Tash Higman
Tash Higman
Jul 23First jump July 1997, to raise money for charity Jumps 1250 Ratings USPA Coach, BPA FS Coach Future ratings None Container Javelin Odyssey. Pure vanity, my initials are NJ and the size of my container is NJ. Main canopy Sabre2 120 loaded at 1.4. It is a versatile canopy that opens fast enough for pulling at 3k, can be swooped and yet remains relatively docile if I want to fly it carefully. Favorite discipline Relative work (belly flying) Skydiving Training CF Netheravon (UK) What if anything would you improve in this sport? A formal mechanism by which ratings holders keep up to date with developments. There are lots of changes going on at all times and there are no requirement for continued education for coaches and instructors. This is less of an issue at a larger DZ. Most common mistake you see new jumpers make? Forgetting that the more skilled jumpers have usually spent a lot of time working on those skills and were at the beginning of mastering their skills too once. By all means, aspire to be Dan BC, but don’t beat yourself up if you can’t engineer a 4-way draw in 20...
Merry Regan
Merry Regan
Jul 18First jump I made my tandem in July of 2011. I had a friend who was a tandem instructor and well, I told people at work I would make a jump that summer, so I couldn’t back down. Jumps 500+ Ratings None Future ratings None Container Javelin odyssey. It looks great, is comfortably, allegedly is easy to pack, and I like the design of the container from a rigging/safety perspective. Main canopy I fly a pilot 117. Soft, predictable openings. It is not demanding to control in difficult situations but can be fun to fly if I so desire. It gives me a wingloading that allows me to fly in wind/turbulence and get also to get back from a long spot. Favorite discipline Relative work (belly flying), Freeflying Skydiving Training Jumptown Most common mistake you see new jumpers make? I think younger jumps often do things in a hurry — now that they have a license, they are eager to prove themselves and do what every other skydiver is doing. They do not realize that just because they CAN do something now does not mean they should.They might jump in sketchy wind that more seasoned jumpers would sit down in. Or they might think they should buy all new gear right off student status. Or they might start to freefly with 50 jumps and no audible. Or they might decide to 20 way with less than 100 jumps.I did many of these things because my friends were doing them and I thought that I needed to do them too. I think younger jumpers just need opportunities to do things tailored to their skill level and mentors to look out for them and let them know what experience can wait a little longer. The sky will be there...
Vanessa Potts
Vanessa Potts
Jul 17First jump April 21, 2012 I did my first tandem which was also an SCR and an ash dive to release my dad’s ashes. July 7, 2012 I did my first solo after saving up my money for the course. Nothing is more beautiful and healing than skydiving. Jumps 119+ Ratings None Future ratings USPA Coach; AFF Instructor; Tandem Instructor; PRO Rating Container I jump an Infinity by Velocity. I picked an Infinity because it came standard with an RSL, had a non exposed reserve pilot chute, and the placement of the AAD’s screen forces you to do a reserve pin check every time you turn it on and check the AAD before each jump. I also loved the color choices, designs, and overall look. Main canopy I fly a sabre 2 150. I love the canopy for the soft openings, easy toggle input, and forgiveness with packing techniques. It also has a long recovery arc which will be helpful later on when in hundreds of jumps from now I start learning the basics of swooping. Favorite discipline Freeflying Skydiving Training Skydive Spaceland What if anything would you improve in this sport? I’d like jumpers to be more aware and educated on their gear. Too many times I see jumpers who can’t even connect a canopy to their risers. Something so basic as that and a jumper can’t do it worries me for their safety. I believe all jumpers should have to have a working knowledge of their gear. Most common mistake you see new jumpers make? I see two. The first is learning to freefly without having a basis in belly. I don’t think a set number should be placed on jumps before you can freefly, but a certain skill set should be achieved. Everyone should be able to fly in a basic formation safely and turn some points. I also think they should be strong trackers before getting on big way jumps. Tracking isn’t focused on enough for the safety aspect of horizontal separation on opening. My other most common mistake seen is girls all too willing to sleep with instructors. They’re teaching you to be a safe skydiver, not have safe...
Nicole Black
Nicole Black
Jul 17First jump August 2011. I made my first jump because several people from my family were going to jump, including my 83 year old grandpa. I tried to chicken out and they all told me NO! I did that first jump and have never looked back! Jumps 680+ Ratings None Future ratings USPA Coach; AFF Instructor Container Javelin. I originally bought it because I knew they were comfortable from using the student rigs and used one just happened to come up for sale when I needed it. I will continue to jump Javelin because I love my container and see no reason to switch if it’s comfy and safe Main canopy Right now a Sabre2 135, looking for a Sabre2 120 though. I fly this canopy because it has predictable openings, does everything I need it to do and gets me to the ground safe every time. Favorite discipline Relative work (belly flying); Freeflying Skydiving Training Skydive Spaceland Most common mistake you see new jumpers make? I think you get so bombarded with information as a new jumper that you don’t really know who you should be taking advice from. It took me a little while to figure out that maybe I should be getting advice from small girls like myself instead of big guys, because what works for them won’t neccessarily work for...
Kristin Singleton
Kristin Singleton
Jul 17First jump June 1st 2011 Jumps 260+ Ratings None Future ratings USPA Coach Container Infinity. I liked the way it looked and it was in my price range. They also have great customer service and anytime I’ve had a problem they’ve been on top of it and gotten it fixed with no problem or hesitation! Main canopy Sabre2 150. I just downsized. I like the way the sabre2 flies and it’s the main canopy I’ve always flown. Favorite discipline Relative work (belly flying); Freeflying Skydiving Training Skydive Spaceland What if anything would you improve in this sport? Docking while free flying and small group belly flying. Also learning to clean up my back track and get it moving faster. Most common mistake you see new jumpers make? Trying to learn free flying too fast. Not working enough on belly jumps and stable back...
Paula Urcid
Paula Urcid
Jul 17Paula is a freeflyer and head manifestor at Skydive Spaceland. First jump Skydive Chicago! I jumped with my dad and two friends for my 22nd birthday. Jumps 400+ Ratings None Future ratings USPA Coach; Tandem Instructor Container Javelin Legacy, pull out system. I have always liked the safety, comfort, and design of a Sun Path container. I had a used Javelin that was older but was still extremely air worthy and freefly friendly. That, to me, says a lot about the product. When it came time for a brand new one, I stuck to Sun Path and and am even happier with my custom Javelin. Main canopy Icarus Crossfire 2 109, but just ordered a Crossfire 2 99 Favorite discipline Freeflying Skydiving Training Skydive Chicago What if anything would you improve in this sport? I am at a point where I would like to learn more canopy skills and the Crossfire 2 is a happy medium between docile and high performance canopies. I have a lot to learn and feel that this is the right canopy for that. Most common mistake you see new jumpers make? Being too shy to ask a question whether it be about a gear check or loading/exit order and everything in between. We are all family in this sport and are STILL learning whether we have 25 jumps or 10000. Ask away, boys and...