humbled1

I just know everytime I see Jay Stokes at the DZ I cant help but think about what an amazing thing he accomplished with those 641 jumps. If I make 641 jumps in 3 years I will be totally stoked, but in 1 day??? most I have done is 7, and I felt proud of that. I am pretty sure the list of people that can accomplish something like that is pretty short. Its actually almost unbelievable when you think about it...so I guess you could say I give a shit! "Tell ya the truth, I don't think this is a brains kind of operation."

If by that you mean the last drowing of a jumper, I seem to recollect the death in the last 18-24 months of a Tandem master and student when they landed offshore in surf. I dont really see how A License water training would have affected the outcome of that incident one way or another. But I will admit that sounds like a horrific and terrible accident. "Tell ya the truth, I don't think this is a brains kind of operation."

I suggest you save up till you can afford to pay for the entire A license package. Depending where you get it in the US, it will cost around $2500-$3000 some places will be less, some more. Then take a week (or more likely 2) off work if possible and bang out the whole thing. Really you could do it in 10 days with good weather easily. Then once u got your A you can jump at any DZ in the US and lots outside (i know nothing bout jumping outside the US) If you cant do that at least do AFF in a couple of days (around 8 jumps) and then you can do your solos and coach jumps at other DZ as long as they are USPA and you have a current signed logbook it should not be an issue, but I would try and get my A then you are golden... just my opinion... btw, I started with a tandem for xmas for my daughter and I got hooked right away came back and got my A in 3 weeks....I know how you feel "Tell ya the truth, I don't think this is a brains kind of operation."

Thanks alot for your reply. I will continue using Platinum but I am looking forward to the tutorial I ordered. I don't mind trying to figure things out but I feel pretty clueless and I figure I will waste less time once I get some type of foundation using the app. "Tell ya the truth, I don't think this is a brains kind of operation."

I am fairly new to video editing but I know alot about computers and software in general. I have done some very basic editing using Windows Movie Maker and Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 9.0 but I really don't know what I am doing. My question is, should I learn how to use Vegas 9 from the start, or would it make more sense to begin with Vegas 8 since there is so much info out there? ( I am refering to the non-Pro versions of the software) I did order some books/DVDs from Vasst yesterday including the one on Vegas 9 and the Sony HC5 (which is my camera) I guess I should have asked this question before I made my purchase. "Tell ya the truth, I don't think this is a brains kind of operation."

Hmmm...that's strange I could have swore I just ordered a FF3 helmet from 2K Composites, only prob is I have to wait for it to ship from the UK. I could have walked into the Bonehead warehouse in Perris (which is 15 minutes from my house), got a great deal and had it right away. But due to the excellent job Michael Bowen has done marketing the FF3 (I saw his posts about them here and talked to a video guy at my DZ who purchased a FF3 from Michael) I chose to deal with him. Bonehead is a great company with awesome service and products but the FF3 fits my needs better and so I purchased one. Even tho its a foreign purchase having a rep in the US is nice. I have not bought anything expensive overseas, I actually find it a bit intimidating. (Seems to be more of a problem if you get burned or a mistake in the shipment) Personally I am looking for the best product/price in everything I buy, regardless of where it was made. What about cars? Ask GM what Americans buy the most! Personally I love Toyotas! "Tell ya the truth, I don't think this is a brains kind of operation."

On a whim I filled out the demo request on PDs site and 2 days later they were calling me and a few days after that a BRAND NEW PD Pulse was at my door. Actually a great canopy, super ez to pack, nice openings, very responsive, didnt care for the flare, but I only did 8 jumps with it, I got sick...either way, you may want to demo it, seems like a similar canopy to the Pilot. Some peeps think PD is overrated, maybe it is, but their customer service sure isn't! "Tell ya the truth, I don't think this is a brains kind of operation."

Have you considered getting a demo canopy from PD (or whoever) for a few weeks so you have something to jump? It cost $50 which includes shipping both ways and you get to keep it for at least 2 weeks (they are normally nice about extending that a week or so if you call and ask nicely, or experience bad weather) Its not a total solution but you can get a real nice main to try out while you look, cheaper than rental gear. Bummer bout the other main, but there is always another good deal around the corner. "Tell ya the truth, I don't think this is a brains kind of operation."

lmao thanks for the comedy site.... OMG I feel so stressed, my life is out of control...the stress....the emotions...must...jump....to....stop......the....pain!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHGGGGGGGGGGGG edit: what stresses me out is shitty weather and too much work...(well the money is nice tho), both which stop me from jumping as much as I want... "Tell ya the truth, I don't think this is a brains kind of operation."

I will be down at elsinore in a couple of hours and I will ask around also my daughter works in Square1 at Elsinore and I will ask her to keep an eye out and to notify the staff at Square1 Perris. Good luck! "Tell ya the truth, I don't think this is a brains kind of operation."

Skydiving is an individual sport that can be done with others..... In some respects you are always "alone" when skydiving, but doing group (RW) jumps is a whole lotta fun. When I got my A I had been doing solos so I just figured I would keep doing them. I did about 40 more solos before I realized how much fun jumping with others is. I do an occasional solo now but its kinda boring, and lots of time to think about pull time and other nerve racking thoughts... My thought is, go ahead and learn to jump (or at least start the process, you may not like it) and you will make friends as you go along. I am not a very social guy, I am not really a loner, but I spend alot of time alone because I think alot and people bug me sometimes. But I have met some of the coolest folks ever at the DZ. Besides you can jump with the same people if you dont like meeting new peeps, but you would be suprised at how friendly peeps can be, skydiving is a great social lubricant, only second to alcohol imo. You will not get your current friends to jump, most likely you will just have to make new friends that jump. Most peeps start jumping alone from what I can tell, I know I did. btw, I would keep talk of killing yourself via jumping out of a plane to minimum during your first jump course, my guess is it will make the instructor a tad nervous! "Tell ya the truth, I don't think this is a brains kind of operation."

If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is....and that goes triple for the net....btw, personally I would not even consider jumping a stiletto 150 with my experience and I weigh a bit less than you do... Sounds like you got very lucky that canopy tore....also sounds like you got off VERY cheap imo its gonna cost alot more than $125 the first time you slam into the ground...just stick with your sabre2 "Tell ya the truth, I don't think this is a brains kind of operation."

I am very new to 4 way but my coaches and other experienced jumpers have all made it clear that grip switching is bad, very bad! It looks fugly as well!! "Tell ya the truth, I don't think this is a brains kind of operation."

I do believe that statistic regarding skydiving fatalites is based on 1 jump per year. So assuming one does 200 jumps a year the odds are more like 1:611 I am married with kids (14 & 20, the older girl jumps too) but if I did not have a good life insurance policy I would not jump. This sport is much more dangerous than going to the store, even on a motorcycle. "Tell ya the truth, I don't think this is a brains kind of operation."

If your going to be in Perris you should seriously consider stopping by Elsinore, its only about 10 or 15 minutes from Perris. You could also check out Skydive San Diego which is less than an hour south of Elsinore. Also San Diego is(was?) hosting helicopter jumps the last weekend of the month. Wherever you go, have fun and be safe! "Tell ya the truth, I don't think this is a brains kind of operation."

You just hit the nail on the head!!! "Tell ya the truth, I don't think this is a brains kind of operation."

We get quite a few of the students from NZ at Elsinore working as interns. They show up and learn various stuff about the DZ. In the year that I have been jumping I have meet 4 or 5 students from the NZ school, I know one is currently doing video at Lodi and the current guy, Luke, is almost done and has already been hired on at Elsinore to shoot video. I have no clue what they make or what happened to the other guys. I know if you are not from NZ or nearby there, its not cheap. You dont get paid as an intern, but you get comp'd around 30 jumps, and unless u want to live in the bunkhouse u gotta find somewhere to stay. And u cant really work another job, those guys are pretty busy most the time. "Tell ya the truth, I don't think this is a brains kind of operation."

An audible may help, although that may also be a bad idea because you'll do like a lot of people and rely on IT only sometimes. That is a fantastic idea, he will definetly learn Altitude Awarness if he has something blaring in his ear that he can rely on! A midget on his back to pull on time would be an even better solution. omg I will be laughing at that one all day....I cannot the get mental picture out of my mind, a midget on his back pounding on the top of his helmet while screaming, PULL! "Tell ya the truth, I don't think this is a brains kind of operation."

Yeah I knew she was hooked when she asked for an alti and a helmet for xmas. (and not clothes, shoes or a purse) Now she just got a job working part time at Square1 at elsinore so she gets free gear rentals. But she also has another job and goes to school part time so she is pretty busy most days.. We should be doing some more jumps together Friday or Saturday.... lookin back this seems like alot of effort and expense just to have a convenient way of getting my logbook signed.... "Tell ya the truth, I don't think this is a brains kind of operation."

House are cheaper there too, but Im not gonna buy one just cuz of that.. You really need to look at the big picture imo, heres an example: Last nite they did night jumps at Elsinore. There were 20 paying jumpers (plus the pilot, 2 spectators and the jumpmaster) at a fee of $27 ea. A total of $540 for the fuel, pilots time, the girl working manifest (checked us in as we came in from landing) the 3 instructors who worked till 9:30pm. There is no way the DZ made any sort of profit, most likely it cost them money. But they do night jumps 4 or 5 times a year. I know for a fact my DZO is not making a ton of cash off the DZ, if he was I think he would hire another pilot so he would not have to fly so much (and yes he flew us last night) Its my understanding that most DZ use students and tandems to keep the DZ running, and most up jumpers are just paying for their gas money to ride to altitude, some DZ costs more than others to run so they have to charge more for everything..its not a coincidence that all 3 major DZ in so cal charge basically the same for training, tandems and jumps. (technically SD is the cheapest, then Elsinore, followed by Perris) All of your cash will be going to skydiving soon either way, I picked elsinore cuz I live in the same city and knew its where I would be jumping, I knew it was cheaper elsewhere but its worked ok for me "Tell ya the truth, I don't think this is a brains kind of operation."

If you pay for the entire package up front at Elsinore the cost is $2999. This includes everything, including your first year USPA fee & your A license fee. Plus you get 2 free videos that you can use whenever. (I just used my 2nd one on my 200th jump) Also you can substitute Level 4 for a coached tunnel session for around $50 extra. I realize they offer more expensive packages but they are a waste of money if you do the math. Or just suck it up and make the drive to Lodi, you have to do a tandem first for a $100, then AFF is only $1000 (assuming no repeats) then another $700 or $800 to finish (that is a guesstimate), you have to pay for gas and somewhere to stay, or just stay in the bunkhouse or a tent. Keep in mind Lodi does not use radios under canopy but its not rocket science just a little scary. Unless they are having real issues completing the levels I dont know anyone who paid $4k to get their A. Edit: They dont mention the free vids on the website but trust me you will get them "Tell ya the truth, I don't think this is a brains kind of operation."

I actually thought this thread was about that band.... first I woke up to rain, and now this...im going back to bed.... "Tell ya the truth, I don't think this is a brains kind of operation."

Today I did my 200th skydive!!! Instead of doing some huge crazy dive with a bunch of others, I decided to do a 2-way belly jump with my 20 year old daughter who was on her 30th jump. She just got her A last week but does not have much time to jump. Its extra tight since I only started jumping after doing a tandem with my daughter the xmas before last. I was hooked right away. I also did my first night jump earlier tonite, I only got to do a solo from 7K but it was a blast. We were gonna do another load but the clouds were coming fast and dark so the only did the one load. At least I got the solo out of the way, and I nailed the landing. I attached a few pics of my jump 200 with my daughter. (sorry if they arent to big had to compress them to fit) "Tell ya the truth, I don't think this is a brains kind of operation."

Mazz, we are going to be doing night jumps this Saturday (hopefully the weather is good), it might be a good day/evening to come out and meet some locals. I know I plan on hanging out after the jumps and pounding a few. I dont drink often, but I dont do night jumps often either!!! "Tell ya the truth, I don't think this is a brains kind of operation."

I have only jumped at Elsinore (for the most part) and that is where I learned to jump, so I am biased. But that being said, I not only paid for myself, I recently just finished helping my daughter pay for her training at Elsinore. We just did our first jump together on Tuesday, it was a blast. Will I be the only Student? If you do decided to come to Elsinore I suggest you take your First Jump Course during the week if possible. Mainly because the class size will be smaller, therefore the class will go quicker and you will get more 1 on 1 training. I went on a Saturday and there were 8 of us in my FJC, my daughter went on a Monday and was the only student. Are people generally friendly or Cliquey? Elsinore is a very friendly DZ, I do not mingle easily and have still made lots of friends down there. But keep in mind lots of students come and go, after your 3rd or 4th jump it will become clear how serious you are. But if you are a hot chick you will get VERY good treatment from the moment you step on the DZ! Will I feel welcomed or be treated as an outsider? You will be made to feel very welcome by most peeps you meet. Of course some jumpers wont notice you either way. The instructors are awesome, very understanding and patient with all types of students. How is the learning environment? Fast paced and rigorous or laid back but thorough? You kind of learn at your own pace, I did the entire A license in 4 weeks, it took my daughter 8 months to complete it. You can easily complete AFF in 3 days if the weather is good, specially during the week, lots of visting jumpers from Europe so lots of loads going all day long. High possibility of having to repeat jumps? Just about every student I know has to repeat at least one level (most only one tho), I did, my daughter did, the wind tunnel most likely will prevent that (u can substitute level 4 jump for tunnel time at Perris, thru the school at Elsinore) I did the tunnel but wanted to still do level 4 (I purchased the entire 25 jump package w/o tunnel time) I had to repeat 4 cuz I blew it, but it was a couple of the instructors that helped things "click" for me. Its been a year and I still get tips and advice from them on a regular basis. My daughter had to repeat level 7 but she skipped level 3 so it worked out even for her. But some students breeze thru AFF with no repeats at all. I did 1 balloon jump at Perris but I have no knowledge of their training program and I know nothing about San Diegos either but I know more than 1 employee of the Tunnel at Perris has come over to Elsinore to do their AFF. Whatever you decide, good luck but if you decide to jump at Elsinore let me know when and I will say hello, I live a few minutes away and jump/hang out there alot! Also if you are told a story about why you should not fly too close to the packing tent on your final approach..., well you too can learn from my stupidity!!! God knows, I did! EDIT: yeah like Morrison said, once u get ur A u can participate in Excel, its basically free belly coaching from world class skydivers. Mel, Julia, Steve, April....so many great jumpers that offer their time and skills for free. Melanie Curtis is the greatest coach, she has such a way with words and explaining things like exits and such. And no matter how bad you screw up, they just help you fix the issue, no judgement or insults...most new jumper suffer from performance anxiety, I know I do, but these folks will help curb that! "Tell ya the truth, I don't think this is a brains kind of operation."