RMK

By chance did you call to ask the DZ? I remember on one day they repeatedly announced that an Optima2 had been found and to come to manifest/office. I don’t recall an announcement saying the owner had been found. By coincidence there was also a separate announcement for some lost cash – so not all bad people. "Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

TonFly...if you want the best. "Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

I visited the dropzone a few times, over prior years, and on every visit I made Don was on the plane to at least get a hop & pop (space permitting). Many of the “old timers” stopped jumping intermittently or had some fallow years. Don just never let off and it adds up over time. When I was there, he always seemed as keen (for one more jump) as some kid with 97 jumps working to get his first 100. Congrats to him. "Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

I bought my first rig new at 35 jumps. Note in “new guy” rig threads, that cheapest, best value and best are three different things. I started with a new rig at 35 jumps and 1.15 wingload, I immediately took a canopy course and would do the same again. My personal feedback is that I consider Vector and Sunpath containers the best. I have a Javelin Odyssey now, but am looking at buying a new rig and will move over to Vector this time. I’d opt for the Skyhook, all stainless hardware and all other bells/whistles. A rig will generally allow for 1 size lower canopy; so starting with 1.1ish will put you at 1.25ish and will last a while (providing you not in this odd quest of quickly downsizing until you a danger to yourself and everyone else). At a point when you have higher jump numbers, a lower wingload is more friendly should look to get into wingsuiting. This was perfect for me and may vary for others. My inputs were: • wanted the best, not concerned about price • was not planning on getting into swopping • planned on canopy coaching and being careful early as I realised that even 1.1 or 1.5 is still on the “hot” side when you have sub 50 jumps • wanted it to look nice (many of the cheaper rigs – look “cheap”) "Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

I saw your same survey on a separate white-water kayaking forum over the past couple days. Like others noting above, I stopped after a couple queries – It is a poorly written research survey. (I was a psychology minor in school, so understand how these work) Go back to your supervising professor and have him give you petrol money to get out on a weekend and actually meet/speak with people in these sports. However, note that even if you rewrite your survey queries you are not getting a statistically accurate data sample from on-line forum surveys. You are getting a sample narrowed down to persons reading/participating in their sports web forums and further narrowed to the people who would click on your survey and even further by those finishing it. Every sports forum out there gets one of these surveys per month. Do it better and you’ll get cooperation and a more meaningful study – not just a grade. "Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

Your CV/Resume should be adapted to your potential interviewer. When I hire, I am looking for interesting people; so YES I expect to see at least a sentence or two that will give me a little personal colour on the applicant. Placing skydiving on your CV could also serve as a “nutcase filter” which will weed out any managers with a “1950’s-era IBM corporate view” and requisite plastic pocket pen holder (Do you really want to work with someone/company like that anyway?). I’ve lived/worked in Europe, US & Asia. For feedback, here’s my personal methodology when looking through CVs: For my area, most everyone will have gone to good schools, have MBAs and held strong prior roles, so I’m looking for distinct items that will put your CV in my YES or NO pile. Anyone for which I am neutral will also end up in the NO pile, so playing-it-safe doesn’t always work. - Interesting hobbies/interests usually notes an interesting person >YES - Tells me about distinct coach ratings, etc; - “yawn” too pedantic > NO - List activities like reading & walking; you may as well say breathing is hobby > NO - Street performer skills as noted above (fire twirling & juggling) > NO (I’ll go hang out near a tourist area if I wish to be near people like that) - If I can tell that you smoke > NO (may be illegal, sorry but who’s doing the hiring and how will you know) For those early in their careers, the best advice I was given when I was in school was to take as many writing/speaking classes as possible, because no matter how skilled you are in your area, if you cannot express yourself well either verbally or by written means then you are not going to go far in your career. And Listen! Early in my career, I went through a process that starting with over 600 applicants, then after multiple interviews, 5 people were flown to NY for a final group interview. I remember the interviewer started by going around the table asking each of us to give their background – then for the first query he looked at one applicant and said “John” (then pointing across the table to someone else) “Where did Edward say he is from?” "Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

Yes it would make their Belgian owners happy. I hear an EU company is looking at the rights to Apple Pie (but don't worry, they don't fancy your baseball) "Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

Will anyone have any V4’s for demo at either Empuriabrava Easter Boogie next week or Vector Festival, Prostejov in June? "Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

Thanks, didn’t know about that. I was planning to buy my next camera in the US as opposed to local. My last Sony (PAL) purchased was about £695 here when everyone in the US was buying the same camera (NTSC) for $525. I edit everything though Sony Vegas so thought I’d just give up buying here, but I do also use the camera for non-skydiving, so looks like I’ll stick with PAL. "Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

What's different with indoors? "Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

I have late meetings today followed by a cocktail reception, but will take you up on the offer for next month’s London Skydivers pub drinks. Charing Cross Rd; that’ll attract a dodgy crowd...have they looked into more civilised surroundings such as May Fair? (Just Kidding) "Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

Don’t take it personally; I see that you and other council members are trying to make things better. However cost-of-living and coverage limits aside, we have the highest skydiving membership costs on the planet (not just a US comparison). This is not an example of finance & business negotiation at its best; then again there are few professional financiers/negotiators in the membership ranks. Sorry, but even though I’m an optimist, if I’m standing waist-deep in shit, I’m not going to say “this is great, good thing it’s not chest-deep shit” – No, I’ll acknowledge that I’m standing in shit. You’re right I’m not supportive of the BPA. Many years as member has somewhat turned me off. ... re third-party coverage amount, I’ve had a private policy for years with greater cover (though I’m still obliged to pay the BPA nonetheless) "Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

Unbelievably, the BPA is giving themselves a congratulatory slap on the back for the few pounds saving from prior years. Around 2007-2008 the cost was actually over £150 (over $300+ at then exchange rates). They even had the temerity to thank their insurance underwriter in the annual report (they’re getting f*cked and giving out thank you notes??) I’m both a USPA & BPA member and gladly pay for my USPA card each year. Re BPA - well the UK has a way of (no matter how much better another country can do something) still thinking they’re the best in the world. "Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

In the past seven years, I‘ve travelled with my rig to multiple countries on five different continents. I always check it and have never had a problem. I don’t care to get into the old checked vs. carry-on argument, but generally checking it as baggage is easier and less grief. One recent note though, on returning from a recent trip to the US, I opened my rig bag to find the main pin pulled, flaps open and an inspection card. This annoyed me; particularly that there was no description of what they had done/moved. I called them, filed their form, wrote a separate letter and included photos – the result is that I’ve just received a cheque from them covering the cost of a full inspection and reserve repack. I’d suggest others do the same. If they write enough cheques, maybe the supervisors will tell them it’s not worth $70/each to indiscriminately open rigs when they don’t understand how they work. "Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

For the Vector Festival 2011 www.vectorfestival.com I’m looking at hotels and flights from London. The event website only lists Ryanair as flying direct London-Brno, however I found that WizzAir flies from London Luton direct to Brno. Any skydiver feedback re WizzAir? I absolutely hate Ryanair and only ever use them as a last resort or if there is no other choice. Would also be interested in any feedback on hotels in Prostejov. "Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

I’m also looking into getting a DSLR and looking at the following: Canon EOS 7D Canon EOS 60D Canon EOS 600D (new) Price aside, the 7D is quite nice, but when I recently checked it out at a camera shop it was substantially larger/heavier than I imagined. Of course it’s more rugged (magnesium alloy body), but is it just too much of a lump to have on top of your helmet for fun use? What are the thoughts on the 60D or the new 600D? Re Lazlo’s comment on the 7D being suitable for inexperienced photographers – that applies to me, so it’s still in the running. I’d also want to use it for other outdoor/actions sports. Model info: http://www.canon.co.uk/for_home/product_finder/cameras/digital_slr/ "Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

Here's a photo of his AFF at Empuriabrava: http://www.skydiveempuriabrava.com/el_centre_llibre_dor.php?id=0&pres=8 "Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

I’ve previously used ProTrack, Neptune (for a period both together) and now use two L&B Optimas. For normal flying, I’d suggest having one audible - for head-down FreeFlying having two. I’d go with a L&B OptimaII. My two L&B Optimas are so accurate; when they go off it is like stereo, when I previously used a mix of ProTrack and Neptune they were a little off (also the L&B guys are great if there is ever a problem). I love gadgets, but agree with the “visual cue” comments above. If your “beeper” ever surprises you during a jump, you’ve lost your altitude awareness and are doing something wrong. If they go off just as you’re already breaking off or pulling, then they’re backing-up which is what they’re meant for. "Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

clicky: www.vimeo.com/19796179 "Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

GoPros are so yesterday. Here’s an interactive 360 degree video from under a helicopter. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/24/360-degree-interactive-helicopter-ride_n_813393.html Put one of these cams on your chest strap and imagine the possibilities. On wingsuit video, viewers could look around at everyone in the flock and even look back to check out the girlies riding rodeo on Purple Mike... "Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

One - 4yrs old. In tunnel from 3rd birthday and flies an elliptical. "Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

Here’s a few for new jumpers: • Make certain you’ve got “your” rig on Most dropzone student/rental gear all looks the same (brand & colour). Also, students/novices may not use the same rig from jump-to-jump on the same day. ... On about my 15th jump, I noted that the legstraps seemed slightly shorter when gearing up. I thought nothing of it, geared up rocked up to the boarding area. Only due to quickly needing to run back inside the hangar did I notice that this was not my rig and had a canopy a few sizes smaller than what I was using – I was glad to not get this surprise on landing • Ask if anything else looks like the dropzone? Upon getting a briefing when visiting a new dropzone, ask if anything in the area looks similar to the dropzone from altitude. ... this one has caught out many people – myself included (tracked like a madman to the perceived DZ only to find the real one was now well behind me and I couldn't fly back • Brand new gear may be mis-rigged Have a new rig checked by another person for a “second opinion”. The person that assembled your shiny new rig may not have been a rigging genius. ... I got a new rig from 35th jump; I found on my 70th jump that the toggles were attached incorrectly (one came loose on flaring). The result was a PLF and grass stains, but we all know loss of a toggle can result in much worse. "Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

I tacked a small Velcro wrap to the end of some bungee and it looks like a knot. Simple, fast and no hard bits to sit on and nothing to catch. Also, you can go mad trying trying to find bungee in specific sizes/colours. The best places are yacht chandlers (it’s used to strap down spinnakers/sails on the foredeck, and yacht folk like their stuff colour coordinated) "Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

Does anyone know of a UK supplier of Parasport Silibands? Need size 2 for 825 microline. I bought a pack (out of curiosity) that sat in my gear bag for awhile. However, have been using them for about past 75 jumps and they are great. Had always used Tube Stoes, but these are much better. "Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

Yes, a few people. Here's one: http://vimeo.com/15410574 "Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"