seadream91

THANKS!! Just what I was looking for!

Oops, I just saw there's a whole section in this forum for wind tunnel discussion. I guess I posted this in the wrong place. Chalk it up to a newbie whuffo ... sorry!

Anyone familiar with the Raeford DZ and wind tunnel know if it's possible to get wind tunnel time with an instructor apart from AFF class? I'm planning to do my AFF training in the spring through a DZ that's closer to my hometown but thought some wind tunnel time prior to the start of class might be beneficial. Thanks!

That's a wonderful way of looking at each jump - as a gift ... and I will always remember that! Thanks!!

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I think I'm gonna be doing some reading for awhile!

OMG, you people are SO making me wish I had my A-license already!!

I made my 1st tandem jump this past weekend and am doing AFF in the spring. Just wanted to know if there were any must-read books on skydiving that it might help to have read prior to AFF. Thanks!

I just made my 1st tandem jump this past Sunday and am beginning to wonder if I lost my mind somewhere between exit altitude and landing! I can't WAIT to jump again, but all the conflicting emotions I'm feeling are making me wonder about my sanity. I guess the initial adrenaline rush and subsequent 'crash' are normal, but I'm not sure about all the rest of the emotions I'm having. I couldn't stop smiling the rest of that day, but yesterday I woke up with what feels like full-blown depression. I never really thought of it as a 'near death' experience, but maybe that's a good descriptor. I think for me, it's the first time in my entire 50 years, that I've ever felt so alive. Those 6 minutes of freefall and canopy ride were the first 6 minutes of my life that I wasn't weighted down with the usual, mundane worries of everyday existence; the first 6 minutes that I was totally living in the moment with no thoughts of past or future. Skydiving was really a 'bucket list' item for me; something I wanted to experience at least once. It's already apparent that for me, once is NOT enough. I plan on going through AFF in the spring ... (not sure I can wait that long to jump again though). I have no doubt I'll 'go broke' trying to break into this sport, but how do you put a dollar amount on something that is truly life changing?

OMG!!!! I canNOT begin to put into words what my first jump experience was like! Is it sufficient to say I signed up for AFF class in the spring? There are parts of the freefall I don't remember, although in watching the DVD, it's obvious I was 'conscious' (and having a blast) through all of it. I got to steer the canopy most of the way down and have never had so much fun in my life!! My instructor and videographer were both sweethearts! I don't think I've ever met such friendly people as those I met at the DZ today. I'm already depressed to think about having to wait until spring to jump again, but I'm NOT a cold weather person and really don't want to do my AFF training during the winter months. The 'high' of the adrenaline rush has worn off and I'm exhausted, so I'm calling it an early night tonight. Will try to post some pics & video at a later date. Thanks for all the good info & advice offered here; I know it contributed to making my first jump just that ... the first of many more to come!!

You and grannyinthesky have given me more inspiration than you can know. All my friends think I've 'lost my mind'; especially to be trying something like this for the first time at 50. Now I don't feel so 'alone' or 'strange'. Thanks HellFreak & Rover for the 'breathing' suggestions. I've been a little worried about how easy it would be to breathe during freefall; from watching videos it looks like a lot of people tend to hold their breath on exit and during most of freefall. I think I'll be saying "arch and breathe" to myself the whole way up to altitude. I plan to spend the entire day at the DZ, talking to others and trying to learn as much as I can. I've arranged to get the video and photos in case I don't remember anything about the jump when it's over ... (heaven forbid)! ... and DeNRen, I HAD considered backloops on exit, but I think I might save that for jump #2! I jump Sunday around 2-3pm. Since I have about 6 hours of total driving time, it may be Monday before I post my impressions. I'll also try to upload some pics and video (I can be a bit technically challenged in that area at times, but I'll do my best). BLUE SKIES to everyone & have a great weekend!

Thanks to EVERYone for all the great info and suggestions! Even though the DZ I'm going to does not use tandem progression (or count tandem dives towards your A license), I DO plan to make it known that I want to be a 'student', not a 'passenger'. I hope to be 'aware' enough to do altimeter checks, pull at the proper altitude and help with canopy control (although I think I'll leave the entirety of the landing to the TM) ... and I'll try not to get too down on myself if sensory overload makes that impossible. All the helpful info, replies, and encouragement already tell me something positive about the skydiving community. Thanks so much for taking the time to help a 'noob' who really hopes this will be the beginning of the best years of my life! BLUE SKIES!

I'm signed up for my 1st tandem jump this weekend and I'd appreciate any helpful suggestions any of you could offer. I'm 50, female, and have never done anything quite this 'extreme', but I've always wanted to try skydiving. Any suggestions or advice prior to my 1st tandem would be most appreciated.