So I had every intention of speaking in greater detail today about some of the freefly jumps that were completed this weekend – with video and everything.
But, the video isn’t cooperating, which is a sign that it’s just not meant to be today.
Instead, I’d like to document some of my favorite memories from this season. There have been so many, and with the colder weather coming in (up here in the North, that is), what a better time to reflect on the season and document the best memories in permanent fashion – here on the interwebs.
Let’s go back in time, shall we, and dig up those events, photos, quotes, and times spent around the bonfire that made this season so great.
-Getting to be Bob’s last AFF student at Cleveland Parachute. What an amazing skydiver – and a great friend!
*Photo by Dan Mathie
-Working demos for Danger at Nelson Ledges.
*Photo by Ashley Mead
-Making the move to Canton Air Sports as my home DZ and meeting so many great people in such as short amount of time.
-Completing water training in a pond with 5 men on one of the coldest mornings of the summer.
-Using my on-the-ground photography skills to help out Lonnie during the busy times at Canton Air Sports.
*Photo by Lonnie Kirk (one of my first mentors and an incredible photographer)
-Howling with pure excitement under canopy when I finally got my track down.
-The nervousness and pure thrill of jumping my first pack job on my new rig.
(Not my first jump on the rig, but a recent photo of an approach)
-Passing my A-license check dive with Tom, my first instructor, and the ensuing hugs and celebrating with all my DZ friends.
-Getting a skydiving tattoo: closing pin on my right wrist.
-Jumping from a helicopter at the Work Stinks Boogie. Pure tranquility from 4,500 feet.
*Photo by Norman Kent
-Meeting and having photo/video taken by Norman Kent (see above).
-Sitting up on my first attempt at a sitfly, and realizing just how much I love freeflying.
-Getting invited to jump with Team Magnuson and work on my RW skills during the Jump for Diabetes.
-Notable quotes:
- Are those your legs, or are you riding a chicken?
- HIM. HIM. F#@& HIM.
- I like to chase my dad sometimes too!
- Don’t over-think it. Just jump.
- I’m calling that one the ‘reverse cowgirl!’
- BEANS!
-The day I completed a 15 minute pack job and thought to myself “you know, I really don’t dread packing anymore.” And I haven’t minded it since.
-Meeting my freefly partner and planning some of the most exciting jumps of the season.
We even match!
-Celebrating the life of Dan Mathie with fellow skydivers who loved him.
-Attending my first boogie: Work Stinks at Start Skydiving in Lebanon, OH, and mingling with some of the most incredible jumpers.
-Getting to spend quality time with Danger and soaking up all the knowledge I could. You’ll continue to be an inspiration, Dan.
*Photo by Ashley Mead
-Bonding over beers, bonfires and shared experiences with the people who have become my dearest friends.
Looking back, skydiving has completely changed my life – for the better. Honestly, I can say that skydiving has saved my life. This sport has helped me become more self-aware and self confident than I ever dreamed imaginable.
It’s hard to believe how much has been accomplished in a few short months. Finishing out the season as a B-licensed skydiver, with more than 60 skydives under my belt, and a passion like I’ve never experienced before, I’m more than thrilled with how this season unfolded.
I can’t wait to see what the upcoming seasons bring.
What are some of your favorite memories of this skydiving season?
Blue skies!
Ashley
My favourite memory is my beer 2-way jump with Bear. It was so spectacularly bad it was hilarious. (But a great learning experience.)
It means a lot to me that Bear and I finally got our A licenses this summer. Skydiving is something we both fell in love with and it’s our “thing”. It took us two seasons (with a 10-month hiatus in between because of school and winter) to get there but it was totally worth it. We got there TOGETHER and we’ll keep getting better together.
My other favourite memory is tunnel camp. Oh god, it’s the biggest crack pipe in the world. I got a lot better in a short amount of time!
Hope to catch you in NY the next time around!
JJ – I loved the story of your first 2-way with Bear. Even the worst jumps can be fun, hilarious and a great learning experience.
Definitely need to add meeting you to that list as well. Next time I’m in town drinks are on me!
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