skyflower_bloom

Yes, things like house sitting, babysitting, and dog walking or pet sitting can be good side sources of "fun money" Especially say if you have a dog-- you aren't really going out of your way time-wise to walk another with yours. If you have a child, bring them to babysit. And well, living in a house is just living in a house, mail and plant watering- basically free money, as long as you can present yourself as a reasonably trustworthy and respectable citizen (doesn't have to be true, just has to *appear* to be... ) And yes, you will have to make sacrifices, as it seems you are learning :) "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

I believe the question was "Do you write books for a living?" ohhhh. doh. blaming the vicodin haze for now.. i thought you meant the OP question, sorry bout that. anyways, what does my profile interests have to do with it? *shrug* sorry for derailing your thread, OP, hope you got something useful from my reply. back on topic, at least on my end. and i still love you (most of ya that is lol) all even though you make fun of me "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

None of the above? How is this a yes or no question? lol.. Life is so much more complicated than yes/no (but i also complicate life even moreso..) "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Masturbate. Much better way to relieve that pent up energy. Will make your posts that much shorter since you will be typing with one hand.

That's a rather sexist comment don't ya think? There are female pilots. And don't forget the Rainbow skydivers. marry rich man- yes, very sexist. and very tongue in cheek. favors with pilot- i'm happy with boys and girls, though i sorta hate the label "bisexual" so no sex discrimination here (no i would not ever do that.. for the record...) "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

it was intended for the op.. in fact, there probably should be a book on how to afford this damn addictive expensive sport lol.. but i get the whole ADD/attention span thing.. some days i'm better than others though lol. and i have actually written a bit freelance/for work, though i don't consider it a primary occupation by any means. i journal a lot and blog and such.. summary (yeah sometimes i need a translator): -credit cards and debt (LONG TERM=BAD) -payment plans (good, but most dzs won't do it) -packing (good, but make sure that they follow through too) -working in skydiving (comes way down the line, but sadly it seems even then most still have to work other jobs to make it work) -keeping in mind that it does get cheaper as you progress -marrying rich men and/or trading sexual favors for a ride to altitude with the pilots -getting gear slowly over time so it's not one big sticker shocker all at once that about covers it.. but i wanted to give the op some ideas on things to consider and watch out for with the different options. and finally, if there is a will there is a way!! nice to meet you too btw i am trying to make shorter posts, but since i am 'grounded' until i have some dental work done to make sure i don't fuck myself up any further, i have to expend all my pent up jumping energy into frenetically typing long posts on dz.com.. so yes. you all get to bear the brunt of that that was long too wasn't it? haha.. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

LMAO.. thank you, oh sage master, for the eternal words of wisdom. And yes for what it is worth I feel pretty f'ing stupid in retrospect. But I figured the whole relative wind thing.. and just did what I always did before (minus the whole 2 jumpmasters expertly hurtling me -away- from the dreaded cessna step- personal responsibility in full force!).. bah. LOL. But yes, lesson being that the goal is to AVOID eating metal. And I imagine that particular goal takes precedence over the goal of avoiding leg kicks in the first few seconds after exit! Much easier to resolve inadvertent kicking of the legs than it is to miraculously heal oral wounds and bring dying roots of teeth back to life.. but if anyone knows how, do tell! But yeah, with kicking, I think that over time between increased relaxation and leg awareness, and just time itself, it will be less of an issue it sounds like.. My AFFI just looked at me like i was a dumbass for trying to analyze the mechanics of that whole situation and said, it's not that hard, you just go AWAY from the PLANE and aim for the OPEN space. Lol, fair enough-- I think that does about sum it up.. the whole point of skydiving is indeed to get away from and fully detached from the plane, eh? She's the one who pointed out the kicking in the debrief, but didn't seem to think it was a huge problem other than that it would tumble or destabilize exits potentially if it didn;t eventually improve.. i'll ask her more what if anything i should be thinking/doing about it.. But-- now watch me KICK the step of the cessna while exiting next time.. jk... "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Yeah, that is where my last few came in (credit card)... And static line is cheaper, and I don't have enough experience to comment with authority, but I think there are real advantages to AFF/AFP. That said, some DZ (goddess bless you!) can do a payment plan monthly to make it spread out more and much more do-able for those, like me, who are college students, low income, etc. To me, a DZ that offers this is really showing a great deal of trust and commitment- going both ways, and showing that they have confidence in their program not only creating students, but in creating skydivers who will continue to progress and want to continue jumping there- I see the availability of such an option at a dz as a very positive sign. Yes, they cover their bases with credit card requirements, contractual obligations, and proof of things like pay stubs, bank statements, credit ratings, stuff like that just to show that this is feasible for everyone and make sure no one is in a bad spot.. but I am really happy to have that option. Also if you cannot afford own gear right around or at the A license, see if the DZ offers discounted gear rentals to former AFF grads from their program who have just gotten their license and are still acquiring a rig etc. Several folks at my dz (and i myself may have to join them.. jk) have schemes to get student loans to fund their skydiving, since it's about the best and easiest way to get a low interest deferred loan (assuming you are actually a student, and don't need the rest of the loan to, you know, pay actual tuition and such hehe ) Now-- Packing is what I have heard to do the most frequently, but perhaps a bit cautious before assuming this will work-- not to imply anything at all about anyone I know, and not that there is necessarily any malicious intent anywhere in this regard, i do not know and am still early in the sport. That said, i think there is a tendency when it is hypothetically discussed sometimes, for people to say when you inquire, oh yeah, definitely, learn how to pack, so and so packed his way to an A/B/whatever license, etc." and a lot of that may simple be enthusiasm combined with the simple fact that yes, you WILL need to learn to pack for your own sake and your own license anyway. But then once you are a bit of the way in, that might not materialize. So if that is your option, that you are choosing to go with, maybe make sure to start packing BEFORE you start jumping and start getting $ or credits racked up so you have some security, and/or get some sort of contract maybe (yeah that sounds weird and has probably never been done, but hey, you sign a waiver, it's often good to get shit in writing.. just would hate to see someone start the sport, get partway there, and then either be unable to finish because the dz decides they don't need or want more packers, or to see someone go into really unmanageable debt due to said situation. I am not yet full trained at packing, and due to a toddler couldn't do it that often anyways, though i have a lesson scheduled tomorrow, so i am not necessarily speaking from personal experience and am using the payment plan option and babysitting jobs to make it work for me- just tossing it out there as food for thought, for both sides of the equation. That said, I do hope and intent to pack since that is indeed the only way I can continue eventually.. starting with my student rig and getting discounts for that when jumping it, then getting signed off and packing for others too.. maybe a rigging license from FAA.. But as others have said- if you love it and want it enough, it will come. Maybe it will come recklessly and with lots of debt LOL, maybe that's not the wisest or most future-minded statement, but you can't live in fear either- you have to find that balance. A large part of it is also that once you get past student status and earlier license/s, you may want to start jumping in a way that earns you free jumps/paid jumps (video, coach rating, AFFI, tandem, whatever) But then again, yes, these are work jumps, so it's not the same as fun jump (not that they aren't fun of course, from what i hear, but you know what i mean!) This too takes a huge time and money investment and is obviously not something you can plan on concretely at this stage in the game, but it is a path that it seems that many people follow when they become passionate about the sport in the long term. However, it rather depresses me that I see people doing this who love it so much, are passionate and skilled skydivers, and yet still have to work a "regular" job to make ends meet. To me, in a perfect world, you would be able to make a living in this. But, I don't know the ins and outs, and obviously OP and myself are both early in the game, so may not be that relevant yet anyways. (plus I am just selfish- I am a student with summer off, so if no one had non-jumping jobs, we could be at the dz all day every day LOL) Anyways, the thing that also helps me is to know that, yes, gear will be a big expense, but I plan to break those purchases up over time, ask for them for gifts, etc. and know that the jumps themselves get cheaper. Tandem is priciest, then AFF class and 2 JM (levels 1, 2, and 3), then AFF with 1 JM, then hop n pop, coach, check dive is right around there (for A lic), and then you simply have that 20 buck ticket to get on the plane, plus either the rig you already bought on your back, or the fee for renting gear. Once you get that license, it hopefully won't seem nearly as outrageous (that is what i am counting on anyway lol), and every level gets you closer. I do think about it still though- I love it, and while one jump a day seems exhausting as an early AFF student, now I am doing 2, and I see students nearing A who can easily make 3, 4, or 5.. instructors and up jumpers making 10-15 at times within a day!! So, it really can add up either way. You'll eventually have to decide what is sustainable for you once you have gotten licensed and established yourself in the sport. Too infrequent can be unsafe (currency) but too much is pricey, and one could argue could also increase risk.. but that is a total tangent too, and you can cross all those bridges, as will I, when we get there! Another bright idea? Marry a rich man! Become a skydivin' trophy wife- LOL. Or marry a DZO? Free BJs for the pilot in exchange for a free ride to 14k? Tee hee... sorry... And yes- stop putting money into tandems if you know you are wanting to 'dive in' to an AFF progression. Welcome, blue skies, stay safe, and enjoy!! And happy 4th, a day late! (I am allowed one epic long post per day. so there. Yes, I get shit sometimes for my verbose tendencies. I'm working on it..) I am a newer jumper too and enjoy getting to know others entering the sport, feel free to keep in touch and do keep us posted! Oh and LMAO at the green beans.. but yeah little things can help. If you save all your change, that actually can add up pretty quick. Thing is, most people (self included) rely on the good ole debit card these days- but if you are using cash, it's another small way of getting some extra cash that you wouldn't even otherwise think was there or could add up.

First there was this huge explosion, the earth cooled & then the fish grew feet...on some, the flippers became feathers. Some organisms couldn't adapt & evolve, they remained at the bottom feeding off the decaying carcasses of the dead...we called them lawyers. is not ok well then, this post is... ...meanie It's expected, he's a lawyer LOL someone's in trouble today!! I didn't know that he was one of THEM till now.. now I know to watch out "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

so, everyone enjoy the fireworks 'n all? hope you had a safe and fun 4th of july! "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

You're welcome. Really glad to hear it's feeling better (and btw, i am very jealous.. i wanna jump too *tantrum* ok, i'm better now lol..) And-- Congrats on being so close to the license!! That rocks

Many people, including me, jump with their cell phone in their pocket. That way if you have an off-DZ landing, you can call the DZ to let them know you're ok, or are injured, or to help them find you; you can call 911 if need be, either for yourself or if you're helping another injured jumper; the DZ can try to call you if you don't show up, etc. thanks, that actually makes a lot of sense. not having my own jumpsuit yet i honestly didn't even notice that there were zipper pockets on the student suits.. maybe it just means i need a custom jumpsuit sooner rather than later problem is though, reception is shit out in the WI countryside where i jump, so it may or may not do me any good.. but better to at least have a chance of a option, especially when off AFF and radio. thanks! R ---------- edit-- here's another thought.. what types of info would be important (any EMT/dr./etc. out there) to know in case of a major emergency? someone said blood type, another mentioned an insurance card in the reserve card flap.. i would imagine if someone is on any medications or has any other long term illnesses.. is this something we should also be putting on say a laminated card with emergency info, possibly? something to think about.. (*embarrassed* i actually don't know my blood type.. i should probably find that out eh?) "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

is not ok well then, this post is... ...meanie "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

sorry for my naivete, but what is "ICE"? is that an inter/nationally recognized acronym for "in case [of?] emergency" that you would label a phone number (name slot) as, in your cell phone? of course, along with things like "spouse," "mom," etc. i assume, as someone said..? the thing is, i know that, at least when i jump, i tend to leave my cell in my car. so it would be tricky to get it in an emergency with rushing around and such.. but if manifest has properly filled out paperwork or another such recently designed system they could avoid this type of thing (looking for cell phone or in jumpsuit pockets etc..) it appears to refer to a toe tag, i could just be tired (it's been a long night, off to bed soon) but i couldn't find any particular info on the website linked.. either way, hopefully this important issue is not too off topic for discussion here.. i recall on the day of my first AFF jump i brought my entire folder of estate plan docs- will, power of atty for healthcare and finance, advance medical directive, dnr, everything possible- i gave manifest my keys, put the big ole folder of legal docs on the front seat of my car, and told them that it was there. wow, i was a dork. wonder what they thought about that. and weirdly, i didn't even think i was going to die/be hurt at all.. i don't recall being that scared even (compared to some times that is, i have my days).. just seemed better to err on the side of over caution i guess? LOL.. needless to say, that was the first and last time i did that, but my emergency contacts are listed clearly with i think 5 possible contact numbers on the waiver, and they have copies of all those docs for themselves of course.. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

still have not figured out multi-quote.. but here goes.. you are surely right, in that if my instructors say i am where i need to be for aff-8, i trust that, and i am. i am just a control freak (i admit it- when it comes to certain things at least) and hate my legs doing shit i don't want them doing LOL. i have been out hanging at the dz often this week despite grounding/injury. was out from about 11:45 am to 9:45 pm yesterday, and went out for the annual fourth of july party today for about 4 hours. Wed. i go out to have a packing lesson, and then watch/help out some more, so that should be good. it can just be tough with a young toddler and the drive being two hours each way for me. there are days i feel like getting on here or reading parachutist or practicing arch or whatever are really better than nothing at all, since with childcare, gas money, and time, i simply cannot drive four hours on a daily basis.. sitting in on another FJC is a great idea- 'specially since i never did the one at the dz i jump at now. thanks for the idea! i know there are pros and cons to getting feedback from internet strangers, and definitely give more weight to that which comes from those who have seen my jumps of vid debriefs, talked with me, etc. But i guess when i can't be at the dz/with my aff-is i like to feel that i am sharing in and drawing from the collective pool of wisdom of the skydiving community- and as you say, that too has its pros and cons!! Honestly though I am not that worried.. just a perfectionist and need to get over it already.. and vaguely pissed that I am not in the air due to my own stupidity in bashing my teeth.. so spending time figuring out random things on dz.com, spending my days at the dz observing the packings and landings and driving the golf cart, and reading old parachutist mags etc. makes me feel like i am doing at least *someting.* But yeah, for someone with a brain like mine (overanalysis central), it could easily overload me too.. just gotta get my sky fix somehow lol. Nice to have an idea of the difference between regaining stability, versus staying entirely stable, and some sort of vague range of time frames out of simple curiousity if nothing else-- and honestly now that i think about it, it;s probably more beneficial as a student to lose and regain arch/stability, play around with the air and learn from it an such-- i imagine needing to stay 100% stable from door on out comes in mostly further down the line when working with others. So that makes sense. Thanks for the replies, and I like the point about the fact that, having only 12 jumps, that is really equal to a bit over ten minutes to "practice" the sport- surely not enough time to get a perfect performance or anywhere close (mock-ups, etc. training time aside, but that is different of course) I guess am learning to trust in the program, and it is very rewarding to see progress and learn to do things that at one point seemed impossible!

I am making an effort to make these posts short and to the point. You're welcome With the prerequisite of- I will, and have, talked with my AFFIs- i'd like to hear some tips from others here and if anyone has had/seen this issue, and what has helped. My recent vids show me kicking upon exit for several seconds, struggling before getting stable. My question I guess is twofold-- One, as stated, any tips, tricks, quotes, exercises, or experiences with this problem and its solution? Just a need for more relaxation and/or leg awareness? And two-- at one point does one go from just being expected to re-stabilize themselves when they go unstable, be stable at pull time, altitude aware, etc. (AFF basics) to actually leaving and REMAINING stable? I know everyone progresses differently and that this is also primarily between me and my instructors, who say I am right where I need to be to be on an AFF level 8. I am a perfectionist and want to improve- but I can also accept that and trust them immensely. I am just wondering when (ballpark) I can expect that, potentially, and any tricks to help me attain it over time. Thanks and blue skies!! robyn "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

there is a product that coats canker sores to prevent them from being in pain eating. the idea is a protective barrier. cankex or something? it's clear in color, and either a stick or more typically a little brush /wand. i'd give the usual disclaimer to ask a doc, but this could be a good option. however, that depends if it's open/cut, or bruised, in a way that exposes a layer of skin-- such product might help more then, than if it is simply just swelling, in which case it might simply be the pressure and elevation change hurting it, and you may be better off with something anti-inflammatory/painkiller (i.e. ibuprofen?) or if too bad, take a few days off and ice it to help it along? again, not a medical expert.. ask a doc and your instructor.. just have a fat lip of my own and a bit of experience with canker sores. hope you feel better, blue skies!! robyn "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

mornin' (evening?) hope everyone is well... robyn

Thanks for the reply.. yeah I really only take them at night to help with sleep.. the amount of tylenol in there with the hydrocodone makes me nervous.. ibuprofen for swelling seems to do well, as does sea salt rinses.. it's definitely the worst today that it's been yet though.. Yeah I am officially on break from jumping work will be done Wed/Thurs and then will see but give it a week or two after that methinks. I like the idea of checking about a discount.. I am a birth professional but a doula is not considered a medical professional so idk.. Oh.. and Southern Man, airtwardo, and ditto.. you can give me as much shit as you want, but you don't get a free pass when I feel like I have a knife sticking thru my bottom lip and I can't eat anything! I'm making an effort though, for what it's worth (though perhaps it is unnoticeable to normal human beings lol). But I couldn't resist this observation ditto.. you can talk about your third wife's "tendencies," but maybe, just maybe, there's two sides to that coin?? It does take two to tango.. and two to break up.. none of us are perfect Thanks for the replies and get well wishes guys.. i'll know tuesday what exactly needs doing and in the meantime i'll be out at the dz practicing on the ground/mock-up and learning to pack!

Thanks for the kind words and advice. I definitely think my training at "dz #1" was exemplary, and do not blame anyone but myself. As I said in my first post, it is probable these things were covered, just perhaps not in a way that I understood them well since I was taking in so much new info, differing learning styles, whatever.. and then the issues obviously got masked as stated, with the 2 JM poised exits in early AFF, since i was told my exits were great then. Tthey were, but i imagine the JMs' experience and their push/pull motion contributed much more than i did! It's a tricky one. and I simply didn't understand or integrate the technique properly- again, my issue, not any instructors'. But something for everyone to be aware of, as this forum I think is to share ad learn :) I could go into some specific examples but that is not even relevant here- point is, I am ok, I am learning, and I believe all the instructors I have had have imparted valuable knowledge to me and no blame is coming from this direction. Since I switched programs partway through by choice (and was duly warned- I was indeed told this could cause some problems with continuity, require repeat levels/costs, different teaching styles, etc., but was also told that my nature to be detailed and ask many questions would hopefully make it successful and more do-able, and safe, for me than someone who was more passive in their learning and absorbing of knowledge?) But yeah- when you switch at the crucial point of the release dive and moving down to solo exits and one JM, issues can arise and that is something I hope we can all be cognizant of and learn from this. Maybe i should have done more research before starting a program. I just don't want others to go through what I am going through. So, just to clarify, I have no intention of turning this into a one dz versus another thread, or a passive-aggressive type thing, just wanted to focus on getting feedback on the injuries- how to avoid it, factors involved, lessons learned, when it's safe to jump again-- those types of things. I have absolutely zero personal issues with anyone in the skydiving instructing community or anyone else, except for my SELF for not realizing that getting way out and launching away from the step in one fashion or another would have been the appropriate way to go! and my painful swollen mouth and teeth. But, get 'em fixed up this week and I learned a lot, so onwards i go... I think everyone's been really supportive (THANK YOU for that), and I'm hanging in there. And I love the opportunity to get feedback from all sorts of skydivers on here, but yes, first and foremost my instructors will be and are the ones to help me improve. I watched the vid today and talked it through more, despite not jumping we went out to the dz for about ten hours for packing, talking, debriefing, and practicing on the mock-up. So, no matter what advice comes my way, I appreciate it a great deal, but understand that my instructors who are working with me on my jumps are the ones who need to have the final say. Thanks again! Hope to see you around soon! Just anxious to get up in the air again and get it RIGHT! "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

So.. they did x-rays and oral exam.. said that basically the shifting and swelling make it really hard to make a determination as to what the next step is. They did not even want to mess around with temps since it's so sensitive and felt they would aggravate it even worse. Worst case, I will need two to three root canals, as it appears some are starting to die. I am on a hefty dose of Abx since the dentin and pulp are exposed I was told I have a very high risk of infection without abx. But, best case, they'll heal back up fairly quickly as things stabilize, and I'll just need minor cosmetic work like fillings, veneers, or crowns, on my top front two teeth, while the others stabilize back into their respective places. The did point out a few other teeth with cracks and light damage, and said that just because I may not need work on those teeth now, it increases the chances of issues (rot canal/crown) down the road, to be aware of that, but.. knock on wood.. **Question (please don't flame me, I just wanna keep jumping! don't we all?) Would it be bad to jump at this point? (I realize it is ultimately my choice and will not interpret any replies as medical advice) It doesn't hurt that much (though I have been taking narcotics, acetominophen, and ibuprofen for the most part).. I know I obviously wouldn't take vicoden before jumping, but if I just took tylonel and/or ibuprofen, i mean? The dentist said hellz no on the jumpage, at least until I check in with the other dentist on Tuesday, but they know nothing about the sport, nothing except for that I got hurt whilst skydiving and thus they cannot recommend for me to skydive in the interim based on simple logic.. However, they did also say these next five days were crucial as far as being very gentle on my teeth and seeing what direction things move in. I just don't feel that jumping really puts any pressure on my teeth at all!? I mean, I don't wanna be stupid, and I don't want to push it. But, if there is absolutely no relevance or link between the situation in my mouth and the act of jumping, I don't want to sit it out for no good reason. (On the other hand, if there's a slight chance it could worsen it, I don;t want to risk it of course.) Maybe I am just crazy. But any docs or dentists who skydive on these forums, anyone else, any thoughts? I mean, I am sure that having been out almost 6 weeks on the ankle, five days will be do-able, even nothing compared to that.. I'll probably survive somehow But if I get a chance to jump this weekend, I'd hate to pass it up if there is really no reason not to do so. That said, from the financial angle, my dental insurance covers a bit over 1k a year, and each root canal and crown is around 1.8k... so I may have spent my jumping budget for the next year on this situation. Please just cross your fingers, pray, chant, whatever it is ya'll do that my teeth bounce back and I don't need pricey and painful root canals next week! Wish me luck and I will let you know next week. ---------------- So once someone is licensed, is there ever a reason to do a poised cessna exit, or is it something used as a tool in AFF for specific reasons>? Not trying to get out of it lol, in fact I don't think I will feel good about things until I have conquered this poised c182 exit.. but just wondering about the differences between the types of exits and why they might be used/ pros and cons (perhaps a topic for a different thread...) Anyways, thanks for the support. I partially thought that people were going to tell me that between a sprained ankle landing and a face plant on the step, I'd better stop skydiving with the cards stacked as they are LOL.. glad to hear I am not yet lining up for the bowling talk... I certainly want to continue and have every intent of it-- the only factor that bothers me is that no matter how good of health insurance, dental work cost is something where you're bound to get fucked in the ass. I almost wish it was a facial surgery or something rather than oral/dental. There shouldn't be such discrepancy! And what of those who don't have dental at all!? The state dental plan is a complete joke.. argh. At least I am lucky in some ways, it is all relative. But yeah-- come Tuesday, I will know whether this is going to be a hundred dollar invoice or a 5k invoice, and that my friend will make a very big difference in the scheme of things.. I can always cash out my retirement and stock, but that would be an absolute last resort. I guess when I was doing my estate planning and thinking about medical and all, I neglected to realize that dental is a totally different ballgame. So, another lesson to be learned-- dental work is expensive as all get out, and even the best coverage tends only to cover minor procedures and bi-annual cleanings.. be prepared, if possible. ---------------------- One other question- anyone else who has bit the step, or seen students do so- any idea of the ramifications, healing time, etc.?? Right now it is a bit sore, but other than eating or touching my teeth with my tongue it;s not bad (but then again I have been taking the painkilers, though not 24/7..) any ideas what to expect? I guess this also gets us back into the debate of full face versus not depending on level and license, visibility versus facial protection, but I guess that's also for another thread, and irrelevant atm.. Thanks again.. Stay safe all, and blue skies.. robyn "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Lol well I gotta run and make this dentist appt, I need to figure out how to multi-quote, sorry for the extended back to back post thing.. thanks again for the feedback.. I'll let you all know how it goes! robyn Oh and thanks for the tips on the ankle airtwardo.. yep, I didn't think it wold still be flaring up, but it does seem to make sense to take some extra measures in the meantime to support it. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Thanks- yeah I think I was in too much. Also I learned to trail the leg closest to the plane which now to me thinking about it makes no sense cause would rather my L foot on the step and right hanging off, as far away from the plane as i could get, no? Ah lessons learned. But I am sure it could have been much worse. And I passed the level. So I'll be ok Thanks for the feedback. It's definitely helpful to get so many perspectives on the situation and explanation of what should be done to make a successful poised from a cessna. Back in the saddle this weekend or next week, depending on how much these stupid teeth cost me and how much is left for jumpage, if any.. lol. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Thanks- I sometimes need a translator Good call lol. Yes, I think that my exits were causing my to become dearched more in the other direction, and I also agree that since you are pretty much "pulled away" by the motion of the experienced JMs, it's hard for me to know exactly what I was doing, and for them to see certain things to correct it. Maybe more visualization and practice onthe mock-up is in order. But, sometimes ya gotta learn the hard way I suppose *shrug* Thanks for the reply :) "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

What's a Power C182? **sorry probably by newb terminology kicking in lol. i guess somethig about it not being a regular c182. i think their website refers to it that way, and possibly a review on here though it's early and my mouth hurtws so don't hold me to it. it basically is something about the engine maybe, not the size or shape of the plane i.e.e gets to altitude faster? no idea if relevant, i can dfind out if ya think it is. You mean he dove and expected you to follow? I make the student go first. LOL. i was SUPPOSED to dive at the same TIME as him but with him in front. I.e. exit count: lurch forward, lurch back, dive. He told me it would seem scary, like i was diving into him, but to keep eye contact and leave in one smooth motion. He must have known it was against most student (and humans' for that matter) instincts to dive headfirst at another human. So, yeah. I froze. I look down out of the plane and he's gesturing to me like, it's ok, come on! I was the only one left in the PAC and knew if I waited i'd get a long spot or lose the green, and miss the jump, so I just threw myself out since he gave me the go ahead. Lol. He got to me in the air too.. I did the barrel rolls alone then he got to me for forward motion, so it all worked out. But yeah, being the only one in that plane and seeing your JM falling away is quite the "oh shit" moment. My bad, lol. But we made it work. Aren't "up and down" motions? **Yeah sorry- I mean as an exit count- motions on the vertical axis if that makes sense. push your body up, then down, so they know you are about to release hands from the strut/exit. Then that would be the instructor's fault. The most important part instruction is to watch the student's performance and correct any mistakes. **I take full responsibility for all my skydives, and like I said, maybe they told me something about this and I forgot it, but the fact is, I never had any motion *while actually leaving the step* on the ground mock-up or in the exit except that of the JMs, i wish i knew what they were doing and why so when this time came i could do it myself.. I assume though that staying at the cessna only dz, they (hopefully) would have thought to teach me that before having me do that on the one instructor or coach jumps... but to me building habit starts early and i wish, even if it hadn't been my job to do the motion out at the time, the jms told me they were doing it so my ind started to absorb that info. But, switching dzs to finish had some good reasons and i am really happy with my choice, but definitely makes sense to stay at one through A now! I guess the lesson is simply try not to switch before A, and if a switch occurs for a good reason, take small changes into consideration- for ex. i would not have even thought that anything would be different from a 2 JM exit from a cessna, than from a 1 JM exit with no body contact, other than the fact that you don't have that guaranteed (to some degree) stabiilty from the start.. but looking back, it seems obvious there easily could be- and IS- a difference since your body has to do what three bodies were doing before. I should have asked more questions, having never done a solo cessna exit, and gone over it more. I had no idea i was jumping the cessna till i got there, then i maybe got both nervous (since i had been jumping the pac only at the dz) and also somewhat complacent (because i had started my skydiving with cessnas) and (thought i knew what i was doing That's correct. They'll shove/drag you off the step in the proper direction 'cause the inside guy doesn't want to hit the step. **Yeah.. this makes perfect sense (in retrospect that is.. hindsight's 20/20 and all that..) I recommend sticking to one DZ until you get your A license. You aint' the first person to bounce off the step. **Well, at least I have company I guess... Been reading all these posts lately about cut/no cut and the hop n pop especially since that's coming up for me too, and when we had a hop and pop in the PAC (not me i mean) they did cut and i actually remember thinking, good, nobody's hitting the plane today (yep, i know it's not that simple- but till now i thought hitting the tail with no cut was the main plane related concern..) For further info on how to do a poised exit, read my post above this one. Sorry about your teeth. **Thanks for the reply!!