UliToo

I've done 3 tandems so far and have been thinking about doing my AFF for a couple years, finally wanted to make it happen this year. Found out recently I have a large liver hemangioma (non cancerous liver tumor) that probably won't ever bother me, but I was advised by the doctor not to play any contact sports due to the trauma that might rupture it. How much of an impact is chute shock and landing? I was SO ready for it too, mentally and even financially. I've watched tons of videos and read up lots on the sport. I could have the tumor removed, though it's not a simple operation and the recovery is long. Bummed out......

Thanks! Got 'Skydiver's handbook' on the way. Amazon only has previous years of the SIM available. Is it necessary to get the updated one? (printer doesn't work). At least I'll have some reading material for the long winter. Thanks for explaining!

My DZ has closed for the season, and I still have all these questions I had hoped to have answered by an instructor there. Since I now have all winter, I'm gonna learn all I can, and I guess you guys will have to do. Apparently there is a different type of pilot chute used during a tandem - the pilot chute is on a separate pull cord than the main, whereas jumping by yourself, your pilot chute pulls the main chute out. Why the difference? Is it just so the free fall lasts longer? Will I learn how to pack the chute during AFF training? And one more: What's with the categories during AFF? Is Cat A the first jump, B the second, etc?

I wonder if it has anything to do with the high altitude. I haven't seen anything mentioned in here (have yet to read most of the stuff on here), but wondered if the air pressure has any effect on any of you guys, and especially for the OP's tingling problem. From what I found while googling, it seems kinda dangerous up there, although you're only up there for short periods. Quote: Once you get above 10,000 feet the oxygen content in the atmosphere has reached levels that can be dangerously thin. Not only is AMS a possibility, but the risk of HAPE or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema greatly increases over 12,000 feet.

Thanks, all! Those 2 links posted are very helpful and I have them bookmarked. Although I'm German, I don't like beer, never did, so the belly won't be there. I know you were kidding anyway. So the more you arch, the faster you drop? Another question along the same line.......do heavier people drop faster? I'm 115 pounds....does that make a difference? Dammit, never did get that second tandem in; they're all booked up and closing tomorrow.

No, I was never asked to demonstrate an arch, probably cause a tandem is really no work. Do they usually make you demonstrate one? What is 'potato chip'?? Not planning on jumping with friends for a while yet.....first things first.

Hope it's the right board to post this on. I hear that arching is real important. What to do if your back isn't very flexible and ya can't arch well? In the video I look like I'm about to pounce; no curved back at all. Will that be a problem once I jump on my own?

Gonna try that as well, thanks. I remember you posting about your first tandem and about your brain freeze a few days ago. I didn't know you jumped again. How was your second one? Were you more aware? That's what I'm hoping for with mine.

Hey, who ya calling old?? Thank you all for the responses! I will try to incorporate the next tandem into my training. Thanks for inviting me south, but I'm kinda stuck here in the northeast due to my job. So I guess the winter will be a long break between jumps and not sure if they will let that count. Some great and useful information posted.....thanks, especially to Popsjumper. You guys are great. Awesome forum!

Although I've only done one tandem jump so far, I am certain I want to continue with the sport. It's something I've always dreamed about (since I was a kid, and I'm now 45), and finally made it happen. Doing another tandem next week before the DZ closes for the season. I have planned on doing AFF next spring. I've read a couple of posts in which tandems were part of the AFF training. Can that be right? 'nother question: How do you train on landing the canopy yourself? Seems like a lot of responsibility right in the beginning. I understand you're safe during freefall with 2 instructors guiding you, but then you're left on your own to coast yourself down and miss landing areas and hit flagpoles and such.

I thought it was a funny read as well. Informative too. I'm new too and am learning from your story. Also learning from the others on where not to land, haha.

Congrats on losing the weight, and welcome here! No studying needed; you'll learn all that at the dropzone. Seems strange to give advice since I'm a newbie myself, but I now feel qualified to due to having one (almost two, haha) jumps behind me. Sounds like you got determination. Go fer it! Next week I go again. Wooohooooooo!

Thanks for the welcome. Skydive New England. Excellent crew. It's been a week, and I'm getting more convinced I want to continue with this. I thought it might just be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but I don't think I can just leave it at that.

Wow......interesting. NotBond, I understand that 'locked brain' feeling. I was suprirsingly not nervous the whole time, even when the door opened. I too had that surreal feeling, like I was watching someone else do it. I did come to my senses during freefall and just absolutely loved it. So interesting to read all of your responses. I'm glad to find out that subsequent jumps are more rewarding to most, and am sure will be for me too.

Newbie here. First tandem jump 6 days ago, and it sure won't be my last. Whadda blast!!! Been reading here for a few days and find this a very interesting site......lots to learn from all the posts.

The pc CAN play it, but only with a certain program. Figuring things out here by myself, but thank you for your answer.

Hello all......I have a video question I can't find help with anywhere. Just did my first tandem jump 3 days ago and bought the video so I can relive the experience at any time. The video was put on a DVD in VOB format. It plays on the DVD player, but have trouble viewing it on my pc. I'd like to make copies to give to family members. Copies I can make, but they don't play on most DVD players, and with that format, not many can watch it on the pc either. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

I had been wanting to skydive for many years, and finally took the plunge. It was one of the most rewarding, beautiful, incredible experiences I have ever had. The first thing I noticed upon arrival was the friendly and laid back ways of the staff, explaining in detail everything you want to know about jumping out of a plane. No one there made me feel like a newbie, there were no show-offs, everyone is treated with respect. What a thrill to get in that plane, climbing to 14,000 feet in just 15 minutes, get strapped to your tandem master, and then.......WHOA! I have imagined what it must feel like, many times, but nothing came close to the actual feeling of sudden rushing wind in your ears and up your nose, lips stuck to your teeth. The feeling of helplessly falling soon disappears as you seem to lay on a cushion of air. (I bought the video so I can relive it any time, and now I can see how totally happy I looked). Once the canopy opened, I had more time to look around me and take in the beautiful sights of a sunny, colorful October day. Thank you, Matt, for making this an unforgettable day. Thumbs up to you all! You are one hell of a crew!