shorehambeach

Neil - go get the form signed by your doc. Simples!

+ 1 The best thing about your first (or any solo) is not having to carry out any pre-agreed task for an instructor. Feel the air...look around and feel proud. (don't forget to stay altitude aware and pull!)

Elian, This was my big problem I had to add a line to "Arch Reach Pull..." Mine became "Arch Reach Pull A$$hole " I had the tendancy to put my hand in my back pocket, as instructed, but this didn't feel natural to me...... I also mentally shouted that to myself at wave off as its more "aggressive" than passive., so makes your reach more defined. Its also (without being crude) is a more accurate place to reach for at pull time. FEAR - yes. Welcome to the biggest challenge in skydiving...not the jumping, not the canopy control but controlling fear. I drove to a new DZ to do my first solo (after getting aff) and I simply couldn't jump. I had the DZ briefing... and then sat in my car...... for 2 days.... and went home in defeat. Like you i was so mad - and disappointed with myself - and thought that was it.... I thought...well at least I can say I was a skydiver...had my skydive license...etc etc...but it simply didn't wash... I decided to get some tunnel time and that felt good. Three months after stopping I decided to go for it...I turned up at a French DZ (I'm English but was on holiday in France) ...showed them my log book..chatted to a few instructors and thought "F&ck it, lets do it" I had worked out my nice dive exit.....going up in the plane I just wanted for it to be over.....I then realised that THE DOOR WAS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PLANE...so my planned exit was totally screwed up.... So I decided to just barrel roll and get the exit over and done with and believe in my training, the kit and mother nature...it all worked out :) Blue Skies. (Note - I am not an instructor and only have 49 jumps)

+ 1 for Hinton. Great tandem instructors and a great DZ (by UK standards). skydive.co.uk PM me as I jump at Hinton and pass London on the way.... happy to give you a lift if our dates match.

I still can't believe I can turn up at a drop zone a go and jump out of a plane! It just doesn't seem right that they let me do it!! EXACTLY

Hi Neil, Well done on booking the tandem :) Black Nights are very well known (its a dz in the north of england for all those what don't) and its a popular choice for tandems and aff jumpers. Let the DZ know on the day (or before) that you are wanting/considering AFF as your tandem instructor can get you more involved (like steering when your canopy has opened) if appropriate. ENJOY !

This is such a fantastic and simple idea. Well done and Blue Skies. :)

Roses are red Violets are Blue My name's Oscar Pistorius And i'm going to shoot you.

How about: Roses are red Violets are Blue My name's Oscar Pistorius And i'm going to shoot you.

Nothing gets past Skymama

Caveman I actually did mine in Florida as I get to travel a bit... I drive from Brighton to Hinton (skydive.co.uk) very good for AFF if you are looking for an alternative. You cant' go wrong with Hib either. Enjoy and Blue Skies

I just fell off my chair laughing - what a superbly done parody :) Love the FAA pictures :)

Hey Dan, Welcome

YES - very loud alarms like I am just about to hit the deck

Arhcetype I flew from the UK to Deland to do TAFF with Skydive U - (Lindsay and Chromy) and it was superb. Deland was a great place to learn and the instructors and whole ambiance was superb. I am back in Deland in March ! Blue Skies and welcome to the sport. PM me if you want more info.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-21340877 BSBD

Thanks very very much for the invaluable advice you've all posted - i've picked up several key things which will really help on my all my future jumps. Blue Skies.

My first jump of the year and it dawned on me that, after exiting at 12k and enjoying the scenery on a chilly belly fly that my alti had worked til 9k (checked it at 11k 10k ).... at 9k it stopped - I realised, nice and calmy, that the ground was coming [but I had plently of Altitude] - but the alti was not - so I gave it a tap and it showed 4500 and I waved off and pulled. My normal pull is 3500 but, as i didn't know my altitude for sure I simply pulled as per aff training - if you dont/cant be sure of your altitude then pull. I am a noob (44 jumps) and was wondering if there was anything alse to add to this that would help when it happens again. the alti was a new alti 2 that had worked my last 20 jumps. Obviously the alti is now grounded until it goes back to the dealer for repair. Thanks in advance....

35,000/40,000 approx based on temp memberships. There is a figure somehwere..... but I cant see it...

Well done on the A ! Quicksilver heated rash vest :) .....

Ken - check out hinton www.skydive.co.uk - great dz north of London - no Heathrow holds and 13 +k ...well worth a visit Blue skies.

ken - really like the ffu write up ! where do you jump in the uk ?

Hi Paul - where are you doing aff ?

Great choice. Langar is a great DZ and you'd go a long way to find a better instructor than Phil. Keep us posted.

Well done on booking the date :) Where are you doing aff ?