SkydiveNFlorida

Actually the awareness you build is critical. Missy and Rook have substantial knowledge about FF and the most successful progression techniques....I wonder why people don't believe world champions? Blue skies Ian So, you don't think that freeflying helps build good awareness? angela.

Definitely. But, does that really include flying with some heavyweight, or being able to go on a 12 way? I did a little bellyflying in the tunnel and I was suprised how well it went considering I hadn't done a belly dive since jump 20something. Now, I probably can't swoop a formation, but I think i'm good enough to deploy my parachute:) Angela.

Are you honestly saying that because she comited a crime, she is justified in resenting the system in place to protect her? Got a rabbit? I'll be right over. Unbelievable how detached from reality some poeple here are. I am saying that when she grows up and looks back on how our justice system dealt with her as a 9yo child, she just may have reason to resent the system, and her mother who i'm sure had some say in what happened. No, I don't have a rabbit. And, to the best of my knowledge, you are not a 9 year old, either. Bad comparison. Unbelievable what some people feel is ok to do to children. There ARE such things as children, btw. This child didn't murder anyone, so some of these comparisons are not very reasonable. Who knows why she took the bunny. Probably some childish reason such as the girl didn't let her play with it, or her mother wouldn't let her have one. Angela.

Yeah, and we all know how important that is when you're on a ff dive. Angela.

I've never met one. Regardless of canopy training, mental attitude, rigging skill, anything. Never met one. Just because you have never met one, doesn't mean they aren't out there. And, maybe you HAVE met one, but just didn't know it. OPEN YOUR MINDS, PEOPLE! Everything is not black and white... there are gray areas. I'm not going to argue about this with you all, because we all know I catch hell on this board because I haven't followed the "standard" progression. And, anyone who strays from the norm (ie, what you all feel is right) here is ostracized by your group. But, I just wanted to post MY opinion on the matter. Take care, i'm out. Angela.

It seems to me that your original post was a bit contradictory of itself. I feel that this statement should be taken a bit more seriously than it is. : What is stopping skydivers from following their own, personal learning curves? I would assume it would be people who assume that everyone's learning curves should be equivalent. Some of these people did things quickly and think everyone else should be able to as well... but this is generally not the case. Generally, people who do things quickly seem to warn others that what they have done may not have been the smartest thing to do. I think the worst people are those who went slowly and feel that everyone else had better do the same or else they will end up dead. Just because your (not directed at anyone in particular) progression went at x pace, does not mean that everyone elses should. That's a sucky way to feel about it. I'm sorry that you don't feel open-minded enough to accept that SOME people are able to fly on their heads at 100 jumps, and some people do have the ability to fly hp canopies because they seek the appropriate training. I respect your opinion, Liz. I just thought i'd point out the contradiction here, because I do agree with the part about people having their own learning curves. I am certainly not saying that every jumper is ready to fly on their heads and FLY a hp canopy at 100 jumps, but there will always be some who are able. And others who will never be. Zonerat wrote: bingo! Everyone should get GOOD basic canopy skills in their jump program! It is a shame that we have to take "essential skills" courses offered after AFF, such as the one taught by Scott Miller. Understand that I am not insulting this course, I took it at 30 jumps and feel that it is absolutely necessary. But, I think that this is something that everyone should get, mandatory. Not optional! Courses like the ones offered by Brian Germain about parachute flight, hp landings, etc are awesome, and I feel there should be more of them available for people interested in them. But essential skills courses should not be after-market add-ons... they are just as important as learning to throw your pilot chute and should be included in your student progression!! Angela.

You don't have to understand them... believe me, it happens. I, for one, still have some resentment toward my mother. Do I blame her for things in my present life... I try not to, but I do blame her actions (or lack thereof) for some things. As a parent, one has the responsibility of protecting their child. Of course, being overbearing is not good, either. Parents also need to discipline, though, so I am not saying sit back and do nothing. I simply don't think that sending a 9 year old downtown is necessary. I would assume that there are other things that could have been done to get through to this child. Although I do not speak from experience as I am not a parent, I was a difficult child and doubt this would have helped me one bit. (I know that Juvinille hall at 12 years old did nothing but make me worse). Angela.

Or, perhaps she will grow up resenting her mother for what she let happen to her as a child, and will be justified in her ever-growing contempt toward the society in which she lives. One of the two Angela.

Don't feel bad. I have about 150 jumps sit-flying and i'm not great by any means. I am just starting to be able to take docks on people, and I am working on my ability to chase. Up until recently, all I was good for was base. So, keep it up, and try to find someone you can do many jumps with. My boyfriend has a lot more jumps than me and so is a lot better, and it helps me greatly that he's there. Buck up, champ! Angela.

Absolutely. All I ask is that people question what they are taught to believe is ok or not ok. Anyone who has done that is absolutely intelligent. Most certainly this is discrimination by definition, the question is whether people feel it is ok. Some people seem to not even see that it is discrimination, though. I am glad that you gave thought to it before simply accepting that it must be ok if they can do it and since we are getting the better deal. Take care:) Angela.

Yeah, think how 3.5 hrs would be, then. hehe. I would love to come back! I really had a blast up there. I heard they are going to be running at the higher speeds soon, too? Planning a trip in May, so i'll be a little broke after that depending on how badly I bruise my wallet out there. Yeah, the suit is great! I am so glad I got a 2-pc, though... cuz I rarely wear the top now that Florida is so damn hot again. I bet by the time I wear the top again it'll be a different color than the pants, lol! Angela.

Instead, let's look at today and not live in the past. I'll ask you a question: If a dropzone advertised $10 for white people and $14 for black people, do you think we'd need government interference to fix that issue? Or do you think that most of us wouldn't give our business to that DZ? I wouldn't go there. Most all the jumpers I know wouldn't go there, except to complain - but then they wouldn't jump. Market forces would definitely work in this situation as that DZ owner would change his policy or quickly go out of business. At least someone sees the relation there. That is exactly my point. I would expect that most white people would not jump there because they would take a stand against discrimination. If this were any other type of discrimination, it would not be accpetable. So, why then is it acceptable to discriminate by gender? Why do only a handful of female jumpers see this as discrimination? Can they not get past the fact that THEY are the ones getting the better deal, and so it is not discrimination? And, how can a certain female organization of jumpers overlook sexual discrimination as if there is nothing wrong with it? Would they still be ok with it if dropzones were charging women more? I SERIOUSLY doubt that. I think it is funny that some women voted in the poll that they'd be ok with men got the better discount. I don't believe that for one second. I guess there is no point in arguing this point anymore. I feel it is discrimination. A few other intelligent women on this board feel the same way. Others are a lost cause i'd suppose. Angela.

Very nice, Ari! I am lucky I don't live as close to the tunnel as you do... I can see that being very bad for ones wallet! Nice suit! Nancy rocks!! I love my 2pc freefly suit:D Angela

While this may be true, I wanted to see how other women felt about being treated differently. Regardless of the fact that we were being charged less. I have given thought prior to this about the "Women only " forum. Especially while Talkback was down and the women's forum was still up and running, even though it is a bit of a talkback forum. I do not necessarily think it is right to have a Women's forum here, but I am not sure of how many women view this forum and wanted to get their input. a) I addressed the haircut argument already. Women choose to pay more for haircuts. Any woman can walk into Supercuts and get a 10$ haircut (I do it, so I know it can be done), they simply choose to get a better haircut for 55$ instead of risking looking bad and paying 40$ less. Your skydive will be no better than my skydive which is 4$ less, we would be jumping from the same plane, landing on the same grass, I don't see how this relates with choosing a haircuttery. b) As far as women being payed less than men... we are coming up. It is evening itself out. I do not need men subsidizing my jumps! That has got to be the most ridiculous argument i've heard. Yes, I could donate to the dropzone. But, that does not change the fact that they discriminate based on sex at that dropzone. People can spend their time arguing any topic they please. I have seen far more ridiculous matters discussed. I think that the issue of discrimination in a sport I partake in is an important one. There is no reason that should bother you. And, other people don't know how to respect the opinions of people around them. Just because you do not feel this is a worthwhile fight, does not mean that it is not. There is no reason for you to be upset because I (and many other women and men on these forums) do feel it is an issue worth debate. Angela.

I am personally insulted by this nig-noggery. There is NO justification for charging someone a lower price for their jump ticket just because they are a female. Would it be acceptable to say something like $10 jump ticket for someone of one race and $14 ticket for someone of another race? No way! Everyone would agree that is outright racist. In much the same way there is NO excuse for charging a different price for men and women. Women, how would you feel if it was a cheaper ticket for men? Men, how would you feel if it was a cheaper ticket for you? I'm not just upset because it would cost me more. I would still have a problem if it was a cheaper ticket for guys. This sort of double standard only leads to resentment and I am glad my dropzone is not trying something this ridiculous. ABSOLUTELY! I agree 100%. I think that is ridiculous and sexist and I would certainly not support something like that. Angela.

Laurie (Clark?) z-hills... I did a coach jump with her to get my a-license. I went to her with 20 jumps and a half-filled out card and told her that I really wanted it done. She spent the ENTIRE day with me, going over things on the card, spotting, aircraft stuff, test prep, etc., even though we only did one coach jump. She was just so cool! A top notch dz with an excellent staff! Christine & Mick from Sebastian. Despite our differences in opinion on some things later on,,, I really enjoyed going through AFF there! They made it a lot of fun. Mick was a funny guy, and Christine was so reassuring. And, some people at the dz told me that Mick said I was his best student:D The locals & staff at the dz really made my time as a student fun and made me want to continue jumping! Brian Germain. An excellent teacher and world-class canopy coach! I was well past being a "student"... but it is NEVER too late to be Brian's student! More was gained in canopy knowledge by spending even just one day with Brian than was gained in the prior 100+ jumps i'd done. You really feel enlightened after speaking with Brian. I can't wait to work with him again (very soon!) and can't wait to get his book (on order)! Angela.

daaaamn! angela.

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I wonder how bit it'll pack?! If it does end up being airlocked & xbraced, that thing would pack huge! I am doubting that it'll be made in large sizes.. I bet a 120 will pack as big as a 150 stiletto! :p angela.

skybytch wrote: >> I also took the essential skills course with Scott Miller at about 30 jumps and learned some important stuff that I really needed to know at that time. I think the stuff I learned in that class is basically the stuff that everyone should be learning in their AFF programs! But, unfortunately, that is not the case:( And it shows! You made a great impression at our DZ a few weeks ago. Freeflygodess~ Taking Brian's course a few weeks ago was the best things I could have done to help me understand my canopy (and canopies in general) better. It helped me feel much more comfortable and confident under canopy. I can't say enough good things about this course and they way Brian relates information to his students. >>> ditto! Brian is an excellent teacher! I spent a day with Brian at about 120 jumps and I learned WAY more than I could have hoped for. I am going to be attending one of Brian's camps here soon, and I can't wait! He has so much knowledge to share and I just want to be a sponge that gets to soak it all up! I think any canopy course is a good canopy course. Of course, I think if you get the chance to spend time with Brian, you'll get WAY more than your money's worth! jm.02$ Angela.

Ownership appears to have changed, and the otter has flown home. But, I know that new ownership was looking to get a plane this week. Call the dz on Friday to see if all went through. I don't feel comfortable giving names or any more details without an ok from management, so you'll just have to come out and ask for yourself as I don't think much more info will be found online for some time. Hopefully, we'll all be happily jumping in Pahokee this weekend! Have a good week! Angela.

My bad. For some reason I thought he said 1 year of life left, not 2 years. I need to read more carefully. Angela.

So, you overpaid basically. If you do the chart, you will see that a 10yo cypres not needing any updates is worth 168$. You paid 100$, now add 175 for check, and 75$ for batteries... voila, 418$. You overpaid by 250$. I know it sounded like a good deal, but in reality, it was not. I got a cypres with 4 years left on it for 400$, add the 250 for the 4yr check & batteries for a total of 650$ for 4 years of cypres. (roughly 160$/yr). Do the math:) Seriously people. Crunch the ##s before buying, it could save you some cash! Angela.

Sweet! Hey, what happened to you? I didn't even see you leave. What, i'm not good enough for a goodbye? j/k Hopefully we'll see you out next weekend! Was fun jumping with you! Angela.

Again, here's the cypres value calculator. Change the price field to 1000$, the service to $175, and the batteries to 75$ and then click calculate. http://www.poxon.org/Craig/Skydive/Tools/CypresResaleChart.asp Angela