ianmdrennan

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Everything posted by ianmdrennan

  1. ianmdrennan
    Why does this not surprise me? So let me get this straight - we lose 3000 civilians in a terrorist attack and that's unacceptable (we agree there). BUT "74.000 killed. 75.000 wounded" (Don't know if those are the real numbers) are acceptable civilian losses because they are of another nationality or because we were at war with them? Somehow I don't think you'd be singing the same tune if you were from Japan OR if they'd struck here first (civilian nuclear attack I mean). Do unto others.... Did the action have the desired result: Yes Was it worth the price of our souls: No IMO, civilian attacks (intentional) of any kind be it terrorism/war/whatever are unacceptable and cowardly. Yes, maybe it's a bit naive, but morally I have no doubt it's right. Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team
  2. ianmdrennan
    Good job Paul. I'm proud of ya buddy Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team
  3. ianmdrennan
    I will miss you my friends. I've known some of you since my first year of skydiving. I am stunned and truely saddened. May the afterlife be filled with Beer, Biltong, Boerewors and Braais. Keep a cold one for me. BSBD. Ian Performance Designs Factory Team
  4. ianmdrennan
    9am Saturday morning. Most likely there will be 1 practice round so realistically the comp will start around 10:30. The day of the comp. Dave Hebert will have all the forms, etc for you to fill in. No. You can compete in any district you'd like (or as many as you'd like). You have to pick a 'main' district that you'll actually accrue points at, but you can compete anywhere as a guest. Same as registration info. Jeff, having spent some time with you I'm sure we can work something out. As always though, it's wise to get as much coaching as possible. Competition environments are very different from the average beerline swooping weekend. We'll sit down and talk about what to expect and what the common pitfalls and safety issues are. If nothing else and you decide not to compete, simply watching the comp will teach you an ENORMOUS amount. See you there.
  5. ianmdrennan
    That'd be me Performance Designs Factory Team
  6. ianmdrennan
    Sure, in it's current form. My question is are we ADDING anything useful these days. Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team
  7. ianmdrennan
    Good analogy. Performance Designs Factory Team
  8. ianmdrennan
    So I've been wondering. I read the same stuff day in and day out. Argue about the same things day in and day out. Read the same incidents day in and day out. Ultimately there are few new lessons and generally not too much new information. Has this site reached the end of it's usefulness from an educational point of view? Just thinking out loud. Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team
  9. ianmdrennan
    A good way of looking at it would be, the Katana is the 'working mans' cross brace. It has all the goodies to get the blood pumping, but sacrifices some performance (compared to an xbrace) for better openings, riser pressure, etc. edit: Short post cause most of this has already been covered in the previous post Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team
  10. ianmdrennan
    More pics here too Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team
  11. ianmdrennan
    Given a choice between the XF2 and the Katana, I'd take the Katana but that's just because it suits my flying style better. Both are good canopies so try and demo both. On the other hand before you downsize why don't you let us know what kind of approaches you're doing (from the time you open until the time you land). If you've only done about 350 or so I'm sure there's a lot more that could be worked one to best prepare you for your move ahead.
  12. ianmdrennan
    WOW, I'd love to hear what they say too. I was under the impression that HMA was the type LEAST likely to change trim over time. Hopefully Beezy will answer. Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team
  13. ianmdrennan
    I agree. Long as they've got their spot in the pattern, what difference does it make on how they achieve their own aerial space. Personally I prefer to let everyone go before me if there's any way I can safely do it. Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team
  14. ianmdrennan
    No worries, not taking it that way. I think my general frustration with the state of canopy piloting/education is showing through a bit
  15. ianmdrennan
    Would love to. Thats what this weekend is for!!
  16. ianmdrennan
    What, so I can beat you without looking? Performance Designs Factory Team
  17. ianmdrennan
    NICE! Tom is a no-show this weekend (family stuff). Only Travis and I will be coaching. Normally Travis likes to pack for himself cause he's a little bitch Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team
  18. ianmdrennan
    Please note that I said, right below what you quoted, that all can be and are dealt with. No where did I hint at, or say, that we can hook whenever we feel like it. You said it's as simple as calling a stack. I said it's not. Yes, I prefer to have my own pass, no not all of us are lucky enough to jump at dz's that will do that. Realistically there are going to be people doing all types of flying in the sky at the same time. Ultimately, being aware as to where everyone is and making smart decisions is one of the best things we (every kind of skydiver) can do. Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team
  19. ianmdrennan
    I'll need a packer Hotstuff. When you're not playing in the air can you hook me up? Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team
  20. ianmdrennan
    No ONE fault, not no ONE'S fault - big difference. In competition we do, however in a 'regular' skydive we have to deal with toggle whipping yahoo's, people who insist on trying to beat us down under bigger canopies, inconsiderate or erratic patterns, or simply just people who were out first and are below us (with every right to be there). All can be, and are, dealt with but it's not as simple as simply calling a 'stack'. I know you know this Ron as you have (and do) jump smaller canopies. I don't think, for one second, that Yonaton doesn't believe this was a preventable incident. Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team
  21. ianmdrennan
    Personally I'd say encourage participants to attend them all, and feel free to add a word or two about the other disciplines, but I'd keep a focused discipline for the weekend. Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team
  22. ianmdrennan
    Skydive Atlanta will do one
  23. ianmdrennan
    Just in time for the Giveback weekend
  24. ianmdrennan
    Thanks, but we (Travis, Tom and I) can't take credit for it. It's modelled after inspiration from 'bridge the gap' and some input on how best to structure the idea from Jon Pinyon (who also helps out on these weekends if need be). Between all the training and competing this year we wanted to make sure that upcoming jumpers didn't slip under the radar and fade off into the distance. So we figured the best way to make sure they had something to look forward to was by making it an official 'event'. The first one went off great despite some weather issues, we expect this one to go off well and we have another in Sept (unfortunately I can't be at that one because of the CPC finals). It's all about sharing the knowledge
  25. ianmdrennan
    Congrats! So when you coming to play with us