What Skydivers Know
by Susan Russell
16 May 2008
by Susan Russell
16 May 2008
Skydivers know the difference between a problem and a malfunction.
A problem is solvable. Difficult and trying as it may be, a problem in the air or on the ground HAS a solution. A malfunction cannot be solved no matter how much time you spend on it. Skydivers have the grace to know the difference and to know that a problem unsolved can become a malfunction.
Skydivers know what our limits are.
We are people who have tested the limits. This sport was born from people who constantly tested the limits, pushed the boundaries and shaped where we are today. We know what our standards are for being safe, while having a good time, both on the ground and off it.
Skydivers know ourselves.
This sport is not for the faint of heart, the weak, or the untrustworthy. You will be found out, one way or another and the consequences are not kind. The reality of skydiving is that what happens outside of that plane is completely up to you. If you jump compromised or on a load you are not comfortable with you increase the odds that YOU will have an accident. You have the responsibility to make the best choice for YOU.
Skydivers know how to be consistent.
Time and again I watch the skydivers at SDKS repeat the same steps over and over and over. This repetition has probably ensured their safety more times than any of us want to think about. Pre-jump safety checks are there for a reason, and I have never seen the group I jump with fail to follow them. No matter how rushed our day is, or how behind we are running, we are a consistent group. Not one of us is willing to compromise our safety or the safety of those we jump with for any reason.
Skydivers know how to be patient.
Patient while we wait for the weather to change, patient while we wait for this load to leave, patient while we wait to exit the plane, and patient with ourselves. Patient with ourselves - whether you are just starting out or are making your 1000th jump there is always something to learn, and it doesn't always come easy. Patient with each other - just because it makes perfect sense to you, doesn't mean everyone will get it that quickly. The instructors I know are great at this. They field any number of silly questions and yet I never see anyone appear anything less than exactingly patient while they explain, for the three thousandth time, that there is no way to predict when, or IF the weather is going to clear up.
Skydivers know community.
More than anything this sport is about community. The thrill may be what starts people jumping, but its the sense of community that keeps people skydiving. The people in this sport are awesome. Yes, like any family we have our share of jerks, freaks, and nuts. Just like any family we don't always approve of what others are doing. But we have a common bond that draws us together, time and again. Skydiving, that disease which occupies our minds and not one of us wants a cure.
Skydivers know responsibility.
As skydivers we have a responsibility to each other. We have a responsibility to be safe, to be educated, and most of all, to have fun. After all, we wouldn't do this if we didn't love it! We have a responsibility to the sport, and the skydiving community to present the best image possible. It's great to support events like Leap for Lupus or Drop Abuse. It's even better to watch someone make their first jump and see the excitement on their face. Those are the moments that truly let people see who skydivers are.
Many thanks to Jen Sharp and Bill Hubbell for their assistance!
A problem is solvable. Difficult and trying as it may be, a problem in the air or on the ground HAS a solution. A malfunction cannot be solved no matter how much time you spend on it. Skydivers have the grace to know the difference and to know that a problem unsolved can become a malfunction.
Skydivers know what our limits are.
We are people who have tested the limits. This sport was born from people who constantly tested the limits, pushed the boundaries and shaped where we are today. We know what our standards are for being safe, while having a good time, both on the ground and off it.
Skydivers know ourselves.
This sport is not for the faint of heart, the weak, or the untrustworthy. You will be found out, one way or another and the consequences are not kind. The reality of skydiving is that what happens outside of that plane is completely up to you. If you jump compromised or on a load you are not comfortable with you increase the odds that YOU will have an accident. You have the responsibility to make the best choice for YOU.
Skydivers know how to be consistent.
Time and again I watch the skydivers at SDKS repeat the same steps over and over and over. This repetition has probably ensured their safety more times than any of us want to think about. Pre-jump safety checks are there for a reason, and I have never seen the group I jump with fail to follow them. No matter how rushed our day is, or how behind we are running, we are a consistent group. Not one of us is willing to compromise our safety or the safety of those we jump with for any reason.
Skydivers know how to be patient.
Patient while we wait for the weather to change, patient while we wait for this load to leave, patient while we wait to exit the plane, and patient with ourselves. Patient with ourselves - whether you are just starting out or are making your 1000th jump there is always something to learn, and it doesn't always come easy. Patient with each other - just because it makes perfect sense to you, doesn't mean everyone will get it that quickly. The instructors I know are great at this. They field any number of silly questions and yet I never see anyone appear anything less than exactingly patient while they explain, for the three thousandth time, that there is no way to predict when, or IF the weather is going to clear up.
Skydivers know community.
More than anything this sport is about community. The thrill may be what starts people jumping, but its the sense of community that keeps people skydiving. The people in this sport are awesome. Yes, like any family we have our share of jerks, freaks, and nuts. Just like any family we don't always approve of what others are doing. But we have a common bond that draws us together, time and again. Skydiving, that disease which occupies our minds and not one of us wants a cure.
Skydivers know responsibility.
As skydivers we have a responsibility to each other. We have a responsibility to be safe, to be educated, and most of all, to have fun. After all, we wouldn't do this if we didn't love it! We have a responsibility to the sport, and the skydiving community to present the best image possible. It's great to support events like Leap for Lupus or Drop Abuse. It's even better to watch someone make their first jump and see the excitement on their face. Those are the moments that truly let people see who skydivers are.
Many thanks to Jen Sharp and Bill Hubbell for their assistance!
