bill2

Hi Fred, I just passed my AFF levels 4 and 5 yesterday, had to repeat levels 3 and 4, so I know where you're coming from. I was thinking of quitting because it was so scary and I didn't seem to be able to stop turning too the left. When I did my level 4 repeat yesterday, the instructor said, and what you've already heard several times in this thread, don't over analyze the jump and remember this is supposed to fun. Relax, arch hard (more with your hips instead of your chest which is what I started out doing). I took off from the plane and looked up and he was still there. I started turning again to the left, said to myself to relax, arch hard and just correct the turn. I did and stopped turning. A second later I looked over and the jumpmaster was right there. When we did the docking part of the level 4 jump, he started blowing kisses at me and I just started laughing. The first time that has happened since I started jumping. I relaxed even more and started falling rock solid steady. So, if I had to boil it down to just a few words, relax, enjoy each jump no matter how you do, and shove those hips down. AND smile during every jump while you're in the air - you'd be amazed at what that will do. This is supposed to fun.

I just got started skydiving this summer (haven't been anywhere else), and just completed my levels 4 and 5 yesterday. Byron CA (http://www.bayareaskydiving.com/) gets my vote. Great people, excellent instructors who have patiently answered my numerous questions, always friendly. No attitude problems on the part of the staff or experienced skydivers. It's just east of the bay area here in CA. check it out.

If I recall correctly from one of your earlier posts, you've got a BMW cruiser (I've got an 1150 GS). You should be ok to ship it over, check in motorcycle mag's for shippers that handle bikes. I was in Germany in the 70's and owned a bike. I went all over Europe, including England, and had a great time. Lots of riders, and in general I think European drivers actually notice motorcyclists before they run over them, as opposed to the US where they wonder if they hit a speed bump as you go under their wheels. I say ship it over and ride as much as you can. there are some great roads over there and you'll love it. Just bring the right clothes for the weather rain mainly. You're from the bay area aren't you? So am I and we get spoiled out here. Take the bike, enjoy the ride, and send back some pictures - your other ones have been great.

Hi Eric, I think we've meant out at Byron. I am repeating L4. I was out there on Sunday but the wind was too high. I left around 1oo pm. Are you the guy who also kayaks, and the one who brought out about 6 tandems awhile ago? I've been out at Byron since May, doing my Level 1 when I did the ground school but then got blown out by winds for 3 weeks in a row. Other than the wind, I like Byron - good instructors, no attitutde problems, not to far far where I live in Fremont. I'll be out there this Saturday. Bill