Round Parachutes?

imported_Tom Aiello · January 12th, 2000, 11:44 AM

Hey,

Does anybody know about rounds (and their suitability for BASE)? Sadly, I'm a young 'un, so I have exactly zero experience with rounds.

Basically, my question is this:

I have a old PD235 that I wouldn't mind dunking. Is there any reason that I'd want to jump a round instead of the square for an intentional water jump?

The only reason I can see is that if there is a big object, an offheading wouldn't be as likely to result in a strike, since a round (presumably) wouldn't drive as hard.

But what about these things:

1) Do rounds open faster/slower than squares? Hence making them more/less suitable for super low objects (into water).

2) Do rounds dry faster than squares?

3) Are rounds more durable than squares for super abuse?

4) Is it easier or harder to fish a round out of the drink?

I know that some of you guys jumped rounds, and that it's something of a lost art. Can anyone help me out?

Thanks,

--Tom Aiello

guest · January 12th, 2000, 01:01 PM

>Is there any reason that I'd want to jump a round instead of the square for an intentional water jump?

Turn the question around and it is easier to answer.

Is there any reason I'd want to jump a square instead of a round for an intentional water jump?

Answer, no.

The only reason to ever jump a square (except for the fact they set you down softer on land) is when you must cover some distance, or be able to maneuver for landing. That's usually not the case on a water jump.

>Do rounds open faster/slower than squares?

It depends on what type of round. Round reserves are a better choice for BASE than round mains as they are generally cleaner by design.

Early round reserves, the pre-F-111 ones, like the Pioneer Tri-Con, Strong 26-foot Lopo or early Preserves were bullet proof, at least at subterminal speeds, but these do take longer to open (part of their charm) because of longer suspension lines and a longer overall length from connector link to apex.

The newer round reserves like the Super 22, the K Series, and the Phantoms are lighter, have shorter lines, and smaller diameters. These will generally open a bit faster.

In either case, a retainer (rubber) band is generally placed around the apex just below the vent. This aids a bit with speeding up inflation time at low airspeeds.

>Do rounds dry faster than squares?

Yes, the air circulates better as a round is basically a single surface. Also, the older ones can better take the abuse of the "shake and bake" method of drying. (You and a buddy waving the canopy up and down in direct sunlight).

>Are rounds more durable than squares for super abuse?

Again, the older ones are, but the newer ones would be the same as your square. Parachutes are delicate by nature after all.

Rounds are also easier to pack (if you already know how) and they are more worry free than a square when used over water at low altitude as they have no inherent line-over mode. This is caused by the fact they aren't going fast enough to have much of a secondary opening shock or rebound.

There are no toggles to mess with as most jumpers will take the control lines completely off the canopy (makes it more dependable). You can use the rear risers to turn. And nevermind, what some say, these rounds have a 3-5 mile an hour foward speed and can be quite manuverable in the right hands.

Rounds can be had easily, just check with any of your older skydiving buddies, or if you want new, we manufacture a 19-foot round just for BASE water jumping called the H2o.

Jumping rounds also means a modification to your BASE rig. Since rounds are free packed you need somewhere to stow the lines. You'll need some Type 3 tape sewn into the container for retainer bands, and that's where the lines are stowed.

Most rounds that are being skydived are diaper deployed, don't use this feature for BASE jumping, just remove the diaper altogether.

Rounds are fun, go have some . . .

Nick
BR

guest · January 12th, 2000, 02:27 PM

Tom, I agree with all of Nick's comments. I would add that other than putting a rubber band about 1 to 3 feet below the apex, which does speed them up, you may try to find some old 16 to 20 foot diameter rounds that were designed with a pull down apex. The apex actually had a center line attached to the riser like the old para commanders. This increases the high pressure area substantially, gives you much more drag for the size of the canopy and turns much quicker. These were generally designed for special cargo, but I know Phil Smith (BASE #1) and I used 16 foot rounds with inverted apexes for our train jumps in 1983 and they open quick. Do not use these in shallow water.
I have even tied 2 people (my brother and I) to one old round 26' Navy Conical and did a 1 second delay off of Hi Bridge KY (270') and it took every inch to get open. Rounds are a blast, but be patient for the lines to unstow. Take care, Rick Harrison.

guest · January 12th, 2000, 03:21 PM

Hi Rick,

Yes, I certainly do remember Phil Smith launching from those Texas cliffs and hand holding one, and sometimes two, 16 foot rounds.

I didn't mention it on purpose.

Rick, you know how BASE jumpers think nowadays. Within the week we'd have an order from someone wanting a BOC pocket large enough to stow the whole canopy!

:-)

Nick_BR

guest · January 12th, 2000, 04:03 PM

Rick,

Just the other night I'm doing research on BASE history for my book project, and I re-listened to an old audio tape made many years ago by Nigel Slee. You may remember Nigel, he was from England where he published a neat little BASE magazine called "Jump!"

(Since arrested BASE jumpers used to be unceremoniously thrown from the ranks of the British Parachute Association, and couldn't skydive thereafter in England, all the photos of jumpers in Nigel's magazine had black-outs over the eyes, like an old porno movie or something. It was hysterical)!

Anyway, the audio tape is commercially available for awhile and it's called, "Tall Stories." Do you remember it? The tape is a series of impromptu interviews Nigel does at a Bridge Day in the mid-eighties. He interviewed you, or your brother Randy, on the story of your crawl out of Black Canyon after being injured.

I swear it gave me goose bumps, all over again.

The Phil Smith interview is also neat to hear again. (Phil, who holds BASE number "1" also had the most BASE jumps at the time). In the interview he talks about the young kids, like Rich Stein, Rick Payne, and Mark Hewitt catching up with him. He said he just couldn’t hump the staircases of Texas skyscrapers fast enough anymore. Great stuff . . .

I wonder what became of Nigel, have you heard from him?

To put it in British terms, "he was good value."

Nick
BR

guest · January 12th, 2000, 07:28 PM

I jumped a building in Miami with Nigel in 83/84 (it's all a blur now). What a character. Remember his friend Andy Guest? They were british BASE #1 and #2. I think Andy was the first to jump off Beachy Head with Nigel a few seconds or minutes behind. Anyway...Andy has a DZ in the UK and I think I remember hearing that Nigel is flying for him. I could be waaay off but didn't I say it's all a blur by now.

guest · January 13th, 2000, 09:36 AM

Andy Guest runs Devon & Somerset Parachute School in Dunkeswell. I'm not sure if Nigel flies there but I'm sure if you e-mailed Andy at aguest1@compuserve.com or called the DZ on (44)1404 891690 he'll know how to get hold of him.

Cheers

Craig G