emallin

Thanks for all the input and especially the video. While on the subject, does anyone know where I can find more external 4-way video footage which shows the cameraman at work? It's strange as I'm far more used to studying 4-way techniques. I've consulted a world champion cameraman who's very much in favour of NO BOOTIES! He's tried both and hasn't found them to offer any benefits. I reckon I'd have better fallrate control without them too. Like the idea of keeping a log too, especially for all the different exits. At that rate I'm probaby considering a two piece suit, with a medium wing. I don't think I'm a fast enough faller for anything bigger. Any opinions or recommendations on manufacturers and wing sizes? Thanks again to everyone who replied. Eoin

Hi all, I'm just about to get into 4-way camera flying and would like to hear tips, opinions or any comments from any serious 4-way camera fliers out there. Most have of my jumps have been 4-way, so I've a good idea of what's required. I'm pretty tall, not a very fast faller and have never worn a camera suit. I was hoping I might hear some advice on the following topics: - What's the best suit? Full camera suit, D-wing, booties? - Are booties a good idea for steep video? - Is a D-wing too big if I don't fall very fast? - What's a good camera lens. I have 0.6, but do I need somthing wider? - What's the best exit, leading or trailing? Any other tips would be really appreciated. Thanks, Eoin

sounds as though you're taking a good approach to canopy piloting progression. Best of luck and loadsa fun!!!!

Given that you have started using front risers at such an early stage I was just curious if you have spent as much time with other vital canopy techniques such as flat turns. If this hasn't been somthing you have already become proficient at, it may be wise to mention this to your instructor and ask him about the importance of flat turns. Possibly the most important skill to learn when perfoming high performance landings is when to recognize not to use a high perfomance landing and use a technique such as flat turns to land safely whilest in traffic. Have fun with your progression!

First of all I wear a helmet on most jumps and would strongly recommend wearing one. Occassionally I will jump without one on Hop & pops. We do a lot of them where I come from. But to answer some of your questions on what to expect when jumping without a helmet, here goes. 1. Freefall will be an awful lot louder, so much so that you might not hear your audible. 2. Your head will take a hell of lot more buffetting during freefall. I've come down from jumps without a helmet thinking my head has just been through a spin dryer and it can take a little bit for your sinuses to sort themselves out. Whether these factors can hamper your judgement and co-ordination during emergency procedures, I really can't say. 3. Watch where you put your head. Easy to knock your head against the wing of a porter. My helmets have enough scratches to prove that one or maybe that's just me being careless. 4. Lastly, there are so many other unforseen situations where a helmet can be a real benefit. Aircraft emergencies, bad landings, offdropzone landings, the list goes on and on. Just because the last 50 jumps all went smoothly and you had nice standup landing doesn't mean the same will happen next time. So all in all I would recommend always wearing a helmet, but being familiar with the feeling of jumping without one is also an excellent idea. I've seen helmets come off in freefall and although it's not a situation that would make most people panic, it's still helpful to be familiar with the feeling. Be safe!

Have a Velocity 120 in a TJN, one size smaller than the OJ. Fits perfect. I guess it just depends on how you pack.

Try Offenburg, Germany. I hear it's really nice around March!