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Archive for September, 2009

Canopy piloting – 30. September, 2009

Skydiving is a sport with many fascets. I remember thinking “gosh, there’s so much to this” when I was going through my AFF ground school training.

At the time, I had no idea just how much.

Freefall has always been my favorite part of skydiving. It’s what sucked me in from the start. Being under canopy has always made me a little nervous – and rightfully so.

This is one part of the sport that, if you’re not completely aware and on your toes, can be extremely dangerous.

I learned quickly that you cannot trust that those in the sky with you are good canopy pilots. In the early days of jumping in big-ways, I had a habit of separating myself from the pack under canopy, which tended to lead to long walks from landing farther away or even off the DZ.

As I became more accustom to flying and more comfortable being in the air with my fellow skydivers, I relaxed a little. At the same time, I became less aware.

Which brings me to what I’m about to tell you. This is something I’m not proud to admit, especially to y’all, but I feel like this could be a great learning experience for everyone who skydives, or plans to skydive.

Earlier this summer I was involved in a two-way canopy collision.

Yikes I know. We’re both okay, and walked away from the incident without injuries other than bruised egos.

The thing is, I was the only one who saw what happened from start to finish – and there were even a few things I missed.

It happened on an 8-way. First jump of the day, full caravan load of mostly fun jumpers. We were the first group out. I pulled at 3,500 ft, but was still flying a Sabre 210 so I was under canopy for a decent amount of time. The other girl involved was under a very large student canopy (292 if I remember correctly).

As I was setting up for my final approach, I noticed she was rather close to me, but she was headed in the opposite direction. So I disregarded it.

Mistake #1 – when you think you might be too close, you probably are. This is where I should have made a flat, right hand turn to steer away. But I didn’t.

She took a left-hand turn right in my direction! She was slightly lower than I was and didn’t see me. Rather than making any sharp movements (thinking, we’re below 500 ft, I don’t want to turn quickly) I pulled my body up and tucked my knees into my chest.

Luckily, I avoided leg contact with her canopy as she flew under me, but my foot caught her pilot chute trailing behind as I brought them back down.

As I turned around, I saw that her canopy was fully inflated. At the time, it seemed like we avoided a collision and everything was okay. Come to find out from spectators on the ground, half of her canopy collapsed!

She didn’t even realize what happened as she just thought she hit a bit of turbulent air.

We both landed safely, slightly oblivious to what had just occurred. That is, until we heard the accounts from the spectators and experienced jumpers on the ground.

(A successful stand up post-collision landing)

After some expected talking-tos, the incident hasn’t been discussed much. Though it remains fresh in my mind each time I’m under canopy. I’ve become so much more aware because of this incident, and my head is now on a swivel each time I find myself piloting my canopy.

It really hit me hard last night as I was viewing pictures of the event where this incident occurred, and came across a photo that was taken mere seconds after our paths crossed. A photo that I had no idea existed.

My initial thought was, I hope no one ever sees this again, just as our conversation shortly there after was about the concern that we’d forever be the dumb girls of the DZ, that a reputation would follow us.

But what I really hope, and what’s most important, is that people can take something away from what we experienced that day, and learn from it. After all, that’s what skydiving is about – learning from each other, good and bad.

It appears as if the pilot chute had just released from my foot as I was bringing my legs back down from my chest.

Having discussed this with others who were there, this image is worse than any of us remember. Thankfully, her student canopy reinflated as it should and we both walked away unharmed. This incident could have been a lot worse, we were lucky. In the end, we both learned a lot about the importance of safe piloting and being alert and aware under canopy.

And hopefully, all y’all learned something here today too.

Blue Skies!

Ashley

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Posted in Lessons Learned, Uncategorized, Under Canopy

Skydiving: the ultimate diet – 29. September, 2009

It seems that this summer I found the perfect diet plan – skydiving.

Not that I was exactly in the market to lose weight, but since I’ve started spending most of my weekend time at the DZ almost 15 pounds have dropped off. And probably not in the healthiest of ways.

(The real bummer here is that my RW suit doesn’t fit nearly as well as it used to…though who doesn’t love a new suit, right?)

Eating at the dropzone never seems to be a priority. On a good day, we jump, chat about the jump, pack, chat about the next jump, maybe throw in a dirt dive or two and do it all over again.

Every few jumps someone will hand me a bottle of water that I will gulp down, not realizing how much it was actually needed. Thankfully, I have friends who pay better attention to my hydration than I do.

But when it comes to eating, I tend to ignore the rumblings in my stomach until the day’s end.

Why?

Well, when I was a student, my main reason for not eating was because I was so nervous I feared that at any moment it might come back up. So I avoided food like the plague.

As I’ve progressed, this trend has continued – mainly because that’s the trend to which I became accustom. Although my body signals to me that it needs nourishment, rarely do I actually feel hungry at the DZ. But the moment I come down from sunset load and get packed up, I realize just how famished I am!

Of course, that doesn’t stop me from cracking open a cold, refreshing beer to end the day. And with no food in my system, it’s a quick, cheap buzz, that’s for sure.

I do realize this trend needs to change. Consuming only calories from beer is bound to catch up with my health one day. But, as a girl who typically watches what she eats, accompanying fellow skydivers to the nearest fast food joint for a mid-day bite just doesn’t sit well with me.

During the Work Stinks boogie this year at Start Skydiving, we stocked up on fresh fruit and light protein bars to help get us through the weekend. This was just the ticket. You get quick fuel that doesn’t sit around in your belly for hours.

Of course, since I’ve been back at home I’ve gone right back to my old ways. Next time I head to the DZ, I’ll have to stop at the grocery store to pick up some goods.

What about you? What is your typical eating routine during weekends at the DZ? Do you too find yourself eating less?

Blue Skies!

Ashley

5 Comments

Posted in Drop Zones, Lessons Learned, Trends

The Skydiver Ego – 24. September, 2009

With the recent passing of one of the most humble skydivers I’ve known, I found it appropriate to discuss what I like to call the “skydiver ego.”

Let me start by saying this: we skydivers all have ego issues. Every single one of us.

ego

(I’m confident in my assessment that none of us are exempt. After all, what skydiver doesn’t love talking about and watching videos of their jumps?)

Think about it. We spend our free time jumping out of airplanes at 13,000 feet above the Earth, plummet at speeds upwards of 120 mph to the ground – all the while manipulating the air in such a way that it appears as if we are dancing with our fellow jumpers – and get ourselves safely back to the ground under canopy.

Essentially we’re saving our own lives, with a little bit of grace, each time we jump. Who wouldn’t be a little egotistical about that?

But, as I mentioned on Twitter a while back, it’s how we package that ego that matters most.

What gets to me are those skydivers who not only obsess over themselves and the successes they’ve had along the way – everyone likes to talk about themselves to some extent – they also constantly question their fellow jumpers.

“What size canopy are you flying?”

“How current are you?”

“How many jumps do you have?”

Now, when these questions are asked at the DZ, for safety purposes, or even just making small talk, I’m all for it. But I’ve heard these questions asked at some of the most inappropriate, irrelevant times as of late. And often, the answer is followed by an egotistical remark like “I fly a…” or “I’ve got over 600 jumps now, and I just did a demo into…” or, better yet, “you’ve only got 200 jumps? you really shouldn’t be doing…like we do…”

What I’ve also found lately is the tendency for experienced male skydivers (this has yet to happen with a woman), to take one look at me and completely disregard me. Even while at the dropzone.

Fellow jumpers have had to interrupt the conversation to introduce me and point out that I too, am a jumper. I really didn’t take this personally at first. After all, I’m a 20-something, short blonde girl who looks like she’s 18 and should be at the mall with her teeny-bopper friends.

Bailey (With one of the people I credit for turning me into a skydiver. Thanks, Bailey!)

Trust me, I get that.

But this situation has occurred with more than just me, and it’s a sad truth that people are brushed aside so easily. In fact, I’ve been to a dropzone that has a tendency to treat anyone with less than 500 jumps as incompetent, unaware, or just plain dangerous to jump with.

I’ve witnessed experienced skydivers turn their nose up, literally, at the site of a fairly new jumper. There have even been a couple instances where the experts have refused to coach less experienced jumpers on the ground because they don’t have enough jumps to work with them yet. What gives?

Maybe I’m spoiled in that my mentors have taken me under their wings, talked me through questions I had and areas for improvement, without looking down on me in the process. These are the same jumpers who acknowledge that we all started in the same place. We all had our first jump at one point in time.

So why the attitude?

Personally, I respect a skydiver (or anyone, for that matter) more when there is humbleness in their demeanor. Whether you have 5 skydives or 5,000, welcoming those jumpers around you with open arms will go a long way.

I will always remember what my mentors, coaches and instructors have done for me along the way, and intend to pay it forward to those up-and-coming skydivers who look to me for advice or mentorship.

Luckily, in my first season as a skydiver, I have encountered so many humble jumpers that have welcomed me into the fold. In fact, most everyone I’ve met has been this way.

Having experienced six different dropzones this year, the latest being Skydive Pennsylvania in Grove City, they have all been filled with down-to-Earth skydivers.

If you want to experience humble, Team Fastrax from Start Skydiving are some of the most. You’d never know just by talking to them that they are some of the most skilled jumpers around. I’m grateful for having met and talked with this team on multiple occasions. It’s people like them that support the welcoming culture of the dropzone, and it’s what keeps jumpers like me coming back for more.

freefly *Photo courtesy of Skydive Orange

As I’ve said before, skydiving is more than just a sport, it’s a social experience. It’s a community. A tight-knit one at that. Without my friends and mentors, my freefly partner and RW buddies, the sport just wouldn’t be the same for me.

What have been some of your experiences with the “skydiver ego?”

Blue skies!

Ashley

4 Comments

Posted in Drop Zones, Freefly, Jump buddies, Lessons Learned, Skydiving Community

A friend and mentor: Danger – 22. September, 2009

As I’ve mentioned a number of times before, one of the best parts about being in the skydiving community is the people.

Since the community is rather small, when skydivers meet each other they find an instant bond. I’ve been extremely fortunate in my first season as a skydiver to have met some of the best friends and mentors a girl could ask for. Today, I’d like to remember one in particular.

My skydiving career started with a tandem jump, just for kicks, while on vacation. I knew after that first jump that I had to do it again. So I did. Another tandem. This time, at my home DZ, Cleveland Parachute Center in Garrettsville, Ohio.

My dear friend Christina and I headed down on a Sunday morning in April to meet our tandem instructors and learn a little bit more about the sport. Through 45 minutes of on-the-ground instruction by Dan, we were able to learn about circle of awareness and pull our own ripcords during the jump.

I was lucky enough to be paired with Dan on this jump and had a blast. This was the jump where I walked away knowing that this was the sport for me. Dan and I de-briefed and we talked about the next steps of the AFF program. Three weeks later I was back at the DZ, ready to become a skydiver.

When I walked in, Dan immediately recognized me as his former tandem student. He gave me a great deal on my video packages for my first two AFF jumps, and acted as my instructor for my third.

Throughout my time as a student, Dan was there to walk me through everything from landing patterns, to equipment checks, to my first attempts at freeflying. He became much more than an instructor and mentor, he became a friend.

Dan was the person who inspired me to reach the highest goals in skydiving. He recommended the freefall photography path that I so much desire to achieve. He taught me to relax. He encouraged me.

I was even lucky enough to be his ground crew on demos – even if it was only to take pictures on the ground.

Demo

Dan has not only been a positive skydiving influence, but he’s taught me so much about life, and living it to it’s fullest. For a man of little words, each one was filled with the passion that he had for life.

I am forever grateful to have met, worked with, and befriended such a wonderful person, and feel blessed to have had the opportunity to fly with him this season.

Danger, you will forever be loved and missed. You will continue to inspire freeflyers, belly flyers, and swoopers alike, as your stories live on. Thanks for all you taught me about skydiving, about passion, about life.

Blue skies.

Ashley

Dan ‘Danger’ Mathie: 1979-2009

Update: Today’s memorial for Dan was beautiful. His closest friends and family joined together to mourn the loss of this wonderful man, and to celebrate his life just as he’d want. There was even the appropriate toast with shots of Mountain Dew. Having been a part of Dan’s life means the world to me, as does being a part of the wonderful skydiving community that celebrated together this evening. Dan’s spirit will forever live on in the lives of those he’s touched. Blue skies, buddy.

2 Comments

Posted in Freefly, Jump buddies, Skydiving Community

It just makes sense – 17. September, 2009

beer-1

As I mentioned in Tuesday’s post, lots of time this weekend was spent bonding over beers with fellow skydivers.

This has quickly become one of my favorite past times. Not only do we reflect, reminisce, and have a good laugh at the skydives of the day, it’s also a great chance to learn from other jumpers. And of course, what a better way to make new friends than over a cold beer!

After the sunset load on Sunday, I decided to trunk pack out of pure laziness and spent that time having a 1-on-1 pow-wow with one of my favorite belly flyers.

As I sat on the neighboring packing mat, I was asked the same question most of my belly flyer friends have asked lately: “what made you turn to freeflying?”

Funny thing is, my answer has changed over the last couple weeks. Initially, I started dabbling in freefly just to see what it was about, for some variety between big-ways, for a different type of body control practice. All with the goal of becoming what I consider a “well-rounded skydiver.”

But on Sunday, I found myself answering this question quite concisely: “it just makes sense.”

Hybrid4-wide *Photo courtesy of Skydive Orange.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m by no means a full-time member of the freeflyers, but it’s a discipline I’ve begun gravitating toward more and more. I’m still available for RW jumps, so don’t forget about me belly flyers.

But to me, freefly just makes sense. Exit the plane head down, got it. Break off the hybrid into a sit, no problem. I can’t explain why it seems so simple, but from the moment I was instructed on how to sit in freefall – and actually doing it quite easily on my first attempt – I’ve gravitated toward this discipline.

Upon hearing this answer, my belly flyer friend responded in an incredibly encouraging manner. He even recommended some of the best freeflyers around to hook up with for mentoring.

Not that I expected anything less. As much crap as skydivers like to give each other, we’re a very supportive bunch.

For some, belly flying comes natural, they get a thrill out of connecting up in big-ways, making points in smaller groups, and dirt diving every jump along the way. I’ve heard a number of natural belly flyers say they stick to RW for the challenge it brings, and because “they can’t sit to save their lives,” or some version of that phrase.

Others find sitting, standing, and head-down positions to make the most sense. Like me, a lot of these skydivers find big-ways to be stressful and making points just isn’t necessary for a successful jump.

Then of course there’s the people who are in the sport for canopy work – the swoopers and CRW (canopy relative work) groups. I’m a freefall junkie, so I’m definitely not the best source of information here.

crw

(These are some talented CRW jumpers if I’ve ever seen them!)

Regardless of the discipline, at the end of the day, we’re all skydivers. We all love to sit around, talk about our jumps, brag about the good one’s, laugh at the funneled formations and tumbling freeflyers.

This is what makes the sport so great. There’s so much to do, so much to learn, and so much to talk about. Thankfully – after all, that’s why you keep coming back here, right?

In your time as a skydiver, what have you encountered that “just makes sense?” What are some of your favorite parts of the sport?

Blue skies!

Ashley

2 Comments

Posted in Around the bonfire, Freefly, Jump buddies, Trends

Getting it down – 15. September, 2009

This weekend was another busy one for yours truly. Though this time, it all occurred at my home DZ, Canton Air Sports.

Saturday I drove out to the East side to meet Rick so we could make the drive together. Wish we would have thought of this before…could have saved on gas for both of us.

Anyhow, we got down there with a plan, exit head down into a sit. Well, the theme of the weekend presented itself on that very first jump, as we got talked into some RW instead.

It was a fairly inexperienced group – two jumpers with less experience than me – so we decided to plan an easy 5-way dive. Linked exit, out to a round. After one man tumbled away and another fell low, we ended up with a 3-way. We even got a few points at that.

The second jump of the day ended up being quite wonderful. Team Fastrax was at the DZ that day, preparing for a demo into the stadium at Akron University. We were told just before loading that they would be doing the demo first, then we would come back and jump. So we got to watch them exit the plane and complete the demo from 4,500 feet above. It was incredible!

teamfastrax

May I just say, for a moment, what a great group of guys Team Fastrax is. They are some of the best parachutists I’ve ever seen, and yet, some of the most down to Earth. It’s great to have people like this in your back yard. I hope to be seeing more of them around our DZ and theirs.

Moving on.

After the demo we flew back and did our original planned dive: 2-way head down with Rick. Randy decided to film us too! Which reminds me, I have to get that video from him. Our exit wasn’t as perfect as the one at Start last week, but once we broke off, we were both holding a sit for quite some time!

I got back on the ground and headed in to take my B license test. And guess what, I passed! B LICENSE BABY!

After this it was time to go, so I trunk packed and headed out. That night I spent a bit of time working on my packing skills, trying to find the perfect method to get the ‘chute in the bag. I’m getting it down, slowly.

Sunday was another bright and early morning, heading down to the DZ. First load was initially planned as a 2-way freefly which turned into a 3-man rolling train that we broke off into a sit.

My landing on this jump was rather painful to watch I’m told, though I walked away just fine. I’m still getting used to this Triathlon I’m flying. It has a tendency to bring me down to the ground rather quick. The key is to start the flare high. At least, it is for me.

The next jump was another 2-way head down into a sit. This plan changed multiple times on the ride up and we ended up going with the first plan. Guess you can do that when there’s only two of you. Our exit went better than the day before and my sit was, once again, just about perfect!

Jump #3 was a fun one. On the ground we planned a 3-man hybrid, but at about 5,000 in the plane, a 3-way RW group suggested we do a 6-way hybrid. Hell yeah!

These are some talented belly flyers, so it was fun and intimidating to be one of the freeflyers on this attempt. Nick, Fuzzy, John and Dennis were our base, while Rick and I were the hangers. It didn’t go quite as planned, but was fun, regardless.

On the sunset load we finally decided to stick to the planned 3-man hybrid. Nick and Rick were my base. Fun, successful dive with a perfect stand up landing on target. YEAH!

The day ended with beer and bonding. More to come on these discussions, later.

I love having the opportunity to sit down and talk with the people I jumped with that day. The stories and advice are invaluable. And after a long day of jumping, the beer tastes so good.

Until next time…

Blue Skies!

Ashley

1 Comment

Posted in Drop Zones, Freefly, Jump buddies, RW, Under Canopy

Freefly vs. RW – 10. September, 2009

The longer I’m involved in the sport, the more I see the competitive side. Not so much among the belly flyer group or freeflyers (though there is some of that too), but rather, competition between the two groups.

Let me explain with a personal example.

Almost immediately upon my arrival into the skydiving world, I had mentors who took me under their wings. Most of them are amazing belly flyers. I grew to love RW and the challenge of big ways – making points was always a bonus for me!

(A six way during the Jump for Diabetes. I was lucky enough to join a 4-man team to help me with my RW skills. What a great group of guys! Some of the best belly flyers I’ve met yet, and people I will continue to look up to.)

As I’ve progressed, I’ve begun to dabble in freefly. A couple of local freeflyers at my home DZ (Canton Airsports) have been kind enough to show me the way. And as I mentioned last post, this was my focus during the Work Stinks boogie this past weekend. A successful sitfly and head down on my first attempts.

Yes. Beer. I know.

freefly_2-way *Photo courtesy of CSC.

(A linked 2-way head down, similar to this, with Rick was extremely successful. You see what I’m so excited about?)

After these jumps I was stoked, to say the least. So when I ran into a few of my RW companions and we began sharing our jumps of the day, the feelings on both sides of the fence became much clearer.

So much so, that I had a couple belly flyer buddies tell the freeflyers that they weren’t going to steal me away to the “dark side.”

On a personal level, I wouldn’t call any specialty dark. They all have their positives – after all, you’re skydiving regardless right? Sure, freefly is fast, but you don’t get as much freefall time. RW is a challenge and there’s lots of teamwork involved.

At this point in my skydiving, I have yet to commit myself to a specialty. Some may say this isn’t the best route, that I should learn to fly my body, on my belly, become proficient, then move on to freeflying.

But just like life, I crave variety, and I truly believe it’s possible to become a well-rounded skydiver without having to choose sides. Maybe I’m naive. I am a youngin’ in the sport after all.

As such, I’m always open to hearing opinions of the experts in the sport. Last weekend’s bonfire proved highly educational as I listened to freeflyers and belly flyers alike, give advice on focus, building skills, and canopy work. When it comes to skydiving, I’m a sponge, and I crave as much knowledge as I can get.

Personally, I think that’s how all newbies should be. Open to the possibilities. Give freefly a try if you want (after getting a good number of jumps on your belly, of course). Find what comes natural to you, what you like the best.

What is your favorite skydiving specialty?

Blue Skies!

Ashley

0 Comments

Posted in Around the bonfire, Freefly, RW

Two Boogie Weekend – 8. September, 2009

As I sit here and drown myself in coffee’s caffeinated goodness, I can’t help but think back to the incredible Labor Day weekend.

On Friday I was lucky enough to get out of work at 3 p.m. so I could head down to Cleveland Parachute to get in a couple jumps. It’d been forever since I was there and it was about time I got into the sky with some of my long-lost friends.

Well it turned out to be a bust, with no pilot to be found. So I made a last minute decision to head to Skydive Tecumseh for the Hellfish Boogie – knowing full well that I wouldn’t be staying for the toga party Saturday night. But the 5 jumps of the day made it worth while.

It was a day of 2-ways, 3-ways, 6-ways, and even a 10-way to end the day. Every jump had points, too. Even if it was only one!

After the 10-way I packed up and made the two and 1/2 hour drive back home, cleaned up and drove out to meet Rick for our trip down to Start Skydiving for the Work Stinks Boogie.

work stinks

A sleepless night and a four hour drive later we made it just in time for the sunrise load – can’t beat a $14 lift ticket!

There were three 2-way groups on the caravan – Rick and I were out last with a head down attempt. I really shouldn’t say attempt- it was a success. We were head down and stable almost immediately out the door. The speed of this freefly is incredible!

We broke off a little high and I decided to pull early so I could play around under canopy and be sure to find the dropzone. Of course, with me, that doesn’t mean I’m going to land on it. What can I say, the soy beans and I are becoming great friends.

The second jump of the day was our helicopter jump. A quick briefing on where not to grab and how not to fall, we were off and ready. Just as we got loaded, Norman Kent came over to us to film our ride up. I’m honored to have been filmed by him.

Heli3

Here’s one of the stills he sent to us!

Helicopter jumps are amazing. The pilot took us up to 4,500 ft and hovered while we literally fell off the aircraft. My exit was incredible. I stood, facing away from the helicopter, put my arms out and just fell. Into dead air. It was the most peaceful thing I’ve ever experienced. It took only 500 ft to make one full body rotation and get back belly to Earth. I pulled by 3 grand and made a beautiful slide-in landing, on the dropzone.

After packing back up it was time to relax. We met up with a group of former Cleveland Parachute jumpers and chatted for a while. Always great to meet skydivers who grew up where I did.

30+ hours of no sleep was setting in, so a couple hours in the afternoon was spent curled up in the corner of the hangar, napping. We woke up refreshed and ready to jump.

We manifested on an Otter load – Rick’s first time jumping an Otter (BEER!) and we did another freefly. Train exit to a sit. Rick let me go after about 1,500 feet and I held my first solo sit for about 20 seconds before flipping back belly to Earth and tracking away. Another fun slide in.

Clouds started rolling in and we called it quits for the day. It was by far the best day of skydiving I’ve ever had, with two incredible freeflys and a helicopter jump.

Labor Day was rained out. We cashed out at manifest and mingled with some regulars, Norman and the DZO for a bit. The dropzone is incredible. Located at the Warren County airport, the facilities are new and modern, with a hangar just for sport jumper packing. The crew there is incredibly down-to-Earth. I’ll certainly be headed back in the near future.

Soon after we made the drive back home and back to reality.Thankfully, it’s a short week and Patriot will be back at Canton Air Sports this weekend. Y’all know where to find me!

Blue skies!

Ashley

6 Comments

Posted in Drop Zones, Freefly, Jump buddies, RW, Skydiving Community

Boogie weekend – 3. September, 2009

This weekend is Labor Day, and for skydivers, that likely means attending a boogie, or three.

All around the country you’ll find some of the biggest boogies of the season.

Let me take a step back here. Boogies, for those who may not be aware, are basically big skydiving parties. Dropzones host a boogie, usually bringing in different types of aircraft, sometimes balloons and helicopters, and skydivers travel hundreds of miles with their friends to camp out for the weekend to jump and party with (after hours of course) other like-minded skydivers.

richmond 2007 (Photo from “The Boogie” 2007 at Skydive Richmond. The official boogie has been cancelled this year, however they’re still flying an Otter if you’re planning to head that way.)

Some of these boogies have world-record attempts too! This is the case for the Labor Day boogie I’ll be attending this year.

My friend Rick, you remember, the one who hosted the amazing Jump for Diabetes a few weeks back, and I will be heading down to Start Skydiving in Lebanon, Ohio for the Work Stinks Boogie.

They will have a Super Skyvan, two Caravans, a PAC 750XL, two Enstrom Helicopters, a 206 for hop-n-pops and their own Hot Air Balloon.

Organizers include; 40 ways with Guy Wright. Other ways with John Woody and Niklas Hemlin. Swooping with Team Fastrax Swoop. CRW with John Hart and Travis Donley. Freeflying with Melanie Johnson and Brad Hunt.

There also will be some world record attempts going on. Follow me on Twitter to keep up on how that’s progressing.

It’s only $35 if you pre-register. Last I heard they had over 200 skydivers already registered. Should be an amazing time. Visit the Work Stinks Boogie page to register or find out more information.

Of course, if you’re not in the Midwest, or don’t feel like driving to Lebanon – but after all I just told you, there’s no excuse not to make that drive – here are some of the other Labor Day boogies that are happening.

Deadman Boogie III. Skydive Temple. Salado, Texas. 9/4-9/7. They’ll have an Otter and a helicopter, and a can’t miss toga party on Sunday. Specials for tandems including a $180 jump special with an $80 video package. See Dropzone.com for more info.

Tiki Bar Weekend. Skydive New England. Lebanon, Maine (not to be confused with Lebanon, OH). 9/4-9/7. With a Casa, Super Otter, and Helicopter, this boogie is not to be missed. PD and Sun Path will be there on tour this weekend for demos. Be sure to get out there and take advantage.

4-day Otter Weekend. Skydive Gananoque. Ontario, Canada. “Feel the Breeze” lingerie jumps, freefly, wingsuit, hoop jumps and more. Click here for more information.

Labor Day Hellfish Boogie. Skydive Tecumseh. Tecumseh, Michigan. Between the Super Skyvan, Super Twin Otter, and C-182, there will be plenty of Freefly, RW and wingsuit organizing. Swoop competition. Come prepared for the infamous Hellfish Toga Party which is sure to please.

Fun after Competition Boogie. Dropzone Prostejov. Czech Republic. 9/7-9/13. World class freefly coaching and load organizing for freefly and RW. Check out Dropzone.com for more information.

What boogies are you planning to attend this year?

Where ever you end up this Labor Day weekend….

Blue Skies!

Ashley

1 Comment

Posted in Drop Zones, Jump buddies, Skydiving Community

Beer tab – 2. September, 2009

beer

It seems that my beer tab is increasing exponentially every time I set foot on the dropzone.

I owe for two firsts on Sunday alone! Gotta love being a newbie.

For those who are not familiar with dropzone beer rules, let me explain.

In skydiving, it is an unwritten law that after a milestone in the sport, you are to purchase a case of beer to celebrate said milestone. This beer is typically consumed around the after-hours bonfire where skydivers reminisce about the day’s jumps and bond over the beer purchased by other skydivers.

Milestones are often the “first” experiences: first solo jump, first 4-way, first 8-way, first off-landing, first cut away (in which case you also owe a bottle of liquor to your rigger for a successful reserve ride), first time jumping a new rig, etc. The list goes on.

Some DZs take these rules more seriously than others. I’ve been to places where, if you have more than one first on a single jump, you only owe one case.

I wish that were true at Skydive Tecumseh, where I participated in my first hoop dive while jumping my brand new rig for the first time. This also was Jeromy’s 300th jump for which he owes beer, if you follow the rules outlined here.

I make it a point not to draw attention to my firsts – not that it helps much. There’s always someone paying attention somewhere.

Here’s one of the videos that was captured of the hoop dive, courtesy of Jon Morrison. There were 9 of us that participated. It’s a bit of a zoo, as you’ll notice.

I’m the one giving the exit count. See my new rig? Isn’t it pretty!

And yes, that’s a barrel roll out the door. Not quite intentional. Oops. I initially flew around to the back side of the hoop with the intent of meeting people as they came through, then flew back around and held back as an observer. It was fun to watch from afar!

It was nice that Jeromy was able to get through the hoop first, as this jump was for him. I also enjoy when he tries to make it through again, and Jon turns the hoop and denies him!

Fun weekend, with lots of firsts. Oh, and I forgot to mention water training. Not much to tell there other than being submerged in a pond with five men in 50 degree weather. I may still be hypothermic, but it was surprisingly entertaining.

Archive for September, 2009

Canopy piloting – 30. September, 2009

Skydiving: the ultimate diet – 29. September, 2009

The Skydiver Ego – 24. September, 2009

A friend and mentor: Danger – 22. September, 2009

It just makes sense – 17. September, 2009

Getting it down – 15. September, 2009

Freefly vs. RW – 10. September, 2009

Two Boogie Weekend – 8. September, 2009

Boogie weekend – 3. September, 2009

Beer tab – 2. September, 2009

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