skreamer

Dale This is the same problem that I reported previously on a Vortex. As a matter of fact the other guy's (you actually know him) loop was very worn through. If it hadn't been spotted when it was.... I read the notes from the riggers meetings (you can ask for them at any UK DZ). Always a good idea to know about ALL the issues, not just the recalls and safety bulletins. As I mentioned in my post, Vortex owners should also check the brass knurl on the reserve hard housing. I also stand by what I said about the resale value of Vortexes. There is a Vortex II on sale right now on uk.rec for £2000. It only has 50 jumps on it (reserve and cypres never used). Why is this rig with only 50 jumps now worth £900 less than the new price? A 30% depreciation after only 50 jumps... Will

Here are a couple of pics from my 30th birthday party. (I haven't had a chance to crop them yet) Will PS the dress code was formal.

1. It both scares me, but yet it is something I just really want to try. I want to do it for me. If I do it and get scared off, then fine, but at least I tried. 2. This forum and Blinc just re-inforced for me the need for adequate preparation and that doing a FJC is just a really really good idea. 3. I have 360 skydives now, my personal milestone has always been 500 (and to do more CReW first). If anything this forum and Blinc generally all seem to promote more skydives first (especially the right kind of jumps) 4. If I decide after the FJC I want to continue jumping then I would definitely want to hook up with some experienced jumpers. If possible I'd want to do my first 50 or so jumps off more forgiving objects (highish A and S) before trying B and E. That is *if* I continue - I still have no idea how badly that first jump is going to scare the crap out of me, but I do get excited just thinking about it. Will PS thanks to all who approached me privately regarding my request for advice.

When I come to Cape Town shall we go out for hot chocolate and talk about your feelings Ferdi?

Do the chicks get off on it as well, or does he then shag them as well? Maybe they reverse the strap-on? Seems weird to me, but if that is what races his motor...

Call me (please!)

Hi guys Its me, the wannabe with zero BASE jumps again.. Anyway, I need some advice regarding the following. I have a fairly good idea of what preparation to do before I do the BASE FJC this summer and have set my own personal goals (jump numbers, CReW, accuracy on big F1-11s etc.). However from lurking the forums at Blinc I've realized that other preparation needs to be done. Here is where I need your help : 1) I'm going to Cape Town in April and would like to tell my family that I am doing the FJC and *might* continue BASE jumping after that. Those of you that have done this, can you give me any advice on how to do it with tact? (eg I'll mention to them that I have insurance that actually covers BASE, it is practiced as a sport, albeit an extreme one etc.). Quite frankly I'm not sure what would be worse for my mom knowing I am BASE jumping or hearing that I've been involved in a BASE incident and never having known that I was doing BASE. 2) People have mentioned a form that you can draw up which is basically a disclaimer for the sport and the people you jump with. This would prevent family from making a law-suit against other jumpers, organization or site etc. Have any of you done this? If possible could you PM or email me some details (or maybe even an example). 3) I don't have a will. I've just turned 30 and realize that this is a bad move. Regardless of BASE, it is a good idea (especially with the way I drive...) . Anyway, do I need to pay a solicitor to draw one up for me, appoint a trustee or executor etc.? Sorry about the long post, but any advice (either here or via PM or email) would be much appreciated. Thanks (and sorry for the long post) Will

Boy do I miss that bunny....

DOH!!!!! Find a happy place!! Find a happy place!!! It was not a gun, it was not a gun!!!

Yes, there was crack lighting.

That is so true. When I first got into it, I thought just buy the camera and a helmet. Well, since then I've bought an extra (long life) battery, ring sight, Bonehead chincup, a camerasuit, tapes, etc. I will be buying a Cameye shortly. Then one day when I want to do stills it will be the case of buying the camera, the switch etc. Plus of course there is the monthly insurance for my camera gear. And of course I am getting good use out of the camera, but with the changes in temperature, condensation, general knocks etc. there is no way it will last forever (no matter how careful you are). I kind of think of my camera like a car (re. depreciating value). I've had one good, full season's use out of it already, if I can get at least two more it'll have paid itself off. Then of course I'll probably want a 3-chip or whatever other 'gucci' gear is out at that time... Will

Damn, Gary, thats some serious $$$ in tunnel-time. On a slightly different note - what effect does camera-flying (wearing camerasuit) have on your freeflying? Does it improve it at all, or are the two totally non-related? (Not really hijacking your thread CJ, I think the questions are kinda related.) Will

Wingnut's name is Dave... I shared a tent with him at Texel... BTW Mikki - sheer quality, the weather here in London might be shit, but that hyphen chirp really made my day!!

Actually I thought it was Reagan who had to wear the incontinence nappy (diaper for the yanks).

I don't know much about American politics, but don't you have to be American by birth to stand as a presidential candidate?

Actually I would contend that the fax machine was the main cause of the end of the Cold War, but I guess we'll just have to disagree on that one.

Yeah, I think we can safely ignore an actor's opinions. Its not like they could become president of the USA or anything...

Is using a massively over-powered car for your daily commute part of the American way? I've been to the States four times now and I am always amazed at the tanks people choose to drive. Not just the SUVs either. In Europe smal diesel cars are common-place. Is choosing to put yourselves hostage to countries like Iraq, Nigeria worth the price? Robert Redford raises some interesting points. Petrol is cheap in the States, it might not stay that way and you'd think people would wise up and use it more effectively or make use of alternative energy sources. Will

Tom, regarding what Earl said about skydiving with BASE canopy. Is it bad for a BASE canopy to do lots of skydives with it? Everybody keeps stressing how different the two sports are, I was just wondering if doing a lot of skydives with a BASE canopy might be bad for the gear. Perhaps stick to sub terminal openings (hop n pops) if you are going to use it for skydiving? Will Note: I moved this out of the "Words" thread, since it appears to be a good discussion to have separately. - Tom Aiello

Less of the one-line posts please. This thread does not contribute to the value of this web-site or the sport as a whole. Please do not do so again or I will be forced to take action...

What happened to 3flier? You in hiding Macfly?

Tom's estimate was that 35% of student accidents were female. He never claimed 35% of all base fatalities were female. 3% of the total maybe, but how many active female BASE jumpers are there? Skydiving is a predominantly male sport, I'd hazard a guess that this is even more the case with BASE. Taking female BASE fatalities as a percent of the total BASE fatalities is not very accurate if the vast majority of BASE jumpers are male. It would be great if we could get info from the people who actually do the BASE FJCs as to percentage female students attending, percentage accidents involving female students etc. This might give an objective overview. Will

lol no way someone as ugly as JT could have a sister that purty! Nice catch Chile, am well impressed.

Did you and Narci enjoy your little geek slagfest??

Would you mind sharing some of those opinions? (both positive and negative) Thanks