chrismgtis

What!? Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

I'm not the instructor type. Maybe I will change my mind in another 4000 jumps. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

Having a good body position is all about denying your body those "reach for something" types of instincts that cause you to do something you shouldn't. If you're getting out of an arched position, all you have to do is resist fighting the unintended position you have yourself in, relax and arch. Everyone does pretty crappy in AFF, especially the first category/level and most people have spinning issues or something along those lines. Don't let it bother you. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

Doesn't bother me. I don't have the motivation to work out anyway. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

I think Scott Miller's course should be required for a B license. Or a course like it. I took it this past weekend and I was surprised how much I learned. Not just in the classroom, but under canopy. I don't think I would have gained that much insight into canopy control in the next 300 jumps as I did in those 3 and the others I made this weekend using what I was taught. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

I know AFF students are taught to flare in a single motion extending our hands down between our legs beside each other, but I'm kind of curious why that is. I found that a two stage flare made a gigantic difference in my landings and I had some pretty wacky landings before I was taught how to flare correctly. They also teach you to bring your hands down to your side, instead of between your legs later on. If that's easier for you, maybe you should do that. Just don't stick an arm out and keep your legs together so your ready for a PLF. You sure it's a strength problem and not the gear your using that you're not able to flare easily? I mean, seriously I can't even bench 120lbs and I'm 24 years old, but I can flare with no problem. I admit that's pretty sad isn't it? Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

Leg strap pads aren't pads anymore? Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

That's odd, because I don't have any bans set. I reset bans anyway to see if that helps. Let me know if you can get in now, there may be an issue with the Wordpress plugin I'm using. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

Yes. Nice one. By the way, Happy belated Birthday Del. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

....... Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

Ouch. That sucks. If the seller won't ship to a rigger for inspection first, don't buy it. It's not worth losing that much money. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

I thought those were pretty conservative estimates, especially now, because wasn't there an increased fuel tax recently? Our DZ's prices went up a little bit and I assume that's why unless the tax hasn't come into effect yet. The reason I said static line was being phased out is because so many drop zones don't really offer it compared to say 20 years ago when it was a much more widely used training option. I think a lot of DZs will offer it? but it isn't really advertised as an option.. but I'm making assumptions there. I tried to stick with facts instead of guesses :P. What kind of gear are we talking about? A complete used rig? It cost me $2400 for the used rig that I got, but I figured in after doing some modifications, small repairs and needing to buy an AAD it comes out to about $4500. I know you could come out less than that, but quality wise what are we talking about? If $1200 to complete AFF and $1400 additionally to complete the license in 25 jumps is high end I want to know where your jumping so I can move there :) and if I farked the math, let me know because I suck at math and it's highly possible I screwed up an addition problem. What organization is used in Europe or other countries (like the USPA)? I live in the United States so I'm not savy to skydiving of other countries Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

I was thinking the other day about when I started out. I had a lot of questions that I think are common among anyone that is considering a sky dive (or more specifically becoming a student). Now that I have experienced a lot more of the sport and those questions have been answered, I decided to write everything down so others can benefit from it. Out of boredom more than anything I write in a blog occasionaly (hm blog, whats the purpose.. oh well it's kind of addictive) so I used my Wordpress blog to write an article "So you want to learn to sky dive?" Seems to have come out pretty well. You guys are the more experienced jumpers and some of you are probably a bit sharper when it comes to grammar, so I'll let you decide. http://www.chrisgrooms.net/blog/index.php/?p=50 Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

And divorcing her years later -- $260k My solution to this: Prenup. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

I usually jump with a cell phone in my pocket, in case of a way-off landing, injury, or other emergency. I actually thought about that today after a videographer sprained his ankle on landing Sunday. I may start intentionally doing that. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

I wonder if it's even possible to get a signal that high up. I've forgotten to take my cell phone out of my pocket on a few loads. It might be funny to feel a vibration in your pocket in freefall and have that urge to pull the phone out and say "I'm falling through the sky, call you back!". Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

I would like to continue because of the reasons you mentioned, I just don't want to get killed doing it. It's like being stuck in a feedback loop. You might consider taking a break for a while to get your mind off jumping and off the events you witnessed until you feel comfortable again. It may help to come back later and just hang around and socialize until you think your ready. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

I'd rather jump. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

30? Damn. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

Personally, I know that everytime I look out the window of the Otter, I may never see anyone I love again and I never have had a second thought to whether or not I could accept that. I've actually asked myself that question several times on the way up. I didn't have to provide myself with an answer. It was obvious. I suppose most of us feel the same way, or we wouldn't do it. I've told people that I could accept risking my life as many times as it takes every weekend to enjoy life and possibly die doing so.. but what I couldn't take is not doing it because of the risks and die later knowing I didn't do something I love. I may be falling towards the earth in excess of 120mph with nothing but a bag strapped to my back, yet I feel safer in the air than I've ever felt at anytime in my life. In a car, I literally wonder sometimes when I will turn my head and see a car headed for me and know it's about to all be over a split second later. Do I have some false illusion of reality? Not really. I just know whats important to me and I know what risks are acceptable to me. I would take my chances falling through the sky anyday over driving a single mile down the road. I've been in four car accidents, three of which were not my fault and those three all occured in a 10 month period. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

You can't say "I've known more people that died skydiving than I do that I have died in a car accident". That doesn't work. Why? Because for one, skydiving is a more closely knit community, we come to know more and more of each other personally than we do the millions of people that drive. That logic doesn't work. Of course you know more people that have died skydiving than in car accidents. Odds are that when you say you "know" these people that died in a skydiving accident you didn't even actually know them personally. If you did, you knew them because they were skydivers too. How many jumpers have you known to die in skydiving accidents that you actually KNEW, possibly become friends with that you spoke to on a somewhat regular basis or jumped with for example... Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

"BASE Jumpers have been known for going to great lengths in order to obtain some altitude, but this has to be the most unique we've seen so far." http://www.ifilm.com/video/2731592 Well that's the quickest route to altitude I've ever seen. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

Well I didn't think it was that kind of party. If you run out of goats, Chester has plenty of cows around. I'm not so sure I'll be that drunk. We will see. I think I will at least hang out, drink some beers and see how interesting these boogies get. Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

I think I would wish I had a wingsuit on or try to adjust my fall rate as much as possible...and of course I would say "fuck!". Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

No problems with contacts whatsoever on about 35 jumps that I've worn them on. The one big problem I did have with vision was when I tried to jump with glasses. Personally I would recommend using contacts if at all possible, instead of glasses (if you have that choice). Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033 Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan