SkySlut

Dont forget about David Hasselhoff!!!

It doesnt suprise me that the judges couldnt make an official decision. I saw all the video of the attempts and I couldnt really tell who was gripped on who, etc. Olav & Cisco and a few others were doing outside video...the formation was so far apart...I just couldnt see. Its gotta be a really hard thing to video properly so you can see all the grips...and an even harder thing to judge. Apparently, there is a bit of debate going on to how to judge this type of thing as well. With CReW, you have to hold it for 5 seconds, with RW, you have to hold it for 3. With freeflying, I understand that they are judging it based on control. They all need to be docked and "in control". They had some great attempts at the big stuff, but there were parts of the formation that werent "in control". Thats a pretty interesting way to judge...and can certainly be up to debate.

Correction to my last post. Just spoke to Rob this morning...Right now there is no certification for I/Es to run a coaches course...there is no training for the most part. They are usually appointed AFF Is or I/Es, and for the most part they are taking the program and just winging it. I have sat through some of the coaches courses and there doesnt really seem to be any continuity. Rob is going to have a Coach Course Director program, so the training will be more consistant. They will then be able to give the coaches course. If you take a course through one of the certified course directors, then you will get your USPA coaches rating and that will become a prerequisite for a Level 2 SDU coaches rating. So you could get your USPA rating, then take the SDU follow up course to that or you could just take parts 1 & 2 of the SDU program. I think that this is a good idea for the SDU part, the course throws a lot at you and the skills that you first learn need to be used to keep you sharp...it gives you a little time to sharpen those skills up and build on them later. It should be pretty good stuff. That is my understanding of what is going on at this point, but there could be changes...

If I were you, I would go to the SDU coaches program...when you take that program you get the USPA coaches rating as well. Basically you get 2 ratings for 1. I have sat through both programs and the SDU training is WAY more involved than the USPA program (isometric, kinestetic, inner balance drills, skills analysis of video, etc). Right now, Rob Laidlaw has been asked by the USPA to put together a revamped coaches program...I believe that it is based off the canadian program. There could be a basic coach rating and a more advanced coach rating. I believe that they are going to be putting that together this year. He is planning on having a prototype I/E class within the next couple of months and if that goes well then the USPA will adopt it. So, in summary, if you dont think that you are ready for the SDU program...do the USPA thing first, but why waste the money when you can get both ratings in one class? PM me if you have anymore questions...I can talk in more detail about both courses.

Due to shite weather...quite a few split, I believe that they just completed a 24-way. They ended up going to potsmokie yesterday to make a few attempts. The weather in Sebastian has been awful...now its nice, but windy as hell.

Now you wont have to worry about a visor fogging up on the A3...you cant have a visor that fogs up when you dont have a visor. I would probably recommend taping that visor down so it wont come off in freefall or better yet...take the visor off and get goggles.

I would recommend lengthening your brake lines. PD typically sets their brake lines short. Bring it to your rigger and have them take a look at it. Without seeing it...I wouldnt be able to recommend how long and I am not familiar with the factory settings for the Sabre 2.

They still havent gotten back from Brazil yet. We are picking them up on tuesday...they should start getting back to emails then...I would imagine.

Despite marginal weather (clouds) they did a couple of jumps today with 1 attempt at a 30 way. Pretty close, but no cigar...one half of it was as in control as the judges wanted. Pretty good for their first go at it. They are going to rotate a few others in tomorrow. Amazing talent here from all over. There are about 50 or so people registered. You name em, they are here. Although, Jimmy & Hunter stayed in Deland. Had to pay the rent, I guess.

I bought a new odyssey cut for me and I have a second one that I got used...both of them are fine...no pain or discomfort whatsoever.

I had the privilege to fly under canopy with a bald eagle once...quite amazing flying together. I got so into it I had to keep an eye on where I was going to land!!! Do you guys remember the story that was in skydiving or parachutist this summer about that Golden Knight that got attacked by a hawk or some other large bird while he was hang-gliding??? Funny story...must have been pretty scary at the time.

The only "models" I saw were the girls from wings wearing the little wings container backpacks & balloons...Other than that, just the typical hot DZ chicks that were either working there or visiting...

Question: If you had to get a vaccination to protect yourself from BioChemical weapons threats, would it change your stance on the impending war??? Imagine if something like that had to happen. Given the poor state of the current HealthCare system in the US...what a nightmare that would be!!!

Snaps can pose other problems as well...remember the Dolphin containers...if those snaps are bent or warped in any way...you are going to have a tough time getting them apart....nasty situation where ever you put them...

I know that you are thinking about getting a new canopy...go for it. If you dont have the finances to do that...you can always have a rigger put a lip on the slider to slow it down if this is a re-occuring problem. It will only cost you 15 or 20 bucks.

Yoga is great for you as well...I thought it was a bit fruity myself, but I feel great afterwards. I have seen quite a few DZs have onsite yoga classes...sometimes for free or just a couple of dollars.

I spend all day jumping out of planes...

I was debating putting this on a different thread, but, hey, its part of my "gear". I actually got this made for me by the girl who makes "DiveBalm" chapstick. She is really into herbs, oils, etc. All natural stuff. She makes a great all natural bug repellant...never been touched by one. But anyways here is a link to something similar... http://www.wellbeingsonline.com/shop/index.php?shop=1&cat=18 I am sure that if you sent her an email, she would probably make you one. Her website is www.divebalm.com

Yeah, It took me a while to find it in previous posting but. I was just wondering...sizing charts are hard to keep track of these days. The RSK series is tiny...I going to be putting an 84 in there...I was just debating on a 106 or 113, either one will fit...but I am putting a Cypres in there as well. Doing a little fact finding to make my riggers life a little easier.

To bring it back on the subject again...I also make sure that the point to where the tail is wrapped around the lines is really tight so it doesnt come loose. I also wrap the tail as much as I can, then let the canopy hang (of course this is much easier with smaller canopies) over my shoulders and gently press down on it to get more air out of it and then keep rolling the tail. I have CHRONIC back pain and I like nice & slow openings. Preventive maintenance:STRETCH! An ounce of prevention...

WTF is wrong with people?!?!? To each his own, I guess...

Compensating for smaller body parts perhaps??? Speaking of which...new Simpsons on tonite. Marge gets jacked!!!!

That was just WAY TOO EASY...Thanks!!!

Any idea what the largest x-braced main you can put in an RS? I hate it how manufacturers cant stick with one sizing scheme. I went to their website and they have already changed over to the RSK sizing...

Yep, thats the low battery warning. Annoying isnt it??? You can keep jumping with that screaming in your ear for quite a while (10-15 jumps before it craps out) if you can deal with the screaming and you arent reliant on your dytter for altitude awareness. Otherwise change the batteries.