Hi,
I've
been jumping for 18 years now and married for 8.
My wife
made her 1st Tandem jump in November at Skydive Monterey Bay,Ca.
She loved it to say the least.
I never get tired of hearing about
skydiving stories of new jumpers. I can still remember my first
jump quite vividly.
Though I haven't been very active over the past
5 years, my wife threatened me with severe bodily harm if I didn't
get back into jumping. She says I'm a much more plesant person
when I jump. So I am waiting for my new rig to arrive from santa.
I'll have about 4-5 more weeks to wait then it's jump time. I
love skydiving as much as my wife, I'd be hard pressed to choose
between them. fortunatly my wife seems bitten by the jump bug so
I'll have company. Who knows in 3 years my son may join us when
he hits 16.
Blueist of Skies,
C17685, SCR11904,SCS6772
Mick Knutson
<mknutson@websolution.com>
Tahoe, CA usa -
Monday, January 05, 1998 at 2:47:17 PM (MST)
I
got to here from ffly. Like your adventures and your page. great
photos.Loretta
We are forming a small group of 13 divers for a
dive trip in June. We have chartered a boat and crew from Sea Safaris,
out of Miami Fl. This will be a 6 day - 7 night live-aboard
trip. By chartering ourselves, we as a group will get to set our
own itinerary, and dive where we want when we want. We also saved
a lot of money. The cost is $525. for singles or $892.50 for couples
who share a double berth. We will have 5 couples and three
singles. This price includes accommodations on board, Captain and
first mate, three meals a day, snacks, juice and sodas. Diving,
tanks and weights. I have set up my home page to find more divers
to fill out our charter. If this type of adventure is something
you might be
interested in, Go to http://www.azalea.net/~dolphins/
please keep in mind that I'm a better diver than computer whiz...
Hope
to see you diving,
Mark
Mark & Loretta Hudson
<dolphins@ok.azalea.net>
Muskogee, Oklahoma US -
Sunday, January 04, 1998 at 11:08:05 PM (MST)
Really
cool site...enjoyed browsing around it. Keep up the good work.
Janet
<jchyde_98@yahoo.com>
Port Alfred, South Africa -
Sunday, January 04, 1998 at 1:17:46 PM (MST)
I'm
polish skydiver so if You have any questions about our dropzones,
or something, feel free to e-Mail me.
Keep remember: !!! Feel
Free to Fall Free !!!
Sebastian Yarosh
<sumo4u@friko2.onet.pl>
Cracow, Poland -
Thursday, January 01, 1998 at 4:02:18 AM (MST)
Hi!
I experienced my first tandem skydive 2 years ago on my
40th birthday.
I loved it so much that I decided right then to
skydive
every year to celebrate my birthday. There is no
other rush that
compares to sky diving. It is the best!
Reetz
<tci.aluminum@industry.net>
Gardena, California USA -
Tuesday, December 30, 1997 at 4:25:22 PM (MST)
Thanks
for sharing your many adventures with us. Reading your section
on your first jump, overcoming fear etc. sure brought back many
memories for me. I agreed to stop skydiving while I worked on
getting my pilots license which was a tremendous relief to my wife
who thinks I'm crazy for enjoying jumping from "a perfectly good
airplane". I don't know how many more times I can listen to people
say this to me.Until you have experienced a skydive, you just
can't relate. You have done an excellent job with your website.
Thanks again for sharing it with us!
Joe Mullin - Midland, Ontario,
Canada
Joe Mullin
<jmullin@csolve.net>
Midland, Ontario Canada -
Sunday, December 28, 1997 at 9:00:11 PM (MST)
Hey,
great site! I was searching your info on White water... I worked
the New and Gauley rivers my junior year in college! You really
must try the Gauley, it is in fact Sooo much more exciting than
the "New", however the New has it's moments.... how did you like
the Keeney Brothers or
Double Z? There are five class IV+ rapids
on the Gauley. and there are NO breaks in between! There is
only one season to run the Gauley.. the Fall, it starts the last
week of Oct. and runs for five to six weeks..... You must try it!
The water is very cold in the early season, for it comes from
the bottom of the lake....However.... In the late season the water
is warmer because it is being drawn from the top of the lake. Unfortunately
it is quite cold by then ...either way you wll have
to deal with the cold! I reccomend the early season when the days
are warm.
Unfortunately I am living in S. CA now and there aren't
many rivers in the desert! HA! But I will drive as far as I
have to. There is also great rock climbing in the New River Gorge
Area, you can find caving, Mtn. Biking and some of the best backpacking
in the east!!
When you are there try to stop by the
Sedona Grill in the heart of Fayetteville for a GREAT Meal!!!!
I hope this will help you.... If you go back watch out for we
Kayakers, as video boaters we live the greatest life of all...Too
bad I had to grow up!!! HA!
Burt Fulton
<Xtreem@Hotmail.cccom>
Barstow, CA USA -
Sunday, December 28, 1997 at 4:46:59 PM (MST)
Enjoyed
your site very much. I've been skydiving for 5 yrs have 487
jumps and had a ball at "Lost Prairie" in Montana this year, come
next year, the first week in August. I also like to ride Bikes,
I rode semi-competitively for 10 yrs, ride some Mtn Bike now,
nice place for it here in East Texas. Last but not least I love to
travel in Mexico, if you want to talk Mexico travel, drop me a
line.
http://www.angelfire.com/tx/spriy
Bill Hatfield
<william@txk.com>
Linden, Tx USA -
Sunday, December 28, 1997 at 1:16:13 PM (MST)
I
really enjoyed your site. I linked in trying to find info on skydiving
schools, and got a whole lot more. Maybe next year when
my friends and I go on out 150 mile ride to the beach we'll let you
know about it. In the mean time, enjoy a slice of life, but don't
let it slice you.
Kurt Wolfmeyer
<2_wheels@bellsouth.net>
Mooresville, NC USA -
Friday, December 19, 1997 at 2:57:11 AM (MST)
I
am a military free faller and a civilian skydiver out in North Carolina
and what to say blue skies and marry christmas and happy
new year to all that partake in the great sport of skydiving
kip lohmiller
<kipperl@aol.com>
spring lake , nc usa -
Thursday, December 18, 1997 at 2:35:28 PM (MST)
I enjoyed your pictures of the Canyon,I was there in May '94 and
am looking forward of doing the Canyon again. Enjoyed the pictures
very much,brought back many memories of the rafting trip.
Thanx
Tim Levulis
<major903@wt.net>
Pearland, Texas -
Sunday, December 14, 1997 at 3:54:16 PM (MST)
You
have an awesome site!!!
I plan on going Skydiving and Whitewater
Rafting this summer. They both sound great.
Julie Morrison
<juwbeemoe@hotmail.com>
Fort St. John, B.C. Canada -
Friday, December 12, 1997 at 9:18:53 AM (MST)
I
enjoyed looking at this page, I am doing a report/speech on this
subject. I have always wanted to skydive and I am for my 18th Birthday
with my father. Believe me, I CAN'T WAIT! please write me
back...Thank You
Right now I am a sophmore in High-School.
Laurie
<minnesota_chic@hotmail.com>
Minnesota -
Tuesday, December 09, 1997 at 7:41:04 AM (MST)
I'm
very interested in different exciting sports and I'd appreciate
it if you could send me some more information.I am thinking about
joing a club, but I don't know if there is one near my house.Thank
you!
van den berghe mieke
<gd326132@glo.be>
Buggenhout, Oost- Vlaanderen Belgium -
Tuesday, December 02, 1997 at 1:51:00 PM (MST)
Hi,
Im not real quick with my typing
skills so ill make this
short. I
went sky diving once and I plan on
it again. When I
went it was near
a river and I asked my instructor
in case
of emergency weather to land
in the river or the trees and all
he
said was "no one ever drownd in a
tree" I took that to heart.
Higgle
Higgle Biggle
lake george, N.Y -
Sunday, November 23, 1997 at 7:17:42 PM (MST)
Hi
Carl,
No exciting stories to tell just saw your name in here and
thought I'd say hello to an old Class of 87er....by the way what
the heck happened to the shy quiet kid who barely spoke 2 words...now
your jumpin outta airplanes!!!!!!
LOL!!!! Well, hope all
is well with you (sounds like it is!) and talk to you later
Dennis Lucey
Dennis Lucey
<DLucey3508@AOL.com>
Haverhill, Ma Usa -
Sunday, November 23, 1997 at 4:34:29 AM (MST)
First
of all let me say that I enjoy your page. I am a skydiver from
the Kansas State University Parachute Club. I am in the Army and
stationed at Fort Riley KS. I love to read about people who enjoy
living on the edge. Again, good stuff. Keep us informed.
Andy Bearden
<freefaller1@hotmail.com>
Fort Riley, KS USA -
Saturday, November 22, 1997 at 10:33:07 PM (MST)
I
recently took a trip to the Amazon jungle. I encountered monkeys,
sloths, macaws, caiman crocodiles, electric eels, etc.. For photos
and account, visit Phil's Amazon Rain Forest Adventure at http://members.aol.com/freedog001/amazon.html
Phil Stokoe
<freedog001@aol.com>
Clearwater, fl usa -
Saturday, November 22, 1997 at 3:38:40 PM (MST)
Hello
!
I am 32 years old and surely not as adventurous as you all.
Sending a message to the US after having tasted (at work) the
new "Beaujolais Nouveau" at lunch is already a great adventure to
me.
I really admire you all for being so scareless and I wish you
alls the biggest thrills possible.
Many greetings from Brussels
= Belgium = Europe.
Mieke.
Mieke Vyncke
<Mieke@iocdp.com>
Brussels Belgium -
Thursday, November 20, 1997 at 5:44:59 AM (MST)
my
first time sky diving was about 3 years ago it was A.F.F it was
the most awsome thing i have ever done nonthing compared to the
rush i experenced that day was only my second time in a plane every
went great untill i left the plane and somehow i got belly up
insted of down under the instruction of Rocky Evens i had the biggest
thrill of my life even when my jumpmaster and Rocky who was
video tapeing me had to come in and turn me belly down and pull my
rip cord still i loved it would jump agin if i have the chance
phillip summerville
<philnpat@net-link.net>
three rivers , micigan U S -
Wednesday, November 19, 1997 at 5:19:42 PM (MST)
Two
years ago after my first skydive it was like my life had all changed.
I was in and going to love this sport the rest of my life.
I was 20 years old when I first jumped and was not financialy
capable of going when ever I wanted! I got 7 jumps in before winter
came. I wished I could only make a career out of this. LIFE
WAS GOOD!! Funny enough my 3rd tandem ended up being a reserve
ride. Everyone circled around when we landed. They were clapping
and congradulating me for my 2 for 1. I was clueless, I had no
idea at this point what was going on.
Just for the sake of a
good, strong ARCH I remember on my 5th dive w/ a new instructor I
was to do a back flip. In the process I only made it about half
way and ended up sit flying for "2 long" I honestly didn't know
what to do! Things flew through my head. I tried to roll out of
bed etc. I didn't think of doing something as easy as a good hard
arch. What a lesson that was. I eventually got over.
BEST
MEMORY
My first solo. A beautiful September day seeing my instructor,
my friend with a smile on bigger than life in front of me with
a thumbs up. It was a proud moment that still gives me chills.
I had found my love(2)!
Jen
<Jennyb@jacor.com>
Cincinnati, OH USA -
Wednesday, November 19, 1997 at 11:34:22 AM (MST)
On
the friday before x-mas 1996 the sailing vessel Last toy left Edisto
Island SC for a two day sail to St. Augustine Fla. After being
out for a few hours 52 miles off the coast of SC Last Toy lost
its power. No wind Batteries dead the skipper and ship drifted
in a fog for 5 days. His hand held GPS broken and only a VHF radio
the fog lifted land was on the horizon. The skipper was able to
get His hand held GPS working and to his dismay found that his coordinates
were reading St. Augustine, He turned on his VHF and called
up Commachee cove Fla. and got the Marina. HIS DESTINATION
2 miles away. Sailing by only the grace of GOD.
Jim Merritt
<M7889@aol.com>
Garner, Nc. USA -
Sunday, November 16, 1997 at 11:56:23 AM (MST)
Wow!
This is GREAT! I am a scuba diver,but did a skydive and decided
I liked the plane ride better!! I really enjoy flying and am
always looking for someone to give me a ride!!
Suzanne Martin
<Suzanne_Martin@hotmail.com>
Lutz, FL USA -
Saturday, November 15, 1997 at 5:23:58 AM (MST)
Just
your average thrill seeker here. I wanted to let you know I love
your page. My favorite is the SCUBA. I've been a dive now for
about 3 years and love. My husband and I are both Rescue Divers
(PADI) and I can relate to the story about the certification dive.
But hey that builds chracter (at least thats what I like to believe).
By the way just a side note my instructor was the greatest.
One of those guys that you would follow to the ends of the earth
because he said you could do it.
Thanks
Again for the great page
Dawn Marie Myers
<myersrd@ovis.net>
New Martinsville, WV USA -
Friday, November 14, 1997 at 8:46:51 AM (MST)
Just
stopped by to say hello! I am the president of "The Altidudes
International Skydiving Club". Were just a bunch of skydiving dudes
and dudettes strung out all over the place who love to skydive.
We range in jumps from several to several thousand. No skygods
and no attitudes - we've pledged to promote safety and public awareness
and to keep the fun in and the politics out of sport parachuting.
Membership is free - all you need to join is to send your
name and address and a little about yourself and Email address
and you'll receive a membership card. We're working on a roster so
if you travel, you can hook up with other "Dudes". Please Email
me at CyborgSurfer@Juno.com or snail mail me at:
Charles Leeuwenburg
P.O.
Box 3481
Morehead City, NC 28557
(919) 726-2963
Fax:
808-3840
Charles Leeuwenburg
<CyborgSurfer@Juno.com>
Morehead City, NC USA -
Thursday, November 13, 1997 at 8:39:07 AM (MST)
I
am working on a high school paper and I have found your information
very helpful. Thank you.
Lorean
Lorean
<JanMich@aol.com>
Rochester, NY USA -
Tuesday, November 11, 1997 at 7:30:53 PM (MST)
Everybody
should buy the new BRAINLOCK SKYWEAR Sweats and T's. Only
available at Hoffman's. Very stylish!!
Sweat 60,- DM +pp
T 30,-
DM +pp
Dennis Hoffman
<hjk@usa.net>
Alzenau, Bayern Germany -
Sunday, November 09, 1997 at 5:53:48 AM (MST)
Hi-
I just wanted to let you know that I love your site and check
it fairly regularly. I am an enthusiastic SCUBA diver from Mount
Desert Island, ME. I am currently designing my own web page which
will include links to sites on SCUBA diving, marine biology
topics, and the use of satellites in oceanography. I am currently
a student at the University of Maine and work for the School
of Marine Sciences processing data from satellites. I would love
to use your site in my homepage! I hope this is okay with you.
Thanks again for the great site. -Elizabeth
Elizabeth Cough
<elizabeth.cough@voyager.umeres.maine.edu>
Bar Harbor, ME. USA -
Friday, November 07, 1997 at 4:21:57 PM (MST)
I
have a friend in Mich. who is wanting me to canoe a river just east
of Cadillac, Mi. called the Pine river. It is a two day trip
down the river. Was wondering if you have ever heard of or have any
information on this river. Have been told this trip is a real
treat, lots of whitewater. Please send a reply it will help me greatly
in my decision on making the trip.
Steve Reed
<longwall@gowebway.com>
Birmingham, Al. USA -
Monday, November 03, 1997 at 12:08:30 PM (MST)
My
husband, Marty, and I are starting a World trip in Jan of 1998
and we're planning on scuba diving, rock climbing, backpacking, sailing,
mountaineering... and whatever other adventures we come accross.
We hope to be gone from 2-5 years and we'll be documenting
our travels and our adventures on our AOL Home Page (which we
are still working on). Any and all suggestions and/or information
is more than welcome. We would love to setup a link to your page
and perhaps you could setup a link to ours. We'll keep in touch
and please let us know what you think.
Marlaina Mandeville
<ArasNomad@aol.com>
Fort Collins, Colorado USA -
Sunday, November 02, 1997 at 8:43:11 PM (MST)
Your
Skydiving web is great, I just think that beside all the good
photos about skydiving, the danger of skydiving should also be mentioned
somewhere in your site, so the general public can also be
made aware of the accidents they might go into, like total mal,
spin, bag lock, etc...
Thanks
Michael Ardakan
USPA #120991
Michael Ardakan
<cadacon@yahoo.com>
CA USA -
Wednesday, October 29, 1997 at 2:55:43 PM (MST)
I
am 4 jumps into my AFF course and find that the more I jump, the
more nerves I get. At the same time, the more scared I am before
hand, the more I get out of the dive, the more ecstatic I am afterwards.
I reckon skydiving is all about conquering your fears
because if you can do this, you can do anything.
I recommend everybody
do at least one skydive (even if it's a tandem) because
it changes you forever.
Shannon
<shannon@pjf.iinet.com.au>
Perth, WA Australia -
Wednesday, October 29, 1997 at 5:12:01 AM (MST)
Hey,
Carl and everybody. I'm a 29 year old sky-diver from Norway (250
jumps) and I also like scuba diving. This is a very nice site,
where people can read abot other peoples experiences. Keep up the
good work. Blue skies forever.
Carsten Jespersen
<cjespers@online.no>
Oslo, Norway -
Monday, October 27, 1997 at 4:39:48 PM (MST)
I
LOVE skydiving!! My Dad owns the Verona Skydiving Center in Verona,
NY. He says I am a sky goddess. He's so right.
I also skydive
in West Addison, VT at Vermont Skydiving Adventures, the DZ close
to school. Your web page rules! Great pics, keep it up!
Melanie J. Curtis
<mcurtis@panther.middlebury.edu>
Watertown, NY USA -
Sunday, October 26, 1997 at 9:33:46 PM (MST)
Into
my mundane little life whitewater rafting came....what a rush....I
can't wait to go again. We did the lower Gauley in WV....I
want to go next fall and do the upper. Big fun on the icy water.
I have found a thirst for adventure! Glad to find your site.
Keep up the good work.
Dawn Beckley
<FreyjaMoon@AOL.com>
Indianapolis, IN USA -
Saturday, October 25, 1997 at 8:37:59 PM (MDT)
This
is the coolest Skydiving site there is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jason
Oregon U.S.A. -
Monday, October 20, 1997 at 7:21:46 PM (MDT)
First,
I am a 44 year old guy with a 15 year old daughter that wants
to go sky diving for her 16th birthday. I thought that this is
better than jewelry. so she has never been up in a plane let alone
jump out of one, ( me neither for that matter) I live the state
of washington and her birthday is in may so if you or anyone out
there can tell me or e-mail me I would realy like the help ( school,
instruction, who to contact???) THANK YOU VERRY MUCH,
,S.L.G.
Steven Gould
<sgould@nivnet.com>
OROVILLE, WASHINGTON USA -
Sunday, October 12, 1997 at 12:38:46 AM (MDT)
Currently
am employed by Atlanta Skydiving Center. If you are thinking
about making a skydive in atlanta call me at 770-614-DIVE. Atlanta
Skydiving Center has the most enthusiastic staff in Georgia
skydiving and will make your skydiving experience one that you
will never forget. Skydive in atlanta at Atlanta Skydiving Center!
Cary Quattrocchi
<cary@skydivecenter.com>
Atlanta, Ga Usa -
Monday, September 29, 1997 at 8:06:34 AM (MDT)
Sorry
but I don't have an internet address, but I have jumped out
of a perfectly good aeroplane. The point is my first jump was not
my best jump. I've done (accomplished) just over 90 jumps, and each
one just gets better and better.I've tried headdown and skysurfing,
but what ever you do the freefall!!! and the canopy ride is
the ultimate.You land and you feel truly ALIVE. No words can describe
it unless you have experienced it, it would be like trying
to describe sex to a virgin. Cut the crap if you are really drawn
to flying (of any sort) please!!!!!!!!!!!!! try SKYDIVING, at least
once. YAf*#@ingHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
glenn beall
Melbourne, Victoria AUSTRALIA -
Monday, September 29, 1997 at 7:50:24 AM (MDT)
I
would like to say that the dives at Halibut Point were fantastic,
as Carl described them. I would also like to offer any new divers
a bit of advice: try beach dives. They are cheaper and can
be more interesting. I have been on quite a few beach dives and
they have all been more enjoyable than the boat dives I have been
on. There is a lot to be said for following the bottom back to
shore. You get the chance to see all of the sea-life that inhabits
the many different depth zones. Most of the life along the coast
lives near the bottom and by decending and ascending in forty
or fifty feet of water, you miss all of the creatures that inhabit
those forty or fifty feet in between the surface and the bottom.
Eric dos Santos
<reveal@tiac.net>
-
Thursday, September 25, 1997 at 4:11:38 PM (MDT)
Carl,
I did it. I jumped Saturday (20 Sep 97) and I beat the fear.
My jumpmaster, Robert Scott (Scotty) even told me I was "aggressive
going out the aircraft, smooth, and acted without hesitation".
I even landed in the edge of the target pit. Thanks for your
encouragement. I'll let you know how I progress. Now I really
understand "Blue Skys"!
Larry Stegall
<Stegall@haleys.net>
Sumter, SC USA -
Tuesday, September 23, 1997 at 1:38:38 PM (MDT)
VERY
NICE SITE..GLAD TO SEE ANOTHER ADDITION THE THE "SKYDIVING FAMILY".
I TOO, ENJOY THE THRILL OF SPORTS SUCH AS SKYDIVING AND ROCK
CLIMBING AS WELL AS THE FUN OF PARTICIPATING IN ACTIVITIES SUCH
AS PAINTBALL. AS FOR THE FEELINGS OF FEAR WITH BEING INVOLVED IN
SPORTS SUCH AS SKYDIVING, THE ONLY THING I CAN ADD IS THIS..."THE
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FEAR AND RESPECT IS KNOWLEDGE.." THE MORE YOU
LEARN ABOUT YOUR GEAR AND HOW TO OPERATE IT IN A SAFE MANNER,
THEN THE MORE YOU LEARN TO RESPECT THE SPORT. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK,
BLUE SKIES!!!!
IAN THOMPSON
DAVENTRY, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE ENGLAND -
Monday, September 22, 1997 at 6:22:58 AM (MDT)
I
finally did it!!! I did my first jump on Saturday 9/20/97.
It was
terrific!! The first few seconds out of the plane, I was
a bit
nervous and floundered some until I remembered my
training and
got a stable position. After that it was smooth
sailing all the
way! To anyone contemplating skydiving I urge you please do not let
your fears stop you. The experience was worth it. My trainers/jumpmasters
were excellent!! And they were very patient. I AM HOOKED!!!
Blue
Skies!!!
Larry
Larry B. Sims
<LBSims@msn.com>
Capistrano Beach, California U.S.A. -
Sunday, September 21, 1997 at 4:51:48 AM (MDT)
My Scaryest Moment
Me and my buddy
were caving in a local cave in sparta tn. This cave consisted
a canyan about 60-80ft. deep w/boulders wedged in between where
we could cross by jumping boulder to boulder. I went first and
landed safely on one of the boulders. My bud followed but part of
the rock broke off and he fell. I happend to be turned around
and seen him and instantly dove for him and grabed his pack on his
back taking me along with him. Luckly a grabed a hold of something
that stoped both of us from falling. when me and my bud were
up and secure we could not find what i had a hold of. I just thanked
god that it was there for me at the time. Thus the name fearfreak
for i will fear the lord forever.
Josh
<fearfreak@webtv.net>
nashville, TN USA -
Saturday, September 20, 1997 at 3:05:24 AM (MDT)
Can
you help me settle a bet? I saw a television show (Real TV or
rescue 911 or something like that) in which a sky diver survived
a fall when his main and reserve failed. He landed flat on his
side and bruised his body badly, but he didnt break any bones. I
have a $100 bet with a buddy that this happened. Do you recall
any info on this? Please email me any info at rocky@imc2.com
Thanks
for any info you can give, and happy landings
Rocky Ahmann
Rocky Ahmann
<rocky@imc2.com>
dallas, TX TX silly -
Friday, September 19, 1997 at 8:45:11 AM (MDT)
I
just loved your site. I'm from Brasil and i got here in Miami last
week. Last weekend i went to skydive. I don't know how to explain
the sensation that i felt, it was amazing! I used to scuba dive
in Brasil.These are extremes sports that i love, and i want to
continue to practice them.
KARINNE DUTRA
<import@imporzelo.com>
Miami, Florida USA -
Wednesday, September 17, 1997 at 2:03:48 PM (MDT)
I
really enjoyed your articles about how you progressed through your
levels. I have my ground school and first jump this Saturday
20 Sep and I'm so nervous and excited. I want to jump so badly but
I must overcome my fear of heights. Your articles gave an excellent
idea of what I face. I can do this. Wish me luck.
Larry Stegall
<Stegall@haleys.net>
Dalzell, Sumter USA -
Tuesday, September 16, 1997 at 7:29:22 AM (MDT)
I
am reading about skydiving in school.
I'm a 1st grader and I can
read.
I would love to sky dive some day!!!
Noah Akers
<dedra@kymtnnet.org>
-
Monday, September 15, 1997 at 3:46:23 PM (MDT)
Gary,
Thanks
for your response. I did not think of jumping a tandem
jump before. It does sound like a nice way to introduce myself
to skydiving.
Thanks for the tip. My current endeavor is trying
to find a suitable DZ. One that supports AFF at least, and
is relativly closest to Ashland, Kentucky. I am eager, and hope
to jump in two to three weeks time if I am sucsessful in my search.
Blue
skies,
Eugene
Eugene van Wyk
<eugene@wwd.net>
Ashland, Kentucky USA * though I'm a South African -
Saturday, September 13, 1997 at 7:49:48 PM (MDT)
Eugene,
There's
another option you can consider, and that's a tandem
skydive. That would probably be the best for your first jump,
then you could better judge if you want to do AFF. Plus, I've
been told that people who do tandems, have better experiences when
they do try AFF.
I did a tandem my first jump and I would highly
recommend it. I would avoid a static line simply because of the
fact that with tandem or AFF, you have MUCH more freefall time,
plus I've been told by my instructors that tandem or AFF is safer
than static line.
Anyway, Blue Skies!! and hope you jump soon!!
Gary O'Berto
<gary_oberto@prodigy.net>
Nashville, TN USA -
Friday, September 12, 1997 at 10:03:41 PM (MDT)
WOW
WOW WOW and hehe hehe I saw my light tonight!
For years I've
dreamed about trying to parachut. Tonight I saw a competiton on guy's
and girl's doing skysurf for the first time in my life. I imediatly
went on the internet to learn more about this sport. YOUR
page convinced me. I'm going to contact my local club here in Copenhagen,
Denmark - I want to learn to skydive!
I'm a 31 yo journalist
who went sick from AIDS and hasn't been able to regain my
job after one year of severe sicknes. Due to new outstanding treatment
and staff at my AIDS-clinic I'm now regaining a quality life
and new physic. The HIV-virus is no longer countable in my blood
and my antivirus is drastically getting better. While I was sick
I sad about not having done two things in life. The one was swimming
vith Dolphin's and the other was parachuting. Now I am going
to do parachuting. And then I will do swimming with the healing
dolphins.
I'm so thrilled now and have a smile on my face and butterflies
in my stomach. I will call my nearest Parachuting center
tomorrow to enlist.
If anyone would care to share first time
experiencess, please e-mail me. I would be very thankfull to hear
all different stories about the first time.
Your's high flying
Pee
Wee (among friends) :-)
P.s. Later in tis page you ask a comment
on your page itself
Paul Willy
<peewee@inet.uni-c.dk>
Copenhagen, Denmark -
Sunday, September 07, 1997 at 6:50:23 PM (MDT)
I
thought all one needed to experience life was to be alive. None-the-less
you have a good philosophy.
Dream
<Dream.e@usa.net>
-
Sunday, September 07, 1997 at 4:10:42 PM (MDT)
I
found this site quite interesting, because I'm planning on a first
jump skydive really soon. I am trying to decide wether I should
try static line or wait till I have money for AFF. Thanks Carl,
that bit of respecting, but eventually overpowering your fears
makes me feel a little better. I am going to be doing my first
jump alone, without the immediate support of my family and friends,
but I am going to do it for myself. I am extremely excited about
the thought of it, but at the same time deep down I'm scared.
&
more EXCITED :-) !!!
Anyway, here goes....
Eugene van Wyk
<eugene@wwd.net>
Ashland, Kentucky USA(although I'm *South African*) -
Saturday, September 06, 1997 at 11:28:05 PM (MDT)
Skydiving
is bigger than life! I will be forever greatful to those
who introduced me to the sport and helped me with my first jump.
Thanks Skydive Virginia! I have a hobby for life!
Laura Bundy
Herndon, VA USA -
Thursday, September 04, 1997 at 4:47:03 PM (MDT)
I
like the idea of your site. Too many people let their lives pass
by without ever really experiencing the thrill of felling alive.
I have just started to take up skydiving and it gives me an amazing
felling of freedom and life. Aside from that I canoe, hike,
camp, run through apple orchards in the dark of night and pick
apples...... It is all great, but none compare to skydivng.
Great
Site!
Blue Skies
kim
<kmlamar@hotmail.com>
Burlington, -
Thursday, August 28, 1997 at 5:49:26 PM (MDT)
i
would like to thank you for your outstanding work on this site .please
keep it going.
paul j murray
<t436@webtv.net>
fort myers, florida united states -
Tuesday, August 26, 1997 at 6:58:30 PM (MDT)
I
went skydiving for the first time on the 24th of August (one day
after my 18th B-Day), and I must say it was the best birthday present
and experience I've had since my 18 years of exsistance. The
rush and the feeling you get from jumping out of a moving aircraft
is INCREDIABLE! I feel anyone who is capable of doing this should
try it because this will become one of the most memorable experiences
in a lifetime. Also, the sense of accomplishment you get
after the jump is very satisfying. Trust me, the experience you
get out of skydiving FAR outweighs the mere money you put into it.
Having done this I now realize what life is truly about. I agree
with Carl, I believe everyone should live their life fully and
enjoy themselves, afterall, you only live once. I can't wait til
my first free-fall!!!
Peter
<wongpl@cadvision.com>
Calgary, Alberta Canada -
Monday, August 25, 1997 at 5:10:09 PM (MDT)
I
just wanted to thank Michelle for her dedication to me. She's been
a lot of encouragement to me. I know there's still a skydiver
in me. I've just got to reach down and find it again. Saw a beautiful
sunset tonight and I thought how fantastic it would be to
be doing a sunset jump. So I know I still want to do it.
Even
though I've backed off for awhile, it IS the most WONDERFUL experience
I've ever had in my life. It's like others have posted it's
a spiritual, freeing expereince. Makes everything "down here"
fall into place. I want to encourage the guy who went parasailing
and wants to skydive to go for it. You are right, there is no
feeling in the world like being in the air without being in a plane,
or being connected to some type of apparatus. You truly are
flying, and it is WONDERFUL!!
Thanks again Michelle!
Blue Skies
to all!
Gary O'Berto
<gary_oberto@prodigy.net>
Nashville, TN USA -
Sunday, August 24, 1997 at 10:04:23 PM (MDT)
Today, 8/23/97, I went parasailing for the first time. I have
to say the roughfess part was the boat ride. But once I was
in the air, I knew what I HAD to do next. I am so anxious to
have my first jump, that I'm going to continue parasailing in
an effort to placate my impatience. I am hooked and look
forward to learning everything I can about skydiving. There
is NO other activity, in my mind that can equal the freedom
of being in the air without the confines of a vehicle or some
mechanical apparatus. To me only skydiving can offer such
freedom... and I haven't had my first jump yet!!!
Larry Sims
<LBSims@msn.com>
Capistrano Beach, California U.S.A. -
Saturday, August, 23, 1997 at 8:27:32 PM (MDT)
HOWZIT
CARL
GREAT PHOTOS,AS I SIT HERE WITH MY BEER IT MAKES ME WANT
TO GET OUT TO THE DROP ZONE AND GET SOME MORE AIR TIME.
UNFORTUNATLY
AFTER MY WIFE WITNESSED MY FIRST MALFUNCTION , I'VE BEEN GROUNDED!
BUMMER
MAN.
MORALE OF THE STORY, STAY SINGLE AND FLY!
CARL BENNETT
<CARL@MCCARTHY.CO.ZA>
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA -
Wednesday, August 20, 1997 at 9:44:16 AM (MDT)
At
the beginning of this year's skydiving season I had 40 jumps, a
brandy new rig, and was not sure if I wanted to continue skydiving
due to fear.
4 months later......I went to the world's largest
skydiving boogie, was on my home DZ's 1st 2 point 8-way, and
finally completed my 100th jump this past Sunday. I almost had my
4 point 4-way on my 100th too, but of course.....I floated on the
formation (still working on that fall rate thing).
I would like
to dedicate this season to my friend Gary. Gary, I have come
a long way. I started out almost getting sick in my car on the
way to the DZ to feeling more comfortable in an airplane with a rig
on my back than walking down my own street. I have been in a
few airplane emergencies and came real close TWICE to wrapping with
some one (not my fault.....that person was too inexperienced to
be in the air with 100 other canopies and believe me...I let him
have it when I landed). I have had hard openings, hard landings,
cuts, and bruises (no cut-aways....knock on wood!) When you
do something enough, something is bound to happen. It is all part
of learning. Just be careful and have lotsa fun.
If I can do
it, anyone can!
See you at the 1998 World Free Fall Convention.
Michelle
<michellefink@worldnet.att.net>
Albany, NY USA -
Tuesday, August 19, 1997 at 4:02:14 PM (MDT)
Hey
Carl,
Congratulations on getting certified! I read your story
with interest. Nice to see more divers in the water with your
attitude! I hope you have many more underwater adventures ahead
of you. Blow lots of bubbles!!
Jack Thomas, Divemaster #206,252
Calgary,
Alberta, Canada
Jack Thomas
<jthomas@cadvision.com>
Calgary, Alberta Canada -
Sunday, August 17, 1997 at 9:19:23 PM (MDT)
I
went skydiving for the first time on Aug. 9th. It was a first date
with a really fun guy!!!!! It was such a rush!!!! It was a feeling
like no other!!!!!! I believe I have found my niche in life......
:-) Blue Skies!!!!!
Bridgette Foster
<105534.2755@compuserve.com>
Olean, NY Cattaraugus -
Wednesday, August 13, 1997 at 9:24:21 PM (MDT)
this
year me and my husband are going to Kathmandu, Nepal. We are
very excited, because this is the first time we leave Europe. We
are going to a friend who lives in Kathmandu, so she can be are
guide in this city.
I like your site!
Annemieke van Rijswijk
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland Nederland -
Wednesday, August 13, 1997 at 11:41:52 AM (MDT)
I
went skydiving on july 1st(CANADA DAY!) for the first time......it
was totally scary and totally wonderful. makes you look at other
fears you had and laugh.
skye bird
<speedy@telus planet.net>
medicine hat, alberta canada -
Monday, August 11, 1997 at 8:47:18 PM (MDT)
Hey
guys, this time last year I was learning to skydive. Last week
I attended my first and the largest boogie in the world - 1997
World Free Fall Convention - Quincy. Everything about it was wonderful.
I could have lived there.
I jumped out of a hot air balloon,
b14 helicopter, 727 jet, super king air, twin otter, casas,
caravan, and porter. It was definately a skydivers disney land.
There
were also some fatalities and many accidents. One happened
right over my tent. Two people wrapped and luckily drifted out
a ways before landing. They landed pretty hard too. They are
ok now but are pretty hurting.
Besides the accidents, the experience
was wonderful. We even created a friendship tarp tradition.
The tarp we were using to pack on will go home with a different
person every year. It was all signed and dated by everyone in our
camp. We will do that every year until it is filled up.
I can't
wait until 1998 World Free Fall Convention. I am gonna have
a hard time returning to my home DZ that has only C-182s.
Blue Skies!!!!!!!
Michelle
Michelle Fink
<michellefink@worldnet.att.net>
Albany, NY USA -
Monday, August 11, 1997 at 6:27:56 PM (MDT)
I
went tandom 2 summers ago and it was incrediable. There is no way
to explain the feeling without doing it for yourself. I am taking
my little sis in May of 1998 so if there is anybody interested
in going please e-mail me so we can talk and plan to do it as
a group to get a discount. It will be a blast.
Then that same summer
I did bungee at wet-n-wild waterpark and that was scarier than
skydiving. This was 130 ft. and definately something to try.
Since
then I have done those big human pendalum swings 3 times.
I have done it all three times at the Six Flags (Arlington,tx..Magic
Mountain,ca..and last weekend 8-2-97 in St. Louis,mo..this is
something all skydivers should do..) You pick up a speed of about
60 miles per hour. You start out about 150 ft. off the grround
and drop straight to the ground face first for 50 ft. then the
the rope swings you through the arch. This is a must do thing..
Thank
you for the comment page and everybody have fun and be safe
and enjoyit as it is.
The page is cool and thanks again.
Todd the
tiggerrooster
Arlington, Tx
Todd Becht
<Tiggerrooster@webtv.net>
Arlington, Tx USA -
Sunday, August 10, 1997 at 3:21:50 PM (MDT)
GREAT
SITE!! Have you ever thought of doing a photo shoot of soaring???
Opportunities galore at the "Soaring Capital of the World"
in Elmira, NY.
You go up with an experienced, accredited, and fun-seeking
pilot. You are towed by a parent aircraft by tow-rope
and when your craft reaches 5000 feet on the altimeter the pilot
sets you free to soar. The craft you are in (sitting in the front
seat) has no engine. The pilot has complete control of your journey.
During my "flight" the pilot offered to let me participate
in controlling the craft -- what a thrill/rush!
Check it out-----
Pam M.
<pamandtheboys@webtv.net>
Buffalo, NY USA -
Sunday, August 10, 1997 at 1:15:13 PM (MDT)
