skybytch

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Everything posted by skybytch

  1. skybytch

    Helmets

    skybytch replied to Boomerdog's topic in Gear and Rigging

    Other possible full face drawbacks? Lens fogging - being able to see is a good thing while skydiving. Pretty much every full face lens out there will fog up in certain conditions. Lens cost and local availability and how much of a hassle it is to remove and replace are other factors to consider. The biggest drawback to full face helmets is that you can't do a kiss pass while wearing one.
  2. skybytch
    Basic canopy skills course on Thursday (June 21)! Want to brush up on your canopy skills before the boogie gets busy? Is this your first boogie? Or maybe you need to finish up the B license requirements so you can jump a helicopter. This four hop and pop course fulfills all requirements for the new B license canopy proficiency card, and also covers collision avoidance and response and pattern management. We will also cover some basic boogie safety information. All landings are videoed (usually with 2 camera angles) and debriefed. Cost is less than $100, and you should have time to get a full altitude jump in at the end of the day. Limited slots are available. Contact SkyDance Skydiving soon to get on the list!
  3. skybytch
    Congrats!!! Enjoy that first solo, it's an amazing experience.
  4. skybytch
    Proof of your mental illness would be a more correct statement. September will mark my 8th year of NOT being a mod. And life is good out here in ex-greenie land. You should come join us.
  5. skybytch
    Wow. You remember that? That was, like, ten years ago.
  6. skybytch
    But I mean it in the nicest possible way! And since when is "trying desperately to avoid admitting who I am ever since" considered to be "fame and glory"?
  7. skybytch
    Sorry. Boobies.
  8. skybytch
    Technically, we didn't meet on dorkzone. We first met at a small dz, in another time and place. But we met again at a dorkzone boogie. 8 or so years later. And then we got together in the vicinity of the dorkzone tent at WFFC, in the company of other dorks, including His Forkness himself (I thought about saying we hooked up in the dorkzone tent, but I know how you think). So, do we owe HH pimp fees? I don't think so. After all, he never paid up on the giraffe steaks.
  9. skybytch
    Zoo loads can still be fun. Make a personal goal or three for the skydive - a perfect exit, a sweet approach, whatever. That way you feel like it wasn't as much of a ticket fire as you watch that guy go low. Again.
  10. skybytch
    Go get an xray. Don't jump again until you know what is going on in there.
  11. skybytch
    Well, call 'em up and tell 'em to be there!
  12. skybytch
    Think about it. What do the stuffed parts have to clear to be able to catch air?
  13. skybytch
    What dz are you jumping at? If you're at Perris, Elsinore or San Diego, go talk to the people at the gear store. They can answer your questions and lay out your options - plus you'll have the advantage of getting to look at and touch what you are asking about. When to buy? I know that the Square One store in Perris has a fabulous demo/rental program, not sure about their store at Elsinore or Gravity Gear in San Diego. If you decide on new gear and can take advantage of something like that, it's worth it as you will have gear to jump while your custom stuff is being made. Get a jumpsuit. Unless you think you are going to like doing a lot of solos.
  14. skybytch
    That's one reason this idea went out of style a decade or so ago. Another reason is that it can damage the canopy.
  15. skybytch
    Did you survive? Then you didn't fail. You may not have moved on to the next category/level, but you're alive so you must have done something right. The tunnel is a great place to work on stability and spin issues. Be sure to let the tunnel folks know that you are doing AFF and the issues you are having (take your logbook with you). Don't give up. You can do this.
  16. skybytch
    Yup. And accept that no matter how careful you are, it's still going to fade.
  17. skybytch
    Order the container first. Size it for the canopies you will be using. Once that's on order, start looking for canopies. Buy a reserve and an AAD before your main if you haven't figured out what main you want yet. When you have a container, reserve and AAD, have them assembled and then contact canopy manufacturers and get mains for demo. You can jump pretty much every main you are interested in for minimal cost. Grab me next time you see me at the dz, I'd be happy to help you on gear stuff.
  18. skybytch
    Can USPA be trusted with that information? Was there not a case in the past in which information from a "confidential" fatality report made it's way to a plaintiff's attorney? Posting details of an incident in these forums is just asking for an invitation from an attorney to discuss things further. Perhaps in a courtroom...
  19. skybytch
    Not every dz puts radios on their students. Even if they do, radios can fail. Don't count on getting any help with flare timing on any jump. Excellent advice! Pay particular attention to those jumping student canopies. If possible, find an instructor or coach and ask questions about what you are seeing.
  20. skybytch
    Contact the dz you'll be jumping at - they are the ones who will decide what you get to do. If you don't have a license, they may want you to sit through an FJC and then do a Cat D or similar skydive.
  21. skybytch
    Keith Wyatt and I have been doing a basic skills course at SkyDance Skydiving in Davis, California, for the past few years. Current course covers the B license requirements and a bit more.
  22. skybytch
    Last Saturday I did two jumps. There were over 10k jumps experience, 70 years in sport, two AFF ratings and multiple world records on the three way that we took off a Cessna 182 We funneled the exit on the "practice" jump. Flipped it over without an issue, but still. We should be better than that! And then.... we funneled the exit on the important skydive - our wedding jump. No big deal. We were still smiling.
  23. skybytch
    You can't stop a parent from worrying. It's what they do. What you can do is constantly assure him that you recognize the risks you are taking, that the reward is very much worth those risks to you and that you are now and will always do everything you can to reduce those risks. Don't throw it in his face, but don't lie to him when he asks. There's no need to make him worry more by letting him know when you are heading out to the dz, but if he asks be honest. Be willing to send him an "I'm okay" text at the end of your jumping day, too. The longer you jump, the more likely it is that he will "come around." My mom was quite unhappy with my choice to skydive; took several years for her to come to the dz to watch. Over time she's not only accepted it, but is proud of the fact that her daughter jumps from airplanes.
  24. skybytch
    A zp 190 is roughly equivalent in pack volume to an all F111 210. Overall pack volume is going to vary depending on line type and number of cells. What lines are on your PD210? If it has microline (Spectra), you can make the openings softer by changing them out for a Dacron line set. Also, are you flat packing or PRO packing it? PRO packing it may give you a bit softer opening as well.
  25. skybytch
    Yup. Yesterday afternoon, in freefall, out of a Cessna 182 over Madera, California. Over 10k jumps, 70+ years in sport and multiple world records in the three way.... and we funneled the exit.