Scrumpot

I'll echo the used gear sentiment. Some of my BEST gear has been purchased "used". To this day I still miss my Javelin (which was cut off me by paramedics ...but that is another story), which I bought from somebody at almost 1/2 the price it would have cost new, and it only had @100 jumps on it. That rig was my BEST FRIEND for a long time. Because I had got such a good deal on the rig itself, this also helped facilitate my decision/affordability on a Cypres at the time as well. Just KNOW who you are buying from, and if possible, demo whatever system you are looking at for a good 5-10 jumps if you can too. Even buying off the internet (square1 for example has a decent used gear section) CAN BE a good deal. Before making your final decision via this route though, have a rigger you know & trust evaluate it for you is all. In conclusion, used gear is a very valid option if just like anything else, approached properly, can be a completely acceptable route to travel indeed. Don't completely rule this out! Blue Skyz, and WELCOME to the sport! -Grant coitus non circum - Moab Stone

Cross Keys is a great dropzone to be at in that regard! Absolutely I would take advantage of their demo program accordingly. No-brainer there. Please just listen to the "professionals" at the gear store who will watch out that you do NOT take equipment that is beyond your capabilities, and RESIST "advice", pressure (or even ridicule) it is possible that you might get from others to try something you might not otherwise personally be comfortable with. Be safe, progess at YOUR pace and HAVE FUN! ...I get up to Cross Keys about 3-4 times a season (winter-whimp of late) So if around, feel free to look me up. We can make a jump or 2. Blue Skyz, -Grant coitus non circum - Moab Stone

Hey Hooked, Were you trying to copy off of my avatar with a hand-drawn replica? Ever noticed? ...Somehow (coincidentally) we sure do seem to "look" alike! coitus non circum - Moab Stone

I've FINALLY become an "enthusiast". Tried to do it "legitimately" by sticking to on-topic, quality, informative posts - However, I am recalcitrant indeed, and otherwise compelled to report that the actual post which "put me over the top" was a "meet 'n greet" instead to a real newbie in the social forums after all. Just thought I would share with those of you who officially, finally, after so long, actually "got me going". Woo-hoo, I feel as though (and like the time way back when...) I have graduated AFF all over again. Do I now get the secret handshake & club super-secret decoder ring? ...I'M NOT A "NEWBIE" ANY MORE!!

Lori, CONGRATULATIONS! ...and welcome to both these forums and the sport!! #1. Stay away from making a whuffo your significant other. ...If this is already the case, then lookout! It only very rarely (it seems) works out. #2. Plan on spending at least 1/2 your life, and 1/2 your income (or more!) on skydiving. That's it. Your done. Stick you with a fork. Your obviously hooked! Again, WELCOME! and good luck with your progression. Do you know that "wise old owl" addage? It applies very well to someone at your stage. Welcome, welcome, WELCOME!

Are you from that area? ...Hampstead/N. Carroll County that is? Not hard to figure really, if you think about it. coitus non circum - Moab Stone

Welcome! Did you also know that I would be #2? coitus non circum - Moab Stone

No. Not at YOUR club anyway. Assuming you have control over that. coitus non circum - Moab Stone

Troll ALL YOU WANT baby, that's what THESE (Gen'l talk-back etc category) forums are for! ...Now if you were "hangin' out" saying "hi -howya doin" all over say the incidents forum, well then THAT would be a different story. But till then, and we certainly don't see you doing that, you are just FINE! As far as the "bad mother" thing... Until ANYONE has walked a mile in your own shoes they can put a sock in it! I would not give anyones TRASH talk a second thought. Only YOU know for your own situation the applicability of your maternal skills. Oh yeah, and as for your questions... I am actually more approachable, and affable in person. People say I can seem to be "abrasive" sometimes strictly in writing. Oh well... F*** 'em! My motto. Blue Skyz, -Grant coitus non circum - Moab Stone

WELCOME! I'm sure you'll be a veteran, or an "old hand" at the least in practically no time! Oh yeah, and don't forget to get out & actually jump every now & then too!! Seriously though, and again: WELCOME!! coitus non circum - Moab Stone

By the way, THANKS. ...I think I am finally WITHIN 10 NOW! ---Counting down to "somebody-hood" coitus non circum - Moab Stone

Yup, Them's were the days! ...I used to dial up with my accoustic coupler, and even then Sangiro had the "hottest" stuff out there. A C:\ prompt that would have a little jumper fall from it from the top left of the screen I think it was.... coitus non circum - Moab Stone

Hey, and what a coincidence... in just 12 more POSTS, I can be considered maybe a "somebody" too! 'Course I only got >700 jumps & been around almost 8 yrs +/-... Like you say: Woohooo! coitus non circum - Moab Stone

Based on what I'm seeing out of you, I think you may just beat me my friend! Oh well, it's not like 9/10'ths of this entire forum haven't done that ALREADY. ...Heck, I've been "around" here really for about 6 yrs! Before it was even Dropzone.com ...actually about I think 8 yrs ago or so Sangiro started with simply a download "BBS" (bulletin board system), then "Sangiro's Synergy" was the spot to DL things like Win 3.1 configuration files to make your windows icon's look parachute-related. But alas, here I sit, still just a "NEWBIE"! Thanks for caring/checking up on me though! I'm sure that SOMEDAY I'll become at least an "enthusiast". coitus non circum - Moab Stone

You're welcome Anne! coitus non circum - Moab Stone

Paul, WELCOME (officially now). You forgot too... Keep those posts shorter & quicker if you plan to more efficiently work on that all-coveted enthusiast "rating"! I think I may have only maybe 10-12 or so more to go, ---Woohoo mamma, I'm soon going to actually be a somebody! coitus non circum - Moab Stone

Welcome to these forums! ...I'm working on getting my "enthusiast" rating now myself Again, welcom to the forums & the sport! Have fun, be safe. BSBD, -Grant coitus non circum - Moab Stone

I think I'm actually almost there now, aren't I? Soon I can sink back into relative obscurity! coitus non circum - Moab Stone

Nothing personal intended.... as he embarassingly clicks her profile to read: # of jumps: 5 DZ.com posting status: Pooh-bah Coincidence, or some sort of memory imprint? I may have earlier looked at your profile, but I REALLY did not even think about it/any one individual! How weird is that? I do know that a lot of us in here participate for the social interaction. No slight or insult intended!! coitus non circum - Moab Stone

Thank god for "skydiving for dummies".... ---I might have never survived! coitus non circum - Moab Stone

P.S. ... I know that my picture attached to my posts are just TOO SEXY & SKY-GOD-LIKE to be probably true too, but they are... yup, that's me... in all my :::ahem::: glory! Anyone else out there wanting to claim it as their own, be my guest. Not that I'm counting on THAT any time soon. coitus non circum - Moab Stone

You ARE! ...obviously. coitus non circum - Moab Stone

Then "out" them! Tell us who it is. If you have "warned" them, and you are 100% (that's ONE HUNDRED PERCENT) sure it is your picture & not theirs, then that is despicable, and they deserve the personal shame and embarrasment they would receive in your making this known. I would give them a deadline stating that you were gonna do this first, and get an acknowledgement from them, than allow them the time to comply. ANother idea if you do not like the confrontational type approach would be to write to one of the moderators and ask them to intercede, if you feel strongly enough about this matter (as you apparently do). coitus non circum - Moab Stone

Not based upon my experience & the types of responses I have had to date on some of my previous posts. I had been, at least up unitl now, only posting when I thought I had something of VALUE to say (just click on my profile & check it out if you like). However, based upon some of the less than flattering responses/PM's/consideration I have had, it would seem to me that MANY others do not share your view ...I guess they would rather prefer the opinion of a 5-jump "Pooh-bah" or 30-jump "Veteran" instead? So, yup. ...Here I am now, here, ...posting *CRAP*! Am I gaining any respect? coitus non circum - Moab Stone

Does it count if you even reply to your OWN posts?? Anyways, sorry ...I meant to make http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?do=user_list;sb=user_posts;so=DESC;THIS "clicky" C-YA y'all -Grant coitus non circum - Moab Stone