Well, this is the last day of BASE Week, and after an interview with Miles D, how can it get much better?
Let me tell you how…with an interview from my freefly partner! He’s also a former BASE jumper so it ties in 
.
*Photo by Ashley Mead
Y’all have heard so much about Rick in the past 9 months or so, it’s only fitting that you have a chance to hear the facts straight from him. Some of you may have read the article in the Jan/Feb issue of Blue Skies Mag that discusses diabetes in the world of adrenaline sports – this interview is nothing like that. We’re keeping the topics on the lighter side today.
I struggled with these questions, Rick, as the regular readers pretty much know the basics about your current skydiving career – aside from those days you sneak off to jump without me 
That aside, I think I’ve come up with some compelling questions to get your wheels turning and keep the readers entertained. So, here goes nothing!
SDC: Let’s start with the standard question – how did you get your start in skydiving?
RS: To make a very long story short, from day one on this planet I’ve been the epitome of spontaneity and this was one of those last minute choices . I told myself I was going to go skydiving. So I did a static line jump for my 18th birthday.
SDC: Obviously we know your favorite discipline is freefly, but tell us why.
RS: I guess because I’m the black sheep.
SDC: Ah, “dark side” – black sheep. Makes sense. Regular readers know that we travel a lot, tell us about your favorite trip, dropzone, experience – whatever.
RS: Here comes the cheese….I will have to say that my first date with Beans (aka SkydiveChick, aka Ashley) is my most memorable skydiving trip. We went to the Work Stinks boogie last September. Too much fun! All beer has already been drunk! Our first 2-way head-down, first Heli-jump, Ashley’s first sit-fly, my first otter and our first boogie.
SDC: Aw, that’s sweet! Y’all remember this picture I assume!
*Photo by Norman Kent
SDC: You were once a regular BASE jumper. What triggered the switch to skydiving?
RS: I wanted the dirt to look smaller.
SDC: Alright, now I’m really going to put you on the spot…what’s your favorite part about being my freefly partner? (yep, I’m making this one about me…I know you can respect that )
RS: Reverse cowgirl.. LOL! I love when you ride me out the door!!
SDC: Hahaha! For those who are unaware of what he’s talking about, see the video below!
SDC: We’ve had a lot of great opportunities over the past year, what are some of the things you’re looking forward / hoping to accomplish to this season?
RS: My 500th, D license, coach and pro-rating
SDC: Jump for Diabetes is fast approaching! Tell us a little about where the idea came from and how you made it work last year.
RS: The idea came from another fundraiser that was held at a DZ in Omro,Wi while was still a student. It involved jumping out of planes, raising funds and promoting awareness for Lupus. It was fun for all and it was a good cause. I told myself, when I’m able to stay on my feet when landing, I will coordinate an event like that one and try to do the same as them. And I gave it a shot…WTF, ya know?
I’m really looking forward to this years event. I’m very lucky to have Beans and Apt3 Studios on the Jump for Diabetes team. This years event would not be happening if you guys didn’t step up.. PROPS!!
SDC: What is your most memorable skydiving experience so far?
RS: Probably sit’n relative with you.
SDC: So as one of those freeflyers who falls into that oh-so-subjective “intermediate” category, and the person who taught me how to sitfly, let’s hear your advice to all those aspiring freeflyers out there.
RS: Challenge yourself and don’t give up. When you think you’ve done everything you can to get it.. and don’t, push yourself to keep going and achieve your goal. Once you get it, you get it.
SDC: Anything you’d like to add?
RS: It’s been 3 days and I’m jones’n for some ff (freefall).
Thanks, Rick. This was fun.
For anyone who was curious about something and didn’t find out in this interview, feel free to send questions my way. After all, we do live under the same roof.
Blue skies!
Ashley