Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!usc!sdd.hp.com!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!freedom!wizard!selig From: selig@wizard.msfc.nasa.gov (Bill Selig - SysAdmin) Newsgroups: rec.skydiving Subject: Re: Does the terror stop? Keywords: fear, risk Message-ID: Date: 23 May 91 15:45:28 GMT References: <1991May14.180720.14179@ge-dab.GE.COM> <130476@unix.cis.pitt.edu> <1991May22.152608.8297@ge-dab.GE.COM> <4541@bnr-rsc.UUCP> Sender: root@freedom.msfc.nasa.gov (Super-User) Organization: NASA/MSFC Lines: 36 lenny@bmerh682.BNR.CA (Len DePalma) writes: >Two summers ago I got introduced to this sport via a few friends from >work. During that summer I took a one day intro course which included >a first jump. Subsequent to that I completed 3 other jumps. >So, what I was wondering is if we could start a thread here with some >of the more veteran divers explaining how they progressed, how they >overcame any fears they had, etc. Aside from the terror, I really >enjoyed all the other sensations and am trying to convince myself >to give the sport another try :). Are the above feelings normal, or >should I just give up the idea, and stick to the *INSIDE* of small >aircraft (I am also in the process of getting my soaring license)! I started back in '71 and had a similar beginning. I actually DIDN'T jump on my first try (I was looking down). I did it the next day. On my second jump, I had a malfunction. For about the next 10 I would think on the ride up "Well, OK. This will be my last one." But after the jump I was so exillerated that I though "Well, OK. One more." Somewhere around 10-12 it finally hit me and I've been at it off and on ever since. Had a few functions. Now have about 1200 jumps. Have competed at the nationals a few times (was on "20 Live Crew" last year). Have organized large (at the time) local dives (30's-40s). All-in-all, have had a great career of it so far. Was fanatical for awhiel and now do it (although less) for different reasons. I say, stick with it till you get to longer delays. Or try tandem or AFF to get the feel for where you are going and the rewards when you get there. Regards, --bill -- US MAIL: Bill Selig NASA/MSFC ES53 Huntsville, Al 35812 USA TPC: (205)-544-7608 FTS: 824-7608 INTERNET: selig@centaur.msfc.nasa.gov [128.158.10.96] UUCP: uunet!selig@sam.SPAN -OR- uunet!sam.span!selig