I've done a fair bit of looking around for pads, and here's what
I've found. I'm sure there are other places to look, so maybe some
other folks can join in and help us out.
Minimum protective gear is a good helmet and knee pads.
The
best helmets will offer full side and back impact protection, as well
as top protection. The cheapest alternative for this is a Pro-Tec (a
reliable standby used for years). Pro-Tecs offer excellent protection,
afforable pricing and durability (I saw one impact the ground at
terminal two weeks ago, and it was fine). You can buy a Pro-Tec from
most skate and bicycle stores, as well as almost every drop zone. If
the Pro-Tec is too cumbersome, too heavy, or just not stylish enough,
you might also consider a skydiving helmet such as a Bonehead, or a
Gath helmut (transplanted from surfing to Free Fly). Boneheads are
available from most drop zones and skydiving gear stores, or direct
from the manufacturer. Gath's are easiest to find in surf shops. The
best protection is probably a full face skydiving helmet, like a
Parasport Z1, Carbon Fire, or Oxygn A3. These, though are quite
expensive. You do get what you pay for, though (I regularly see one of
the world's most experienced jumpers, a mad Australian, wearing full
face).
Most big, sports knee pads will work. The
rollerblade models appear to be especially popular, probably because
they are cheap and easy to find (most sporting goods stores stock
them). In knee pads, basically bigger is better. Hard plastic shells
over the pads are a must. As long as the pad has no hooks or sharp
edges, and you can still move in them, I'd say they'll work. You can
also find more extensive knee and shin guards in mountain biking and
motorcycle shops.
If you want elbow pads, be careful of
ones with hard plastic coverings. These coverings look (to me) to have
some snag potential, especially as the bridle will pass right next to
them when you pitch. Many people jump without elbow pads because they
are worried about this. I'd recommend them, though (landings don't
always just bring you to your knees).
You can also get
more extensive pads by visiting motorcycle shops. There, you can
generally find (somewhat pricy) full body sets that are sewn into pants
and shirts, and can be worn under street clothes. I'm particularly fond
of the Dianese motorcycle pads, since they look to offer the most
protection. I also like the Bohn bodyguard system, since (although less
protective) it's very easy to hide them under street clothes.
Other
sources for pads include mountain bike stores, skate shops, and (my
personal favorite) www.unicyclesource.com (look at mountain unicyclists
sometimes, and you'll understand the real need for pads).
Most of
the pads you need are available on line (try www.unicyclesource.com,
www.supergo.com, www.motorace.com, www.foxracing.com or
actionstation.com).
Happy jumping (and good move on wearing the pads)!
--Tom Aiello
tbaiello@ucdavis.edu
eye
protection is a good idea, particularly when jumping into brushy areas
in the dark. i like the clarity of good safety glasses and they're easy
to put on at the exit-point. tucked in a sock, they climb well in the
kit with the radio. if they fit well, they'll stay on through opening
shock.
the bad side: they don't call them "birth-control glasses" for nothing!
Testimonials:
base619 (9 posts)
Sep-06-00, 00:51 AM (PST)
"Wear your protection, guys!"
Hi everyone.
Two
nights ago, I experienced my first building strike. In fact, I'm not
quite sure it qualifies as a building strike since the building I hit
wasn't the one I jumped from.
We were jumping a 350
footer downtown, facing a 240 footer across the street and a couple
more smaller buildings. Great exit, great opening.
For
some reason, I suddenly thought I was much closer to the 240' building
than I actually was, so I took "evasive action" and took a left instead
of a right, which would have brought me to the designated landing area.
To
make a long story short, I lost a toggle in the course of evading the
240 footer, steered between 3 other buildings and ended up smashing
into a small building, anywhere from 4 to 10 feet off the ground,
opinions vary.
Naturally (or not), I was knocked out. My
ground crew called an ambulance but I regained conciousness in a matter
of minutes. I was given a thorough X-Ray series that showed that
nothing was broken and I was discharged with a few bruises (4, to be
exact) and one stitch in my eyebrow.
Don't all you
hotshots start criticizing me on my flying skills. That's not even
remotely the point here. The point here is that I was wearing a hard
helmet and knee pads, and had I not wore those I wouldn't be here today.
I
prefer to say this not as a criticism but as an observation: A lot of
people I know don't jump well protected. I'm especially referring to
hard helmets which, luckily, most photographers are bound to be using.
If I were without a helmet, I'd be dead. Imagine slamming your head at
15 knots into a wall...
So, borrowing a famous quote,
LET'S BE CAREFUL OUT THERE. Wear your head, elbow and knee protection!