Darkzone

I wasn't doing AFF, I was following the SL course. It worked out at about £1600 for jumps plus about half as much again for gear. Whooooohooooo!!! Hahahaha!!!

I'm almost embarrassed to say it took 53 jumps to get off student status. It took so long because of several factors. the crappy English weather for one, work committments for another (I have to work two weekends in every three) and finances. I'm not really complaining though. It's been hard work and expensive, but all that pales into insignificance when compared to the fun I've had and the fantastic friends I've made. Cheap at half the price, Guv! Whooooohooooo!!! Hahahaha!!!

After ten months (albeit spread over two years) and more jumps than you can shake a stick at I finally did it! Yep, I finally made Cat 8 and have shaken off my student status (not that there's anything wrong with being a student, but for two years!!!?) Anyways, I did my half series today and I was more nervous about it than I ever was over my first jump. I *really* didn't want to screw up, but... My exit was okay, my backloop seemed very untidy, my track seemed very rocky and my 2x360s turned into 3x260s plus a bit. I landed very disheartened 'cos I thought I had blown it big time. Even more so when my instructor said "get a coffee and we'll go outside and have a chat". "Yeah", I thought, away from all the others when you tell me how crap I was. We get outside and he asks me how I thought I'd done and I told him not to beat about the bush and tell me straight. He says "Well, it was a bit untidy but you did everything you needed to do and so I am quite happy to award your Cat 8" I stood there with my mouth open trying to take in what he was saying. It still hasn't really sunk in yet. I decided to do the same jump again immediately after and was much more relaxed about it. It went much, much better than the previous and I though "Well, if I hadn't passed on the last one I would certainly have passed on this." R***Y (instructor) agreed with me which made me feel much better. So, I walked around for the rest of the afternoon with a silly great grin on my face and pumping the hand and thanking every instructor that had the misfortune to have be on their lift. Now all i have to do is thank everyone here for their advice and encouragement and to say, without it, I might still be stuck with my involuntary turns. THANKS

I can vouch for this. I used to watch Rainbow avidly as a kid. I'd have paid a bit more attention if I'd known what was *really* going on..... Whooooohooooo!!! Hahahaha!!!

I've never jumped a 'pullout' but from what I gather if you don't let go of the PC quickly enough, the drag on the bridle line can be enough to pull the pin on the main container so releasing the bag and deploying lines while the wearer still has the PC in his/her hand. I'm sure someone more experienced will correct me if I'm wrong Whooooohooooo!!! Hahahaha!!!

My sympathy and best wishes go out to you, Jack. It will be of little consolation to you right now, but time *really* does heal. The pain will slowly fade and you will be left with all the good memories to look back at and smile. Blue skies. Whooooohooooo!!! Hahahaha!!!

I *really* like the sound of this Whooooohooooo!!! Hahahaha!!!

Well, I got there Saturday morning and the weather was 'a bit naff' but a few lifts did make it up. However, my instructor was busy videoing tandems. Sunday, the weather was, how can I put this?.......FUCKING CRAP!!! I prayed to the weather Gods, as suggested, but it was obviously their day off or maybe they were just miffed that I forgot the sugar, I dunno 'cos it just got worse. By 4pm we were dodging the hail stones!! So, I'm now back home after wasting two days, 130 miles and no jumps. B******S! Next time, eh? Whooooohooooo!!! Hahahaha!!!

I gotta try freeflying. That is so coooool!! Whooooohooooo!!! Hahahaha!!!

Hahahahaha.......................hahahaha.................!! Whooooohooooo!!! Hahahaha!!!

Well, I've finally made it! Despite all my recent setbacks my performance on my next jump decides whether I get my A licence. I had planned to go to the DZ this weekend but 'things' seem to have it in for me and the weather has turned nasty. Still, I'll go and keep my fingers crossed for a break in the clouds, wind and rain (some hopes!). Wish me luck, guys. I'll let you know how I get on. Whooooohooooo!!! Hahahaha!!!

What's his prob? Just fit a 'dickie' seat! Voila!! Oh! Money? I get it. Hahahahaha Whooooohooooo!!! Hahahaha!!!

Well, his actions may have been irresponsible depending on your POV. But let's hope he makes a full recovery and lives to jump again. Whooooohooooo!!! Hahahaha!!!

Well done Emmie!! I'm just starting my Cat 8 jumps after loads of problems and it all seems to be hanging together now so I know exactly how you feel!! Whooooohooooo!!! Hahahaha!!!

Thanks, Clay. I only managed one jump though before the weather closed in and I'm working over the weekend so I'll have to wait till Wednesday and Thursday before I get to jump again (weather permitting, of course!) I'm busting a gut to get back up!!!!! Whooooohooooo!!! Hahahaha!!!

Woooooooohooooooooooo!!!! After ALL the probs with my involuntary turns and getting over them, I did my unstable exit today and what a rush. I was laughing as I tumbled. It was an awesome experience!! I even managed to stay on heading when I stabilized (well, shortly after!) Dive exit and backloops next. Wish me luck guys. Oh, and Marmite, if you read this, well done and see you soon. A licence here I come.......Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!!! Hahahaha Whooooohooooo!!! Hahahaha!!!

...from my last post. Most of this will be pretty much 'oh hum, been there done that' to most of you guys but you'll know from my last 'big' post that I have been really disheartened about my seeming inability stop involuntary turns. Well, the last four jumps have been awesome. Hardly an invol. turn in sight. So much so that I have finally cleared that hurdle and am now about to start my cat 8. jumps starting with my unstable exit.

Now if Clay was a pessimist he would have said 'half empty' but being an optimistic type he says 'half full'. With that sort of outlook he's bound to get laid! Whooooohooooo!!! Hahahaha!!!

I would call that Goat Vomit Green - not that there's anything wrong with goat vomit. When times are hard and it's a toss up between eating steak and not jumping or jumping and eating goat vomit...I rest my case.

I would call that Goat Vomit Green - not that there's anything wrong with goat vomit. When times are hard and it's a toss up between eating steak and not jumping or jumping and eating goat vomit...I rest my case.

The two shirts I ordered arrived this morning. Not a bad turn-around at all. Less than one week from ordering to receiving (including crossing the Atlantic and the Easter hols.) Well done HH and Go-Wear! Whooooohooooo!!! Hahahaha!!!

ROTFLMAO And it is sooooo true. I remember once at the old farm there was this realy sweet looking sheep. Well, one day I just couldn't resist and........... Whooooohooooo!!! Hahahaha!!!

Ditto

That would be funny if it wasn't so scarily true

On your next jump... 1. Leave your leg straps loose. 2. Make a beeline for your DZO when you need a check 3. When he spots your loose leg straps ask him to tighten them for you "'cos my back's a little stiff" 4. As he tightens your leg straps push your crotch into his hand and moan gently. 5. Pull the cabbage out of the carrier bag. If that doesn't get his attention nothing will. (You might like to omit #5) Whooooohooooo!!! Hahahaha!!!