gemini

Amen. Most of the people I have met who had accidents had "the attitude" before they jumped, during their student status, and as new jumpers. It's almost like they have no humility in regard to what can happen to them. Most don't seem to realize that the difference between walking away and being taken away is only inches. The "I am better than other people at my level" statement ignores the fact that it is only true under perfect conditions. One other jumper cutting them off on their final and forcing them to downwind or crosswind could be all it takes to get the medivac ride. Several who started out with "the attitude" have come around with and without femur breaks. Sometimes it's a bad scare that wakes them up. Other times it is the overwhelming advice they keep getting from most of the more experienced jumpers. I think, in answer to your question, that we try our best to nurture, but their nature is difficult to overcome. Blues, Blue skies, Jim

Most of us who were in the service know our blood type since it was on our dog taqs which we saw frequently! I'm O+ Universal donor so if anyone needs any.... Blue skies, Jim

Even though the statement is true and in someway very sad, it at the same time is sarcastically funny.

WFFC STAFF Snowwhite (Beth ) RevJim Load Organizers Flyangel2 LouDiamond VENDORS Lou Diamond-BirdMan Going to be there Airmail Alanab anothergoodin antifnsocial Bgill bmcd308 bobsled92 CieloDiosa fallinwoman frenchy gemini Icon134 Kai2k1 Kris- FlockinA MrJones mwbad1 mx757 rev jim rhino skymedic skysprite snowwhite tweak Vallerina wingnut brothermuff65 Freeflyin Nicki 2Fat2Fly bobsled92 RoadRash windcatcher weegegirl Hoping to be there N2SKDVN kansasskydiver Peej Piisfish wrongway Blue skies, Jim

The tips should be split between Skydiving and After Hours. I will keep mine to Skydiving since I am no expert in after hours...right Trent? 1. Make sure your gear is in good shape and your reserve repack is in date till after the end of the boogie. 2. Review the landing area(s) and find out where the windsocks are located. 3. Check for outs by asking the locals, prior participants, organizers, etc. 4. If you are from a Cessna DZ, there will be a lot more jumpers in the air than you are used to so keep your head on a swivel. 5. Clear your air after deployment to avoid other canopies. 6. Follow the boogie landing pattern rules. They may differ from your home dz's rules. 7. Get the phone number of the boogie in case you land off. 8. Check with the balloon pilot AND the chase van to determine if anyone is going to pick you up after you jump from the balloon. Some chase vans will not go back to pick you up! 9. Bring extra rubber bands or tube stows, closing loops, pull up cords. Be prepared to be self sufficient if you have to. 10. Extra jumpsuit, weights and faceplates for your helmet can really come in handy too if you are into larger RW formations. 11. Have plenty of ice and water to share. At some boogies they can be scarce or hard to find. 12. Visit your equipment manufacturers and introduce yourself. They like meeting the jumpers who are using their products. Most of all have fun, but be safe! Blue skies, Jim

WFFC STAFF Snowwhite (Beth ) Load Organizers Flyangel2 LouDiamond VENDORS Lou Diamond-BirdMan Going to be there Airmail Alanab anothergoodin antifnsocial Bgill bobsled92 CieloDiosa fallinwoman frenchy gemini Kai2k1 Kris- FlockinA MrJones mwbad1 mx757 rev jim rhino skymedic skysprite snowwhite tweak Vallerina wingnut brothermuff65 Freeflyin Nicki 2Fat2Fly bobsled92 RoadRash windcatcher weegegirl Hoping to be there N2SKDVN kansasskydiver Peej Piisfish wrongway Blue skies, Jim

I'd go with the larger canopy to start the new jump season. Then on a day with a decent wind, try the 210 and play with it up high to see what the differences are under your wing loading. Watch your landing speed and imagine what it would be like on no wind days. If you consistently land the 210 without problems in light winds after 15 - 20 landings, try it on a no wind day. Blue skies, Jim

So what? Some of us know our limits based on our age and/or skill level and seen enough of our friend's splintered bones when they got into trouble under their "faster" canopies. Most of them are no longer jumping. Do you want to be just like them? They were really fast swoopers too, for a very short time! Not when you are making it harder for the rest of us to continue in the sport after your accident. It's not if you have one, it is only when. Obviously you don't. Next time someone at your dz femurs in, go stay with them in the hospital the first few days then tell me you can accept what they've gone through so easily. Blue skies, Jim

Unfortunately I have been to a lot of funerals where the jumper knew more than everyone else and was a better pilot than his jump numbers indicated. I hope this is not indicative of the advice you are giving to new jumpers at your dz. Blue skies, Jim

PD has always been great to me also! From relines, patches, demos they have gone out of there way to help me even when I was originally in the wrong about a reline issue. (I said only 200 jumps since a reline. They said no way, but we'll give you a discount. I looked at my logbook and they were right. When I admitted it to them, they said thanks and you still get the discount!) Great folks trying to do a good job for all of us. Blue skies, Jim

WOOHOO.....Happy Birthday Justi!!!! Have a great, great day! Go out and have a lot of fun. Blues, Blue skies, Jim

Looks like we may get that jump! See you there. Blue skies, Jim

I agree with SkyMonkeyONE, you should get out last and track up the jumprun or get out first and track down the jumprun when in a group tracking dive. Obviously you don't have to stay with the jumprun on the entire dive. For example if you got out first, and went back down the jump run (opposite direction from direction of flight), somewhere around 9K-8K you can safely turn 90 degrees to jump run. This keeps you from running under a later group and keeps you closer to the dz to minimize off landings. Blue skies, Jim

Laurel: Congrats to Mike and all who particpated for fighting this for the rest of us! Blues, Jim

It was taken seriously by everyone there. I don't remember what was thrown in the fire, but it made a bright blue, yellow flame. Hoorah! Shewanga... Blue skies, Jim

This just in from Steve...... On-line registration will start soon. People who preregister will automatically be registered for drawings for free stuff...first prizes in the drawing will be 3 free jumps. Even if you don't win the first drawing, you're still elgible for the 2nd and 3rd. Look for the preregistration notice! Blue skies, Jim

Sorry to hear that Drew. Fond memories of the few visits I made there and was included in the free beer and pizza. Of course when some yahoo yelled "Fire in the hole!" We all found out how fast we could move too! Blue skies, Jim

We've got visitors from MN at Spaceland today. Temp is 72 with clear, blue overhead. Come on down! Blue skies, Jim

Ok buddy, what have you done with Conway??? You've got his gear, but you damn sure don't look like him! Blue skies, Jim

If there are 4 of you, you could ask the Days Inn for a suite which is a living room with a pull-out sofa bed, tv, phone and refrigerator, a bedroom with two queen beds, a tv and a phone, and in some suites a jacuzzi as well. They are $10 more than the regular double room, but you get a lot more people comfortably in there. The suites are not advertised at most of the smaller hotels. You have to ask for them. Blue skies, Jim

Sorry to hear this Amanduh. His family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. Lives forever changed in an instant generate lifetimes of anguish and sorrow. Blue skies, Jim

Come on down AD! It will be good to see all of you Aggies again. Now that Todd is not running in an election, he can have more fun this year. Amanduh has got some good stuff planned for after hours this year. Blue skies, Jim

I second what Billy said about jumping with Guy. We had a great time and renewed some big way friendships, but missed meeting most of the dz.com group. At least I met Billy, Lisa, Alana, Justi, Spence and a bunch of others around the bonfire whose names I can't remember...sorry!...getting old I guess. Blue skies, Jim

Alanab "You're a DILF" Gemini "Ummhh, what's that?" Blue skies, Jim

Thanks for the ride to the hotel the first day. I know it took you away from your yoga class, but you never complained! Thanks to all who made the boogie so successful. Blues, Blue skies, Jim