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| Free t-shirt for attending Safety Day |
Well over a hundred rusty skydivers gathered at Skydive Snohomish yesterday for a refresher after the long winter. USPA (US Parachute Association) promotes this event at Drop Zones across the country, to be held in March when the season begins in many places in the country.
The Drop Zone had a potluck for breakfast, as well as provided free pizza at lunch and a big dinner at the end. I didn't stay for the dinner, since I had a long drive back home afterwards, but it was a very valuable day for us all. We shook off the rust by attending five seminars that covered equipment, aircraft safety, emergency procedures, canopy control, and the skydive itself.
One of the pilots, Dieter, is in actuality a rocket scientist, as he never fails to remind us when he gives his seminar on aircraft safety. He reminded us here that we are never supposed to jump through clouds, and why. He's an interesting guy, and every year I learn something from him that I had forgotten.
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| Jonathan getting ready for a malfunction |
We each took a turn at hanging in a harness and pretending to have a malfunction and pull our handles, to remind us how to do it safely. My heart was pounding just thinking about it and simulating the event. It's an important thing to do at least once a year.
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| Kevin, Linny, me, Dave, Christy |
Many of my jumping buddies were there as well, and we were glad to have the opportunity to dust off some of the rust and look forward to the season together. I would be going out there today, but the weather is not so fine, so I'll be waiting to see what the upcoming weekends have in store for us!
:-)
I'm hoping for another sunny Saturday next weekend, with me at a Sounders match and you with your knees in the breeze!
ReplyDeleteWow, that sort of thing scares the sh*t out of me, so no thanks! I'd rather stay home and make lime jello with sliced bananas, instead!!! Lol.
ReplyDeletethat is really cool actually...i am sure even the most seasoned could use the refresher...and getting to do it all together is a bit of fun as well...very cool...
ReplyDeleteso glad you attend these things. :)
ReplyDeleteWhy shouldn't you jump through clouds? This event sounds like it was valuable.
ReplyDeleteWe've had two lovely days but today is iffy. In the spring we need some weeks that it rains during the week & the sun shines on the week-end. Ever thought of suggesting that to the weather mother?
ReplyDeleteAs with anything that comes with risk, it's most important to take refreshers now and again. You can never drive an important point home too often. I'm glad that you attend.
ReplyDeleteGood refresher if you want your knees in the breeze:)
ReplyDeleteSafety and sky diving. Seems like a good idea to refresh....
ReplyDeleteWe should never take safety for granted. Have a very safe and enjoyable new jump season.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this very much. To know that there is always something more to learn about skydiving no matter how many times one has done it is very interesting. I was so glad to see that there were many sessions that you divers were able to benefit from. Great post...as always.
ReplyDeleteJ.
For some things we get it right and safety is drilled into us and no nonsense. What can't we do that with driving or quadding or snowmobiling?
ReplyDeleteIt is good that you have those safety days. Reminders are always good. As for me, if I ever had the courage to skydive, I would want a month of reminders. I would then want the recording of what to do and how to do it running on a recording that I listened to as I jumped!
ReplyDeleteI admire your courage and gusto for living, DJan! I'm also glad you all review your safety procedures since it keeps you safe (and alive).
ReplyDeleteI assume that you are rusty ONLY because of the rain you get. Mentally, I cannot believe that there is a skerrick of rust in you.
ReplyDeleteKinda neat having a rocket scientist there - that would have been quite a treat in itself to hear him speak. Our snow is mostly gone off sidewalks n streets, so now down to serious walking without the "chute". There is always something new to learn Eh DJan. Looking forward to sharing your first jump - Have fun. Lilly
ReplyDeleteWhat a good idea to review safety rules every year. It's still unimaginable to me to throw myself out of a plane but at least you're doing it with the best info available for your safety!
ReplyDeleteTo borrow a phrase: I imagine there are old skydivers, and there are rusty skydivers, but there are no old rusty skydivers!
ReplyDeleteBrushing up on safety before the season begins is an excellent idea. I'm imaging jumping through clouds is a no, no for the same reason my hubs learned not to fly through them when he got his pilot's license.
ReplyDeleteI hope there are some nice weekends coming up so you can get your knees in the breeze DJan.
Looks like you all are highly anticipating your upcoming season of fun and thrills....what with those smiles!!
ReplyDeleteOK DJan, I'm with Trish and Rob... "Why shouldn't you jump through clouds?"
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