SonnyChiba

Someone asked me this weekend if I was one of those "natural skydivers." You know, the guys who just take to the sport and do really good from the beginning. My response was a resounding "Heck no!!!" I told her of my student progression: Level 1 - Climbed back into plane. Level 1 (after go-around) Decided to let go of plane after a little "help" from the JM. (That should be read "pulled from plane by JM while maintaining death grip on bar). Did not realize until then just how tight I could keep my eyes closed. Finally opened my eyes, found my ripcord and pulled. PASSED. Level 2 - Thought I knew what I was doing. Left plane and kicked for about 7,000 ft. JMs put me on my belly and pulled for me because I apparently forgot about that whole pulling process. Failed Level 2 (2nd attempt) - Fell somewhat stable. Received "Pull" single from one the JM's. Thought he was pointing at me to say "You're the man!" Smiled back at him, he pulled for me.......Failed. Level 2 (3rd attempt) - By this time the JM's are thinking I should take up bowling or something. Felt I needed to redeem myself, and save my own life this time. Fell and pulled. PASSED. Level 3 - I REALLY knew what I was doing now. Forgot to give exit count and just left. JM's really like it when you do that! I think I was supposed to do a turn or something....forgot to do that too. Forgot to check my altimeter, forgot to wave off and couldn't find my rip cord. FAILED. Level 3 (2nd Attempt) - Failed for some reason or another. Started considering bowling as my hobby. Level 3 (3rd Attempt) - Had to pay JM's extra to jump with me (not really). Had earned the nickname "Man I wish This Guy Would Stop Showing Up." Apparently did something right and passed. After that it was all good. Wait, I failed level 4 to and got it on the second try. I began to assume the JM's were passing me just to get me out of their hair. So were you guys naturals? Anyone fail more levels than me? There has to be someone!!! Say I'm not the only one! PLEASE!!!! ---------------------------- "Insert witty quote here."

Hey Gia! A really cooooool back that you might enjoy is "The Tao Of Pooh." Not so much into Taoism, I picked it up at the airport to read on a trip I was taking. Someone also recommended to me a book called "Tuedays With Morie"...supposed to be pretty good. Guess I'll read that after I finsih reading the articles in my new Playboy......ahem ---------------------------- "Insert witty quote here."

As was stated previously, most people amass their knowledge of skydiving from movies and (unfortunately) Real TV. There are hardly any positive depictions of the sport other than WITHIN the sport. Didn't you guys know we are all a bunch of drug smuggling, suicidal, bank robbing freaks!?!?!?!?! Those on the outside looking in can easily criticize and demean skydiving because, in my opinion, they lack understanding. It is easier (and more macho) to put something down vice saying you are afraid or don't understand. No one wants to seem ignorant, but to make nonsensical and negative comments about something you have no idea about only shows a greater ignorance. So whenever whuffos say something stupid like me having a death wish, being suicidal or tempting God.....I usually respond with a simple....."I don't see it that way." and put an end to it. But in all honesty, most (90%) of the whuffos who learn that I skydive show a genuine interset and excitemenet.......it's just the other 10%......as usual. See you all around....... ---------------------------- "Insert witty quote here."

I had the sneaking suspicion that you would post one of your ever present smart-alecky remarks!

Hello all! I've been lurking dz.com ever since I started jumping in January '99. I mostly visit the Incidents forum. And no, it's not because I receive some sort of sick pleasure in reading about the accidents and mishaps, it's just I try to learn from the mistakes of others, as I would hope others would learn from mine. So I started jumping in January of '99 at a really cool place called Skydive Orange in Orange, VA, a wonderful drop zone full of some of the greatest people I have ever met. January in VA is not the ideal month to start skydiving, but I persevered through the winter and obtained my license just as the warm spring rolled in that year. I left Virginia just over a year ago and moved to California. The staff and regular jumpers at Skydive Elsinore made my transition from a smaller dz to a “big west coast dz” a comfortable one. Skydive Elsinore is a cool place, as many of you probably already know. I’ve noticed there is somewhat of a unity amongst dz.com users…you always have people to jump with at drop zones you visit. Whether it be for a weekend because work took you to that area or if there is some sort of event or boogie. We all know the feeling of not knowing anyone at a new drop zone, but dz.com seems to help prevent that. And so, since I frequent other dz’s on a regular basis, I figure this would be a good way to meet people and to have someone to jump and hang out with when I do go somewhere…and to also reciprocate the same to those that are visiting Elsinore. So that is my intro, albeit somewhat of a long one, but my introduction nonetheless. So I’ll be seeing you guys for sure….. ---------------------------- "Insert witty quote here."