rdesilets

Not to change the subject, but where did you jump while up here? Did you do the 48 way seq. in Maine?

600: 0

Thanks for the update Bill. I am from the Northeast and a few of the folks from the local DZ's were down there this weekend (Jumptown and CPI). For us 'new to big way' folks, can you explain what types of problems were happening so we can learn from them. Thanks! -Rob

Just about 10 seconds after I posted this I saw the previous thread on 'swoop cords'. So, please disregard my questions on the swoop cords. I got all my information from that thread. However, I am still interested in feedback regarding how to 'fall slower' while still maintaining good body position to turn points, etc.

Hi Folks, I have about 600 jumps, 99% of which is RW. Mostly smaller stuff like 4-6 way dives. I weigh 190 lbs and am 5'9". Weightlifting is my other hobby so I am one of those 'dense' 190 lb guys. My jump suit was made based on my body construction and the tendency to fall fast, e.g. its not a tight nylon suit rather a looser fitting suit. I also have booties. I have about 30 jumps on this new RW suit. Recently I have been doing 'bigger way' stuff like 16-18 ways. On my first dive of this size a few weeks ago I went low and it sucked bad. I spent the whole dive trying to get back up to the formation. It was very different for me since I was used to 'fast 4-6 way' stuff. Over the subsequent bigger dives I have learned to slow things down a little and fly with the formation. However, this weekend we got videos of the dives and it appears that when I am 'flying slower' (e.g. trying not to go low again) I tend to drop my knees a little and semi de-arch and fly that way, as opposed to a nice relaxed arch position. I would like to correct this as I don't want to 'learn to fly slower' with my knees down in a semi de-arched position. Ok, now my questions: 1) I do have swoop cords in my suit but I have never used them. I have heard mixed feedback as to whether I should use them or not. Some people tell me that I just need to correctly figure out how to fly my body slower and I won't need the cords. They say that when I am 'big' the swoop cords do their job but as soon as I got back into the relaxed arch position they are useless. This I understand based on the design of the swoop cords. 2) Does anyone have any suggestions for me on how to slow down my fall rate and still be in a nice relaxed position so I can fly normally (as opposed to this knee down semi arched 'oh my god I don't want to go low' position). Thanks in advance!! -Rob

Great Job! Hope to see you up there this weekend. After 5+ weekends of rain we have a lot of jumping to do..

I used to jump with a protec and goggles. I recently bought an oxygn and ended up selling it for a Z1 (I now have about 50 jumps on my Z1). I just love the Z1. IMHO, the visor is a LOT easier to flip up than the oxygn (that is why I switched). I keep it flipped up until the count is given then flip it down for the jump (unless I am floating, of course). This way I don't get hot in the plane on jump run (or fogged up). I like a full face because its nice and quiet in freefall plus with the protec I would always be worried about forgetting my goggles on the ground and would be hosed. Once I open my canopy I flip the visor up for a nice refreshing ride down to earth. I also find the Z1's visor is much cleaner than the oxygn, maybe its a different material or something. Just my $.02.. -Rob

I have a question for everyone regarding gear checks. I have about 540 jumps, have my S/L JM rating, and am a senior rigger. Each morning after I take my gear out of my bag I turn on my CYPRES and do a 'full' gear check (e.g. making sure all the handles come out of the pouches, the 3 rings look good, etc.) - the standard soup to nuts once over. When I went through my FJC many moons ago it was burned into my head to always get a gear check before every jump from a jumpmaster/instructor or another experienced skydiver. There have also been some articles in Parachutist recently on the subject. To me it makes good sense to do so. However, lately I have been feeling like I am the only one on the load (except for the students) that gets a gear check from another jumper. I see a lot of people just pop on their rig, and rock and roll. I see tandem masters all the time throwing their gear on as they run to the plane. In other words, I seldom see another person giving a tandem instructor a gear check prior to boarding the plane. Do all of you experienced folks get a gear check before EVERY jump? If so, why? If not, why not? The more I think about it I wonder if I am just being overly anal. In other words, lets say I put on my gear, verified that the leg straps were not twisted (my container is a step in), both cutaway handles are in place and stowed securely, my chest strap is routed and secured properly, and my main pilot chute is in the pouch correctly, my altimiter is on my wrist, and my helmet is in my hand -- what else is there? (remember I already checked my reserve pin, 3 rings, etc when I took my gear out of my bag). Yes, I do 100% see the value that someone else could/will/might see something that you don't and that is the benefit of a gear check -- and I am not questioning the value of a gear check. I am simply asking if as one gains more and more experience in the sport do they need to (or should they) get a gear check before boarding the plane for each jump. Just looking for other peoples opinions.. Thanks!!