38 replies to this topic

[Kyza]

Hey everyone !

Firstly, been reading these forums for a few weeks now after it was recommended to me by a Friend.

Now I have always been a bit of a Adrenalin junkie... getting most of my thrills from climbing but early last year I done a tandem in FIJI and i was instantly HOOKED but unfortunately couldn't do my AFF last year.. however planning to do it in Feb at Picton NSW ... My ultimate goal is to get into BASE Jumping, but obiviously want to get a couple of hundred jumps and experience under my belt before I attempt anything like BASE'ing..

Looking to meet groups from Sydney as well as no one I know personally Skydives lol !

Anyhows thought I would give a little intro


Kyza.

[Winston]

Hey buddy, dont worry about not having any personal friends that skydive, most of the people in here were in the same boat originally. Once u do your aff and start hanging out at picton u will make heaps of friends. If your an alcoholic u will make them even faster...
If base is your ultimate goal then keep that in mind from the start and make sure your first rig has a big 7 cell canopy in it and practise your accuracy landings. If your going to base in australia and want to stay alive u will need to be good at landing exactly where you want to.
Good luck with it and im sure the AFF course will be the best rush u will ever have.

[Kyza]

Cheers for the info Winston.. Is there any links you can recommend where it breaks down different rigs.. what u need etc? as my knowledge in this area is little

[Winston]

http://knowledge.fre...chutes_work.asp

you will be taught during your aff about how your rig works but i suppose it doesnt hurt to do some research before your aff. Hope this link helps.

If your talking about different rigs then u will find that thanks to the legend of mr booth even though u will see many different manufacturers of rigs that can look different at the dz they all basically work the same. As far as sport rigs go, as tandem rigs are a bit different. cheers

[chooc]

aaah rightio....
i see now how it works.
one question tho....
What happens to the D-bag?.....where does it go?
by the pictures it seems to just vanish.

cheers



oh and hi kyser
im all new to this aswel obviously.
.

[Kyza]

Winston, cheers man, well from my POV, I would probably end up getting a new rig.. but reading through the forums it seems its a abit of $$$... so I would like a rig that I could use for both skydiving and BASing... if possible but I'll do some reading..

Oh and ey Chooc. all good man you doing your AFF?

[chooc]

yep
booked in for 24 of march till howeva long 20 jumps takes to hopefully *fingers crossed* get me A licence aswel.
Thats the soonest i could get holidays.
can't wait.

cheers

[KGB]

There's some pretty good information in the manuals produced by the APF.

Be careful that you don't race ahead of yourself. The courses are structured so that you learn what you need to learn as you progress. Instructors deliberately avoid filling your head with every little detail about how a rig is constructed, so you can concentrate on the 'MUST KNOW' information about how to safely complete your jumps.

However, if you're going to do background research, you may as well look at our own guides. Try the Manual for the certificate A Candidate on this site: http://www.apf.asn.a...cribed_Training

[gregdemon]

Hope you enjoy your time in the sport. I had a brief flirtation with the sport that I have stepped away from so here are my thoughts for you.

Re researching like others said do not overdo it. I made the mistake of doing that (turned up at a drop zone after 2 tandems and asked the Chief Instructor "Are there skyhooks on your student rigs " Looking back that was the start of the end of my career.

There is a rank structure based on number of jumps and ratings and in my experience you have to earn the right to be part of the group (unless you are a female. where you are welcolmed with opened arms and legs)

If I was fronting up to start again I would just listen listen listen and try to learn without saying much...... just keep turning up and know your place at the bottom of the ladder and work your way up. Skydiving is no different from any where else most folk are good but you get your share of all sorts of personalaties.. aggro rude etc.

If you smoke 100 cigerettes a day and drink to excess thats a big start.(joke. but alot do smoke ??) A bid wallet also helps.

I hope you excell and make lots of friends.. cause there are lots of good people in the sport ( INDUSTRY) good luck

[chooc]

gregdemon, on 18 January 2012 - 05:47 PM, said:

Hope you enjoy your time in the sport.  I had a brief flirtation with the sport that I have stepped away from  so here are my thoughts for you.

Re researching   like others said do not overdo it.   I made the mistake of doing that   (turned up at a drop zone after 2 tandems and asked the Chief Instructor  "Are there skyhooks on your student rigs "  Looking back that was the start of the end of my career.

There is a rank structure  based on number of jumps  and ratings  and in my experience  you have to earn the right to be part of the group   (unless you are a female.  where you are welcolmed with opened arms and legs)

If I was fronting up to start again  I would  just listen listen listen and try to learn without saying much......  just keep turning up and know your place  at the bottom of the ladder  and work your way up.     Skydiving is no different from any where else  most folk are good  but you get  your share of all sorts of personalaties.. aggro    rude etc.

If you smoke 100 cigerettes a day and drink to excess  thats a big start.(joke.  but alot do smoke ??)  A bid wallet also helps.

I hope you excell  and make lots of friends..  cause there are lots of good people in the sport ( INDUSTRY)  good luck

yep....sounds extremly similar to my bike riding experience.ya soon work out all the intricate angles tho....ya havta.....eeeeeeeeeeeek.;)so anyway.....if ya dont mind me asken.Why did you step away?not your thing orrrr? p.s. sorry for the hijack kyza....... :\

[Uncle Paul]

Kyza, on 18 January 2012 - 04:46 PM, said:

Winston, cheers man, well from my POV, I would probably end up getting a new rig.. but reading through the forums it seems its a abit of $$$... so I would like a rig that I could use for both skydiving and BASing... if possible but I'll do some reading..

Oh and ey Chooc. all good man you doing your AFF?

Hey guy, welcome to the sport!

nothing wrong with a second hand rig, as long as you do your research. you will start on a larger rig and and downsize as you go, so it may not be worth having a new rig if you'll need to sell after a year. best bet is new/newish container, and a second hand main. That will allow you to downsize a few times without the need for another container. Also there is no such thing as a skydive/base rig. the chute is packed differently, and BASE jumpers have no need for a reserve, so need completely different containers. although with some alterations you may be able to use the same main, but don't take my word for that. do you're AFF and talk to peeps around the DZ, your instructors, CI, and they'll help you figure our what is the best rig for you.

Base is exciting, but there are so many skills you need to learn before anyone will even think about taking you out, let alone sell you gear! so just focus on getting skilled in skydiving. you won't believe the amount of fun you'll have in the air. theres no rush, the walls will always be there.

Blue skies

[Kyza]

KGB, on 18 January 2012 - 05:09 PM, said:

There's some pretty good information in the manuals produced by the APF.

Be careful that you don't race ahead of yourself. The courses are structured so that you learn what you need to learn as you progress. Instructors deliberately avoid filling your head with every little detail about how a rig is constructed, so you can concentrate on the 'MUST KNOW' information about how to safely complete your jumps.

However, if you're going to do background research, you may as well look at our own guides. Try the Manual for the certificate A Candidate on this site: http://www.apf.asn.a...cribed_Training

KGB, Cheers will def. read that manual, I guess I am just eager to get into it !

gregdemon, on 18 January 2012 - 05:47 PM, said:

Hope you enjoy your time in the sport. I had a brief flirtation with the sport that I have stepped away from so here are my thoughts for you.

Re researching like others said do not overdo it. I made the mistake of doing that (turned up at a drop zone after 2 tandems and asked the Chief Instructor "Are there skyhooks on your student rigs " Looking back that was the start of the end of my career.

There is a rank structure based on number of jumps and ratings and in my experience you have to earn the right to be part of the group (unless you are a female. where you are welcolmed with opened arms and legs)

If I was fronting up to start again I would just listen listen listen and try to learn without saying much...... just keep turning up and know your place at the bottom of the ladder and work your way up. Skydiving is no different from any where else most folk are good but you get your share of all sorts of personalaties.. aggro rude etc.

If you smoke 100 cigerettes a day and drink to excess thats a big start.(joke. but alot do smoke ??) A bid wallet also helps.

I hope you excell and make lots of friends.. cause there are lots of good people in the sport ( INDUSTRY) good luck

Hey greg, cheers man for the info, with me drinking & smoking? aha Well put it this way I'm into bodybuilding ... not the freaks u see on stage but yeh...I did my time drinking and smoking .. but put it this way... Im a party animal haahaha come Friday... its time to get loose ahaha.

As for my wallet? well hopefully over the next few months it gets fatter as I trying to move to Mallorca, Spain for a year or so and travel around Europe.. and of course do some sick jumps and climbs !..

Cheers for the support!

Uncle Paul, on 18 January 2012 - 06:26 PM, said:

Kyza, on 18 January 2012 - 04:46 PM, said:

Winston, cheers man, well from my POV, I would probably end up getting a new rig.. but reading through the forums it seems its a abit of $$$... so I would like a rig that I could use for both skydiving and BASing... if possible but I'll do some reading..

Oh and ey Chooc. all good man you doing your AFF?

Hey guy, welcome to the sport!

nothing wrong with a second hand rig, as long as you do your research. you will start on a larger rig and and downsize as you go, so it may not be worth having a new rig if you'll need to sell after a year. best bet is new/newish container, and a second hand main. That will allow you to downsize a few times without the need for another container. Also there is no such thing as a skydive/base rig. the chute is packed differently, and BASE jumpers have no need for a reserve, so need completely different containers. although with some alterations you may be able to use the same main, but don't take my word for that. do you're AFF and talk to peeps around the DZ, your instructors, CI, and they'll help you figure our what is the best rig for you.

Base is exciting, but there are so many skills you need to learn before anyone will even think about taking you out, let alone sell you gear! so just focus on getting skilled in skydiving. you won't believe the amount of fun you'll have in the air. theres no rush, the walls will always be there.

Blue skies

Hey Paul, cheers man.. I just want to do a lot of research as I used to have a tenancy to rush into things... lol.. On another note I'm only going to do BASE when I feel I have the necessary skills and experience to do it successfully and fellow jumpers think I can.

I love my adrenalin sports... especially deep water soloing.. however when I done my first tandem.. don't think I have ever felt a rush like that before .... took me days to come down from that .. and I think even after 1000 jumps I'll still love the rush

I got to get my head around all this terminology asap haha.. With RIGs I'll be looking to have it for 1-2 years I guess.. so it might be better off to get a 2nd hand rig.. But I guess it also depends on my progress, I'll make a decision when it comes to it

[milehigheric]

AFF is a blast, almost finished mine...just got the hop and pop to go once this terrible weather decides to pass. My advice (remember im still very green to the sport) is be patient. As a student you are restricted to 15 knot ground winds, excellent visibility and at the end of the day the DZSO's discretion. It has taken me almost 2 months to get through the AFF due to weather...just be prepared for it, you may get lucky tho It does get easier as you progress (A license 20 knots, C 25K etc) so stick it out and don't be put off by delays in the beginning.

The best lesson I was taught is to use your imagination to prepare yourself for each jump. When it all boils down skydiving is quite unique to any other sport in that you get only 60 secs (or less) each jump to practice your shit. From what I have learnt your mind becomes the most important tool in skydiving, use it and you will fly through AFF excuse the pun. Finally the golden rule, if your up there and you loose your train of thought (happened to me once on the first dive exit actually) just think BIG ARCH take a breath and it will all come back. Remember this is just rookie advice, listen to your instructors, ask questions and you will pick it up no worries!

Good luck mate

[Kyza]

Hey Eric, I was thinking of doing it Nov/Dec 11.. but I knew "" the weather was going to be fked during that period.. so I chose to do it around now..

What you say is true, every sport is unique to its own, and each has its own challenges. I guess some of the knowledge and skill sets I have picked up from climbing will assist me in one way or the way in sky diving, in the beginning I used to get quite nervous when I was in a situation where my decisions would of ultimately determined the outcome of my life.. but as you said ... pause.. breathe and focus.. and after a while it sort of became second nature... ( most people think I'm a nut lol ) But I hope to apply this to my skydiving future...

Another thing I would like to say is there is no such thing as a stupid question.. the only stupid thing is not to ask it.

Cheers for the support mate ! Good luck in your ventures !

[Uncle Paul]

yeah, never stop asking questions, especially with your instructors. they will help you so much if your prepared to ask. internet forums are good for a variety of opinions, but remember that opinions are like arseholes, everyone has one and they usually smell like shit!

Number one piece of advice i could offer? Breathe and KEEP SMILING!

[gregdemon]

chooc, on 18 January 2012 - 06:04 PM, said:

gregdemon, on 18 January 2012 - 05:47 PM, said:

Hope you enjoy your time in the sport. I had a brief flirtation with the sport that I have stepped away from so here are my thoughts for you.

Re researching like others said do not overdo it. I made the mistake of doing that (turned up at a drop zone after 2 tandems and asked the Chief Instructor "Are there skyhooks on your student rigs " Looking back that was the start of the end of my career.

There is a rank structure based on number of jumps and ratings and in my experience you have to earn the right to be part of the group (unless you are a female. where you are welcolmed with opened arms and legs)

If I was fronting up to start again I would just listen listen listen and try to learn without saying much...... just keep turning up and know your place at the bottom of the ladder and work your way up. Skydiving is no different from any where else most folk are good but you get your share of all sorts of personalaties.. aggro rude etc.

If you smoke 100 cigerettes a day and drink to excess thats a big start.(joke. but alot do smoke ??) A bid wallet also helps.

I hope you excell and make lots of friends.. cause there are lots of good people in the sport ( INDUSTRY) good luck

yep....sounds extremly similar to my bike riding experience.ya soon work out all the intricate angles tho....ya havta.....eeeeeeeeeeeek.;)so anyway.....if ya dont mind me asken.Why did you step away?not your thing orrrr? p.s. sorry for the hijack kyza....... :\

Long story of which every one is tired and bored of hearing. Main factor $$$ Pressure from family to finish and made bad errors early on re asking dumb qustions and becoming known as a fuck stik and eventual ban from my original drop zone from AFF for asking too many questions (of which I am still a bit dark over) Good news I have a new drop zone to go to with a great CI Ralph at Australian skydive. So if when return i do have somewhere to go.

but you go for it!! its fun fun fun! I have not jumped since august and still think out it every day!!! (its that good!!!)

do the AFF you will not regret it

[GoldenBrown]

I'm going to bite my tongue in regards to an earlier post about being a female , but I'll say one thing... skydiving, is just like every other sport/social club.

Whilst its awesome that people are willing to give it a go, and get psyched up about the adrenalin rush, its not for everyone (so don't beat yourself up if you find that it doesn't work out). Some people will find themselves questioning their own ability in making judgements for their own safety, or the thrill is no longer a thrill but a terrifying experience. Just like joining a soccer team would probably terrify someone into questioning whether they should continue on after witnessing a shin bone snapping in front of them (yes, I saw this and its manifested into a shin-pad obsession for me).

With the whole "ranking and social side of things" depends on your own social standing. You may find yourself with new friends that you see outside of jumping, or you may just see those people at the DZ on the odd weekend that you're up. The great thing about this sport is that its made up of people from all walks of life and backgrounds, where the only common denominator is often the mutual fondness of jumping from a plane. Whether you choose to jump out head-up, head-down, on your belly, wearing wings or with your canopy inflating, it shouldn't matter.

I got into this sport without doing a tandem and without a group of friends to egg me on. In fact, I had turned up to the DZ 3 times to do a tandem and the weather was that bad, that it was called. I got so frustrated by the 3rd attempt that I ended up putting my name down for an AFF week, and sure enough, bad weather struck during the AFF week. But I was determined to complete it and I did. In that week, I had witnessed 3 student reserve rides and 1 cyprus fire... of the 12 AFFies, 7 made it through to completing the AFF stages and of those 7, 3 (including myself) still jump today - and that's a good result.

[Mistboys]

Which ever dz you end going to, just remember to try to listen & take onboard what your Instructors are telling you. Do not use this, or any other social media to window shop for answers that you think support your views of the sport. All dz's that are members of the APF, offer quality instruction. Yes, some may be busier than others, but that doesn't mean the smaller operations are a lesser standard. Anyway, enough of my ranting; welcome!!

[gregdemon]

GoldenBrown, on 19 January 2012 - 02:35 PM, said:

I'm going to bite my tongue in regards to an earlier post about being a female , but I'll say one thing... skydiving, is just like every other sport/social club.

Whilst its awesome that people are willing to give it a go, and get psyched up about the adrenalin rush, its not for everyone (so don't beat yourself up if you find that it doesn't work out). Some people will find themselves questioning their own ability in making judgements for their own safety, or the thrill is no longer a thrill but a terrifying experience. Just like joining a soccer team would probably terrify someone into questioning whether they should continue on after witnessing a shin bone snapping in front of them (yes, I saw this and its manifested into a shin-pad obsession for me).

With the whole "ranking and social side of things" depends on your own social standing. You may find yourself with new friends that you see outside of jumping, or you may just see those people at the DZ on the odd weekend that you're up. The great thing about this sport is that its made up of people from all walks of life and backgrounds, where the only common denominator is often the mutual fondness of jumping from a plane. Whether you choose to jump out head-up, head-down, on your belly, wearing wings or with your canopy inflating, it shouldn't matter.

I got into this sport without doing a tandem and without a group of friends to egg me on. In fact, I had turned up to the DZ 3 times to do a tandem and the weather was that bad, that it was called. I got so frustrated by the 3rd attempt that I ended up putting my name down for an AFF week, and sure enough, bad weather struck during the AFF week. But I was determined to complete it and I did. In that week, I had witnessed 3 student reserve rides and 1 cyprus fire... of the 12 AFFies, 7 made it through to completing the AFF stages and of those 7, 3 (including myself) still jump today - and that's a good result.

In regards to be being female and being welcolmed with open arms etc I withdraw the remark Mr Speaker as it may/has cause offense but a female entering a bloke dominated sport is more likely to be accepted quicker and get a bit more attention off the regular jumpers. Thats all I meant and I have seen it with my own eyes on regular ocassions.
I see you are reading this topic Ralph !! Love you bloke am going to try and send you some $$ for the free jumps you gave me. I suppose I can add Golden Brown to the list who want to kill me. I actually liked her a lot when I met her at Bridgy

[Wingit]

gregdemon, on 19 January 2012 - 06:48 PM, said:

GoldenBrown, on 19 January 2012 - 02:35 PM, said:

I'm going to bite my tongue in regards to an earlier post about being a female , but I'll say one thing... skydiving, is just like every other sport/social club.

Whilst its awesome that people are willing to give it a go, and get psyched up about the adrenalin rush, its not for everyone (so don't beat yourself up if you find that it doesn't work out). Some people will find themselves questioning their own ability in making judgements for their own safety, or the thrill is no longer a thrill but a terrifying experience. Just like joining a soccer team would probably terrify someone into questioning whether they should continue on after witnessing a shin bone snapping in front of them (yes, I saw this and its manifested into a shin-pad obsession for me).

With the whole "ranking and social side of things" depends on your own social standing. You may find yourself with new friends that you see outside of jumping, or you may just see those people at the DZ on the odd weekend that you're up. The great thing about this sport is that its made up of people from all walks of life and backgrounds, where the only common denominator is often the mutual fondness of jumping from a plane. Whether you choose to jump out head-up, head-down, on your belly, wearing wings or with your canopy inflating, it shouldn't matter.

I got into this sport without doing a tandem and without a group of friends to egg me on. In fact, I had turned up to the DZ 3 times to do a tandem and the weather was that bad, that it was called. I got so frustrated by the 3rd attempt that I ended up putting my name down for an AFF week, and sure enough, bad weather struck during the AFF week. But I was determined to complete it and I did. In that week, I had witnessed 3 student reserve rides and 1 cyprus fire... of the 12 AFFies, 7 made it through to completing the AFF stages and of those 7, 3 (including myself) still jump today - and that's a good result.

In regards to be being female and being welcolmed with open arms etc I withdraw the remark Mr Speaker as it may/has cause offense but a female entering a bloke dominated sport is more likely to be accepted quicker and get a bit more attention off the regular jumpers. Thats all I meant and I have seen it with my own eyes on regular ocassions.
I see you are reading this topic Ralph !! Love you bloke am going to try and send you some $$ for the free jumps you gave me. I suppose I can add Golden Brown to the list who want to kill me. I actually liked her a lot when I met her at Bridgy