skysurfeRSS

Aust. Jumpsuits Manufactures

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 02:04:54 +0000

I need a rel suit. I've had many ppls telling me to go here, go there. Good friend suggested Tony suits and so on..

Simply put, I got $400aussie to spend and I was looking a Aussie suit makers. I thought why not Aust made, closer if I need repairs or alteration. There aren't any reviews on Aussie suit makers to know good from average.
Spirit, Airsuits..etc.

I want good shape for a curvy gal, cordura on booties and bum. Arm, inner and outer leg grips, something to slow my fall rate a touch and zips on booties.

But, if Aust made isn't the way to go.. let me know. Especially from you Rel troops.

Netty

CYPRES wanted

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 06:39:56 +0000

CYPRESS WANTED WITH AT LEAST 2YRS LEFT ON IT, FANGIN TO GET BACK INTO JUMPING, HELP A BROTHER OUT

walk on air

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 02:05:26 +0000

mooooooooo, i am wondering where i could find an old documentary on oz skydiving that was written and narrated by Athol Sneddon, i think it was early 80's and mostly filmed around Elderslie....it was called "walk on air".....google search gave me nothing .....madcow

BSBD Adam b

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 23:41:39 +0000

BSBD to "Adam b" fellow skysurfer killed in the plane crash at fox glacier nz.

Aussie Big Way Records - CF in 2011, FS in 2012

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 11:39:37 +0000

Hello People's

We've had a few big years for Australian Big Ways in both canopy formation and formation skydiving!
Records are being smashed regularly. Our vertical brothers and sisters have been in on the act too!

Well, the trend is set to continue and WE WANT YOU to be a part of future records!

Plans are under way with no specific details yet. But we are trying to gauge interest and get people thinking about their commitments to these future records. Hence:

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

CANOPY FORMATION - CF or CRW

2007 - Aussie Record 25 Way
2007 - World Record 100 Way
2009 - Aussie Record 26 Way
2009 - Aussie Record 36 Way
2011 - Aussie Record ?? Way - rumour has it that the next step is big - a 50 WAY in late 2011.

Join our Facebook site for updates or just to support the event at:
Aussie CRW - CF Record Facebook Supporters Site

All event information will be posted to the following site in the near future:
Aussie CRW - CF Record Official Website - 36 Way Info Now - To Be Updated

www.canopyformation.org

ASM article for 36 Way Record

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

FORMATION SKYDIVING - FS or RW

1999 - Aussie Record 81 Way
2006 - World Record 400 Way
2010 - Aussie Record 105 Way
2010 - Aussie Record 109 Way
2010 - Aussie Record 112 Way
2012 - Aussie Record ?? Way - rumour has it that the next step is up to a 150 WAY in mid 2012. 30th May to June 12th at Perris.

Join our Facebook site for updates or just to support the event at:
Aussie Big Way Formation Skydiving Record Facebook Supporters Site

All event information will be posted to the following in the near future - expressions of interest information is on the front page now:
Aussie Big Way Formation Skydiving Record Official Website - To Be Updated

www.Aussie100Way.com

ASM article for 112 Way Record

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Now - it is possible for any parachutist of any experience to get on these records. The coaching is world class - in both disciplines we are using the people that have planned and coached the world records to assist with our Australian records. In both disciplines their is a structured system to teach people the skills required to be competant enough to get on the big ways in a relatively short period of time. People with less than 200 jumps are getting on the record. So not matter what your experience, if you are interested, get involved.

Remember, to get on the records, you have to perform and do your job. If you follow what our coaches tell you, you have a very strong chance of getting onto the records. If you don't, you will miss out.

The worst case scenario is that you will leave these camps with greater skills and experiences to set you up for a bigger future in skydiving.

So express your interest, commit, cough up the dough, and come join us. Go to the links above for contacts and more info.

Blue Skies

Tom Begic

Feel free to feedback any info to me or the organisers about these events.

FOR SALE : crossfire 2, size 135 sq feet

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 06:16:15 +0000

FOR SALE

canopy crossfire 2
size 135 sq feet
about 1000 jumps
line set about 100 jumps
PRICE 1200 NZ dollars + shipping
paypal payment

working at TTS in taupo NZ. canopy has always been packed inside, never been wet, good condition

Complete (Beginners) Rig & lots of gear

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 01:53:48 +0000

Selling all my gear due to lack of use to fund other hobbies.

The rig has a Sabre2 150 in it, but can easily take a 170 canopy.
I bought this setup nearly new, put the 150 in the cupboard and jumped a Sabre2 170 for a while.
http://www.unitedparachutetechnologies.com/PDF/CHART_00037___Rig_Sizing_Chart_11_28_58(1).pdf

I'm 6'2" and have ranged from 70-80kg and it's a perfect fit.
The guy I bought it off, had it custom made and described as 5'9" and 'medium build'.

Container: UPT Vector 3 M-Series - V348
- Fully optioned
- Freefly Friendly
- DOM: August 2004
- Jumps: 275

Main: Sabre2 - 150
- Fully awesome
- DOM: March 2007
- Jumps: 85

Reserve: PD 160
- DOM: March 2004
- Rides: 1

AAD: Cypress 2 - Expert
- DOM: September 2004

Also have;

1x Barigo Altimeter
1x Neptune Wave Audible Altimeter
2x Hook Knives
1x Clear googles
1x Tinted googles

Complete camera setup:
Cookie MXV Helmet (Size XXL),
Chincup & Cutaway
Cookie TG1 Blackbox
Liquid 5 wide angle lens & Hoya UV Filter
Hypeye D Pro
Liquid Flatlock
Tongue Switch (unused)
Completely assembled by Cookie.

Sony TG1
Leather case
Battery pack with 2 batteries.
4gig Memory card

The helmet is spotless.
The closest thing the setup has to signs of use is
- A slight rubbing on the edge of the Cookie sticker.
- A few marks on the TG1 case and TG1 where it slides into the box.

$6,000 ono.

Freefly pants

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 23:25:21 +0000

Hey all. Now that it is starting to warm up I'm in the market for some freefly pants. Anyone got some that are a size 36 waist sitting in their cupbaord??

Skydive Plane Crash in NZ; 9 fatalities

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 03:29:48 +0000

This may be bad news if confirmed

Nine people have died in a plane crash on the West Coast this afternoon.

Emergency services were at the scene of the crash, which happened shortly before 1.30pm near the Fox Glacier airstrip.

St John Ambulance spokesman Ian Henderson said nine people were understood to have died in the crash, which was initially reported as having killed three people.

Police say the dead are the plane's pilot and eight passengers.

No-one was taken by ambulance to hospital.

People from the township report seeing a plume of smoke rising into the sky from the local airstrip. Some reports say the plane burst into flames after take-off.

Locals believe it may have been a sky diving flight.

Senior Sergeant Allyson Ealam of Greymouth police earlier told nzherald.co.nz that police were responding to reports of a Fletcher fixed-wing aircraft going down in the Fox Glacier area.

Night jumps

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:22:47 +0000

Just curious about night jumps and where the best spot to do them are? By best spot I mean best landing area and competent tutors. I'm a hair away from my C license and the idea of some night jumps sounds wicked. Anyone want to share their first experiences??

Another Boring Day Flying an F16

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:53:53 +0000

Any Jumpers here fly F/A 18 for a living?
http://www.thepdblog.com/pdblog/2010/09/another-boring-day-flying-an-f16-not.html

Wanted: Spectre 170

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:22:03 +0000

Looking for a used Spectre 170 in good nick.

Can get a brand new one for ~$1800 USD so looking for a good deal!

Please get in touch if you can help!

Cheers!

Redbull Go Low

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:42:54 +0000

These Redbull dudes go real low. What height do people reckon the camera dude is pitching? Would they be jumping base rigs?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEx4IL8gvuo

WIN News Thursday 2nd September 6.30pm

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:55:31 +0000

Wollongong local skydiving superstars will be on WIN News tonight at 6.30pm for anyone interested who lives in the wollongong/south coast maybe even canberra area

Purchasing First Rig

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:58:11 +0000

So I have now qualified for A licence just need to get my photo and send in the form to make it official. I only have 24 jumps under my belt and 15 of those were a part of the AFF Package that I purchased but I have found already that I am sick of paying gear hire. Because of this my jumps are double the price as I have to purchase a jump ticket and gear hire. Already this annoys me as I am a very particular person and like having my own things and would like to jump more rather than pay for old tired equipment so I am now looking at purchasing my own gear and just looking for tips from people who have already been down this road and trying to get info as to avoid things people have done that they would or would not recommend. Just to be up front I cannot afford a brand new rig which is why this not an option I have put below.

My couple of thought processes at the moment are that I am looking at either:

1 – Going to buy a complete rig 2^nd hand.

Pros: This is the cheapest option of the 2 (depending on the exact rig I choose, ie. I don’t just buy a 2^nd hand rig with 20 jumps on it for $7000). I get everything all in one go and given that cypress is in date and only need reserve repack and inspection I can jump straight away which then equals less time waiting and spending less on gear hire. Possibility of being able to purchase gear with alti and or helmet as someone leaving sport and selling as package.

Cons: Rig was never made for me so will not fit perfectly. Having to resell due to not ideal for me and spending more time and possibly money trying to sell and re buy new gear. Finding the right gear. Have already been searching around and have found some ok. Also found some good options on DZ.com but am sceptical with purchasing of a person in other country and not from company(don’t want to get shafted).

2 – Purchase a new container and then 2^nd hand everything else.

Pros: Container is specifically made to fit me. I can choose and design all colours and details of this to suit me. Will be able to keep same container when downsizing from the 190 I plan to get to 170 and possibly 150 depending on type of canopy (not sure if possible for 150 as I have read that this can be done but this was read online and you can’t trust everything you read on the interwebs). I don’t plan on downsizing much at all as I am 6ft 3 and about 95kgs so I am happy on my larger canopies as my wing loading goes up quickly as canopy goes down, so I figure I can get quite a bit of use out of brand new container.

Cons: New container will take time approx 2 months to be delivered and will still be paying gear hire in the mean time . Run the risk of not being able to get other canopies and AAD in time and have perfectly good container sitting there not being used and still purchasing gear hire (from a quick chat to rigger at my DZ he thinks this size canopy should be relatively easy to get 190 canopies and AAD). Run the chance of everything going over budget ($5500 - $6500 but wanted to keep some for jumpsuit, cheap alti and few jump tickets to break in new rig and start couple of BRELS, yes I do realise this is trying to stretch it a bit far) and being left with partially completed rig and no more money to complete.

Sorry to bore you with a full page like this but this is what I have in my head and I cannot decide between the two. If anyone who has been down this lane before purchasing their first set up has any tips, advice or even a different way to go about it please feel free to contribute. Also anyone selling or seen any suitable gear please let me know. I am still very new to the sport so any advice in this department will be great.

Blue Skies

Mickymillions

P.S. Don’t let the screen name fool you I am not a millionaire and anyone who would like to assist the “Get my ass in some new gear” fund please feel free to make donations by emailing me

Tandem passenger freaks out

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:20:11 +0000

Not sure if this is the right section to post this.
During strong winds the other day one of the TM with a million jumps was telling us a story of a AFF student that failed his exam badly and ended up doing a TAF (I think its basically a tandem where u go through the drills like an aff 1 jump) with him. It was a freezing cold morning and in the plane this guy was sweating like michael jackson at a wiggles concert. When the door goes up he yells out that he cant do the taf jump so TM tells him to cross his arms and just have fun and dont worry about doing any drills. They only got 8k in height and as soon as they go he goes stiff as a board with arms and legs straight out in front of him and they go into a drouge down spin. TM says they ate up height very quickly as he tried to get this guys arms and legs in to try and straighten him out and stop the spin. No luck as they get lower TM thinks he is going to kill both of them so he gives him the 4 biggest punches into the middle of his nose that the old fella could muster. Said nose then begins to spew out blood and passenger brings his arms in to hold his nose as TM pulls his legs in and stops the spin enough to deploy main and all is okay. Passenger asks why he punched him and TM tells him he just saved his life and he should be thanking him.
Gotta say i laughed hard upon hearing the story. I suppose i never thought a tandem passenger would get punched by the TM but in a life and death situation it was the only option to save them both.
Anyone else got any stories about when things dont go as planned in tandem / aff jumps?
Are there any other options in such a situation?

The official Happy Birthday Eiley thread

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:18:05 +0000

I'll start.

Happy birthday, o moderator of awsm skills.
Have a great day!

Katana120

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:43:26 +0000

Got a Katana120 for sale. Got it in norway now, but will bring it down under during nox if someone wants it. 450 jumps on it. 150 on the lines. 1000aus dallars. Anyone? Hi five and happy times

International Competitor Eligiblity Requirements

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:50:59 +0000

So Im filling out my registration for the US CP nats. Does the APF have a 2 year rule for competing at an international event even though Im in intermediate(advanced)? If so I will compete as a guest here but that will rule me out of possible medal contention.

I hope that makes sense to someone that understands what Im getting at.

PS rego closes in like 5 hours so Im out on a limb here!

Go Pro $250 US + shipping

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:41:01 +0000

From DZ.com:

http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/detail_page.cgi?ID=98268&d=1

Selling the Helmet Hero for $250 USD + shipping. I asked if he would ship to Australia and he said if i bought two or more. Anyone interested? The current price in Aus is $360ish i think..

20,000ft loads

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 06:40:55 +0000

20,000ft loads at NZSkydive planned for the 16th of October $120 NZD which includes 2 slots in the aircraft plus oxygen. High Altitude courses must be complete prior to this date as there will be none run on the day. NZSA or NZPIA high altitude completed exams will be recognised.

Courses and exam will be run on Friday night the 15th of October.

Wanted: Sabre 2 / Saffire 2 / Pilot 150

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:13:40 +0000

Looking for a 150 with less than 400 jumps on it.

Willing to spend up to $1400 AUD on it depending on jump numbers of the canopy. I have a sabre 1 170 that i'm happy to organize some sort of deal with if that tickles your fancy.

Also looking for a cookie helmet: http://skysurfer.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=8431

Blue ones!

POPS Weekend New Zealand

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:22:25 +0000

Time to be shown how it's done!! Mercer New Zealand will open its gates for the New Zealand Parachutists Over Phorty Society (POPS). Dust off your old equipment, get it in for a reserve check and come out and join us at Mercer for the time of your life. http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=143365652365678

Skydiving your socks off will be on the books, with loads of fun and frolics. Bar-B-Q organised on the Saturday night, to catch up on the years gone by and to learn how hard it used to be but, how it was all for the fun of the sport. The Pilatus Porter will be there of course to drop you at altitude $40 to 12 -14,000ft or $45 to 16,000ft. Block tickets can be purchased for the cheaper option. http://www.nzskydive.co.nz/auckland/index2.html

For those who wish to come out and play you will need to be a New Zealand Skydiving Association (NZSA) member. Temporary membership is just $10 which can be obtained at NZSA website: http://www.nzsa.org/

For those who are travelling from far and wide, accommodation can be either found at the DZ (bookings in advance advised) or at a few Motels around the area.

http://www.nzskydive.co.nz/auckland/links/facilities.html
http://www.mercermotel.co.nz/accommodation.htm
http://www.pokenomotel.co.nz/

See you there!!

Canopy Coaching Weekend New Zealand

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:17:14 +0000

World Class Canopy Coaches Michael Vaughan and Robert McMillan are coming to Mercer New Zealand. Put it in your diaries 30th & 31st of October Mercer will come alive with non stop canopy coaching.

A maximum of 20 people per day can be taken for this rare opportunity in New Zealand, where 2 coaches are coming to coach a massive weekend for intermediate and experienced canopy pilots. The Pilatus Porter will be there plus for hop n pops either the C-182 or the C-185 will be there to drop you www.nzskydive.co.nz

Registration is required by email to confirm your commitment: coachingweekend@yahoo.co.nz A fee of just $100 NZD PP is required (this is for the coaching fees, flights, coaches accommodation and bar-b-q on the Saturday night). Spaces are limited and filling fast so get in before its too late. http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=150940751583101

If spaces are filled and there is interest from others, we will do our best to organise another canopy coach. A swooping lane will be set up in the main landing area. By emailing the above address you will be given a detailed list of what you can expect on the weekend.

See you there

Low Opening

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:21:54 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAMHea_Rz3c

Wingsuit video - after some feedback please

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:08:57 +0000

Unfortunately our dz doesn't have many regular experienced wingsuiters and i havn't had a chance to get some feedback from an experienced flyer on my flying and body position. I would appreciate if i could get some feedback on what i am doing right and wrong. I am flying a mach one, I am 5'11 and 200 pounds. I have around 30 total wingsuit jumps and feel like i am not really getting the time in the air nor the forward distance that i thought i would have. I understand that most of the really good flyers that are getting great times and distances probably have many hundreds of flights and i am only a newbie and still learning. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks people. Many thanks to Adrian for the great footage.

cresco at elderslie

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:45:14 +0000

for those of you out there who dont get the skarsy emails

"Hold onto your helmets boys and girls!!!
Elderslie has just come on line with a turbine aircraft!!! Operations out of our
new turbine (Cresco) will commence this weekend September 4th.
14,000 ft guaranteed, no holds.
Leap onto spring and come up and enjoy the legendary Elderslie hospitality and
great skydives.
Further info from Kath Oats Club Secretary 0417687818 kathrynoats@yahoo.com"

is anyone else as pumped about this as i am?

Karina Hollekim, a short doco.

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:45:11 +0000

Recently sent this link, some here may know her.

20 seconds of joy

Quote

Three things are certain about base jumping. You will break your bones. You will watch your friends die. And - if you do it long enough - it will eventually kill you. In this heady, testosterone-packed environment, adrenaline junkie Karina Hollekim is regarded as one of the best of the best. We follow Karina for several years as she hurls herself off increasingly treacherous cliffs in search of the ultimate high. What compels someone to risk their life on a regular basis in this way? Is base jumping a way of 'living life to the full' or simply running away from your demons? And - when tragedy strikes - will the rush have proved worth the price?

Watch thif for close

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:47:43 +0000

Aussie in Swiss canopy crash?

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 23:02:11 +0000

There a post on Dropzone.com saying an Aussie was seriously hurt at a Swiss boogie, any one know anything?

So I just bought a mac....

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 22:38:14 +0000

Ok so I just bought a macbook pro i5, being completely mac illiterate, can anyone recommend good programs to check out?

Nasty wingsuit jump

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 12:13:42 +0000

Nasty wingsuit jump while in NZ. Helmet come off upon reserve opening. Bad exit induced rotations which got too fast for me to stop.

Wanted - First Rig

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 09:20:03 +0000

Hi all,

Looking for my first rig-

I,m 88kgs give or take depending on how much Ive been drinking, and 181cm medium build.

Instructors advice is something with a 180 or 190 main.Reserve 160+.

Cypres AAD (Hope that doesnt start a riot on which AAD is best ) or No AAD is cool too.

I live in Brisbane and can be contacted here or 0439660909 and bryan@dustt.com.au.

Cheers. Bryan

see more topics?

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 08:52:38 +0000

I notice that under the status updates you can choose to "see more updates" yet under the recent topics you aren't able to see more recent topics. If I'm away for a few days I have to troll through the whole site to see the topics I missed. this in itself isn't so bad, I could troll all day, but It would be easier for all involved if we could just look at a few days worth of new topics on the main forums page.

just a suggestion for the IT boffins...

Stall on jump run in an Islander

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 05:56:43 +0000

WTB: Cookie Ozone or ROK

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 01:47:31 +0000

After a Large cookie Ozone or ROK. With a chin cup would be even better but can settle for it without.

I have a Medium (same as large cookie size) Bonehead Gunner. Am willing to make some sort of trade if possible.

Anyone got something out there?
Cheers

katana 135

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 11:35:26 +0000

Katana 135, royal blue with two white cells at one end.
250 jumps, $1700, PM me for more details.
canopy is located in melbourne

Icarus VX84 ,for sale $780

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 04:59:37 +0000

Icarus Extreme VX84,
900 jumps ,about 50 jumps since a new set of HMA lines were fitted .
Line set is in JVX trim.
Good condition,No rips or marks.
$780.
Ph: 0418774119
email antvx84@hotmail.com

So What's It Like To fly In A Jet Fighter?

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:12:22 +0000

I just gotta pass this on.

What's it like to ride in a jet fighter???
Below is an article written a few years ago now by Rick Reilly of Sports Illustrated...
He details his experiences when given the opportunity to fly in a
F-14 Tomcat.. If you aren't laughing out loud by the time you get
To 'Milk Duds' , your sense of humor is seriously broken.

This message is for America 's most famous athletes:

Someday you may be invited to fly in the back-seat of one of your country's
Most powerful fighter jets. Many of you already have. John Elway,
John Stockton, Tiger Woods to name a few. If you get this opportunity,
Let me urge you, with the greatest sincerity.... Move to Guam .

Change your name.

Fake your own death!

Whatever you do.

Do Not Go!!!

I know.

The U.S. Navy invited me to try it. I was thrilled. I was pumped.
I was toast! I should've known when they told me my pilot would
Be Chip (Biff) King of Fighter Squadron 213 at Naval Air Station
Oceana in Virginia Beach ..

Whatever you're thinking a Top Gun named Chip (Biff) King looks
Like, triple it. He's about six-foot, tan, ice-blue eyes, wavy surfer hair,
Finger-crippling handshake the kind of man who wrestles
Dyspeptic alligators in his leisure time. If you see this man, run the
Other way. Fast.

Biff King was born to fly. His father, Jack King, was for years the
Voice of NASA missions. ('T-minus 15 seconds and counting'. Remember?)
Chip would charge neighborhood kids a quarter each to hear his dad.
Jack would wake up from naps surrounded by nine-year-olds waiting
For him to say, 'We have liftoff'.

Biff was to fly me in an F- 14D Tomcat, a ridiculously powerful $60 million
Weapon with nearly as much thrust as weight, not unlike Colin Montgomerie.
I was worried about getting airsick, so the night before the flight I asked
Biff if there was something I should eat the next morning.

'Bananas,' he said.

'For the potassium?' I asked.

'No,' Biff said, 'because they taste about the same coming up
As they do going down.'

The next morning, out on the tarmac, I had on my flight suit with my name
Sewn over the left breast. (No call sign like Crash or Sticky or Leadfoot.
But, still, very cool.) I carried my helmet in the crook of my arm, as Biff had
Instructed. If ever in my life I had a chance to nail Nicole Kidman, this was it.

A fighter pilot named Psycho gave me a safety briefing and then fastened
Me into my ejection seat, which, when employed, would 'egress' me out
Of the plane at such a velocity that I would be immediately knocked
Unconscious.

Just as I was thinking about aborting the flight, the canopy closed over me,
And Biff gave the ground crew a thumbs-up In minutes we were firing nose
Up at 600 mph. We leveled out and then canopy-rolled over another F-14.

Those 20 minutes were the rush of my life. Unfortunately, the ride lasted 80.
It was like being on the roller coaster at Six Flags Over Hell. Only without rails.
We did barrel rolls, snap rolls, loops, yanks and banks. We dived, rose and
Dived again, sometimes with a vertical velocity of 10,000 feet per minute.
We chased another F-14, and it chased us.

We broke the speed of sound. Sea was sky and sky was sea. Flying at
200 feet we did 90-degree turns at 550 mph, creating a G force of 6.5,
Which is to say I felt as if 6.5 times my body weight was smashing
Against me, thereby approximating life as Mrs.. Colin Montgomerie.

And I egressed the bananas.

And I egressed the pizza from the night before.

And the lunch before that.

I egressed a box of Milk Duds from the sixth grade.

I made Linda Blair look polite. Because of the G's, I was egressing
Stuff that never thought would be egressed.

I went through not one airsick bag, but two.

Biff said I passed out. Twice.. I was coated in sweat. At one point,
As we were coming in upside down in a banked curve on a mock
Bombing target and the G's were flattening me like a tortilla and I
Was in and out of consciousness, I realized I was the first person
In history to throw down.

I used to know 'cool'. Cool was Elway throwing a touchdown pass,
Or Norman making a five-iron bite.. But now I really know 'cool'.
Cool is guys like Biff, men with cast-iron stomachs and freon nerves.
I wouldn't go up there again for Derek Jeter's black book, but I'm
glad Biff does every day, and for less a year than a rookie reliever
makes in a home stand.

A week later, when the spins finally stopped, Biff called. He said
he and the fighters had the perfect call sign for me. Said he'd
send it on a patch for my flight suit.

What is it? I asked.

'Two Bags.'

Thursday Night Wind Up

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 07:15:05 +0000

Best thursday night ever.

Out door wind tunnel Opens tomorrow

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 06:14:48 +0000

Australia's first wind tunnel opens tomorrow in Port Macquarie

Was told it would be approx $15 per minute for 1 hour blocks (will get a call back to confirm this)

We have a tunnel

http://www.extremevelocity.com.au Clicky
Phone: David Bartush 0447 359 669 (0447 FLY NOW) BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL
Email: enquiry@extremevelocity.com.au

South Queensland State meet

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 03:06:42 +0000

Toogoolawah 18-19 September

state.pdf (439.87K)
: 18

"The Aerodynamics and Piloting of High Performance Ram-Air Parachutes"

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 02:51:54 +0000

Rough Draft 1
Jerry Sobieski
May 13, 1994

This is a foundation document, and referred to everywhere... the server(s) where it has usually been mirrored are offline, so we'll keep a copy here for posterity.

http://skysurfer.com.au/hosted/highperf.pdf

new deepseed swoop pants

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 02:21:24 +0000

brand new pair of deepseed swoop pants in perfect condition. only 1 jump on pants, got given another pair so dont need these ones. im 6'2 and 87kg can go up or down a lil bit. rds pocket, inner liner, full cordura leg. contact me for more info

$225

US incident 22/8/10

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 23:29:01 +0000

Was just reading this unfortunate fatality story on DZ.com. I've selectively quoted some of the forum posts below.

http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?do=post_view_flat;post=3931540;page=1;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;mh=25;

Short story: jumper impacted due to no pull on a 3 way, apparently nobody realised until his family reporting him missing the next day.

Just posting because I didn't quite realise how easy it would be for this to happen (if manifest weren't chasing everyone up) until I read this. As a new jumper you get used to that feeling of not seeing someone after you jump, when you've landed ages away on your huge canopy whilst someone you've jumped with has maybe deployed lower, spiralled down under a faster canopy, landed right next to the packing area and disappeared.

One post:

"No one saw Bob impact, and no-one reported him missing until the next day. Where he fell was at the start of a long jump run that would have had a very difficult line of sight from the hangar.

Bob would come out on a weekend with a couple of rigs, do a couple of solo jumps, put his unpacked rigs in the car and go home. That was his SOP for years. He didn't hang out much, and he kept very much to himself. He was the sort of pleasant older recreational jumper that you see at a lot of drop zones.

The three way he did was literally put together in the plane with two other low time jumpers, neither of whom it would probably occur to check with him after landing. They are both understandably very shook up by the whole thing, but I suspect it has proved a very valuable lesson for them."

another post:

"The three jumpers on this particular skydive did not know each other well (They introduced themselves at the loading area). As Gareth said the skydive was put together while loading the plane. One jumper was relatively new with only 18 jumps and the other had less than 100 jumps."
County supervisor now calling for reform to the industry:

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/east_bay&id=7631363

*For sale... Cookie helmet used, OPTIMA, alti

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:50:44 +0000

Cookie camera helmet with chin cup (carbon fiber )$150 ono
Optima$150 ono
Saphire Alti $100

Jav Odessey and reserve for sale

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 02:33:47 +0000

for sale,

Javelin manufactured March 2002,

excellent condition, Slim Profile
black with green and puprle stripes on main canopy flap,
All stainless steel housing, made to fit a person 5ft6in or bigger (approx) see photo attached.
With PD reserve 126sq ft, already packed in it, excellent condition.
comes with new pilot chute and slinks.
Has 1 green and purple puds for handles.
$2000 ono. contact me Evan on 0401 444 916 or freeflyev@yahoo.com.au

plastic screws

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 08:26:15 +0000

Seeing as i was dumb enough to drop my helmet this weekend, and the ringsight bracket broke off.

Im looking for some plastic screws for my schumacher ringsight mount, any ideas where i can get them?

brilliant prank

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 23:46:17 +0000

duncan, oh duncan please!!!!!!!

great prank

rubik's cube raft jump

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 23:39:33 +0000

i cant even solve the damn things normally....