djmarvin

I would love to see more canopy proficiency throughout our sport. I do believe that a lot of the lack of education is due to Instructors and Coaches who do not understand how their canopy works or how to properly execute and/or teach the maneuvers. I believe Instructors across the board (AFF, S/L, IAD, and Tandem) should show a strong (not just competant) understanding and skill set with canopy control prior to attending a rating course. The courses are full of strong information as it is and we should continue to build on those strengths in the course, but it is not the place for us to train those basics. I hope over time that we see an increase in canopy control coaching and instruction including pre-requisites for canopy for any Instructional Rating Course. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com

waiting on my 5th Infinity. Super comfy and love the design. Here is a post with my thoughts on Infinity Rigs. http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=4419953;#4419953 DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com

I agree with you. I teach my candidates to make sure each person has their own seatbelt (FAR requirement) and if you were hooked up to the student in event of accident how are they going to get away from you if you are unconscious. A lt of students can't figure out how to undo their chest strap after an exciting jump, how will they deal with quick ejectors. Hell a lot of candidates take a few to figure out the quick ejectors. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com

Having the student put their legs back brings their knees back. This helps bring the tandem pair around as they get out of line twist. With the students knees up the pair will have a hard time turning back into the wind as you see in this video. The wind pushes on the students knees causing the pair to weather-vane. I am not personally a fan of tandem students wearing handcams. I have seen too many videos of the student focusing on "getting the shot" rather than focusing on what they are suppose to do. If for some reason any part of the equipment (drogue, drogue bridle, lines, etc.) become entangled with the student I do not feel as comfortable with them clearing the mal. In the video you see the TI telling the student to help kick, but the student doesn't respond. There is also the recommendation that a jumper has at least 200 jumps prior to wearing a camera. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com

Spaceland does adhere to this policy and I encourage it as well, but who ever came up with the wording is a dork :) DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com

USPA is still working with an old database system. They are in the process of implementing a new system that will make things much easier for the members and USPA headquarters staff. This is according to USPA folks during the last board meeting. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com

www.skydivespaceland.com these guys (and gals) do a wonderful and comprehensive job. People have come from all over the world to learn at Skydive Spaceland through their A in a week program. Just make sure you bring some mate with you from Argentina! DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com

My decision altitude is 1,800'. Whether I have a malfunctioning main or find myself in freefall at that altitude I have decided to (cutaway if malfunction) go to my reserve. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com

I host monthly Canopy Courses at Skydive Spaceland and bring in Flight-1 annually. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com

Tunnel does tons for freefall skills but nothing for canopy skills. The most important thing we can do on every skydive is land safely. I think part of the jump requirement brings seasoning as a canopy pilot. I personally recommend 200 jumps and at least 100 FS (rw for the old school) prior to attending a USPA Coach Course. The more you go in with, the more you are likely to take away. That being said I have had numerous candidates with just over 100 jumps (Faulk04 being one of them) and have seen a lot of success. If the Examiners in the field are doing their job then those with the minimum numbers but not the minimum skills should be easily weeded out. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com

Well said. Having a student put their feet down early during one of these landings is going to become trouble. Our job is to protect the unknowing (ignorant), and give them the safest possible experience. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com

I have been presenting them in Tandem Instructor Training Courses since 2011. They were also presented and distrubuted to Tandem Examiners at the Tandem Examiner Standardization Meeting April 2012. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com

An I-44 is designed to hold a 160-181 reserve and 150-170 main. http://www.velocityrigs.com/support.php?link=containerSize DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com

[replyPulling it with my right, which i feel comfortable with. However, i have been wearing all my watches on my right - therefore having the altimeter on my left is somehow... unfamiliar. I am left handed and wear a watch on my right. Initially I felt the same as you, but as many have discussed the problem of entanglement was also addressed with me. I tried the left hand and found very quickly that it became natural. Sometimes I wonder if people who read the altimeter on a not "natural" hand tend to READ the altimeter better. Since looking and reading that way is not natural I believe people tend to be more thoughtful resulting in actually reading the altimeter. Like I started, I wonder....no actual facts to this, just thought and theory. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com

A G3 will work with glasses no problem, unless you have super oversized Urkel glasses. Most full faces should have no issues with glasses. I love my cookie helmets especially my G2 (G3's daddy). Super comfy, great visibility, I have taken some viscous hits and it protects well, awesome customer service. My guess is, you will love your G3!! DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com

+1 Rory takes care of my gear and my wife's. He is super knowledgeable and attentive. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com

In all likelihood, you reached someone in customer service, and since PD doesn't sell parachutes direct to the customer, its not unlikely that they don't know what the price increases are. PD sells parachutes through their dealer network, and basically every year, as the costs of raw materials go up, so does the cost of parachute equipment, which PD communicates to its dealer network each year. Its like a cost of living increase, your not going to wake up and find a Sabre2 went up $300 overnight, more like maybe $30. Every parachute manufacturer raises prices, PD just seems to be the one everyone notices because people pay more attention to the guy on top. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com

It will replay whatever you tell it to replay. I keep mine in alti mode for freefall and use the playback for speed regularly. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com

Both rigs are solid options. I have owned both Javelin and Infinity rigs and enjoyed both, but have stuck with Infinity over the years. I have jumped VSE rigs since 1999 and listed below are a few reasons why I prefer their rigs. Reserve pilot chute design: -I prefer a fully enclosed pilot chute. The smaller rigs typically are harder for riggers to keep the partially exposed PC completely seated and you occasionally see PC material peaking out from the pop top. -VSE makes their reserve PC of approximately upper 90% nylon and lower 10% mesh. This allows for the PC to inflate much quicker even if it some how ends up on its side (e.g. unstable reserve deployment) Riser covers: -I like the fact that VSE uses secondary riser covers. How many times have we all seen someone with toggle or brke line peeking out. The shape of the secondary riser covers helps promote even deployment of the risers from the container. -I have never had my primary riser covers come open when they were not suppose to and they have always open when they are suppose to. If you lay the riser covers out flat you will see they have a straight line which helps prevent risers from hanging up on deployment. Main pin flap: -The main pin flap and the top main container flap are anchored from the same point keeping them the same length relative to each other at all times. This keeps the pin flap secure at all times even when changing canopy sizes. I can pick up any of my Infinity rigs by the main pin flap with out it coming open. Leg Straps: -VSE makes an extremely comfortable rig. One of the reasons is their double wide leg straps. I have not placed a leg strap over an Infinity leg strap that was wider (sport rigs, tandem rigs typically have very wide straps also). Displacement is a key factor in leg strap comfort. The wider the strap the more area to sit on. Think sitting on a 2x4 vs. 2 2x4s. Customer Service: -VSE has AWESOME customer service (as do many manufacturers). Try contacting most manufacturers in the sport. Some you will never get a response from. Some will be slow to reply. VSE typically responds IMMEDIATELY. Cost: -Equip each rig the same and you will see that VSE rigs are more affordable than most. These are a few (of several) reasons I prefer VSE over other rigs. I hope this helped. Hit me up at the DZ and jump my Infinity with the 135 in it and I am sure you will agree. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com

From USPA's Instructional Rating Manual 2012-2013 edition pg.151 "3. For persons with another USPA Instructor rating (current or expired), current tandem manufacturer rating recognized by the USPA, to convert a manufacturers rating to a USPA Tandem Instructor rating: a. Must have logged at least 15 tandem jumps in the previous 12 months. b. Must meet the manufacturer currency requirements for the previous 90-day period. c. Completed item 10 on the USPA Tandem Instructor rating course proficiency card. d. Provide proof of the manufacturers rating to USPA Headquarters, such as the tandem instructor rating card issued by each manufacturer. e. Provide a copy of the USPA Tandem Instructor rating course proficiency card, medical certificate and the rating fee to USPA Headquarters for processing. 4. For persons with no USPA rating, but hold a current tandem manufacturer rating recognized by the USPA, to convert a manufacturers rating to a USPA Tandem Instructor rating: a. Must have logged at least 15 tandem jumps in the previous 12 months. b. Must meet the manufacturer currency requirements for the previous 90-day period. c. Earn the USPA Coach rating by attending the complete Coach course or testing out of the Coach rating. d. Completed items 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 and 16 on the USPA Tandem Instructor rating course proficiency card. e. Provide proof of the manufacturers rating to USPA Headquarters, such as the tandem instructor rating card issued by each manufacturer. f. Provide a copy of the USPA Tandem Instructor rating course proficiency card, medical certificate and the rating fee to USPA Headquarters for processing." Items 2-7,10, and 16 from the Tandem Instructor Rating Course Proficiency Card 2. Assisted in two Category B tandem ground preps 3. Assisted in two Category D ground preps 4. Observed ground preps in Categories B, C, E, and F. 5. Correctly taught freefall stability and basic freefall maneuvers, including freefall turns, backloops, barrel rolls, front loops, and tracking. 6. Prepared an effective canopy flight plan and provided ground-to-air (for example, radio) instruction for winds up to 14 mph. 7. Participated in the spotting and aircraft lessons from Categories D through H (or equivalent training). 10. Correctly answered at least 80% of the questions on the USPA Tandem Instructor Final Examination. 16. Completed one satisfactory Category D freefall and canopy training session and air evaluation during a Tandem Instructor Rating Course. I hope this helps DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com

Rory can check the trim for you in the loft. Next time you see me at the DZ hit me up and I'll see what I can do to help as well. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com

Ask the dealer you are working with. As a dealer they should not only work with you in the ordering process, but also help communicate throughout the process. Dealers should have a solid relationship with the manufacturer and typically know the best way to communicate with them. If you have a rough experience with them, I would recommend trying a new dealer. DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com

Your best bet is to order through a dealer. It's like trying to order a car directly through the manufacturer. They prefer dealers. Contact Cara at Skydive Spaceland. She provides phenomonal customer service and has a great personal relationship with Sherry from Firefly. Give Spaceland a call and ask for Cara 281.369.3337 DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com

I have been jumping Infinity rigs for 12+ years and never have had a problem with the rig interfering with video (or any other problems). As long as the rig fits you, you should have no issues either. It's good to see you are finally making the leap Infinity rigs!! After all you packed mine so many times you should know them pretty well DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com

I have to disagree with this to an extent and here's why. Above I said "properly" is key. I don't know about the UK, but here in the states we have a plethora of people with AFFI ratings that are really poor instructors. My thought here is to advise that those instructors that you will be shadowing may, or may NOT, be setting good examples for you. You will want to shadow good ones. But that implies that you know the difference between good and poor....knowledge that you don't have as yet. Those poor instructors.... - Have little to no teaching skills - Do not teach what is required - Have a large deficiency of general skydiving knowledge - Make up shit as they go along - Do not follow established safety procedures. - Focus entirely on air skills and provide little to no instruction on canopy skills - Focus entirely on air skills and provide little to no instruction on book knowledge. - Come up with off-the-wall ways of doing things that do not follow published training methods. Much of that is ego driven...."Look at me. I have a better way of doing things!" - ad infinitum So, what do you do? Pointers for teaching: 1. Attend as many first jump courses and you can with different instructors to get a feel for how they teach. You will see major differences between them. The caveat is that what you are seeing may or may not be good teaching methods. Take it all with a grain of salt and understand that you will be later learning about good teaching methods in you Coach course and the AFFI pre-course. 2. Learn the subject matter. You will be teaching young jumpers. You HAVE to know what your talking about. Learn the requirements and methods for each and every training jump you will possibly be doing. 3. KNOW the book stuff. There's much more to skydiving than freefall skills. If you don't know what you are talking about, you can't teach properly. Even worse, you may find yourself making up screwball shit trying to cover up that lack of knowledge. Not good. 4. Take the Coach Course first and spend a while teaching and jumping with students. Learn how to teach and then APPLY that knowledge. All too any take the CC and then promptly forget what they learned about the learning process and how to teach and do not apply that knowledge to the training of students. You can help yourself to become a good instructor by actually applying and using those good teaching techniques and methods. Pointers for flying: Your major goal for AFFI flying is to stay close. That means no more than arms length away...regardless of what the student is doing in the sky. You can't help them if you are too far away from them. 1. 4-way and tunnel time are both good recommendations....to a point. They will help you with proximity flying but they will not help you with staying with a student that is sliding all over the sky. To develop those skills, have someone jump with you that will slide all over the place and make you chase them around with your goal to stay right by their side no matter what they do. Once you can do that with comfort, have them very radically change fall rate, roll over on the back, spin like a top and just plain do everything wrong. Again, with you having the goal of staying right by their side. Once you can do that, you just may be ready for AFFI...maybe. This expands on what I mean by learn from the way they present. Sometimes we learn from the good, sometimes we learn from the bad. I just tend to type responses when my wife is waiting on me and end up shortening some of my posts. Solid post Andy, too bad you needed your glasses and a large print keyboard :P DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com