Charity Jump Success
As many of you are aware, I’m extremely fond of jumps for a cause.
Not only do these events bring local skydivers and enthusiasts together for fun jumping, there is also money being raised for a great cause.
This weekend was the inaugural Jump for Diabetes at Canton Air Sports. The turn out was great, many prizes were given away, and thousands of dollars were raised to help support the American Diabetes Association. What more can you ask for?
Oh right – skydiving. That was pretty great too! 
In fact, there were a lot of firsts for me this weekend.
Yes, I know, I owe lots of beer at this point.
On Saturday afternoon we were able to organize a few group jumps with the regulars. My first 8-way. The goal for the day had been to jump with Christa, as it had been a few weeks since we’d been in the air together. So the two ladies made up the base of the dive. Our linked exit was a little wobbly, but we kept our grips and ended up getting the group back together for a nice big round.
Only one point on this jump – dang. Almost a two-point dive.
The second jump of the day was also a group jump, followed by a sunset dive from the Cessna-182 with Jeromy. We played catch me if you can, and he won. Looking back, I wasn’t aggressive enough. I’ll get him next time. The main goal of the dive was to take it down to a 4,000 ft. wave off to become comfortable with lower pulls. This came in handy on Sunday…
Sunday brought in a new group of jumpers – some competitive RW skydivers to be exact.
The day’s jumps took place with a few guys who have thousands of jumps under their belt. They welcomed me into the group and planned fun dives that helped me see quite quickly what areas needed the most work.
This is another reason I love the skydiving community so much – even the most experienced jumpers are open to welcoming a newbie like myself into a group for some fun jumps.
I completed four skydives that day before the aches in my body were telling me to quit. Between the overnight camping and little sleep, still learning to get the hang of packing (the 30-minute pack job really drains your energy) and trying to keep up with the boys on 5, 6 and 8-ways (read: arching like I’ve never arched before just to keep up in free fall) I had to call it a day.
It’s always a little sad to leave the DZ at the end of a great weekend, saying goodbye to my family to prepare for another week at the office. But on the way out, friend and event organizer Rick (who did an amazing job with this event – can’t wait till next year, Rick!) handed me a gift basket with two lovely bottles of wine from the raffle. These will go to good use, I guarantee it!
With seven jumps and about the same number of knots in my lower back, it was by far one of the most successful skydiving weekends yet. Lots of lessons learned that will stay with me forever. But I’ll save some of those for another day.
Blue Skies!
Ashley
Oh, and if you have any interest in seeing the videos, head on over to Jeromy’s place where I’m sure he’ll be posting soon!
Jump for Diabetes
As many of you who follow me on Twitter are probably aware – more like irritated, as I’ve crammed this announcement into your TweetDecks everyday – this weekend is the inaugural Jump for Diabetes at Canton Air Sports.
Organized by skydiver, and good friend, Richard Simenc, this event supports a great cause. With a goal of raising $20,000, all proceeds will benefit the American Diabetes Association to promote awareness and find a cure.
This event is more than just jumping from airplanes. We’ll be having bands, raffles, auctions and giveaways including a free skydive or airplane ride every three hours from 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15 through 10 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 16.
If you have interest in helping support the ADA by pledging jumps or buying raffle tickets (you don’t need to be present to win the grand prizes that include a free A-license package, jump credit, and cold hard cash to name a few) e-mail me: theskydivechick {at} gmail {dot} com.
For more details on the event, visit http://www.jumpfordiabetes.com.
Better yet, come on our to Canton Air Sports this weekend and support this great cause in person, meet some amazing skydivers, and jump with me!
Blue Skies!
Ashley
Skydiving on a Monday?
Typically, I’m a weekend jumper. My week days are consumed by work and errands and, well, life. But this week I found myself in Michigan on Monday and found the time to get in a few jumps at Skydive Tecumseh.
It worked out perfectly as I wasn’t able to jump over the weekend while on vacation in Los Angeles, and it allowed me to get my weekly fix. And I was extra thrilled that the weather worked out for us – it wasn’t looking too promising in the forecast.
The first jump of the evening tested out my group skills with Jeromy and Glenn. This was my first attempt at fly arounds. I dove out the door after Jeromy and we hung out and waited for Glenn to join us.
As you’ll notice, from the moment I let go I floated up. By the time I got back on the same level I was pretty far off and proceeded to finish out the free fall solo. Regardless, it was a fun jump that I’ll be trying again soon (I hope).
(Ignore that high-pitched humming if you can. A couple weeks ago Jeromy cracked the “unbreakable” case on his GoPro. Thankfully, the company has already sent him a replacement case. Talk about customer service!)
The second jump was a tracking practice dive with Jeromy – something we’ve been meaning to do. I definitely needed this practice and am already feeling better about my tracking.
I’m still amazed at how much you can learn in 60 seconds of free fall. Maybe next time I can perfect my diving exit, eh?
Between the heat and the long day I was exhausted after two jumps – and unfortunately missed out on Glenn’s 200th jump. They did a hoop dive, which would have been awesome.
Oh, and for those who are interested, here’s the video from my first licensed jump last weekend. It was purely for fun – being flung across the sky!
What types of things do you do in free fall when you just want to play around in the sky?
Blue Skies!
Ashley
I'd Rather be Skydiving
The last five days, which were spent in Southern California with my old college crew, was the first of my non-skydiving weekends since I began my adventures in the sky.
As much fun as I had with hiking, beaching and trying to drink like we did in college without ruining my liver, I couldn’t help but look up at the perfect blue skies on occasion, wishing I was playing in them.
The sky is my playground.
Coincidentally, two of my weekend warrior friends happened to be in the area too. However, they were lucky enough to hit up Skydive Elsinore for a fun jump on Sunday – mere hours after my flight departed. Next time guys!
But the five days off were a much needed break from reality and a great reunion with my favorites from college. Luckily, the time off didn’t last long and I was back in the air today with a quick couple jumps at Skydive Tecumseh. More on that later.
Blue Skies!
Ashley
Weekend happenings
Though I am on a non-skydiving vacation this week, I didn’t forget that all y’all might be wondering what’s happening in the world of skydiving this weekend.
So, I’m here to tell you.
- 8/8 – 8/10. British National 4-way Championship. Hosted by Target Skysports.
- 8/8. Brian Germain Canopy Course at CSC. A can’t miss opportunity for canopy pilots of all skill levels. For more information email manifest at customercare@skydivecsc.com or Brian Germain at bgermain@bigairsportz.com.
- 8/12-8/16 Tony Suits Tour at Casa Boogie. Hosted by Pepperell Skydiving Center. See Dropzone.com listing for more information.
Hope everyone can get out and enjoy these events this weekend. Or do like me and wait until Monday. I’ll be jumping at Skydive Tecumseh if the weather cooperates – c’mon out and jump with me!
Next weekend is a big one at Canton Air Sports where we’ll be hosting the inaugural Jump for Diabetes, August 15-16. Even if you’re not planning to jump for this great cause, you should come out for some great music, food and a chance to win some fantastic skydiving packages.
Check out our Facebook page for more details.
Blue Skies!
Ashley
It's Official
The events of this weekend were so amazing, I don’t even know where to begin.
How about at the beginning?
Friday was a beautiful day and I had a work event to attend that took me well past sunset. At first this seemed like a real bummer, but the event turned out rather fabulous, what with all the drag queens and everything.
Guess you had to be there.
Saturday wasn’t an early a start as usual. I slept in a little, actually ate breakfast, and headed to the drop zone early afternoon to get in a couple hop ‘n pops that I needed checked off my list.
I was lucky enough to be accompanied by Jeromy Alexander – check him out over at Skydive Blog – who decided to come down my way for a weekend. And what a great weekend he picked.
Saturday night we headed to Canton Air Sports to hang out with the crew there and spend the remainder of Sunday jumping, packing and learning. After the hop ‘n pops I had two more jumps before earning that good ole A-license.
So in the cloudy morning I packed parachutes and Jeromy jumped my pack on the first load while I took pictures on the ground. I can’t tell you how happy I was to see his main flying perfectly through the sky!
Second load we hopped back on and chased a group out the door, and did a couple manuvers in preparation for my check dive.
I sat out the third and fourth loads, doing more on-the-ground work – changing a main closing loop and all that – then I met with Tom before my check jump. We walked through the dive and he signed off on the rest of my card. At this point I could barely contain my self.
The jump went well with docking and tracking successes and a beautiful stand-up landing. By the time I was back to the hanger my proficiency card was complete and I became an A-licensed skydiver.
After this I was completely drained, but when the offer of heading up on the last load came my way I couldn’t pass it up. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being a licensed skydiver on a sunset load.
With a couple of docks and a couple spins with Jeromy it was a great jump to end the weekend.
Sunday was by far the best day I’ve had this summer. The DZ was filled with all the people I love to jump with most and spirits were high. One more reminder why I love this sport and the community of jumpers that come with it.
Blue Skies!
Ashley
Skydiving: A global community
One aspect of skydiving that I have come to realize, is that it’s a global community. It’s one of the things I’ve come to love most about the sport.
(It’s like a bunch of wingsuits, holding hands!)
At every drop zone where I’ve jumped, there have been a number of people visiting from different countries. Here in Ohio, we have a couple guys who are originally from Russia. They’re two of the nicest guys around and will sit and have exchanges in Russian between jumps.
In Florida I met a couple guys who were traveling together from Sweden on a skydiving vacation. Again, great guys.
Regardless of gender, age, race or cultural background, almost everyone I’ve met so far has been quick to welcome me into the world of skydiving. I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this world-wide community.
No matter where a drop zone is located, once that airplane door opens and you’re out in the open air, skydiving is a universal language. And so is the fun that comes along with it.
If you’re not a part of it already, I highly recommend taking a leap into the skydiving community. You won’t regret it.
Blue Skies!
Ashley
An Educational Sport
(A shot from a demo I worked this weekend. One of my favorites!)
Skydiving is a sport of learning. Each time you exit the airplane 12,000 feet up and plummet to the Earth at 120 mph you learn something new. Whether it’s about the sport or just yourself.
This is especially true as a newbie. Everyday is a learning experience – and retention is key. This is exactly why things like safety (look, grab, look, pull, pull) are drilled into your head from day one.
As you progress in the sport and muscle memory is built, additional pieces are added. First with starting and stopping turns, maintaining headings, tracking, docking…you get the idea. Not to mention all the work on the ground, like packing a parachute.
Of course, with each new lesson there comes a time where it sticks and you just ‘get it.’ These are the ultimate victories because you did it yourself. That’s the great thing with skydiving, no one can do it for you, but once you’ve nailed something down, the credit is all yours.
This is how I felt with my first couple of docking skydives. I was lucky enough to get in the air with a great new coach over at Skydive Tecumseh in Michigan. After walking through the skydive on the ground, Jeromy and I were able to execute the jump at 14,000. Twice.
Watching this video for the first time I felt so proud that I was able to adjust my fall rate so easily. Who knew I could arch like that! It’ll sure come in handy when I’m jumping in 3, 4, and 8-ways one day!
I’ve since been able to take advice that I was given on the ground that day and clean up my tracking too.
But the lesson I’ve learned lately is this: patience. Not all skydives are going to go well, and you learn best from the ones that don’t. Reflect on what happened and take away lessons from those who were in the air with you that day. Next time, fix it.
Most importantly, take your time, learn, absorb, and be safe. In this sport, you’re always a student – whether you have 5 jumps or 500 – so it’s important to always keep learning. Besides, isn’t that half the fun of it, anyway?
Blue Skies!
Ashley
Weekend happenings
All week I’ve been nervously watching the weather forecasts, hoping the rain would let up just in time for some Friday afternoon jumps. It looks like my wish came true!
Today I’ll be using some of my vacation time to head down to Canton Air Sports and take advantage of the Caravan they are flying.
Saturday in Cleveland looks pretty miserable, but Sunday might be a perfect day for a couple hop & pops that I need for my license.
As always, if you’re in NE Ohio, come jump with me! If not, here are some fun skydiving activities happening this weekend.
- 7/24 – 8/2; Skydive Chicago‘s Summerfest Boogie – They have it all. RW 100 ways, Freefly 100 way record attempts, Bigway Birdman, Great Night Life. Don’t miss out!
- 7/25-7/26; London Parachute School – Come on out on Saturday for BBQ and Beer. Then jumps on Sunday!
- Of course, I can’t recommend Skydive Tecumseh highly enough if you’re in Michigan, or Skydive Miami if you’re in Florida.
Where ever you end up -
Blue Skies!
Ashley
Stepping down
Last week I mentioned on Twitter that I’m stepping down my canopy size. As an AFF student I was jumping a 260, but as a 120 pound person that’s become too large. I’m in the air too long for my liking.
The dilemma I was running into was that the next size down at my home DZ is a 190. Upon Tweeting this, I was overwhelmed with the responses concerned for my safety.
Thanks y’all. Talk about making a newbie feel cared about! I’m all about the love.
Luckily, my presence was requested back home in Michigan this weekend, and I was able to jump at Skydive Tecumseh where the variety of student rigs was much greater.
I was able to get in a couple good jumps on smaller canopies and ended on a Pilot 210 that I loved! I’ll definitely be looking to get a Pilot when my budget allows for the purchase of my own rig. Anyone know of a 170 that’ll be going on the market this year?
This weekend I’ll be back at Canton Air Sports in Alliance, OH, jumping with some of my favorites. Fingers crossed that they have something in a comparable size. I really don’t want to jump that 290 like last time.
Oh, but wait. Just when you thought I was wrapping up. I want to back up to my time at Skydive Tecumseh. What kind of blogger would I be if I didn’t give my two cents on this DZ?
This was my 4th drop zone (Skydive Miami, Cleveland Parachute, Canton Air Sports and now Skydive Tecumseh). Other than the fact that it’s incredibly convenient when I’m headed home to see my family, it’s a great little community in itself.
In the day that I spent there, we had a few weather holds that allowed me to meet some great skydivers – and new friends. I also had the pleasure of being the very first student of a new coach on the scene.
Jeromy (check him out over at SkydiveBlog.com) did a great job and any student would be lucky to have him. He really helped me with my docking and tracking. I can’t wait to show off my new skills this weekend!
On top of all that, the DZ is really organized. And they fly an Otter full time to 14,000 feet! Can’t beat that kind of altitude.
Needless to say, I’ll be heading back there every time I’m in Michigan.
Blue Skies!
Ashley