supafly

Being one of the three other guys out in TF last weekend, I want to second JP's post. Tom is a great guy that pretty much put everything on hold for three days to help four strangers get acquainted with the basics of BASE. I don't have vast amounts of experience, but I felt Tom conducted the FJC in a safe, fun, and knowledge imparting manner. I'm a recently converted poster boy for why becoming dependent on packers at the DZ is a bad thing. Tom had more patience than I would have thought humanly possible when helping me learn how to pack. I'm still not a pro, but I'm working on it and by my next trip out to TF I plan on showing off mad skillz :) One of the most important lessons I learned about jumping the Perrine was...if at all possible get yourself invited to dinner at Tom's :) He and his wife definitely know their way around the kitchen and are great hosts. All in all a great weekend. Thanks Tom, much appreciated. --Keith Arizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com

I know what you mean. Not that I'm particularly good at either yet, but I just got a Stiletto 170 and have been having a great time learning how to swoop (and I stress learning). I also got a Fox 285 a couple weeks ago and have been skydiving it to get ready for Bridge Day and BASE in general. I thought landing the Fox for accuracy was going to be boring but necessary. Nope. I found myself day dreaming equally about flying/landing both canopies over the last week. --Keith Arizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com

Thanks for the heads up. It sounds like the measurements are closer to where they need to be then I thought. Now if the thing would only get here. It's been 12 whole hours since I ordered it Arizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com

Today I ordered my first BASE container, a shiny new Vertex2. I can't wait for it to get here. I ended up buying stock from BR, because the container had exactly what I was looking for in terms of options and color. Plus, my last minute decsion to buy a container for Bridge Day leaves no time for custom order. Gotta love those impulse buys! The measurements were real close to what I (a very untrained individual) came up with. Only the waist measurement varies significantly (5 inches too big). I measured with light clothing (t-shirt) on so I imagine I can take up some slack there. BR was great and said they'd resize the harness (which sounds like a fair amount of work) after Bridge Day if I wasn't happy with the fit. I'd like to save them the work and myself the 4-6 week wait (wanna get my feet wet ASAP). Does anyone here have experience jumping a container with a larger than needed waist measurement? I'm thinking it should just be a comfort issue for BD, but may be a risk factor for other jumps. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks! --Keith Arizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com

Skydived my Fox twice last weekend and just got off the phone with BR. A shiny new black Vertex2 is on its way. I can't wait to make my first jump. I've been bouncing off the walls for weeks now. Arizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com

You might be interested in the ground launching forum on CanopyPiloting.com. It talks about this kind of stuff and the ground launching center Jim Slaton and some others opened about 3.5 hours from Perris. Also, I thought I read somewhere that GroundLaunching.com should be up soon. Arizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com

Ah yes, I thought I'd try something new for the summer. What do you think? --Keith Arizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com

Nice! I did my ASP 5 with Tim. First diving exit for me too. Tim is a great freeflyer and canopy pilot. Plus, the guy is freakin' hilarious. I get psyched every time I'm lucky enough to jump with him. Glad you you had fun. Good luck on your solos. I'll be up there Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Come say what's up if you're around. --Keith Arizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com

Sounds like you made a good purchase. I've heard a few people talk about these bad boys (all good things), but I've never seen them. On their site, they have a bunch of different models. Some looked like they have better ankle support than others (e.g. Super Fly Gtx, Special Force Gtx). Which ones do people usually get for BASE? --Keith Arizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com

I had 5 HD coached jumps a few months back. At the time I didn't do too well at all, but as things sunk in over time I know the coaching was well worth it. I'm at the point where I'm fairly stable and just starting to move around (on purpose, but not gracefully). For the most part, I've only been working on HD when I do solos (which isn't too often), so my progress has been slow. I have a few skills I want to work on over the next couple months, but then I plan getting a bunch of HD coached jumps to get comfortable enough to fly with others. --Keith Arizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com

I completely agree that solos are invaluable, especially for someone with only 6 jumps. You can learn a great deal on your own, but coaching is a great catalyst. For example, I did a day of coached jumps a couple months ago and things are still sinking in as I do my solos and 2-ways. A little basic coaching at this point in Chutem's progression (especially regarding basic body movement and safety) would probably help a lot. Regardless, it's required for him to get his A license. Not the cheapest process, but required and worthwhile IMO (not to mention jumping with the AZTC guys is always a blast). --Keith Arizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com

I know what you mean. I was in the same boat a year ago at Eloy. When your first getting started the money thing definitely blind sides you. This would be true at just about any dropzone though. You might be able to save a few bucks by doing your coach jumps somewhere else (I thought about that too), but I liked the idea of staying with the same group of people while I was learning the basics. I trusted them, they're world-class, and I got along with them really easily. I definitely don't regret my decision to finish up at Eloy and make it my home DZ. And yes, I'm totally and completely biased If you want to do some fun jumps when you get off student status just come and find me (yellow canopy w/silver stripe or ask Margy in Square2). Good luck on finishin' up your A! --Keith Arizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com

It really sucks to hear those kind of stories, but its a good reminder of what can happen. That could've been one of the A's I'm thinking of...not sure. IF I end up liking my Bridge Day experience (which I'll be using BASE specific gear to do), you can be sure I'm getting my ass some additional training and hopefully hooking up with some locals before making anymore jumps. --Keith Arizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com

That's exactly what I was thinking. I don't know how I'll react to BASE yet, but I know when I see a low flying plane over town the first thing that comes to mind is...hop n' pop! Nice way to get my mind off work for a couple minutes. These A's are definitely high enough so who knows. Maybe someday. --Keith Arizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com

It was funny running across your post this morning. I actually had a similar dream myself a couple nights ago. "It was very intense and very real" Yup, same here. Woke up mid-way through the night when I just finished climbing the A in my dream. I was so excited I couldn't fall back asleep. There is a grouping of A's here in town that I pass on the way to work everyday. My guess is that no one is jumping them (they're in a fairly open area near a major road). I know I'll never jump there, but just seeing them makes me think about making my first jump. I'm in the process of rounding up gear (container on the way, still looking for a good deal on a canopy). Registered for Bridge Day and plan to make my first jump there. If all goes well, hopefully I can find some cool jumpers in the area. I know a couple people that are into BASE at my DZ, but really haven't approached them yet. Anyways, good luck. I'm sure you'll find a way to make it happen if you want to. --Keith Arizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com

Missy and Amy rock! But so does Tecumseh. A big thanks to everyone out there for showing me a great time. To anyone who hasn't checked this DZ out, get your a$$ over there. Cool vibe, plenty of chances to jump with great people (especially if freeflying is your thang). Thanks again guys, hope to see some of you in Eloy in the near future. --Keith Arizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com

Sounds like good goals to me. Replace #3 with 'try base jumping' (registered for Bridge Day) and #4 with 'safely learn HP landings' (working on it) and we've got the same list. Good luck. --Keith Arizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com

Depends what you're looking for. I use both (not the most cost effective solution, but nice). I originally bought the ProTrack and still use it as an audible and for logging purposes. Recently, I bought a Neptune because I thought it would be nice to have a digital readout for my visual alti now that I'm starting to focus more on canopy skills (not necessary, but I think it helps). The Neptune does the audible/logging thing too, but I like the logging ProTrack does better (just a personal preference). The Neptune does have some pretty cool items on its display though (time, temp, climb rate, etc...). These are no way necessary but add to the cool factor. If you're looking for an audible, my guess is that you'll be happy with either. Arizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com

Thanks guys. I guess I'll change up the plan and come up Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday instead. See you next week! --Keith Arizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com

Next Friday (July 16th) I'm coming out to MI for ten days to visit family and friends. I did my first tandem at Tecumseh almost a year ago exactly and I'm psyched to get back there and do some jumps. Obviously, theres no shortage of cool people to jump with :) but I had a few questions... 1) I'm planning on coming out the following Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday. I know Saturday will kick a$$ (Chicks Rock Boogie!), but how about Monday and Tuesday. In Eloy, summer is our slow season and the dropzone closes almost altogether on Tuesday and Wednesday. I don't think this would be the case in MI, but...? 2) I've been known to be extremely lazy when it comes to packing (expecially on vacation). I checked the website and still can't tell, are packers readily available or should I mentally prepare myself to battle my large canopy and small d-bag? :) 3) I'll be staying in Ann Arbor with a rental car, but was thinking about staying at the DZ or near by Monday night if there are any accomodations available (bunk house, hotel, etc...). Can anybody reccommend anything? Thanks. Look forward to meeting you guys and having a great time! --Keith Arizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com

I like this idea. Not that I have the skills to participate in something like this (yet), but for those who do, I think it would be a great learning experience. For those looking to compete or compete at a higher level, I think going through a competition with some of the big dogs would be a great help (and a lot of fun). As far as things I would like to see...those big tracking dives at the end of the day last year were amazing. --Keith Arizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com

I agree. I'm not speaking from any experience other than my own as a student last summer, but I felt the two tandems before starting AFF really helped. The first was just a ride to get the initial holy sh*t factor out of the way (atleast partially anyways). On the second I was given tasks similar to what I would be asked to perform during AFF Level 1. This helped me to start thinking a little while in freefall despite the overwhelming sensation. When it was time for my first AFF jump I was still freaking out a bit, but felt much more prepared than I think I would have if I hadn't done the tandems. It does cost extra and I know everyone is different, but I felt this method worked well for me. Arizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com

Dusty Smith. I've had a few coaches (jumping and tunnel), and he has been my favorite. Amazing flyer, great teacher, and he made the whole thing fun. I'm trying to set up coaching later this year with Omar and maybe some canopy flight coaching with TJ. I've jumped with both these guys when they've been orgainizing and I can only imagine that their coaching will be first class (and a great time). Arizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com

I'm not a chick, but I'm so there! I was gonna try to ask one of you Tecumseh skydivers if any thing was going on that weekend or the entire week before. I did my first Tandem out there last July, got hooked, came back to AZ, and did a few hundred jumps in Eloy over the last 9 months. I'm sure you guys are having a blast with TJ, that guy rocks. Amy too. Not leaving Missy out, just haven't got to meet her. Anyways, you guys sound like a pretty cool group. Look fowward to meeting you in July. --Keith Arizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com

Absolutely, nothing beats one on one personal coaching. Especially from guys like that. Arizona Drive 4-Way VFS - www.DriveVFS.com