gravrat141

I'm thinking of some possible mobile applications that maybe helpful to skydivers among other people that do awesome stuff and I'm trying to gauge what mobile devices are most commonly used. I see an awfull lotnof iPhones and other gadgety little things around my home Dz.

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Does anyone know if there is a drop zone CURRENTLY operating in or around South Padre Island? Or if maybe there is just someone in the area with a jump plane?

I think you should challenge him!! hope to see you there!!

No Pond unfortunately. Alhough they have a place for one and have said they would poentialy consider building one if the swoop community was strong enough out there regularly. Curt will be bringing his blades out to set up the course. The comp will most likely be sunday to allow curt to asses the talent pool and allow everyone time to check out the DZ in order to make it as safe as possible. Hope to see you there! -Spencer CG-1

This weekend (Dec 27-28) Center of Gravity Freefly will be hosting FreezeFest 2008 at Skydive 35 in Hillsboro. It will be a small boogie focused on Freeflying and Swooping. One of the weekends activities will be a Swoop Comp with Curt Swanson. We need Swoopers in order for Curt to be able to put on the swoop comp (obviously) so come out and play. The winner will get a certificate for 35% off a new mirage with 15% off accessories. We will be sending in an article and photos to parachutist as well. There will be a cookout and a DJ Saturday night. Camping is Free. There is room for RVs but no hookups and there is a really nice bunk room. The DZ has a new Grand Caravan, a great landing area and a fire pit. We are putting this thing on for the fun of it and not for money so there will only be a $10 (at most) registration fee to cover food and beer costs. There is a map on the DZ website www.Skydive35.com It will be cold but we have all delt with that before. IF YOU WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN NIGHT JUMPS BRING YOUR OWN STROBE LIGHTS (CHEAP AT WAL MART) AND GLOW STICKS. WE MAY HAVE SOME BUT PROBABLY NOT ENOUGH FOR EVERYONE! HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE!!!!!!

Best of luck to Matteo and the rest. I know he has worked his ass off for this. Great Job!!!! Now lets all go eat spaghetti to celebrate!

This weekend (Dec 27-28) Center of Gravity Freefly will be hosting FreezeFest 2008 at Skydive 35 in Hillsboro. It will be a small boogie focused on Freeflying and Swooping. We are going to be doing Night Jumps, Tube Jumps, Photo Contest, Video Contest who knows maybe even some Sequentials or Big Ways (depending on who makes it out) Swoop Comp with Curt Swanson!! The Contest will be for best as well as funniest/most creative video and photo so bring out the freefall toys and costumes! We will be sending in an article and photos to parachutist as well. There will be a cookout and a DJ Saturday night. Camping is Free. There is room for RVs but no hookups and there is a really nice bunk room. The DZ has a new Grand Caravan, a great landing area and a fire pit. We are putting this thing on for the fun of it and not for money so there will only be a $10 (at most) registration fee to cover food and beer costs. There is a map on the DZ website www.Skydive35.com It will be cold but we have all delt with that before. IF YOU WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN NIGHT JUMPS BRING YOUR OWN STROBE LIGHTS (CHEAP AT WAL MART) AND GLOW STICKS. WE MAY HAVE SOME BUT PROBABLY NOT ENOUGH FOR EVERYONE! HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE!!!!!!

you seem to have a grasp of the ideas of movement in freefall but I personally (just an opinion) think you may be over thinking it a little. If you want to look at i analytically just remember that in freefall all parts of your body act as control surfaces like ailerons or rudder on an airplane. What I did while in student status and when first learning to freefly is get out and just play with the air. I spent quite a few jumps after being signed off for solo jumps just moving my body around and seeing what the wind did with me. When I first tried doing flips and rolls I was doing really aggressive body movements to throw myself through the move and subsequently not completing the move or over rotating. Then upon talking to people much more experienced they pointed out that there was no real reason to force a move that the wind will make you do if you arrange all of your "control surfaces" (your body) properly. Also, a big part of freeflying is relaxation, and if i think too much about what I am doing with my body rather than just feeling it I become more tense and I do not fly as well. This concept may seem silly but once your jump numbers increase you will feel the air more effectivly and understand a lot better. Also seek advice from people who are experienced at what you want to do eventually. I think too many people are intimidated to ask the more experienced guys questions or if they will jump with them but most jumpers that are good at what they do got to that point by asking questions and they will be happy to help you out in any way possible. I know showing an eagerness to learn will go a long way with the experienced jumpers at your DZ or at any DZ for that matter. (just be sure to try and ask while on the ground instead of in the plane at 10,000 ft when they are preparing for a jump) But don't forget that right now you need to focus on the basics, because those very basic skills in freefall and more importantly under canopy are what will keep you alive long enough to gain the skills to do the stuff you really want to do. Nobody gets it all at once so bee patient and learn something from every jump you go on it it will all fall into place. I hope this helps. Good luck and Blue Skies!