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.
So tell me, what do you still owe beer for?
Blue Skies!
Ashley
That was a fun jump! This might have been your first hoop dive… but I’m pretty sure you’ll still owe for the first time you make it though the hoop!
jeromy – thanks for pointing that out. perfect example of how there’s always someone watching…
We at Canton Air Sports have yet to drink a beer furnished by Ashley.. Hmm
rick – yes, I owe lots of cases… I may just surprise you one of these days by brining some down.