Potential UK jumper - No Recent Skydives

[arachnoid]

I've been reading as much as i can about BASE for a while now, looked at first jump courses etc.

I did some skydives a few years ago but got fed up with waiting for the weather to sort itself out.

In the UK we have a choice of AFF or RAPS training. I know it takes longer to get to CAT 8 via raps, but more jumps means more landings, which everyone seems to think is the most important part of the whole BASE thing. Would i learn better tracking skills learning via AFF. My interest in skydiving is really to gain a solid foundation for doing BASE.

which learning system would make a better / safer jumper in the BASE environment. I'm considering myself a 0 jump parachutist as I can't remember anything I learned from my previous jumps.

Also,

How to you get to be a qualified packer?

Thanks

Arachnoid

[sean]

A few things you need to do...

visit all the knowledge BASE posts on blinc...

look at the world BASE fatality list...

Learn how to skydive again......AFF or RAPs it doesnt matter because you will need a few hundred jumps before you are anywhere near ready for a course.Concentrate on CRW and accuracy...

speak to other UK jumpers (try www.basejumper.org)...

Go and do a manufacturers course...

These are a few pointers that are my take on it...they are not the gospel...and are some of the things that spring to mind..I hope this helps...

Sean
BASE 621
;-)

[imported_Mac]

I am but a baby to this sport so my recent transisition to BASE is fresh in my head. As sean says - read & learn but when you think you cant get anymore information - look again and read and learn more. Do as many skydives as you can taking into account the skills you want to learn - manufacturer courses say 250 jumps but i think that is because being US based 250 jumps and you can be very current - in the UK with our #### weather (as you said) that aint gonna happen!!

I started BASE after 500 - and I look back and wish I had done more CRW and more canopy drills than I did within that 500. Dont rush into this mate - when experience guys tell you to slow down and read and learn etc etc they aint trying to piss on your cornflakes - they are speaking from an experience that you will understand only after jumping - and you will look back and say to yourself - "yeah they were on the money!!!"

Go skydive - have fun and scare yourself doing that for awhile - turn the world upside down on your head with your friends at 180mph - one day it will hit you - "I am now ready"
:+ :+ :+

Have fun

Michael
:+

[guest]

When I had 150 skydives I knew everything and wanted to BASE. When I had 300 skydives (0 BASE) I knew nothing and BASE scared the hell out of me (and still does). 500 skydives I knew a little more than nothing but just a little. Experience is truely an asset, both your own and others. I read this site quite often before preparing for BASE, for two years actually. This is a dangerous sport, no reason to jump into it unprepared ;) .


Cya, -Corey

[guest]

Another good site is www.basejump.org

Heath

[arachnoid]

cheers everyone,

i wasn't planning to rush out and do BASE straight off, I'm more than happy to stay on the DZ until mentor / experienced jumpers believe i'm ready.

I'm not the kind to rush into things impetously, it was just that i'm about to book a skydiving course and wondered if it made much difference which way i trained.

I've got an idea in my mind that I would like to get into rigging before my first BASE jump. I'd like to fully understand the kit and become a highly competent packer before i jump without a reserve.

Thanks for all your comments

Arachnoid

[guest]

Its not just being a highly compenent packer. There are many of elements that you and a mentor should go over besides just packing. You are wise in your statements. Have fun with which ever route you choose (both are adequate training) and stay safe.

peace, C

[arachnoid]

thanks everyone

have booked a skydiving course this weekend, gonna go AFF as it seems the easiest way to go especially with the dodgy weather we get over here.

I'm sure i'll be posting again with the next round of questions in the next year or so.

Arachnoid