brits17

I've heard/seen plenty of positive experiences. I've come to the conclusion it does not matter. Some people only want to date skydivers, some don't care. Follow your heart. _______________________ aerialkinetics.com

I basically followed the crowd after my crew all began packing this way. I love it and use it fairly consistently now. I'm not sure if it has an impact on my terminal openings slider up, or its just me rolling the heck outta the nose, but they don't wack the patooties out of me anymore. Could be that the tail is not the first directly exposed into the wind but nonetheless I'm cured _______________________ aerialkinetics.com

Aggie04 Aggiedave Aprilcat Brains brits17 Casie Chaoskitty (Maybe) Douva fireflytx Flyangel2 Flypunk hookitt IMGR2 Kris: I will be bringing my GTi and will loan it if needed. MFDammit PLF QTpi QueenB Sunshine ~ because her mom rocks and bought her a plane ticket!!! Tspillers Turtlespeed wmw999 _______________________ aerialkinetics.com

Disclaimer: I'm not an instructor, but this is what worked for me. I almost let skydiving kick my ass as a student. I failed my Level 3 twice due to toplike spinning. I was frustrated beyond, I wasn't used to failing. I was terribly fearful this was something I couldn't do. I barely had enough money in the bank to pay for jumps, and I said if I screwed the dive up one more time, I'm giving up. I was so focused on technique that I lost sight of one of the most important elements in freefall (besides saving your life). Relax. My JM's couldn't pinpoint a body part that was out of place that induced a turn. I went to a new dz (due to relocating) with new instructors. I felt I had a fresh start and was enthused. For some reason or another, I felt relieved, and with the new atmosphere I lightened up. I have to give major props to those instructors who were so encouraging and wanted to see me succeed. My next level 3 was nailed. And I'll let you conclude the rest of the story. If you find yourself losing it in the plane, or on jump run, stop and concentrate on breathing. 5 counts in, 5 counts out. It helped me. I was a silent nervous wreck at times as a student at times... cool on the outside but terrified on the inside. Breathe, relax, smile. Be focused and know you can overcome this. _______________________ aerialkinetics.com

Hehehe, my Z1 visor flipped up while in HD. And that's why I use an open face when freely flying. _______________________ aerialkinetics.com

o:6:o weather was rather hosed down here in south texas _______________________ aerialkinetics.com

and...? yes, it will be grand as usual

Dudette, chill If I have to take a lucky guess, 75% of the peeps at your new university are in the same boat. You'll make friends in no time, and absorbing in the thrill of the 'experience.' On campus living rocks. And props to you, for hanging on to the college days as long as possible. I myself am enjoying the 6.5 year degree plan thoroughly. _______________________ aerialkinetics.com

What he said. The first 2 Wings I repacked were not very good looking. I didn't know the 'tricks.' The 3rd and since have been grand, thanks to these simple tips. _______________________ aerialkinetics.com

yes very cool and i uh, fancy. _______________________ aerialkinetics.com

hehe, yep gotten that one via email a few times. what can i say, damn texicans _______________________ aerialkinetics.com

yahoo chadster!!! you're awesome, see ya'll in october. until then, go fast and take chances. _______________________ aerialkinetics.com

In my limited experience, they are, very much so. The exits are completely different than throwing a backloop in a skydive. Much of your performance is derived from your launch in base, vs 'flying your body' with wind resistance. _______________________ aerialkinetics.com

What she said. _______________________ aerialkinetics.com

H-town! Well, at least the place is rockin the set when Pat Green comes around _______________________ aerialkinetics.com

Very cool Russell! Big congrats to Shannon

Yo, Selos #2, check your PM's _______________________ aerialkinetics.com

You're one amazingly strong woman Pam. I've been talkin to the Man upstairs for you and your family. Hang in there, and know you are in my continous prayers. _______________________ aerialkinetics.com

Rodney, This is quite interesting. I just received an IM from a skydiver friend who was driving down a Houston freeway this afternoon at 1 pm. He and his buddy saw a white parachute descending from a tower close to the interstate. He is going this afternoon to check out the height. It is more than likely the same group of yahoo's. Who knows, but it is no local jumper that we know of. _______________________ aerialkinetics.com

About the time I picked up base this past year, there was a friend of mine with the desire to get into it as well. There wasn't anyone with the time or willingness to dedicate to teaching/mentoring. I basically just appeared at doorsteps when I heard there were folks going out to make a jump. I did some solos. I taught myself how to pack for the most part, and learned what I could gather from a slew of different sources. Thanks to Ted and Chris for allowing me to tag along. If an individual didn't have the desire to take on the responsibility to teach me, they certainly weren't for my friend. He had gear, he was going to jump no matter what. He had done some ground crew and research and was as well prepared as he could possibly be for his first huck. I didn't want him going alone, so the next time I went out, I invited him along. This pattern continued for several jumps to come. If you take a look at my log you will see I was/am just a newbie myself when I sent him off. *gasp!* Now, he has as many jumps as me (didn't have that far to catch up ) and he's part of our regular 'crew.' I don't regret what I did, and I don't think it was wrong. This kid was going to learn to base, whether by himself or not. I'd rather him not. Of course, he was also an exception. He has great awareness and athletic ability, with a level head. Do I consider myself a mentor? No. I've sent a couple folks off for their first jump and thus far they have a good track record. Gathering information from multiple sources is how I'm learning, and how those indivuduals I've put off are learning. I do what I can along the way to help others. I'm aware of the dangers in the sport and the last thing I want to see is a friend be injured or killed and knowing that I could have done more. _______________________ aerialkinetics.com

Kill em! ...sorry couldn't resist. _______________________ aerialkinetics.com

Yup, I've written that one on a napkin before _______________________ aerialkinetics.com

U got it Dave

So do I! Isn't it something like 7 hugs/day is 'healthy?' Well I'm averaging somewhere round 1 . Probably would have gotten the weekend fix at the dz today, but I'm stuck at home writing a paper and cramming for finals. So here's a hug, spread the love _______________________ aerialkinetics.com

NO, but my friends are Leaving me all bored like this, while we could be out partayiiiing. Computer nerds *sigh* _______________________ aerialkinetics.com