Seriously thinking about skydiving

[motion]

What did you end up getting Todd?

[nostatic]

'02 M620 dark. Showroom condition, 2800 miles, nubbies still on the tires, full records. It is a bit small for me but perfect to get my legs back and I have a friend that fits it perfect. I think I'm going to pick up a Triumph Speed Four for myself for longer term.

[AFC-911]

Has anyone gone skydiving in Florida before? I've been thinking about going, but don't really know where to look.

I think there's one near Zephyrhills.

[motion]

Todd - She's a beauty!!! Have you taken your safety course on it yet?

Arvin - Try Deland. Its well-known in Florida.

[nostatic]

Richard, passed my MSF course a couple weeks back. Now its just seat time, and maybe a track day and/or school.

[motion]

Check out ClubDesmo.com. Good group of guys, good organization and good track days. Make sure you are in the slow group. The fast group is filled with experts and pros. I've ridden with several groups for track days and am very happy with this group. Let me know if you are thinking of attending one... I'll drag out the Aprilia RS250 and join you!

[nostatic]

oh, I'll be in the slow group for sure. The local outfit that does the MSF classes also does low key track days up at Willow. Seems like it might be a good place to start since they emphasize not killing yourself

I still might pick up a Triumph Speed Four too. Just can't help myself...its orange. The 620 is fun, but it is physically a bit small for me (I tend to slide forward and run out of tank indentation for my knees). I've already got someone for the 620, so that isn't a worry (one advantage to buying a perfectly clean used bike). There is a new S4 and two used ones around...

[Eric Coffey]

Skydiving is definitely the most fun you can have with your clothes on. If you stick with it long enough to get off of "student status", it becomes much more enjoyable. The next step then is to get your own gear. That's when you start spending every weekend at the DZ, and you start going broke . Oh, and yes, the primary rush is the freefall for sure. However, for some of us stupid enough to fly tiny elliptical chutes, the time under canopy can be quite a thrill as well.

Anyhow, if you are doing a tandem, your instructor will be doing all the work. So, the idea is to relax and have fun. Obviously, you should still pay attention to what your instructor tells you, but you will most likely forget it all when you get in that doorway at 14000 ft. (which is normal).

All of the advise so far is great. Two things I'd add:
#1: Remember to look at the videographer and/or take in the great view, as opposed to becoming visually locked on the ground below.
#2: When the instructor signals for you to pull the ripcord, do so and hold onto it! A lot of students will pull it, then wing it out into space. If you happen to do so, it's no biggy, but you will probably be paying for a replacement (they usually forget to tell you that part).

It's also a good to call the DZ for a weather report before you leave, especially if it's a long drive. If you are close to the weight limit, I would recommend jumping on a day with a good steady breeze. A no-wind landing at high wing-loadings on a tandem rig can be interesting.

AFC-911: Florida has a few excellent DZ's, Z-Hills being one of the best. The other's that come to mind are Space Center, Sebastian, and Deland. If you visit the USPA website, you can find a complete list.

[Joeaksa]

AFC,

Z-Hills is well known as one of the best places around. Loads of European divers fly over and spend their vacation jumping there, so its a good mix of people. Their website is: http://www.skydivecity.com/

Here is a good list of drop zones: http://www.uspa.org/dz/index.htm

JoeA

[Eric Coffey]

Ha Joe, beat you to it.
Wow, what are the odds: Two guys in Arizona that are both Porsche nuts AND skydivers who post references to both Z-hills, and the exact same USPA link within minutes of each other??

[Joeaksa]

Eric,

Know and whats funny is that there are probably others! We were both typing it out at the same time...

We are both sick but a bit of tequila will cure that!

Joe

[danvetc]

Do it, man. I did all my jumping 20 years ago when I was at Ft. Bragg. Skydiving is special, and if you get the bug, you will be building little formations with other friends before you know it, which is a total blast. Freefalling with a rucksack and weapon [HALO] is less fun, and you might want to bypass that line. 262 jumps with only one partial malfunction, (that I actually landed with,) that is pretty safe, no?

Charlie

[Eric Coffey]

Originally posted by Joeaksa
Eric,

Know and whats funny is that there are probably others! We were both typing it out at the same time...

We are both sick but a bit of tequila will cure that!

Joe

HA, LOL.
Demented minds think alike?

One of these days you, Motion, and I need to get together for a nice little head-down 3-way.

(Hey, all you whuffos get your minds out of the gutter. )

[Joeaksa]

Eric,

One funny thing is that no one has mentioned the way sky divers party. They tend to do things "over the edge" and once the jumping is done, its time to break out the party materials!

One time when I was living in Germany it was too cloudy to jump on Saturday so we all went to the "swimbad" (the sports pavilion) and all took in a swim, jacuzzi and sauna. Everyone went "natural" (no clothes) and it was a good time. Afterwards two of the German ladies pulled me aside during dinner and told me that I was the first Ami (American) to hang with the locals and not get embarrased without clothing.

They did some "dirt diving" with me later that night at the hotel and we had a very good time. Needless to say I jumped at that DZ for a long time! Now you can get your minds out of the gutter but sky divers party hard! (if you want more information, look here: http://www.joea.com/parachuting.htm its the bottom photo!) Would post the photo here but Z would delete it!

JoeA

[bryanthompson]

wow, wind does strange things to boobies at 120mph... that... really weird...