boinky

OK...now we are on the same page. I did hear about the 75% rule, the sucking on a toad rule (who in the world made up THAT rule?), and I actually did hear about sleeping with one....but I think that was just some of you guys' way of trying to get a cheap thrill from us gullible CRWchicks. But how many people are actually going to brag that they sucked a toad/TOAD to become a toadsucker? I'm pretty sure that it will not be good for our reputation in the CRW world. Thanks for the info, though. Nina Nina Are we called "DAWGs" because we stick our noses up people's butts? (RIP Buzz) Yep, you're a postwhore-billyvance

Perhaps I am confused as to how to become a toadsucker. I didn't think that just docking on a toadsucker would make you one. Can someone help me out and list all the ways to become a toadsucker? Keep it clean, guys!!! Blue Skies, Nina Nina Are we called "DAWGs" because we stick our noses up people's butts? (RIP Buzz) Yep, you're a postwhore-billyvance

I understand the discussions well. What we are discussing is trying to make a rule that would make all jumpers follow the exact same wing loading just by license levels or jump numbers. But it would not be a fair rule. People mature at different stages. What one person might "get" in 500 jumps, another might "get" in half the time, especially if they chose to take additional lessons. Is it fair to make the more responsible person suffer because of an irresponsible daredevil? I still believe that it is not just the people with 500 and under jumps that are causing the risks. It is said that you can't teach an old dog new tricks. There are many people with over 1000 jumps that do dangerous things under canopy. Many times these dangerous things cause others to have accidents, trying to avoid that jumper. How many times have we been standing near the landing area of a DZ and heard someone yell "Hook It" at an incoming parachutist? Hypothetically, let's say that this new wing loading rule was created. Who's going to be able to enforce it 100% of the time? S & TA's can't be everywhere all of the time. Canopy companies can restrict the purchase of new canopies, but there is no way to stop the sale of used canopies. It would still be too easy for a person to get a canopy that would not be "acceptable" for their level of license. They could then put it into their rig and jump it, perhaps unsuccessfully, before anyone even knew what was going on. It's too late to stop someone who's already permanently stopped themselves from lack of education. I recently began learning the discipline of Canopy Relative Work under a very responsible and thorough crewdog. I also attended a beginner's course for CRW. Some people were horrified and told me that I needed to learn my own canopy before attempting this. While I realize that I still have so much more to learn, I believe I have learned more canopy control lessons in 3 months than I probably would have learned in 3 years without education. I support a mandatory Canopy Control Class for every jumper to complete before they can get that first license. I also believe that in that class, there should be a "Shock" video. Something that would show a realistic portrayal of the risks and consequences of doing the wrong thing. They say that "A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words." Where a word might be forgotten, hopefully that picture in their mind will resurface from time to time, reminding them what could happen to them if they choose to be that careless daredevil. "Only the mediocre are always at their best." If given the opportunity, I know very few people who would turn down an education that would make them better parachutists now and could someday save their lives. Nina Nina Are we called "DAWGs" because we stick our noses up people's butts? (RIP Buzz) Yep, you're a postwhore-billyvance

Published in the April 2003 issue of "Parachutist," was a fatality report for 2002. It listed the percentages by category and by experience levels, 39% of them being in landings. A whopping 54% of the overall fatalities were "D" license holders. While some of the reasons were wing loading issues, many of them were not. Perhaps instead of holding newer jumpers back, we should hold back careless, long-time jumpers instead? Some of them seem to get a "skygod" complex and think they are invincible. If they weren't doing some of the stupid, careless things they do at the DZ's on a regular basis, then perhaps the newer jumpers would never think to try any of them either. They say that children learn by example, and aren't newbie skydivers just a different type of children? They watch that "experienced" D-license holder make a particularly low and/or dangerous hook turn, an intentional crosswind or downwind landing or a swoop across the pond and think "WOW, I can't wait until I can try that!" And probably much sooner than later, they will try it, with many of those attempts ending up in some sort of injury or, yes, even a fatality. A lot of them will never have thought to talk it over with another person before they try it, because they rationalize it by thinking, "If so and so can do it, so can I." Personally, I feel that downsizing to a smaller canopy doesn't necessarily kill. It's what you choose to do or not to do under it that does. Let's teach new skydivers the right way the first time. Most of them will jump at the opportunity to participate in "hands-on" canopy control classes to improve their budding skills. Early education is the key. Not limitations. Nina Tharp Nina Are we called "DAWGs" because we stick our noses up people's butts? (RIP Buzz) Yep, you're a postwhore-billyvance

Good morning, I wanted to share your video with a friend, but the link isn't working anymore. Any chance you could help a fellow CRWdog out and update it for me? Blue Skies, Nina Nina Are we called "DAWGs" because we stick our noses up people's butts? (RIP Buzz) Yep, you're a postwhore-billyvance

Actually, if you go to www.dqnt.com/acc.htm, and read Jon Sikorsky's writing on "Advanced Canopy Control," you will see that HE says that the "General Rule for Entanglements is for the TOP person to release first." He goes on to explain why, also. At first, your mind wants to object to the top person releasing first, until you really stop and think about it. Makes perfect sense then. It did for me, at least, but I am no pro at this by no means. Nina Nina Are we called "DAWGs" because we stick our noses up people's butts? (RIP Buzz) Yep, you're a postwhore-billyvance

Jon, I'm LOVING the Nerf ball idea. A few questions, though. What sort of canopy can this be done with? Does it have to be a Lightning? Unfortunately, I do not own one yet and have no access to one. I am learning some CRW under a Prodigy and I own a 9 cell Flight Concepts 170. I would prefer using the Prodigy, as I can use the practice landing a 7-cell CRW canopy, no matter how outdated it might be, but would it defeat the purpose to be using the Nosser toggles on it, as I know that the Lightning does not have them? Or should I ignore them and try to use JUST the front and rear risers? Since the ball is soft and floaty, how fast does it actually fall? Have you ever had any complaints from residents near the DZ's about finding these balls on their properties? As far as your hint for never taking my hands out of the toggles, perhaps I am being obtuse, but how will I be able to catch it, then? Thanks for the wonderful suggestion, Nina Tharp Nina Are we called "DAWGs" because we stick our noses up people's butts? (RIP Buzz) Yep, you're a postwhore-billyvance

OUCH!!! I don't even think offering to kiss them would make THAT all better. Anyway, for all of us pups, could you go over types and lengths of socks recommended to prevent similar incidents? I'm going to my first CReW camp in June and don't want to come home with any of THOSE souvenirs. Hope you feel better, Nina Nina Are we called "DAWGs" because we stick our noses up people's butts? (RIP Buzz) Yep, you're a postwhore-billyvance

Could you be a sweetie and share the new link? I followed the crw.boxofclue link and was told that it couldn't be found. Thanks, Nina Nina Are we called "DAWGs" because we stick our noses up people's butts? (RIP Buzz) Yep, you're a postwhore-billyvance

Loved the video. It reminds some of us CReWpups why we got into this in the first place and gives us a goal to work towards. Well, perhaps WITHOUT the round canopies. :) Great song, too. Very fitting. Can you tell me what the name of it is and who sings it, by chance? Thanks, Nina Nina Are we called "DAWGs" because we stick our noses up people's butts? (RIP Buzz) Yep, you're a postwhore-billyvance

Thank you for your response. Your reply did not sound like you care for them. Are they being used currently in CReW work? If so, are they used in competitions and record attempts? Thanks, Nina Nina Are we called "DAWGs" because we stick our noses up people's butts? (RIP Buzz) Yep, you're a postwhore-billyvance

Hi all, I was wondering if someone could tell this little CReWpuppy how I could find more information/history on Nasser (sp?) toggles? Blue Skies, Nina Tharp Nina Are we called "DAWGs" because we stick our noses up people's butts? (RIP Buzz) Yep, you're a postwhore-billyvance

I will also be in Thomaston on Wednesday. Unfortunately, I have to work on Saturday and be in Macon on Sunday, so there will be no CReW for me this weekend. Perhaps we can work out another day? I'm truly excited by the prospect. Nina Are we called "DAWGs" because we stick our noses up people's butts? (RIP Buzz) Yep, you're a postwhore-billyvance

Wild Wednesday's at Skydive Atlanta, are just that! 4/16/03 marked my first two CReW attempts and were jumps 55 & 56 for me. I was fortunate enough to do these with Chris Warnock. Informative, thorough and patient, he explained everything I needed to know before we ever left the ground. I am thrilled to say that jump 56 produced my first dock. THANKS CHRIS! I'm hooked! I can't wait for more!! For all of you who are even slightly interested in learning CReW, it would be worth the ride to Skydive Atlanta in Thomaston, GA to learn with the best. My goal is to be part of a 4 stack by the end of the summer. Come on out everyone and help make my dreams come true. --- Nina Tharp Nina Are we called "DAWGs" because we stick our noses up people's butts? (RIP Buzz) Yep, you're a postwhore-billyvance