Helaine Rumaner
Helaine Rumaner
Aug 20First jump June 1998, a few of my friends were making a tandem and they invited me, so I said yes! Jumps 2,600+ Ratings USPA Coach Future ratings none Container Javelin Odyssey, I like it Main canopy I have a Samurai 105 and a Sabre2 107 Favorite discipline Relative work (belly flying) Skydiving Training Mile High in Colorado Most common mistake you see new jumpers make? Men assume women can do the same thing when they first start out. They don’t realize the student rigs can be way too big and overwhelming. I wish there were smaller rigs for new women jumpers to fly. Watching and reaching for the ground when they land. I think everyone should go through a canopy course and have someone video their...
Rita Sandt
Rita Sandt
Aug 20First jump 2010, for fun! Jumps 650+ Ratings none Future ratings USPA Coach Container Infinity for comfort and safety Main canopy Pulse 150 for confidence while landing in all conditions Favorite discipline Relative work (belly flying), Freeflying Skydiving Training Skydive Skyranch What would you most like to improve about the sport of skydiving? Everything. There is always room for improvement! Most common mistake you see new jumpers make? Jumping in conditions that exceed their limitations and comfort zones. Know yourselves and don’t let anyone pressure...
Brooke Fleming
Brooke Fleming
Aug 20First jump May 20th, 2012!! Two weeks prior I was 100% against Skydiving but I was forced to drive my fiance out there to do his first jump. After seeing the excitement on everyone’s face around the DZ and realizing that the world of skydiving was nothing remotely close to what I thought it was it decided to give it a try. Jumps 230 Ratings none Future ratings USPA Coach Container I am the proud owner of a Javelin Odyssey and I LOVE IT!! I love the custom fit and design. I have been blown away by the excellent customer service I have received from SUNPATH and to top it all off SKYHOOKS are awesome!! Main canopy I fly a Spectre 120; it is super easy to pack, the openings are docile and consistent and it flies like a champ!! Favorite discipline Freeflying Skydiving Training Skydive Spaceland What would you most like to improve about the sport of skydiving? How naive new jumpers are to the dangers of freeflying generally not considering the increased rate at which things are occurring and how very little input can make a huge difference. Get coaching!! Most common mistake you see new jumpers make? Disregarding the winds is one of the most common mistakes I see new jumpers make. Once they are no longer under the supervision of instructors, most new jumpers don’t have a personal wind limit, which can be potentially dangerous. A wise person once told me, “It is always better to be on the ground wishing you were in the sky, than to be in the sky wishing you were on the ground.” –Fly safe,...
Jessica Rankin
Jessica Rankin
Aug 20First jump 2008, it was a gift from my brother, the whole family participated. Jumps 600ish Ratings none Future ratings USPA Coach Container Javelin for now because it fit and was cheap but waiting on my new vector to come in!!!! Main canopy Katana 107, because I enjoy flying it!!!:) Favorite discipline Freeflying Skydiving Training Skydive Spaceland What would you most like to improve about the sport of skydiving? Female retention and more awareness in new jumpers…… For example what is ground speed, jump run, why should you know?! Canopy safety!!!! Let’s not be those “ignorance is bliss jumpers”. Most common mistake you see new jumpers make? Not asking questions! Educate yourself!!!! Be safe and know why you do what you...
Susan Brooks
Susan Brooks
Jul 21First jump It was June of 09. The 23rd I think. And I was at a party, and had recently broken up with a boyfriend, so another guy at the party drunkenly said, “Hey! Let’s go skydiving!” So we picked a date, and that was that. When I told him I actually booked us to go skydiving he nearly wet himself. When we bought our second jumps the same day, I asked him when he wanted to go back, and he said “Maybe next year.” I turned to him and said, “I was thinking next week.” Thus began my adventure to get my A license. Jumps 600+ Ratings USPA Coach Future ratings AFF Instructor, Tandem Instructor, Potentially Pro Container Infinity, and because it was used, $2100; container, reserve, and AAD.It’s comfortable, effective, and has been mine since jump… 75ish. Main canopy Sabre 2 150. Because I bought it from DQ. It flies great, very forgiving, but is still fun. Also the smallest canopy that will fit in my container. Favorite discipline Relative work (belly flying), Freeflying, Instructing Skydiving Training Skydive Spaceland What would you most like to improve about the sport of skydiving? Just keeping everyone conscientious and vigilant about safety. Spaceland does a pretty wicked job of that already. (Good job guys!) Most common mistake you see new jumpers make? Worrying more about freefall skills than canopy skills. Canopy skills are what will save your life, so knowing your canopy well is key. I know my instructors would agree, it’s some form of miracle that I didn’t break myself, and I think Lake Boyd in the winter of 09 had some key roles in that. Sorry Rory/Dennis for making you repack the student gear so often. (It got...
Alexandra Neale
Alexandra Neale
Jul 21First jump December 10th 2012. Got talked into it for a first date! Jumps 450+ Ratings None Future ratings USPA Coach Container Infinity. The closing flap is super strong. Avoiding a preemie is important to me with freeflying. Double riser covers. Black hardware. Looks awesome! Main canopy PD Sabre 2. Strong flare, still fun and responsive. Not to aggressive for my experience level. Favorite discipline Freeflying Skydiving Training Cross Keys, NJ What would you most like to improve about the sport of skydiving? Fatality rates from no RSL use. Most common mistake you see new jumpers make? Not knowing about jump run – tracking up it, flying up it under canopy after opening higher than other...