Skydiving Practice? Canopy?

[MexPilot]

Holla Amigos,

I am a newbie to base and I am starting my quest for knowledge in all aspects of base. I started skydiving for the sole purpose of getting into base. I only have 40 skydives and I dont plan to base till 200 IF I AM READT. If not I will take more time. My future skydive jumps I want to focus on manuevers that will build up my strength in base. I read to work full track jumps trying to generate as much lift, Accuracy landings, quick decission making, setting up landing patterns below 500'. Any other suggestions? Also I am currently jumping a Diablo 150 which is 7 cell my exit weight is 150. So my wing loading is at 1.0. The Diablo is elliptical and ZP. Is this canopy a good canopy to use before getting into base. What could be my other options? Well any info is apreiated.

Thanx
Diego

[Tom Aiello]

If you can just buy your (eventual) BASE canopy now, and use the actual canopy you will use to BASE jump in your skydiving practice, that is ideal.

If not, try to find a used F-111 7 cell over 200 feet. Ravens (III or IV) are a reasonable choice. Depending on your budget you can probably find an old Cruiselite or similar at bargain prices.

I think any of the above will prepare you much better than that 1.0 loaded ZP canopy.