the DZ. Good luck, Arohanui, B NZPF A-2584

Why did you have to chop?> As dumb as this sounds... one of the break lines was un-stowed (on a highly loaded 9 cell elliptical). *What are your recollections of the skydive (from exit to landing the reserve)> Exit and dive: 4 way team training dive, broke off at 3,500 pulled at 3 grand. As soon as the pilot chute came off my back I knew there was something wrong... it just didn't "feel" the same. Well, a nano-second later there was a "whack", and next thing I knew I was in a flat turn hard right facing the ground. Clearly, boys and girls, there was something wrong. My mental discipline took me though a pre planned safety check...... Was it square?.. yup. Was the slider down?.. almost in hand reach, so it was down enough. Any lines broken?... nope. Lines over?...nope. Ahhhhhhhh!! I couldn't see what was wrong!!!. Altimeter... just passed through 2 grand. Well, I did exactly what I was trained to do..... reached down, looked at both handles and chopped. The reserve came out instantly and opened like butter. *How soon after did you skydive again? About 3 hours later...... needed a re-pack. *What was your state of mind on your next skydive? I pulled just a little higher......he,he,he *how did your family react when you told them about it (you did tell them didn't you???) My family is all of you....... Glad to see me tell the story Lesson learned, check your line stows as well kiddies.

1) skydiver 2) unemployed 3) HORNY!!!!!! you know I read somewhere that a mid-20s male thinks of sex 6 out of every 10 minutes in the day. For me, it would have to be about 81/2 minutes out of 10. But that is because it has been too long and I don't have enough $$ to supplement my "junkie" skydiving habit. god help my next partner!!! Arohanui, B NZPF A-2584

Okay, I can have a crack at this one...seeing as it has only been 4 days since my last (first) MAL.

Thats what I figured. If I waited till real low or the fxc to fire it would have been near death. Reserve rides are part of the sport. Pete

Sorry man my name is Pete, I have yet to register. But I will.

The post about mals made me think of this question. Is a mal a near death espereince? I wrapped the pc around my arm and couldn't clear it. I was under a reserve well over 3000'. All the whuffos tell me that it was a brush with death and I am nuts to go back. I don't think it was a brush with death. It was closer than most armchair lovers get. I want to enjoy life, that to me means taking risks. Whaddya all think? Pete W

I was doing a 5 sec delay from 5500' the climb out was good right after I let go shit started going wrong. I was kicking my legs but stopped. When I pull managed to wrap the pc around my arm and trying to clear it wrapped it around my upper body. I grabbed the silver handle! I was looking up the whole time making sure the main didn't deply into the reserve. Rounds suck ass I landed hard and screwed up my knee. I was on such a high and had to buy beer! I will jump again. As for family I did tell them, I am close to both parents. It sucks because they were both going to watch me, and my Dad was even going to jump this spring.

Um, Lummy do you want to explain how you are such an expert on this subject? Later! JP