Anyone ever gone skydiving?

[Smartazz]

I used to go cliff diving, that was fun for a while. I'm considering going skydiving, it isn't really that dangerous. How do I find a place to participate in this activity, and for those of you who have done it, did you enjoy it? Would you do it again? Thanks.

 

[Vegitto]

No, but I'd love to .

 

[Smartazz]

Originally posted by: Vegitto
No, but I'd love to .

I wonder how expensive it is though. As long as it isn't outragous it's ok.

 

[GagHalfrunt]

Have done it, won't do it more.

It's fun and it's a right of passage. Everyone should stand in the doorway of an airplane and face the "jump or wuss out" decision at least once. It builds character. After that though, I found that it was not worth the expense. Once you've conquered the fear of jumping it's not nearly as exciting. And it gets expensive in a big hurry. Figure $125-$200 for your first jump depending on the method used and maybe $50-$75 for each successive jump. That's a pretty big price for a ride that only lasts a few minutes.

 

[Smartazz]

Originally posted by: GagHalfrunt
Have done it, won't do it more.

It's fun and it's a right of passage. Everyone should stand in the doorway of an airplane and face the "jump or wuss out" decision at least once. It builds character. After that though, I found that it was not worth the expense. Once you've conquered the fear of jumping it's not nearly as exciting. And it gets expensive in a big hurry. Figure $125-$200 for your first jump depending on the method used and maybe $50-$75 for each successive jump. That's a pretty big price for a ride that only lasts a few minutes.

I guess I should try it once then see if I really like it. This is nothing like a roller coaster right?

 

[Slew Foot]

For your first few jumps, arent you supposed to be strapped to someone else?

 

[Smartazz]

Originally posted by: Slew Foot
For your first few jumps, arent you supposed to be strapped to someone else?

I don't think you have to, but it's recommended.

 

[GagHalfrunt]

Originally posted by: Slew Foot
For your first few jumps, arent you supposed to be strapped to someone else?

There are two ways to start: Static Line and AFF. In static line you're tethered to the plane. You jump and when you reach the end of the line the chute is pulled by the tether. In AFF you're tied to an instructor and HE pulls the ripcord. AFF is more expensive, but you can move on to solo quicker and you get more freefall time. Static line is cheaper and you need more jumps to be able to solo without the thether. You also get very little freefall as the line is short. But you DO have to jump out of the plane yourself. In AFF the instructor sort of drags you along, it takes more guts to do it solo.

 

[imported_Zeke]

loved it

 

[Vegitto]

Meh. I'd feel safer strapped to someone who actually KNEW what they were doing . I like my legs.

 

[Smartazz]

Originally posted by: GagHalfrunt

Originally posted by: Slew Foot
For your first few jumps, arent you supposed to be strapped to someone else?

There are two ways to start: Static Line and AFF. In static line you're tethered to the plane. You jump and when you reach the end of the line the chute is pulled by the tether. In AFF you're tied to an instructor and HE pulls the ripcord. AFF is more expensive, but you can move on to solo quicker and you get more freefall time. Static line is cheaper and you need more jumps to be able to solo without the thether. You also get very little freefall as the line is short. But you DO have to jump out of the plane yourself. In AFF the instructor sort of drags you along, it takes more guts to do it solo.

How many times do you need to jump with an instructor?

 

[GagHalfrunt]

Originally posted by: Smartazz

Originally posted by: GagHalfrunt

Originally posted by: Slew Foot
For your first few jumps, arent you supposed to be strapped to someone else?

There are two ways to start: Static Line and AFF. In static line you're tethered to the plane. You jump and when you reach the end of the line the chute is pulled by the tether. In AFF you're tied to an instructor and HE pulls the ripcord. AFF is more expensive, but you can move on to solo quicker and you get more freefall time. Static line is cheaper and you need more jumps to be able to solo without the thether. You also get very little freefall as the line is short. But you DO have to jump out of the plane yourself. In AFF the instructor sort of drags you along, it takes more guts to do it solo.

How many times do you need to jump with an instructor?

There are 8 levels where you're going to learn different things. You need to pass all 8 levels to be able to jump without an instructor. You can pass levels in as little as one jump, but it make take longer if the instructor feels you have not learned the lessons of that level and need to redo it before moving on.

 

[adairusmc]

I have been to jump school, so yeah.

 

[flashbacck]

yes. do it. I would ask your local friends to see if they have done it and recommend a nearby location. If you can't find anything that way, there's always google or the yellow pages.

It can be pretty pricey, but then again how else will you get the same experience?

 

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: Vegitto
Meh. I'd feel safer strapped to someone who actually KNEW what they were doing . I like my life.

Fixed.

 

[Smartazz]

Originally posted by: flashbacck
yes. do it. I would ask your local friends to see if they have done it and recommend a nearby location. If you can't find anything that way, there's always google or the yellow pages.

It can be pretty pricey, but then again how else will you get the same experience?

Well how often do most jumpers jump?

 

[SoulAssassin]

800-SKYDIVE will get you to a local jump zone...done it twice and f'n loved it.

 

[Superwormy]

I did it once, strapped to one of their dudes, it was *AWESOME*

But expensive. It was $180. Usually if you can get a big group of people (like 6 or more) they'll give you a discount if you all go together.

 

[RaynorWolfcastle]

I've done it once, I'd do it again and get certified if it wasn't so bloody expensive.

 

[trmiv]

I did a tandem dive in New Zealand, I loved it! I would totally do it again.

 

[BoomerD]

Originally posted by: adairusmc
I have been to jump school, so yeah.

Me too...1970...parachutes have improved a lot since then...
I jumped a couple times after getting out of the Corps, but have never used the new style of chutes....they LOOK like a fvcking blast...MUCH more manueverable than the old round chutes used back in my day...

 

[Smartazz]

Originally posted by: GagHalfrunt
Have done it, won't do it more.

It's fun and it's a right of passage. Everyone should stand in the doorway of an airplane and face the "jump or wuss out" decision at least once. It builds character. After that though, I found that it was not worth the expense. Once you've conquered the fear of jumping it's not nearly as exciting. And it gets expensive in a big hurry. Figure $125-$200 for your first jump depending on the method used and maybe $50-$75 for each successive jump. That's a pretty big price for a ride that only lasts a few minutes.

It's a one of a kind thrill though.

 

[MrsBugi]

I hated it, but my husband loved it.

 

[Smartazz]

I found a site that sounds pretty reliable.
Text
Apparently once you're certified it gets a lot cheaper, but that requires at least 20 jumps and other things. Sounds like a lot of fun, I need to organize a big group to come, it'll be sick.

 

[Smartazz]

Oh yeah, I'm afraid of heights, I guess it'll make it more fun if I gather the courage to do it.