First jump opinions (new thread)

skydvr18 · August 2nd, 2001, 04:11 PM

Okay folks, I figured I'd start a new thread. Here is my original question:

I'm just a wannabe, and I was supposed to do ground crew for a couple of local jumpers yesterday, but one of the guys couldn't make it. So the other jumper asked if I wanted to go make the jump. Well, it got dark, so we didn't jump. They originally told me they'd take me on a jump after I ground crewed for a few jumps. But now they're talking about taking me on this jump this evening, if everything works out. It's an A, pretty decent height (maybe 1000'??), but they were talking about going from lower (600-700'). The landing area is great...no obstacles, completely open, level. It's in a very secluded place...no rushing.

As for me, I have 253 skydives, no base jumps. I have made one balloon jump with a stable exit. My accuracy skills are quite sharp. I feel like I have a level head, and I want to BASE jump for one reason...the fun of it. I do own my own gear...Odyssey (velcro) and Fox 225 w/ 42" pc. I've been researching BASE for quite some time, and I've been talking with the locals for a while. I was going to wait until Bridge Day, but they say they'll take me on one before then. Everyone says BD is the best place to do your first jump, but if you've had training, you're jumping from a fairly decent height (although not the best object, from what I've read on here), jumping safe gear, and jumping with experienced BASE jumpers, does it seem totally bizaare? I'm sure it's a "better" idea to wait unitl BD, but just throw some opinions at me...really bad idea, reconsider, seems safe, go for it...I'd just feel better with more than three opinions.

Update...winds were too strong to jump today. But now they're saying ground crew for a couple of jumps on this antenna, then they'll take me up. And Tom, one guy has around 100 BASE jumps, the other has 70-80?? BASE jumps. They've trained two other people that I know of and taken them on their first few jumps. And I would say that I'd trust them with my life...I skydive with them, so I've trusted them in that aspect. I know that a lot more trust is needed here, but I feel I can give them that.

Let me also add, after reading some previous posts, that I do not want to BASE jump to pick up chicks or to be cool. I simply want to live life to its fullest, and for me, that includes having as much fun as possible. For me, fun comes from adventure. And BASE jumping looks like about as much fun as a person could have. So thanks to all who have posted.

Blue Skies,
Josh

guest · August 2nd, 2001, 07:07 PM

I see three questions here.

1) Is this object (call it a 700' antenna) safe for a first jump?

This is a pretty tough question. When in doubt, I generally fall back on the "spans only for first jumps" rule. However, many jumpers have made their first jumps from other objects. Of the other three types of objects, I'd rate antennas as the most "beginner friendly." With appropriate wind, a big antenna can be as unstrikeable as a bridge.

So, if the wind is fairly strong at opening altitude, and blowing away from the object (for a better analysis see Yuri's post on antennas in wind), you will probably be ok.

I'd still feel more comfortable with a hand held slider down deployment from a legal span with a nice safe landing area. However, absent that, this seems like a pretty good option.

The only thing I might add is that it would probably be wiser to use the full height of the object (not get off early) on your first jump, as that should get you more separation at opening. There are a lot of issues surrounding this decision, however (can you track from this height? stowed or hand held? how much wind? free standing or guyed antenna? how much setup time is needed for landing?) that can only be answered by your instructor, after he has evaluated the object and conditions relative to your canopy skills.

So, on a 1-10 scale, I give the object a 5 for beginner suitability (somebody please flame me on this, and present opposing views).

2) Are these jumpers capable and responsible teachers?

As Robin pointed out a while ago, competence in BASE does not necessarily make one a good teacher. You are looking for a competent jumper who is also a good teacher, and who you TRUST WITH YOUR LIFE.

I obviously can't evaluate this for you. There are way too many variables (will your instructor rush you? will he let you climb down? what is your personal chemistry like? will he inspire confidence at the exit? how are his BASE skills?). Here, you are definitely on your own.

I would say, however, that your instructors don't meet my personal criteria for BASE competence in terms of raw jump numbers. Just on this criteria alone, I'd have to say their maximum possible score (from 1 to 10) is probably around 6--if they are perfect in all other ways.

3) Are you ready to make your first jump?

It seems to me that you have sufficient skydiving preparation, have made the significant step of investing in your own gear, and seem to have given the matter adequate thought and research. Sounds to me like you are ready.

You will have to evaluate some things for yourself of course (how are your accuracy skills? have you ever flown a canopy in close proximity to another canopy? have you practicing launching into a pool until it's perfect?)

On this one, I'd give you around an 8, from what I know. Sounds to me like you're approaching this in a more heads up manner than most of us did.

To sum up, it sounds like this is somewhere between "sketchy" and "seems safe". I'd say that if you do decide to make the jump, you'll most likely survive and you'll probably develop into a fairly decent jumper. I'd still prefer the "perfect" option (find a mentor, then take a course from CR or BR, then come back and start jumping regular objects with your mentor). But, BASE, like life, is full of imperfections.

In the end, on your first jump, as on all the rest, you have to make the call for yourself.

--Tom Aiello
tbaiello@ucdavis.edu

A Note: I'm certain that I'm about to be flamed for rating things on my cute little 1-10 scale. Sorry, I just tend to start thinking that way when I'm trying to stay organized. I know that nothing is ever that tidy, but that's the device I use to help me think things over.

skydvr18 · August 2nd, 2001, 08:42 PM

Thanks for your response Tom. A few things...it is a guyed antenna. As far as tracking...I don't know that I could track away from it. I can track at terminal, but I don't know how I'd do in dead air. Definitely going handheld. Not sure about setup for landing. We'll have to see on that one.

As far as their capability as instructors, it's tough to say. I know they don't meet the criteria listed in the thread a while back. But, I do think they can prepare me to where it's up to ME to survive the jump. As a jumpmaster, I've got a pretty good idea about HOW to teach, so I know to ask questions, ask for specifics, and hopefully figure out if I'm getting a short lesson. I do know that I can trust these guys, they would let me climb down, etc.

I have good accuracy skills. I've made 10-15 CRW jumps. And I've never practiced exits from a diving board, just from my back porch (haven't made it to a pool yet).

Thanks again for the advice. You've been more than helpful. And I like the 1-10 scale, I get a better idea with a grading system like that. After working ground crew for a couple of jumps, I'll see about taking the plunge myself. See ya!!

Blue Skies,
Josh