Wow! Jump IN! Is really taking off this season. We have almost 50 jumpers on the list and more coming in.
Jump IN! is primarily structured for everyone who wants to participate. Most are on AFF, just getting off AFF, just now moving into A license territory and the jumper moving into the 100+ range. Jump IN! is dedicated to concentrating on why you got into skydiving in the first place, fun!
We have experienced jumpers on board ready to help out with questions, organizing, coaching, etc. Including Brian Touhey from RW Team T-Minus:01 and Adam from Freefly team Aeris. Kris Lafond is also on board and offers a great deal on Tunnel time and coaching every week! Check out the Northeast Air Crack Facebook Fan Page for more info. Way cool group.
Last week during a weather hold Jump IN! organized it’s first event with a spotting class. About 10 people participated with some staff jumping in to help out. Dave Lake gave a great lecture on spotting, Jill Herrington helped with the math for wind drift and wing loading, our pilot, Solar, gave a aircraft safety briefing and a much needed perspective on jumping from the cockpit’s point of view. And instructor Scott Jaszlics, our S&TA helped out with all levels. Everyone’s involvement really made the event a great success. Participants ranged from 20+ to 100+ jumps.
Jumpers were built into groups of four and had to use current wind conditions to figure out their own agreed upon spot using the math they just learned, then they had to figure wing loading which they used to come up with an exit order. Once done, they got signed off by an instructor and we all headed to the airplane. We made it to about 6000 feet and made four passes where jumpers had to work in a group and give corrections to the pilot who purposely was off jump run by 30+ Degrees. Jumpers got the hands on experience of actually calling the spot and controlling the otter. It was a blast!
After exit it was accuracy time where staggered opening altitudes allowed each jumper clear skies to run their best pattern. The winner, James won a case of beer!
The whole experience was a lot of fun and everyone learned something they will use for the rest of their jumping career.
This Wednesday will kick off our first weekday local’s rule event. After this week we should start seeing BBQ put on by Club Jump IN! and the Rip Cord for Wednesday evenings. This week whoever shows up, JUMPS. Organizing with coaches available. This will surely turn into a solid hump day of jumping for the true locals and die-hards alike who show up.
Today, Brian Touhey is organizing 10 Jump IN! members and putting them through the tests. Everyone’s learning curve is being shot through the roof. Just a great day of jumping with friends in an environment were mistakes equal learning all the way to the last load. Video on every jump really showed the learning curve in action as the completions were bigger and bigger with the last load being one of the best. Brian really showed the spirit of jumping by putting the FUN, in Funnel!
If you were on these loads, had fun and want more of this, make sure you post here and to the SNE Fan Page.
Yes, as usual there will pics to tag on the Skydive New England Facebook Fan Page! Thanks everyone for a great day of jumping!
