MagicGuy

Did a tandem in August 05. Did another in May 06. Started AFF in mid-July of 06. I wouldn't say that I started skydiving until July of 06, though. That's when I started hitting it heavy and jumping every weekend.

I didn't have to repeat any levels, but I think a couple of them were borderline. On the other hand, I didn't get my A License until jump number 56. Go figure... Anyways, it's different for everyone dude. The important thing is that you keep sticking with it, learn from your mistakes and stay positive. Instead of dwelling on what you messed up on, think of everything else that you did RIGHT, and just try to fix the other stuff on the next jump. You don't suck. You're new and everything is still overwhelming. Don't be too hard on yourself (I had to take this advice myself pre-A License) and just remember - we do this shit for FUN! Good Luck bro.

Ugh, spiders. I hate them with a passion. Creepy crawly things. Nasty.. If I find a spider in my bed I am more than likely to take the couch for the night. Can't deal with the thought of one (or multiple) crawling on me as I sleep. I hate bees, too. Actually I'm not really a fan of insects in general. But spiders and bees are insects at their worst.

Ha, wow, that's pretty cool. For a home-made rig it actually doesn't look all that ghetto. Glad it worked out for him. Must be pretty rewarding to make your first Base jump on gear that you made yourself.

So you jumped?!? Nice! When are you planning on finishing up the rest of AFF? Glad you had a good time dude.

Nice man. Great story. Similar situation up here with the weather. Looked like garbage, before we knew it it was sunny and we were jumping. Some awesome jumps were made, everyone at the DZ got to jump at least once, and for the first time since October, I jumped without gloves. Can't believe it's January 6th...

I don't mean to point fingers, but this is kind of what I was talking about in my original posts. In reading one of your other threads I thought I remember that you had around 40 or so jumps, correct me if I'm wrong. A reserve that is 20sq. feet smaller seems like kind of a big deal. What do I know, maybe it's not really a huge deal. But it seems that, especially as a beginner in the sport, that you would want a reserve that's equal if not bigger than your main.

I must've had too much to drink. I didn't think I posted this in the Bonfire...

Ha, money management. My idea of money management is.. how many jumps can I make if I sell my TV? Damn my car payment is 250.. that's like 12 jumps! All expenses will be looked at as in how many jumps you could make with that same amount of money. My mom isn't thrilled with me skydiving but she has come to accept it. She knows it makes me happier than anything else could and of course, wants to see me happy. I wouldn't try to *convince* them, persay. But do learn more about the sport and pass your knowledge onto them. Maybe with time they will become more understanding. If not, jump anyways!!!

So does swooping but you don't see me doing that (yet) either!

I've been trying to figure out the reason why so many people have reserves that are smaller than their main. The only conclusion I can come to is that they wanted to have a smaller container, or smaller overall rig. What I don't understand is why you would want to downsize when you are going to Plan B. Am I missing something?

That was great. Thanks for sharing

Relax. It sounds ridiculous but it will help you immensely. Have fun, stay positive. Should you fuck up, just think of all of the things that went right as opposed to dwelling on the negatives. Listen to your instructors, ask LOTS of questions, and have a blast dude. Good Luck!

On the left hand panel click on "Top Rated". It has, you guessed it, the top rated videos from the site on there. Some really nice stuff!

Not completely a funny topic, but that made me laugh

I've heard of Spectres slamming people before. I have a Triathlon and I've been slammed by it. I flew a Spectre for 5 jumps loaded at .8:1 and it was a sweet canopy. For it's size it was pretty zippy in the air, great flare-power. I liked it a lot.

Wasted?!? Man, that's harsh. Even though I'm 21 doesn't mean that I don't have a mature pallet. All of those years of pre-legal drinking really helped shape my pallet Kidding...

Don't listen to them! I love whiskey, it's really the only hard stuff that I drink. They're just jealous

In case noone knew.. LisaH rocks. She is sending me a bottle of whiskey. Damn, it doesn't get much better than that! I owe you a jump, or an alcoholic beverage of your choice.

I've seen people get talked to about landing patterns. If you want to do right handed patterns (at my DZ it's always a left hand pattern for the experienced landing area) or sachet on final, don't land in the experienced area. I've also seen people do things like hang out downwind and then do a 180 into the wind for final. Not even a pattern, and it can confuse everyone else who are watching for people to do their pattern. In fact, one time I was starting my downwind and this guy who was just messing around under canopy and unaware of his surroundings. By the time I was doing my crosswind, the guy just completely 180s out of nowhere and starts heading right towards me. Scared the shit out of me. When I confronted him on it, he had nothing to say. I let the S&TA know about it. Following the landing pattern, to me, is one of the most important parts to being safe under canopy. If you have a mal on opening, at least you generally have time to chop. A collision with another jumper at 200 feet.. well, you know the rest.

Hmm, well I'm pretty sure I love whiskey. Could always send it to me

Whoa. That's too tempting. You can't be making offers like that!!

Off topic, but don't balloon jumps require at least a B License? Glad you had a good time jumping the Jet!

Congrats dude keep up the good work!

Yeah.. I'd be all set with living in that house. I always wondered what happened to houses that tragic events took place in. Who the hell would actually want to live there?