Brian425

Funny, I have the big car (not rich though) so i learned quickly the you are expected to give rides to people. I just announce I will be leaving soon and ask who needs a ride to NYC. The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

I am very happy to have picked the ranch as my DZ to learn. However I get the feeling that the general vibe around DZ is pretty much the same. Even the days I don't jump are pretty good. When I get to jump they are always GREAT. The people make a big difference. The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

Thanks!! The first picture made me laugh out loud. Great to see how much progress you have made. B The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

Actually right around 4:00. I got my Cypress from Zoli at about 3:30 and talked for a bit before leaving. FEAR ME!! The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

Don't worry, I don't give up easily. I will complete this. I am close to having all my gear so I will all set up for spring. Next week is Nicky's last week as an instructor unitl spring. So I may have to bother Pete to jump with me to get my last student jumps in if the weather won't cooperate. No matter what I will be back in the spring to jump more. B The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

AdD, I am about 155lbs. I spoke with my coach about it and she said that it would be ok. I was 177lbs with a 215 student rig. I think i should be right about 170lbs with the smaller rig and canopy. My landings have been pretty good. All except one standing so far. My original plan was a 190. My coach said she felt I could handle a 170. I would not buy any gear at this level without bringing it to my caoch first. I appreciate your concern and the question. Thanks for keeping a eye out for me. By the way. I heard that the winds picked up at the ranch after load four. I showed up at a little after 11:00. I think I heard the call for load 5. I was definitely there for load 6. Do you fear me yet? The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

I have already been asked to bring beer, say hello and go home. The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

I just got another offer to use a canopy from a member on this board who jumps at my dz. I turned it down only because I don't have the extra cash to replace it if I damage it. I truly appreciate it though. Some of my friends wonder why I get involved it what they feel are extream sports. I have found that racers, motorcyclists and skydivers have much in common. Yes there is some bickering and some personality clashes; but, in the end we try to look out for each other. I've had a fellow drag racer lend me a distributor to race him in the semi finals rather than take a win on a bye run. And a motorcyclist drive me home to NYC in my truck after a crash at the track in Virginia. It seems that even though we do everything to keep safe, there are some very real risks. I think that it is these risks that help create the strong bonds. Thanks to everyone for the advice and offers of help to a newbie. I feel very welcome in my short time in this community. I hope that in the future I can pass this assistance on to other newbies and make a small but positive impact on the community. B The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

Thanks Mike!! I sent you a PM. It seems that everyone is watching out for the newbies. I appreciate your offer very much!! Brian The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

If you are in the NY area, check out The Ranch in Gardnier NY. I am almost finished the school there and I have been very happy. Everyone is nice and safety of the students is a priority. I really don't ahve anything to compare it to; but, I can tell you I have always felt safe there and enjoyed myself even when I did not jump. The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

Well, here goes. This is what I have observed in about 3 months. Skydivers are in general a pretty nice, laid back group of people. They are also a pretty diverse group. At my DZ (the ranch), it seems that every nationality, religion, and profession are represented. In my short time I have met a pair of lawyers (yes it's fun to watch lawyers fall out of a plane), construction workers, students, bankers, etc, etc, etc. The vetrans all seem willing to help us students. Today Dan, a guy I only met today, gave me some lessons on packing when I asked him if I could watch. Later in the day when he noticed a tear in his canopy, he took the time to show it to me and then said why don't we pack it a few times since he was not going to be jumping anymore today. He spent about an hour working with me. He showed me a few different ways to pack and some of the main things to take extra care with in the beginning when packing. He also told me that when I get my A, he would be happy to work on some simple two ways with me. When I bought my cypress, the owner gave it to me packed as if it was brand new from the store. He also spoke with my coach to make sure I knew how to use it. He also helped me a little looking around for the rest of the gear I am planning to buy. I found a container and harness and the owner told me that if I wanted I could pay part of the price now and jump it until I pay it off. It has to be stored at the DZ though. A very fair and nice offer. A few people are looking for a canopy for me. I was offered one to use when I am off student status; but, it is not for sale. Did I mention beer? Or some of those not quite right but definitely loveable people that always seem to be around? The way people are always willing to give each other a ride. The way the cooler is always full at the end of the day and the beer is always for everyone. (and yes I buy my fair share) If for whatever reason I quit skydiving, I will continue to visit the DZ. It's has a great atmosphere, and the people are kind and fun. Now I am forced to add another great group of people to my list of hobbies and it makes it even harder to choose what to do on nice day. Damn you all for making me enjoy myself so much. The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

So my title of god of wind and rain still holds. Lots of strange and strong winds at the ranch today. No student jumps. I was hoping to get my 10th and 11th jumps in. It looks like I will have to wait until next week. The GOOD news is that I bought a Cypress (man 05/01 with new battteries on 8/03) and I have a deal on a use Javelin with a 170 reserve a jump suit and goggles. Now all I need is a 170 main and I'll be all set. No gear rental for me!!

You can try the ranch in Gardiner NY. I chose it over the other places around NYC. I have been very happy going ther. I am close to the end of my AFF classes and I very glad I chose the Ranch. You can reach them at (845) 255-4033. The have a website also it's www.skydivetheranch.com Where ever you go, try to bring some light gloves. It's starting to get a little cold at altitude here in the northeast. Have fun and good luck. B The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

I know a few whuffo's that I would like to see bounce. I have never dreamt about skydiving. The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

Stuart, I've been riding a motorcycle since I was 12, I'm 34 now. I still look to learn new things. I always look to see what I can learn from others. It's too easy and a lot less painful when you learn from other. I see skydiving the same way. I figure I will still be learning at 2,000 jumps. It's just a matter of what skills I want to focus on and hone at that time. I am little worried that the butterflies will go away. As strange as it sounds, I enjoy being a little afraid. Thanks for everything guys. Brian The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

I am looking forward to my coach jumps. From what my coaches say it seems these jumps will be a little more fun (if possible). My coach said that we will focus on docking, forward and backward movements, and flat tracking away on heading to a safe distance, stop and open safely. After that, my understanding is that the next jumps will be a little like a game. Coach adjusts fall rate, I adjust to match. Coach moves away, I must follow. A little like a game of cat and mouse in the sky. I have been warned that I am not allowed to reach to dock. I must use my legs to fly in gently and dock. It should be fun!! Brian The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

Nunhimper, I am a newbie myself. I just had my first solo this week. I had a similar problem on jumps 5 and 6. I spoke with my teacher and she told me to focus on my arch. Your pelvis should be the lowest point on your body. I did what I call "the fake arch" I would put my chest out and my chest was the lowest point. I would be wobbly (potato chipping) or get some slow spins. Practice you exit and arch on the ground. Make sure to arch at your pelvis. Try to visualize everything before going up to jump. For me a good arch has been the key to everything on all the other levels. Talk with you coaches/teachers and work with them on the ground. Try to use the flight up to relax and visualize the jump. During the jump relax. I use my altimeter as a que to breathe. I found that on my first few jumps I did not breathe during freefall. Keep your head up, arch and relax. It will all come together a jump and you will wonder why you were having problems. Stick with it, work with you teachers, have fun and be safe. BTW, I am very new to this sport. These are a few things that worked for me to solve a similar problem I had. The key is relax and work with your teachers. The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

I did my first solo today!!! It was great. I was a little nervous but excited as well. On the way up, my teacher told me to go to the door, dive out and grab my knees and tumble then stabilize myself. I thought she was CRAZY. She told me "You can do it." I was in the door a good 10 seconds before jumping. I was scared! The jump went perfect!!! I dove out, grabbed my knees and tumbled for about a second or two. I arched and got stable. Then it felt like it took forever to fall. I checked the altimeter and did my practice touches. I did a few small turns and checked the altimeter and it was not even 8k yet. I did a barrel roll and got stable and it was not even 7k. I took a little time to actually enjoy the view for the first time. I waved at 6k and pulled. I realized that I have become a creature of habit. After my gear check, I forgot to give my wife a kiss before going to the loading area. I ran back to give her a quick kiss and all was right. It might sound silly but it just makes me feel better. The canopy ride was one of the best so far. The leaves are changing up here in NY. I also saw what I think was a hawk not too far away. It was just soaring along. I landed nicely, not in the peas; but, I stood it up. I think I actually looked like I knew what I was doing. I bought some beer and hung out for a little while to talk with everyone. Overall just a great day. Thanks to everyone for their help and advice. Brian The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

I guess I am lucky in that I have enough sense to seek out good advice and them make the most educated decision I can using that advice. I ride motorcycles. It seems that people are more likely to stick with the sport when they work up through a progression. I've seen too many people buy open class bike (1000cc) and end up hurt or unhappy. I've noticed in 16 years riding that people who take the time to really learn to ride seem to stick with it. When they progress from smaller bikes to more powerful bikes, they learn skills other than twisting a throttle. I still look back fondly at my previous bikes. Each upgrade was a small milestone in life. I feel that my first rig will be the same way. I figure I'll keep it for at least 200 to 300 jumps. Then I'll move up. I know from past experiences, I will probably keep it for a long time and maybe never sell it. Most likely I'll just give it away when I find the right person. (I did the same with my first motorcycle - I got it back 2 years later in the exact same condition (perfect) and 12,000 more miles.) Life is about fun and learning. If I could walk in and jump as good as the pros, I would not be interested in skydiving. It's more fun to see people work hard to improve. If something is too easy, then it 's not special. I will always remember the learning part. Some of the most fun in life I had was during the learning stages of any new activity. It's all so new and exciting. As the newness wears off, the challenge is to keep learning. The excitement is is seeking out people who can teach you more. I may never be master skydiver. I can promise you all one thing, I will keep my safety and the safety of fellow jumpers at the top of the list. And I will buy my share of beer and barbeque. Sorry this was a little long. Thanks for the advice, have fun and be safe. 1st Solo Saturday (if the weather holds up) and beer Saturday night!! If you are serious about creating a "White List" add the Ranch in Gardiner NY to it. I do not have much to compare it to; but, I have had nothing but good experiences there. A big thanks to Nicky, Gabor, Pete, Linda and all the other great people at the Ranch. The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

Arlo, I cannot guarantee the existence of God; but, I do feel that I have gotten some good advice from my teachers and I have tried my best to be a good student and learn from other people experiences and their mistakes. I have hear quite a few good things about the 190 Sabre. It will make it on the woth considering to buy list. Bubbles, what's good or bad about the Dolphin container? Now that you have it, is there something different you would have bought or some feature you wish it had? Are you going to be at the Ranch this weekend? I should be there around noon. Maybe we can meet up. I'll buy you some bad coffee in exchange foor some good advice. The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

I am there every week, that why it's windy and raining. I won't give up the sun must shine one day!!! B The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

I am not a big believer in renting thing. I prefer to own any type of equipment I use. I am currently an AFF student at the Ranch in NY. I hope to buy a complete rig sometime before spring. Any advice on what to buy? I am 5'9" and 160 lbs. I figure I would be about 175 or 180 pounds with all my gear. I think a 190 would be about right to start. I am still undecided on whether to buy new or used. I have a rigger at the dz who will inspect anything I want to buy for me. I am only using this as a starting point. All decisions will also be run by my teachers. I would like any advice or opinions on what I should buy. Also most importantly, the reasons why you recommend one product over another. Also is it worth it to by a cypress new or is it ok to buy used. Thanks for the help. Brian The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

Everytime I go to the DZ to complete my next level in AFF, it is either raining or windy. I think the regulars are going to start to blame me soon. The only positive is the grass have been really green at the Ranch this year and I take all the credit. My first solo is this Saturday!!! If it does not rain or get too windy, the beer will flow. The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

Congratulations. I am still only a student, just finished level 8 today. My next jump is my solo for the beer order has been placed. Now you'll have a new addiction. I can't explain it. I thought the excitement would start to fade. It has only gotten worse. You will be checking the weather on from Monday till Saturday morning. You'll wake up and look at the clouds in a different way. Just be safe, have fun and enjoy!! The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

I guess I will have to bring the beer next week. My first solo is set for next Saturday. I did my level 8 today with Gabor at the Ranch in Gardiner, NY. My exits have improved and my arch was much better. My barrel roll was FUN!!!! It was a little strange to be on my back. I ran a little long on the landing; but, oveall I was happy with the jump. My arch and exit were much better. I got to see the sun start to set over the mountains. Overall it was a great day. Gabor was great to jump with. He helped make everything easy. I have to say thanks to Nicky at the ranch too. She worked with me from level 5 through 7, alot of the things we worked on came together nicely today. Well, I'll be back next week for my solo. Thanks to everyone at the ranch I would definitely recommend it to any in the NY area. The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.