Rdy2skydive

Lets see..... Jump 100 - a concussion, cuts on my face, torn muscles in my chest, whiplash and bruises everywhere. Lesson Learned: Object fixation is a bad thing and don't forget to flare!

The money I spent to go to Perris in April and do their 4-way Tunnel Camp for five days. Not only did I meet a bunch of new people, I got to learn from some of the top RW people around. My flying improved tremendously and I had the best time. It was at least two vacation's worth of money and it was worth every penny. Can't wait to do it again.

There's always a bunch of freefliers at STL. Have a great time.

I know how you feel. I just got the invitation to my 20 year reunion and a friend talked me into going. I'm still not sure how this is possible since I'm positive that I'm still 24.

Skydiving has changed me life completely. It's helped make me happier, more centered and more balanced. It's also taken off an "edge" to my personality and completely mellowed me out. Many people think I'm crazy, sick or suicidal but I don't care. I'm the happiest I've been - flying frees me. I love it too, and like you, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

This is not really a game. This is an intervention. This is a group of people who may actually care enough to risk your friendship or risk embarassing you a little bit to make you wake up and realize that you are doing something dangerous. It's unfortunate they've had to go to such extremes to get your attention. For what it's worth, the people that I've met who have actually "won" at this game were not happy about being right and refused the money. I see this as a wake-up call for you. For what it's worth, I'm sure your family and friends would rather see your name written on some list rather than carved on a tombstone. Just my $.02.

Jig, Jumping out of a plane should be something you do because you love it, not because you want to impress anyone or be different than your father. If it's any consolation, just making one tandem jump alone is impressive to most, and sets you apart from the majority of the population. It seems as though you have given yourself a deadline to complete your AFF. With that August 10 deadline only two weeks away, you are probably putting so much pressure on yourself that it is interfering with your performance. Have you considered getting video of one of your jumps (including the landing)? Video is a very valuable tool as it will help you to see exactly what you are doing. I understand your frustration. I really struggled to learn, and now I have to work very hard at getting better. But even when I'm not happy with my flying, I'm still having a great time. I've also been on jumps where someone with over 1,000 jumps has screwed everything up and I've done great. We're all human and we all learn different things at different rates. Just because you have to repeat levels does not mean you are a failure. Think of it as a test of your endurance. I wish you luck in whatever you decide.

First I would recommend being checked by a doctor to make sure there is nothing wrong. Otherwise, I have the same problem and take 2 sudafed every morning before I jump and then one later in the day if needed. It works wonders for me. Chewing gum is also helpful. Good luck with AFF.

BTW, you'll love the Mamba.Quote You're absolutely right about this. My Mamba just came in this weekend and I absolutely love it. It was worth the wait. Better vision and fit than the Oxygen and easier to open the face shield than the Z1. Oh and check this out. It stays ON MY HEAD in freefall - no more tracking with my hands on my head so I don't lose my helmet. It's my 4th helmet and the first one I'm happy with.

JESUS LOVES YOU, BUT EVERYONE ELSE THINKS YOU'RE AN ASSHOLE!

Hey Jig, As I've told you before, it is not uncommon to fail one or more levels. I got stuck on level 3 and didn't pass until my 7th try. Even then, I had to book a weekend in Florida and spend some serious time in the wind tunnel before I made it to level 4. Hell I even failed my graduation jump because I landed in the state park a couple of miles away. Everyone progresses at a different pace. It's an expensive sport. Training, gear, traveling, coaching, etc all cost money. I completely blew every budget I had just trying to pass AFF. I didn't buy a new car, I didn't move, I gave up vacations, eating out, etc. I also did it at a time when I was still inundated with medical bills and working in a new field. For me it was worth it. If you love this sport and are extremely obsessed with it, then don't you think it's worth it to keep trying? If you read through these forums, you will come across a lot of people who struggled through AFF and have logged thousands of jumps since then. Your destination is great but don't forget to enjoy the journey.

As a result of thyroid cancer, I have been without a thryoid since the age of 24 (14 years). I have chronic hypothyroidism and recognize your symptoms very well. The depression and brain fog can be (along with many other symptoms) can be unbearable to deal with. Fortunately, it can be managed. You need to find an endocrinologist who will be your partner in helping you to get well. Currently I take 2 types of medication to feel good (Levolxyl or T4 1x per day and Cytomel, T3, 3x per day). It took a long time to come up with this combination but it works. I am also an active participant in monitoring my blood levels. I ask for the test results each time and discuss and changes, no matter how small. It's my life and my health so I feel that I have a voice. I've also gone out and researched the illness so I'm very knowledgeable. My docs know this and respect it. There's a great book by Mary Shomon on how to live with hypothyroidism - Living Well With Hypothyroidism. She also has a website on About.com (sorry can't make a clicky). Full of great info. Hope this helps. Feel free to PM if you have any more questions. Good Luck. Lisa

That's a good idea. But then again, any excuse to buy the Mamba - in red. It's just 10 different shades of cool.

I had the same problem with my Oxygen opening in the tunnel during the camp this past April. The velcro would loosen and it would start to pop off my head, then the face shield would open. One should have nothing to do with the other but they always happen together and in the same sequence. Even with duct tape, I've come very close to losing my helmet in freefall a couple of times. I'm getting pretty good at tracking with my hands on my head. The only solution for me was to order a Mamba. Should be here any day now.

2-1/2 years in the sport on jump 199.

Welcome to Skys The Limit. You picked a great place to learn to skydive. This past weekend was very frustrating with only a few loads making it to 5,000 feet. If it's any consolation, I know how you feel. I took a whole week off from work to complete my AFF training and it was too windy to jump the entire time. Don't worry. The weather will get better eventually. In the meantime, take advantage of the down time to pick your instructors' brains and get to know your fellow skydivers. It will be time well spent. Hope to see you this weekend at the 70's Boogie.

Thanks Sparky. This was a great post. I had my first mal a month ago on jump 199. My right toggle released on opening and I was in a violent spin with the G-force pinning my arms. This was one time I knew couldn't just grab the toggles to stop the turn. Since I pulled at 3,500 feet I was pretty sure that I was at my decision altitude so I cut away and had an uneventful reserve ride. As soon as I landed a "friend" asked what happened and then immediately began to lecture me on how I "should have" tried to fix it and that I didn't "have to cut away." I told him that a funeral will always cost more than a canopy and that it was my canopy to do whatever I wanted with. He ended up apologizing and spent the next three hours helping me look for my main.

Hey Everyone! The new Skys The Limit is great. The landing area is huge. Come and check it out - we need some more belly flyers. Hope to see you soon.

Maybe you should ROCK DOWN TO ELECTRIC AVENUE or another favorite.... WALK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN I miss the 80's. Bad hair, but like totally good music, fer sure!

Uhhh.... that would depend on where you live. If living on the other side of it from you, the ride would now be 15 minutes shorter! Quote Wiseass! However, Superman lives one town away from me so I'm pretty sure about the timing.

That just makes CPI 15 minutes more attractive, right?? When you coming up?Quote Hey Dave, How are you? I'll be up for the Big Way Camp in a couple of weeks. Unfortunately CPI is still a 3 hour drive for me. I think you guys should get in the car and come and visit me for a change.

Yes. It's true. Skys The Limit moved to East Stroudsburg, PA. The ride is only about 15 minutes longer. Their number is 570-420-1011 and their website is up to date. See you there!

Hmmm. I don't remember seeing you at my office today. Next time, be sure to drop by and say hello.

For a cancer that's supposed to be somewhat rare, I'm hearing of more and more cases of it all the time. Glad to hear you're okay - it was a rough ride for me too - both times. We're fortunate that it's frequently very treatable. Taking care of myself is a top priority now. I wish you good luck in school and good health in the future. Lisa

Thyroid cancer that never follows the rules - twice. Still at high risk for it to return and being watched for two other forms of cancer. After my last surgery, the damage to my neck and shoulder was pretty extensive. I couldn't turn my head or lift my right arm. I told my Physical Therapist he had one month to get me back in shape because I wanted to start learning to skydive. It was two more years before I was well enough to make my first jump. It was worth the wait since it's completely changed my life.