Pubwoof

I'd agree that skydiving is in need of some fresh thinking in the way it promotes itself. I think it'd be cool if our sport had more of a presence in places like magazine racks, but this can only be part of the solution. I'd personally like to see another decent skydiving flick (which can make for a good bump for a few seasons), or, better yet, something more long-lived in the way of a sitcom or even a reality show. Also, I agree wholeheartedly with the post which suggested improvements to skydiving's PR apparatus (currently decentralized with USPA, DZs, and the manufacturers pretty much covering their own bases only). However, the first step in any serious marketing effort is research (polling, focus groups, case studies, etc.). Unless we have a fairly concrete grasp as to why some people choose to skydive and why others don't, the efforts we make to promote our sport can easily miss the mark. Corporations, political campaigns, and other image-dependent organizations rightfully view research as being step number one. We're in a unique position from a marketing point of view in that we're in the game of recruiting people every bit as much as we are in selling people. Not only are we seeking people who want to skydive, but also people who want to BE skydivers. Big difference. Because of this, the usual formulas that work for other industries just might be a little bit off for our purposes. Not only do we want to learn more about the motivations of those who skydive, we need to learn more about why people ski, snowboard, surf, and skateboard too. Just like in politics, once we've discovered what drives people's choices in these matters, coming up with a highly effective program will be incredibly simple. Since this research doesn't exist, all we can do is to make educated guesses. As for myself, I suspect that the research would tell us to use a highly localized and targeted approach. Instead of something in the way of a 'national campaign', my guess is that the best approach would be highly dependent upon the specific market. I believe this because the reason someone does their first AFF at Perris might be entirely different than the reason someone does their first tandem in the rural midwest (like losing a bar bet). Just as in skydiving, we don't want to jump until we know we can see where we are going. Blue ones. The glass isn't always half-full OR half-empty. Sometimes, the glass is just too damn big.

You're probably right about the Ferrari. But, if I ever got a Ferrari one day, I wouldn't drive it on a race track until after I've had it to the store a couple of times first. The main reason the idea occured to me was because I could theoretically increase performance without downsizing. I'll have to get another container when I downsize, but I'd like to put it off if I can because I like the one I have. I also don't want my first ride on an elliptical to be my first ride with a higher wingloading either. After seeing that my current wingloading might not be sufficient to fly an elliptical, I just wanted to hear about the potential downsides. Thanks for the advice all. The glass isn't always half-full OR half-empty. Sometimes, the glass is just too damn big.

Well, I'll have at least a couple hundred jumps by the time I might be ready to change planeforms, maybe even longer. I have serious doubts as to the wisdom of jumping anything outside the manufacturer's prescribed range for wingloading, and will likely end up with something in the midrange 9-cell category just to stay within the manufacturer's range. More out of curiosity than anything else, I wanted to get a better idea as to how an underloaded canopy would fly. Would the flare be weak? Would the openings be too hard? Easier/harder to stall? To answer your questions, I've jumped at 3 DZs plus WFFC'03, all below 1,000ft elevation. I have spent a lot of time using all control inputs, including harness inputs and every combination of front/rear risers both in and out of half-brakes. I've landed crosswind/downwind, with rear risers, and in high winds with virtually no forward movement. I've done some full altitude hop-n-pops including some "non-contact" CRW, which helped me a lot. Don't worry, I wouldn't be allowed to jump anything my DZO thought I wasn't ready for anyway. Blue Ones The glass isn't always half-full OR half-empty. Sometimes, the glass is just too damn big.

Yeah, but do any of you guys remember back in the good old days when bitch used to be a one syllable word? You know, back around the time when Prince was still using his original name. You can call somebody a jackass on TV, but never an asshole. You can use fuck as an adjective, but never a noun. Unfortunately, this issue can never properly be discussed on TV, because the FCC won't let us use the word bullshit on TV either. The glass isn't always half-full OR half-empty. Sometimes, the glass is just too damn big.

I've been pondering what I should get as my next canopy for some time. Right now, I'm jumping a Spectre 150 at a 1.26 loading and am still enjoying it. When I'm ready to get a new canopy in about another 100 jumps or so (maybe even longer), I was thinking of going to a higher performance 9-cell design (Crossfire2, Stilletto, Lotus/Samurai, or something similar), but without downsizing. I was thinking of doing this as a percaution against biting off more than I can chew, but also because downsizing would mean a new container for me which I'd rather not replace now if I don't have to. Anyway, virtually all of the canopies I'd otherwise be interested in recommend minimum wingloadings of 1.3 or more, which would put me just below the recommended range. Any ideas on how these types of canopies perform when the wingloading is too low? I guess if I really needed to, I could eat more carbs and push my exit weight up, but I'd like to know what I might be in for if I underload a canopy (if there is such a thing). The glass isn't always half-full OR half-empty. Sometimes, the glass is just too damn big.

It'd be helpful to know exactly what you mean by "not so much." Do you end up surfing on your ass? Do you overflare and end up stabbing? Somersaults? It still wouldn't be as good as having a good coach watch your landings, but some of us might have a few suggestions if we had a better idea of what you might be doing wrong. As to some of the other suggestions, I recommend you disregard those regarding S-turns or any other turns until you consistently stand up your landings on straight-in approaches. Also, make sure it's ok to perform S-turns at your DZ before doing so. Any jumpers coming in behind you may not realize when and how much you'll be turning unless it's part of the accepted approach pattern. S-turns on final are actually prohibited where I jump, so ask before you do something like that. I'm only now getting to the point that I'm standing up almost all of my landings. What helped me (Spectre 150 with a 1.26 to 1 wingloading) most was doing a quick pop of the toggles (about 25% of the full stroke) to level out, followed by a gradual increase in the stroke until reaching full flare. This usually results in a pretty decent surf on a straight in approach in lighter winds. In higher winds, I get the same basic result, but with less distance on the surf. Not sure if this is the answer that'll work for you, but it might be worth trying. The glass isn't always half-full OR half-empty. Sometimes, the glass is just too damn big.

The entire average skydive, not just the freefall. Although, I guess some high-alt freefalls might last that long, but most certainly don't. I was figuring for another minute or so between deployment and landing. This, of course, assumes that the average canopy ride is at least a minute long, but I think that one is a gimmie. The glass isn't always half-full OR half-empty. Sometimes, the glass is just too damn big.

During one of the weather holds at this year's convention (Thursday I think), the King Air was doing hop n pops right below a broken layer at 2,500 to 3,000ft. In a pathetic attempt to amuse myself during this weather, I clocked Mullins at 1 min. and 55 secs. between takeoff and first jumper out. When a ride to altitude, any altitude, is shorter than an average skydive, that's just ridiculously fast. If you ever get to jump it, look down at your altimeter and watch the needle go up for a change. Great fun. The glass isn't always half-full OR half-empty. Sometimes, the glass is just too damn big.

I'm not downing Bonehead as a company, and I'm sure their customer service is just fine. Like I said, I didn't even think this warranted complaining about to their customer service. The sizing of my Mindwarp was and is just fine, but the strap loosened its grip too easily with too little force. Even the act of chewing gum would cause it to loosen up to the point that I was constantly re-tightening it. Many others have complained about the same issue with their Mindwarps, including at least a couple of jumpers who lost theirs in freefall. My apologies to Bonehead, but I still think it's fair to say that this otherwise fine product (or current version/run thereof) does indeed suffer from a deficiency which is quite easy to see (ie. obvious shortcoming). I have used other helmets, most of them much cheaper and shabbier than the Mindwarp, yet none of the others had such a loose strap. However, once the strap is sewn, tacked, taped, or otherwise fastened into place, the Mindwarp rocks. Was I diplomatic enough this time? The glass isn't always half-full OR half-empty. Sometimes, the glass is just too damn big.

The fix for it is so quick, it isn't even worth calling Bonehead to complain about this obvious (and serious) shortcoming in their product. My rigger gave me about four inches of tac (a thin waxed nylon ribbon-like thread) and a needle. I adjusted the strap to where I wanted it, made one stich down through each layer of webbing between the buckle and chinpad, another stich back up to meet the first end, and then tied both ends together with a surgeons knot (again, props to the rigger). Took all of 45 seconds to complete, and the Mindwarp flies just fine now. This thread has come up at least a couple of times now when others have posted about losses or near losses, and I feel as though I almost lost mine on a couple of occasions, so...If you have not already done so, see your rigger about correcting this issue before you lose your Mindwarp (pun intended) in freefall. The glass isn't always half-full OR half-empty. Sometimes, the glass is just too damn big.

Some of us Missourians used to prefer Trashcroft, but I think you're name is much more accurate. I probably shouldn't be making this post considering the new powers this nazi has at his fingers. Even though the Patriot Act only provides for the indefinite secret detention of non-citizens (no access to due process or even the media), who would know if one of us citizens were to turn up missing under those conditions? Now doesn't that make you feel safer? The glass isn't always half-full OR half-empty. Sometimes, the glass is just too damn big.

Even a positive-sounding claim like "No student fatalities," can trigger all the wrong thoughts in the mind of a prospective jumper. The smart ad will avoid these subjects in favor of things like, "Full altitude jumps," "The largest landing area in the area," or even something like, "The closest dz to downtown (wherever)." It's hard for me to imagine a dropzone anywhere that wouldn't have something unique and positive to say about itself after they really thought the matter through. When all else fails, though, DZOs can still emphasize a positive safety record in their ads/websites without sounding overtly negative or excessively competitive. By using phrases like "The most experienced staff," "The latest in student gear," or "FAA Master Rigging," a DZO can communicate the positive aspects of their DZ without implying that the other DZ is somehow alligned with the dark side of the force. Aside from how safety issues are addressed, the rhetorical approaches used by DZs in many markets could use a substantial attitude adjustment. After having visited the websites of competing DZs in several markets accross the country (yes, I'm a loser), it's pretty clear that many DZs approach their marketing with a "zero-sum-game" philosophy. This philosophy generally goes, "any jumper I get is one less for the other guy and vice versa." Ads using this approach will state or imply things like, "we're the coolest DZ," "we're the area's friendliest DZ," or, "we've got the best parties." This philosophy neglects the fact that DZs are not just competing with each other, but also with things like skiing, scuba diving, gambling boats, and dozens of other leisure activities. When the marketing approaches used by DZs in a given market resemble those used by political campaigns, potential jumpers can get turned off in just the same way voters often are on election day. In an election, a voter might not vote for your opponent after you call him a liar, but they might not want to vote for the son of a bitch who called your opponent a liar either. Same goes in skydiving. Is the skydiving market a zero-sum game? No. Do efforts that promote one DZ at the expense of another DZ hurt our sport in general? Yes. Do the marketing approaches of most DZs take these realities into account? Doesn't seem so. Is it the skydiving community's responsibility to influence how DZs promote themeselves? I can't think of anyone else. The glass isn't always half-full OR half-empty. Sometimes, the glass is just too damn big.

"Those who would trade their liberties for an increased sense of safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin It's been a while since I first read that, and my wording may be just a bit off. But, I think this sentiment is a pretty accurate reflection of the thinking of most Patriot Act critics. If someone has the exact quote, please post it. The glass isn't always half-full OR half-empty. Sometimes, the glass is just too damn big.

I never would've thought of that in a million years myself. Thanks. Of course it would mean that anyone ever wanting to borrow it would also require as large of a head as I have. The glass isn't always half-full OR half-empty. Sometimes, the glass is just too damn big.

I too am flying a Mindwarp and have concerns about the basic chinstrap. While mine hasn't come off on me (yet), I feel as though I'm constantly tightening it up as it gets looser with any kind of movement (on or off the head). Couldn't help but notice that Bonehead sells the $60 chin-cup option which appears to use a different strap system than the basic one. Before I lose the helmet altogether, I figure I'm probably better off just buying the chin cup unless anyone knows of a way to make the basic strap work as it should. The glass isn't always half-full OR half-empty. Sometimes, the glass is just too damn big.

I've only witnessed this phenomenon on a couple of occasions, and, thankfully, never at my home DZ. While I agree that such behavior is indicative of having been weened off the teet at too young of an age, it isn't all that different from road rage on the ground. The smart advice on how to avoid road rage, in my opinion, is to avoid doing those things which inspire road rage to occur. On the plane, this means having your helmet/goggles on before taking up a position in the door, mo-better dirt dives, etc. I agree that the best way to deal with jumpers who clearly don't have their shit together is to address it on the ground. However, I think these issues need to be addressed before we can realistically expect the idiots to shut their pie holes. If that fails, just invite them to enjoy a nice steamy cup of SHUT THE FUCK UP! If that doesn't work, a cool refreshing can of whoop ass might be the appropriate last resort. The glass isn't always half-full OR half-empty. Sometimes, the glass is just too damn big.

AMEN Brother! The organizers fucking rocked in Rantoul! I'd like to personally thank DJan and Hutch (WOOF my man) for organizing my very first documented 4pt. 4-way. Another special thanks goes out to Mary for encouraging me to work on my floating exits (I'm getting there if you're reading this). I'll see you all next summer. May all your futures be infested with crystal blue skies! The glass isn't always half-full OR half-empty. Sometimes, the glass is just too damn big.

It probably wouldn't be a bad idea if the above-proposed waiver ended up looking like what you sign on your first day at the DZ. That way, you can have certification that the consenting party is also aware of any risks to life or limb they would experience from having sexual relations with you. I can only imagine that such protection would be helpful in the however likely event that a sex-related injury should occur such as headboard induced concussions, pulled muscles, skeletal misalignment caused by advanced techniques, or even whiplash (I'm sure I could think of some additional risk factors if I spent some more time on this). Out of curiosity, how would you address severability in such a contract (considering the purpose of this contract is to prevent sexual consent from being nullified)? The glass isn't always half-full OR half-empty. Sometimes, the glass is just too damn big.

Out of curiosity, how can they make tandem or AFF jumps at the convention if the max pull altitude is 3,000ft? A separate LZ or something? The glass isn't always half-full OR half-empty. Sometimes, the glass is just too damn big.

Donuts? Tubes? Oh, you guys must be talking about a wagon wheel, right? The glass isn't always half-full OR half-empty. Sometimes, the glass is just too damn big.

Haven't seen concessions mentioned yet. Most mid to large size DZs have snack bars, vending, t-shirts/hats, and the like. All of these things, presumably, contribute to the bottom line at least somewhat, or there probably wouldn't be any. A few larger DZs even have a bar, another reliable stream of revenue (with the right gang around of course). Some DZOs also run the FBO at their respective airport, although I have no clue how lucrative a business that is. As for the part of the equation the experienced jumpers fit into...it probably isn't the 'profitable' one when looking only at profit-per-slot. On several occasions after most of the students have gone for the day, I've personally witnessed manifest using a calculator to figure out how many experienced jumpers they needed to break even on the next load. The load never has to be put on call until manifest is sure they're not going to lose any money. Outside of the calculus that goes into the loads themselves, I'd bet that the experienced jumpers contribute a lot more than the students do when it comes to the concessions/gear/etc. revenues. All in all, the most profitable thing for the DZO is to bring a new student all the way through training, licensing, and their subsequent gear purchases. At the end of this trail, you end up with a living, breathing advertisement/ambassador for your DZ who'll more or less pays for themselves. The experienced jumpers are going to be the biggest reason your typical first-time students will ever want to become experienced themselves (thus feeding back into the cycle). I'd speculate that the 'profitable' DZs (if there is such a thing) use business models that are geared towards making as much money as they can from the 1st jump through the last gear sale. But, alas, I've never been so blessed as to own my own DZ, so I can't know for sure. The glass isn't always half-full OR half-empty. Sometimes, the glass is just too damn big.

How about some sort of hybrid gripper system being incorporated into the jumpsuit instead. That way, the design of the chest strap can remain dedicated to its primary function of keeping your rig on. Having an extra strap on the rig would mean an extra step in getting out of your rig quickly when needed, regardless of how quick the snaps might be. Just some more out loud thinking is all. The glass isn't always half-full OR half-empty. Sometimes, the glass is just too damn big.

Thanks, got the full scoop by e-mail. My condolences go out to all at Skydive Chicago and everyone else who knew him. Having a safety meeting is a great idea, more DZs should follow suit. The glass isn't always half-full OR half-empty. Sometimes, the glass is just too damn big.

I haven't followed up since my last post yet, but it looks like I might have a good shot at being able to arrange the demo before the convention. Assuming I can do so (Kolla already emailed me about it), I'll have plenty of time to learn the canopy a week or two before arrival. Even if I get this solved, some of the best stories I've heard from the convention involve interactions with the star-struck locals after landing WAY off the airport. I'm certainly not in a big hurry to land where everybody else is landing regardless. Other than that, I hope to spend at least as much time learning at the seminars than actually jumping (more time for that back home). Just to clarify, I did say that sometimes the glass was too big, but, of course, this could never apply to beer. When the beer doesn't match the capacity of the glass, it can only be said that the glass is half-empty. The glass isn't always half-full OR half-empty. Sometimes, the glass is just too damn big.

I'm there. But this past weekend, I wasn't. Can you say what happened? I saw Tina's 6/8 post on the Archway message boards about a devastating weekend, I'm worried now . Please send me a message if this isn't for public consumption. You're right about Tippy, a little grooming for him is in order. The glass isn't always half-full OR half-empty. Sometimes, the glass is just too damn big.