360daysofsun

The post about heart rate motivated me to post. I wore a heart rate monitor on several different weekends, just to see where I was most relaxed. Before I started, I assumed it would be the exit. After looking over my data, I found that it spiked the highest at the beginning.... Which was watching the Otter taxi to a stop... Todd .... "Life, figure it out."

I tipped my instructor because he was my best friend for 60 seconds, 6 times a day.... He was a great guy, pushed me past the "general" instruction guidlines, and made it fun. When I did my final 4 way, one of the other instructors commented, "This guy flys better than I did after 100 jumps." He didn't just teach me, he gave me confidence. I burn $20 a day on crap, so converting that into a tip for him was a no brainer. Knowing that he went home with some extra cash was my way of letting him know that I cared, and I also wanted him to stick around so the next student could experience what I had. Money makes the World go around, so if you have a little extra, spend it on what matters. Of course I also gave him MANY "Thank You's" each day... Those were cheap. If I had an instructor I wasn't willing to tip, I would have asked for another one. A Tip wouldn't have even come into play. Todd .... "Life, figure it out."

Tim brought this up while we were waiting "3 hours" for his girlfriend to get an Otter assignment for her second Tandem jump (go Michelle..!), and it makes perfect sense. But after reading this post, a thought occurred to me. If no one ever stepped up to be first, how many sports today would not be here for us to enjoy. This goes for equipment as well. If someone didn't get to the door with a square canopy, we wouldn't be flying them today. At some point, someone always needs to be the first. By being the first, there isn’t always stats to fall back on. You have zero idea if it can be done 100 times in a row. You can test all you want, but ultimately, someone needs to be the first. There are very few jumps forward without risk. Personally I would rather not be the first in anything, but I'm glad there are those that are. How would you feel boarding the space shuttle knowing the odds? Not this guy, but the seats will be full. I would have loved to have been there when the first pilot chute was used. Makes perfect sense now, but I’m sure was thought of as insane then. Over the last few months I’ve been fine tuning my own gear. The last few weekends I’ve been experimenting with a pocket slider. These have been used a ton, but it’s still my “1st” jump using this setup. Since, I’ve been fine tuning the pockets, making for even more “1st” jumps. Low risk? You bet, but someone was the first, and made up the odds that I took to heart at the door. Todd .... "Life, figure it out."

I understand completely, and as it was mentioned, it’s not restricted to Skydiving. Every sport has a core base (frequent fliers), the middle group (those that do it every now and then) and the new group. The first two groups interact, while the new people can be easily overlooked. Regardless of the sport, the key is seeking out the few who are willing to let you into their group. They are easy to find, since often they will find you. I’m new to skydiving, but I’ve been in other sports where I I’ve been part of the core (and still am). In those sports I make it a point to seek out the new faces, and introduce them to my group. In the end, it energizes the sport for everyone. After I finished my training, I’ve made it a point to seek others who are in the same boat. New to the sport, and looking for others to fine tune their skills. This weekend we will be camping at the DZ, and I’m doing to approach the training staff to see if I can leave my name and number to be given to students earning their A lic. Do the same at your DZ. Every sport looses its appeal if you’re all alone. Being part of a group makes a huge difference. Todd .... "Life, figure it out."

Mainly motor sports. Sportbike Racing, MX, Carting (when in my 20's), but I've also found music soothing when training for my pilots lic. (twin) and other very focus hungry situations. I think it really comes down to what works for you, and as I mention, staying smart about it. You would never want to put yourself, or someone else in harms way because you want to listen U2 at full volume.. No idea if I will ever plug into my XM radio while jumping, I was just curious if anyone had plugged in, and if it worked for them. Todd .... "Life, figure it out."

Expert? On volume control? Never thought of it that way... Todd .... "Life, figure it out."

I understand where those commenting on "focus" are coming from. However, being new to the sport doesn't make this my first Rodeo. I've used headphones in several, just as demanding sports, and have never had an issue. It all comes down to common sense. Think about those that have their car radio so loud, they can't hear a siren right beside them... It's not the radio that's the issue... Anyway, thanks everyone for the impute. Todd .... "Life, figure it out."

Just want to thank Kelly and Ash at Eloy for making my training fun. Ash White was my instructor for the last two weekends, and I couldn't ask for a better instructor. He was very relaxed, made the training fun, and always managed to make every jump exciting. Being that I'm a larger guy, Ash worked his butt off both weekends. Even after straping on every weight he could find, we still had a 100lbs difference out the door. Kelly was involved in my last formation jump, and was also very encouraging throughout. After the jump, she waited for me to gather up my stuff (with Ash), and was the first to complement me on my dive. This meant a lot. Being new to this sport, having people around you like this means everything. I honestly don't think good instructors get enough paise and credit. All I can say is choosing Eloy to finish my training was worth every penny. If you're thinking about starting your training, or like me, want to finish what you've started, do everything you can to head to Eloy. Thank you again Ash and Kelly. Todd .... "Life, figure it out."

Just curious. Does anyone have speakers installed in their helmet so they can listen to music during the ride up, on the trip down, and everywhere in between? If so, what have you found is the best way to route the wires, and place the radio? Phillips just came out with some Active Noise Canceling ear buds, and so far they seem to be doing their job as advertised. I think they would be the perfect solution to combat the rushing noise during freefall. Todd .... "Life, figure it out."

Spent 33 minutes in the tunnel in Vegas, within 2 hours... Felt tired by the end, but felt it for a week afterward. Tip I picked up on after about 10 minutes... Don't push off into the stream. Just fall forward. The instructor will preach this, but it's another thing to "do" it. If you're weak with your feet, you'll fix that fast.... Use very small body imputes, and make adjustments quickly. I had issues with being to slow, and by the time I made a change, I was meeting the padded wall... Go high, about 6-10 feet off the floor. I found smoother air, which made it easier to stabilize. It sounds funny, but don't freak out if you go high.. There were times I would bounce off the top screen, look down and say to myself, "if you fall from up here, it's gonna hurt..!" I typically would. You get used to it, and after a few scary moments, you find yourself doing it on purpose. Drink lots of water, and relax. I was told that those that have never skydived, do the best in the tunnel at first. I believe it. It is truly the best way to refine your freefall skills. By the end (thank God) I was flying like a champ. On my next jump it was like someone flipped a switch. Todd .... "Life, figure it out."

I bought this after seeing one at the DZ. After it's first use, I found that it was the lightest altimeter out there. Super easy to read, and stays put. Great job Parasport..!!

A friend of mine, with a ton of jumps, invited me over to his house for a packing class. I have my own rig, so it was super helpful. He showed me his way of pro-packing his ZP chute, then he walked me through mine (111). Like you, I wanted everything to be perfect... When done, he looked at me, pointed, and said, "I'd jump that..!". What really sunk home was when he told me about a Boogie he attended, where they had a "phone booth packing competition..." These guys packed inside a phone booth, then after completing their pack job, they would jump out and say "I'll jump it..!" It's a timed event, with guys doing it under 5 minutes... He said it was CRAZY stuff to watch. That day, they all opened... Lesson? Get the basics down, then relax. Watching people around me pack, I would rather jump my messy jobs (which I've been told isn't a bad thing. To be a little messy anyway), than someone elses typical pack job. Focus on the lines, keeping them straight, then stuff away. I know with time, I will clean that part up a bit as well. Todd .... "Life, figure it out."

Jacques, Just when I say I've used "almost" everything.. I guess this would be the "almost..." I haven't, but have contacted the company and they are going to send me out some additonal information, and a demo unit. I will know more in a few weeks. I've used simular products, but it's been a few years. There was a company manufacturing a headset which transmitted sound to the ear, without actually being inside. It was called "The Bone Phone". Worked great, not sure if the company survived. A quick Google search found that other companies have since aquired the name.. When I get them in, I'll have my crew give them a brisk test. The concept sounds interesting, thanks for pointing it out. The Terminator I posted above also comes in a single ear piece version, which we actually like better. The single ear piece attaches to the throat mic, so you don't need to install the speakers into your helmet, or run any additional wire/s. Very clean. The down side of being smaller is that it only has a single transmitter, while the other version has two. The transmittion quality isn't greatly effected, and the smaller size makes up for this small downside. Since I'm a Rookie to this sport, I haven't used any of these in freefall, but I would be interested in loaning out a set to someone to demo. If you jump out of Eloy, use a helmet, and have ton of jumps, let me know if you're interested in playing around with it one day. I would love the feedback. Todd .... "Life, figure it out."

We found the same to be true on the race bikes, but it's easily solved by using a cover band. The throat mic goes inside this sleeve, and the ends are attached by velcro. Not only does it stop most of the wind, but it keeps it in place. The only time we've ever had trouble with wind noise is when we didn't use this sleeve. The transmitters lifted off the skin, allowing the wind to contact the pick-up. Keep it snug, no issue. Also keep in mind, on the bike, you're not just battling the wind, but the sound of a very noisy engine... I would think that if it works ok in this enviroment, it would work great in the air. The traditonal mics always seen to fall short when these two eliments are combined. Todd .... "Life, figure it out."

I was reading through some of the past posts, and did find this mentioned. Perfecting the arch on the ground always seems to be a challenge. If you're on your belly, how do you factor out gravity. Well, I was at a friends house, and it just so happens he was getting rid of a bunch of his wifes stuff (he wouldn't admit it was his...). Anyway, there was one of those big exercise balls you see on TV. I layed on the thing belly first, and spun around on my back... Wala, it felt a lot like the perfect arch.. I talked him out of it, and now use it to stretch. If you put the thing in you livingroom, put your legs under the couch, and hold something in your hands, you can simulate the forces of freefall. It takes a few seconds to get stable (from rolling off), and figure out where to place your backside (near your hips), but once you get it, it's a great way to make gravity work in your favor... I now close my eyes, and have my wife rotate me around. With practice, you can use your legs and arms to stabalize you.. What does that sound like??? If one leg is lower than the other, you feel it. Just a though for those looking for some extra practice at home. Todd .... "Life, figure it out."

I'm sure everyone read the article on the RareDynamic.com communicators. Has anyone every used one? From reading the article, it appears to use a traditional microphone to handle the communication. Their website states that it has a noise canceling feature, but couldn't find any additional spec info. Having used many communicators (almost everything) in other high-noise sports, I'm a little skeptical. The only system I've found to actually work in a high-sound environment is the throat mic rigs. Here is a link. http://helmetharbor.com/gear/communicators/clearercom/opening.htm While even this system isn't perfect, it's leaps ahead of any traditional mic system we've used. Also, both of these systems have a ton of wires running from the radio. How would these be routed, to stay away from the important item on your back..?? I'm guessing inside your suit, and a ton of zip, or other ties holding everything in place. The Terminator I mention above even makes more sense, since the mic isn't attached to the helmet. One less wire flailing about to deal with. Also, with several companies coming out with Blue-Tooth systems, I think wired systems will be dead in about two years. Motorola states that they will have a Blue-Tooth system by years end. They're working with Burton Inc. (The Snow Board company) which will have a system including iPod, and cell phone. I was told that a communication application is also in the works. Now this will be perfect, since it will be wireless. Stuff the radio anywhere you want, and grab your helmet... Todd .... "Life, figure it out."

This sound insane.. I would never think that anyone could go that fast head down. The stress from pulling out must be amazing. I'll read up on this for sure. This sounds like the perfect, "heavy guy" discipline. This has always been a challenge for me on the bike. Nothing worse than being passed on the straight by a "motorcycle jockey". The little guys (or super thin) have a huge advantage on a bike. It would be great to make them strap on weights, just to keep up... Thanks for the link. Todd .... "Life, figure it out."

Just trying to get a handle on when everyone buys a new helmet. Todd .... "Life, figure it out."

I know a few companies have tried to introduce Heads-up indicators for motorcycle helmets, but few have made it. Here is a link to a guy in the UK who has a great idea. He mentions his intent to enter the Skydive market. Uses GPS, which has become HUGE in the private plane industry over the last 5 years. He might be interested in speaking with you. EDIT: Oh, he mentions only that it can be used for speed, but GPS can also be used as an Altimeter. http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/09/16/piers.tucker/ Todd .... "Life, figure it out."

All awesome suggestions, and I plan on doing all of them. I know from the industry I'm in, the hard is attracting & retaining people to the sport. It's made a lot easier if they are introduced to an informal pier group. People at the same level, working on the same skills. Without beating this to death, I think if Eloy (or any larger DZ) had a "New Diver" day, once a month, it would be a huge hit. They would see a higher percentage of Tandem jumpers enter the other programs. More divers, more money, more work for the instructors, stronger DZ. Just a thought. If anyone feels in the mood to click a link, here is the address to my companies website. This is the link to my race teams page, which is outside the main store. Click on the photos, and it takes you to the Bio page. Todd http://helmetharbor.com/racing/race_team/update.htm Todd .... "Life, figure it out."

Didn't see it here in the posts, but I just returned from the tunnel in Vegas, and was told it was going to close in May. I guess it was sold, and a casino is going up. I was told this after buying enough time for a free session, but was told I needed to use it before that date. Of course I just popped back in to finish my time... Todd .... "Life, figure it out."

I haven't yet, but I'm still learning names. I'll ask around the next time I'm down there. Most likely Monday. David, when you do you start your training, let me know. By then I might know a little about what I'm doing, and show you around the place. Todd .... "Life, figure it out."

Thanks for welcoming me. Actually, I'm a 38 year old kid, who enjoys new adventures. You got me, I am an adrenaline junky, but I'm also old enough to respect my ability to walk...

Great site, and forum. After many years of putting it off, I've taken the leap. Finished up my AFF, and I'm now jumping at Eloy. Great place, but busy. Awesome planes, with room to sit. I've been racing motorcycles for years, and I'm also a private pilot. Both have helped to this point. I look forward to sticking with the sport. There's nothing like riding on a track, and reaching 165mph, but skydiving is sure easier on the wallet...