Here in Alberta, it cost me $130.00 for the first jump. Then the price drops to $35 - $50 for every other jump afterwards, depending on if you learn to pack your own chute, or you want to use your own gear.
Included for the first-timer was the six-hour lesson and all the gear. (I jumped the same day)
Extra costs are added if you wanted still pictures and a video of your first jump.
My first time, I jumped from a little Cessna and I had to step out on to the wheel, and then hang from the wing’s main support beam. The jump master follows you to just outside the door with the pilot chute (a small chute that is thrown to pull the rip-cord on the main chute.) You hang out on the wing until he says 3-2-1 GO! and you let go.
I expected a falling feeling, but my chute was open so quick that I was floating and turning in seconds. The rush is incredible, it lasted for months. The float was about 8-10 minutes.
You receive directions from the ground via one-way radio on how to maneuver into the landing zone and the correct time to “flare” your chute for a soft landing.
The new beginners chutes are very safe and gentle, you get more of a jolt jumping off of your coffee table.
You can jump tandem (with the instructor strapped on to your back) if you want the freefall thing.
Turning is very easy, pull down either cord that is velcroed to the harness to turn in that direction. Pull both cords down all the way to “stall” your chute for a soft landing.
I don’t believe anyone uses static lines anymore, just the “pilot” chute.
Bring a warm shirt, and a change of underwear, just in case.
Erm… Actually, I probably could. But I won’t, because it seriously ain’t worth it.
As with most things in the Theatrical world, the jacket was all show, and no substance. It was flimsy as all get-out, was pinned at the back to look good on me, I think it had shoulder pads so I didn’t look so weedy, and most important of all, I believe it was just made of lining material.
You could make your own, I’m sure. And think how much more satisfying that’d be! And you could get your Mother to sew the hems for you, because they’re so tricky. She’d like that, I’m sure.
They still use static lines in the Army. Airborne may sound wonderful but when using those static lines and those big ugly 'chutes they issue you, you better know how to pack your own chute, and you better take good care of your knees, 'cause they get screwed up from all the landings.
Democritus: Dude, what’s up with the pic you chose? Are you trying to look like a bad-ass there with those shades on? I know you have much nicer pics that show the real you, if you know what i mean ;).
Wow, thanks everyone! My curiosity is sated…for the moment.
And Doob, would you prefer a pic of me guzzling a beer instead? Is that what you meant by the “real” me? Actually, I sent in a couple pics and asked Shayna to chose. She chose that one, which actually came from a gag present my sister, cousin and I gave to my mom. We got our picture taken with everyone wearing sunglasses.
Dem, I just assumed that was the pic you had taken when you auditioned for “Making the Band” heh heh.
And Yes, those are cats on my wallpaper, interspersed with pithy “Cat” quotes from all manner of classical authors. Seriously it’s not as cheezy as it sounds, and actually looks sorta classy. (or maybe it’s just the presence of MOI!) Har har har
sigh The cage behind me was the Houston Police Department evidence room. The boxes are the drugs seized from my lab. That’s me being fingerprinted.
Well, that sounded more exciting than it being the material cage at work, huh? I work at a computer company, and the cage behind me contains processors, motherboards, hard drives, and other easily stolen parts, so they lock it up.
Nowadays, because of the test equipment I use, I’m the one who works in a cage.
I’m still waiting on my tire swing and banannas, dammit.
My question: Is it just me, or do Easy Tokeo and I look related?
No silly, i meant the flashy shirt wearing democritus we all know and love. I’d never expect you to send in a pic of you guzzling beer since i know how much of a tee-totaller and anti-beer activist you are!
Oh and you’ll see soon enough my pic. Shayna hasnt put it up yet, so in a few days possibly ;).
Why does SHE have to be gay to wear a pink bandana? Anyway, she normally would wear a red one, but we were out of them…(have to replace them periodically.) BTW, her name is Ladybug and she is 3 years old. She is a lab mix.
The following persons are hereby declared hella cute.
Men’s Category:
Coldfire, Democritus, Easy Tokyo, iampunha, Jubei2K, Kilgore Trout, Milossarian, Mojo, Monster104 (who looks like someone I had a crush on in Grade 11), Mr. Cynical, Obfusciatrist, Reservoir Dog, SDimbert, Silo, Soulsling, Spoke, Spolvy, Strainger, Trion, Xekul.
Women’s Category:
Aenea, As_U_Wish, Persephone, Drain Bead, Ellen, jjjfishe, Kimkatt, Kricket, Kyla, Medea’s Child, Mega the Roo, Michi, Punkyova, Realidad, Ruffian, Sue Duhnym, Swiddles, Welfy, Zyada.
Disclaimers
As an aesthetic determination made by a gay man, this ranking is incontrovertible.
This list shall not be used to signify that anyone not on it is not hella cute.
Esprix, of course, is and remains the epitome and pinnacle of hella cute.
I agree, but have to say: Come ON MAN! I wanna see more than just that freakin LINUS pic after a year! Not to be a fag hag, but boyfriend? You MUST have a whole passel of good lookin pix!
Thank you matt_mcl. I have now made two people’s lists, one female and one male. It’s nice to know that if I change teams I’ll be just as welcome over there.
