As some of my skydiving trip to the US has been posted on the forum, I will try to avoid writing things double. But anywho, it can happen here and here...

After a 20-hour journey with EVA – counted from closing down my Bangkok apartment door in Bangkok to the moment, I parked my bright-yellow convertible at Skydive Elsinore - the only thing I wanted at that time was a bed and a beer. Just so that I can start skydiving for the next 3 weeks! I chose Elsinore because I wanted to try out something else and I needed to have my Cypres installed (excellent job, if you can do it, sent it over to SSK Industries and ship it to a dropzone in the US, you do not pay shipping and – possibly – import duties). With some footage of a day of skydiving and some beers, the next day I was ready. But somehow – after asking some info a dropzone, the loads were too little during the weekdays (sometimes 2-3 so I heart- weekends are different) and I wanted to skydive more than that. So not pleased with that (the dropzone is excellent, people over there are friendly, some a bit “cookoo”, very nice laid out and very very laid back), I drove 25 minutes via the 74 to Perris Valley, the dropzone where I did my AFF and A-license. It was like coming home; excellent facilities, the wind tunnel (have now 1 hour tunnel time, the best learning tool for muscle memory), the improved IHOP and loads of loads. My old AFF instructor of Perris Valley Skydiving School, Uli, was willing to be my coach for improving my RW skills and we had a blast. From days that we did 7-8 jumps a day to days with loads of wind and dust devils where we did only 2-3 jumps, nice parties in the evening; it was perfect for me for the first week. Mostly done 2 ways with all kinds of RW skills and drills being repeated and repeated over and over again, just to get that feeling; I can tell you it helps with the tunnel.

My plans for the next week was to go to Skydive Arizona; they told me that by that time - over the email – that the wind tunnel would be finished (it was not, it is now, but not at that time), that there would be an RW Coach present (not, they were all somewhere else or they were team training) and that the loads would go up until 15:00 hrs (also a no, it was by noon that they would sent the last load up, even during the weekend). People told me already that it would be not that hard skydiving over there, as it was BLOODY HOT (+48) and that in the afternoon everybody would head back to the aircon. It has a wonderful location right in the desert (the country-&-western desert you know from the movies, well that’s it in a nutshell), nothing else to do besides skydiving. Phoenix is a 45-minutes drive from Skydive Arizona. Landing zones are a bit small (they have 2) and during the summer season, you have to be careful for off-landings because of the snakes around. Again, DO NOT GO IN JULY/AUGUST to Arizona, it is not worth it; if you want to go, go from November until Mid-March, where there are many teams training there and more loads going up a day. I did the same thing when I was at Elsinore, backed my bags, called Perris Valley and told them that I would come back to skydive there. A wonderful 6-hours state-to-state drive through the Arizona and Californian desert (that people can live there, is beyond me) brought me back to Perris. Uli and I went again from wind tunnel to RW training to having a day off and went off in my fabulous Ford Mustang 2005 convertible to Sam Diego. Again, Perris is at this moment, my US dropzone. Oh, almost forgot. I did jump no 100 in Perris; a CReW pass from 13,000 ft, sunset load with 8 other jumpers. Well worth the wait that day!! Also got my first reserve ride: details you can read on the forum, but am happy to quote them again in this forum  “* Had my first cut-away (yes, I am now a member of the cut-away crew ). After a RW training jump, tracked away from Uli (coach of the past 3 days, awesome guy for training!), opened my Sabre and with several line twists - which I got rid of - one of my steering toggles was stuck at that time 3000 ft, it started to turn, while I tried to take it off half-brake with 2 hands. Absolutely nothing happened. Only thing...GET RID OF IT!! Just a few seconds I pulled the handle, the RSL beat me on the reserve handle and a smoothly flying light blue PD Reserve flew above my head at just over 2000 ft. Main and free bag were found - with the great assistance of the Perris staff and I kept hold of the handles during flight. In the end, a part of the steering lines was stuck under the loop and there was only 1 person to blame for this...ME When landed, I was so hyped up about having the feeling that now I can master it; it is a very good feeling I must admit. Reserve was packed overnight and for the rest of the day, rented a rig from Square 1. Basically, within 20 mints after landing under my PD Reserve, was already on the next load”

The week went fast and after a while, I needed to fly out to Montana. I was staying with Bobbie and BJ Worth (Thai Sky Festival, World Team) and during that time, the Lost Prairie boogie was on. Within 1 hour drive of their home, one of the most fun and scenic boogies I have been to (also one of the busiest one). Right smack-bam in the middle of the mountains and with the planes of Skydive Arizona flying most of the loads, it was pretty packed with skydivers here; the weekends were calls of 1.5 – 2 hours (!). Not interested to make 1 -2 jumps a day, I chose to explore with the Worths, the surrounding and my gosh, it is magnificent there. Visited National Parks, hiking/trekking and all that other active stuff made it a great week there. Fortunately during the weekdays it was more manageable and BJ, I and later onward Chris Needels (Executive Director of the USPA) did some extremely fun 2 and 3 ways out of a Skyvan and Twin Otter. Accommodation is very limited around the dropzone (most are camping out or coming by RV), you are in need of a car and while I was there. ESPN was there. They had a TV theme program called “50 Days, 50 States” where in each state a specific sport was highlighted. Montana was for the skydiving. In the end, I was even on TV as the 3 of us (BJ. Chris and I) were dirt-diving our fun 3-way. If only I had seen it on TV…A nice week where I put a lot of effort also to see something of Montana and it was worth it. The last days before I headed home back to Bangkok, I would spend at Perris Valley again, trying to get through the last details for my B-license (water training and the quiz). These last 3 days were all load-organized jumps, where I did my largest formation to-date (7 way), my most points in 1 jump (6 in a 4-way) and ended the last evening with a great BBQ at the pool side of Perris Valley. For sure, Perris has it all (for me). They have during the weekends free load organizing for RW and Freefly, they are extremely safety conscious and they have a great fleet of planes (2 Twin Otters, 1 Sky Van and the DC9 Jet was waiting at the tarmac to see approval to fly jumpers). Not to forget the wind tunnel and the amount of experienced coaches for all sorts of skydiving.

Plans to go back? For sure!

18 AUG---21 AUG This much anticipated event finally came underway and on 17 Aug evening I arrived at the Safety briefing and had my equipment cleared after traveling back from China. This event was missed by many of my fellow jumpers last year. For me it was even most painful as I missed the cut by just two jumps. This feeling was like loosing a soccer final by penalty kick. Finally, after jumping in “exile” over the past 2 years, I am back home to taste the feeling of flying over my own country. Singapore turns 40 this year; we celebrate by jumping over her, in great way. 18 Aug Arriving at the Marina South DZ at 7.20am, there I met Collin, Ix Shen, Reggie, Eugene, Arnold and also members of the famous Red Lions team. Shortly around 8 plus, I had my first helicopter ride and my first jump at home. The heli-ride was such a smooth operation as it took off to the blue sky, sending many of us for our first Singapore experience. Some of us did not even realize it had taken off until they looked at the Altimeter. The view from above was magnificent as I wasted no time to locate my Bishan home, Bishan stadium, swimming pools, National stadium, east coast, Bedok reservoir, Orchid and Seletar country club, Sentosa, Macritchie reservoir, many many other places, they were all down there. I still could not believe what I was seeing, Happy birthday Singapore. Skydivers were from all over the places, South Africa, Hong Kong, Thailand, England, Australia, etc, etc. Wind direction was erratic and on my 3rd jump, I had mistaken the wind direction and landed outright downwind with my Stiletto. The landing speed was scary but I managed to stop 2 steps before the “longkang”. That was my first down wind with an elliptical canopy. One other jumper from HongKong was not as lucky as he slammed full body into the rail. Took him quite a while to be up and walking. Glad he was alright. Regie too landed downwind but he went over the opposite side of longkang. He had his left leg collided with the rail with enough force to bend it forward approx 15 degree. Regie was unscathed, solid as a rock. The injury occurred only to the solid metal rail!! We suspected he was either a Terminator or Immortal. Opening above Keppel Cargo yard was exciting. But opening above Shenton way was even more heart stopping. There were some rain to interrupt the day but I had 5 jumps total. One of them “hop and pop from 6000”. It was a happy day with a few fun 3-7 ways. 19 Aug Second day was a Sunny day but however was interrupted by a few hours of stoppages due to airspace clearance by Authority. I did a few 3-7 way train-exit and group sitfly. In one of them, myself and Ix were doing a 2 way hook-on-sitfly and we found ourselves opened almost above Sentosa, we were very deep from the DZ but we had just enough razor thin mileage to ride it back. Reggie’s mom, who looked like 55 but was actually 72, made the historical tandem jump. She became the oldest jumper ever to grace the Singapore sky. This had to be one of the greatest highlight of the festival. Cheers to Reggie’s mom for bringing out the adventurous spirit lacking in most young Singaporean. Mdm, you number one! Singapore Boleh Spotting accuracy during these 2 days was good and there were no off-DZ landing. Obviously Richard Chee’s spotting standard was very trustworthy. I had 6 jumps today despite the no jump period.

20 Aug I came to DZ a little late and found out the first 2 loads were full. Fortunately I was given a last slot by Richard on the first load. Made that a solo jump without altimeter and protrack to test my visual judgement. I opened at 3000 ft exactly. Second jump of the day was however affected by low cloud and we exited at 8000 ft with myself and Richard searching for the DZ below. Richard had indicated the cut signal but on the way down we saw an opening so we gladly got ourselves out. Today, most of my jump kaki were back in force: Jonathan, Wanni, Edward, Matthew, Choo Beng, Kris, Mike, Nisi, Ashley, etc etc The sky opened up and the rest of the day was excellent jump condition. I made 7 jumps today mostly sitfly. Had a few openings above the Sea, like the rest, we made it back. There was also a few off-DZ landing today but glad everyone made it back safe. Skydivers Boleh 21 Aug I dislike today coz it is the last day of the Festival. Unfortunately the weather was a little unkind today and jumps had to be curtailed till around 1.30pm. Around noon, 2 tandems were spotted above the Singapore River direction from where we saw. They came out from low cloud and there was no way to make it back. It was really nervous moment for many of us. Fortunately they landed safe and made it back to DZ by Taxi. Everyone cheered them as they made it back to DZ. I bet these 2 tandem passengers had the best experience than any other tandem passengers. Really value for money. Today was also a big way day for many Singaporean jumpers. We had planned for a 16 way all Singaporean event but the rain came crashing down hard at around 2pm. I had to leave at 3.30pm so as to catch my flight back to Suzhou that night. So sad. I was later told the 16-way took off at 6pm and was a hugely successful one. What a great present for Singapore’s 40th birthday! Hence, I was naturally sad to have missed out on this occasion. I had advocated for a big way before the event but end up missing it out. Very sad indeed. I promised to make it next time. I must add that other than the Red Lions, many jumpers in the 16 way already had many big way experience. We had successfully done 12-13 way un-link exit in Australia and turn around 2-3 points as I recalled. Overseas jumpers boleh; Singapore jumpers also boleh! Conclusion In my view, this festival bore the hallmark of a very professionally organized DZ. Here’s what I experienced to best sum it up: Load Manifestation---They were as good as other busy DZ-- friendly, approachable and always in control. Tandem and fun jumper ratio---Excellent mix, tandem and fun jumpers were able to have fun together every load. Helicopter---Best Best Best, what else to say? Landing area---Where else can we do this? Great view from the air. I supported Government’s decision to start casino, but I hate that idea now as the landing area would be the site of casino. Where else we can jump in Singapore?? Spotting standard---Very good Beverage – Ok lah, got barbercue dinner lagi good Lastly, it was already a miracle to stage such an event in Singapore and I certainly hope this would not be the last one. Once again, cheers to Reggie’s mom, cheers to the 16 way success, and not forgetting, big cheers to Richard, Guntmar and their team. Oh, not forgetting the hesitating Authority, cheers to you all too. You all Boleh!

Sheetoh From Suzhou

21 July Evening It was great to be back to skydiving in Thailand. This was my second trip there. Jonathon, Chris, Matthew, Collin, Edward, Reggie, Nisi and Mike came together for this occasion. I had jumped a number of occasions with all but Collin, Nisi and Mike. Chris was first to arrive at BKK and he was kind to made all the arrangement for the transportation. By 10.30pm at Bangkok we were all on the way to Pattaya. By the time we arrived at our hotel and turned in to bed, it was about 2plus early in the morning. It was smooth and not much of hassle. 22 July We arrived at DZ at about 9 plus and I was immediately manifested for the first load within 10 min of arrival. Did a solo jump as the rests were not ready. Together with me on the load were a tandem pair and camera man. However there was an off-DZ landing by the camera man and unfortunately he broke his shoulder. This was surely not a great way to start the day but it sure reminded us about the risk of an off-DZ landing. It was a high-wind day and some poor spotting or no spotting led to a few off-DZ landings. Fortunately there was no further incident and all made it back to DZ unscathed. The load at about 2.30pm was aborted as the C-206 could not start so myself, Nisi and Mike had to dismount. Moments later we had to curtail our jump day as the plane decided to call it a day. In the evening, our pilot brought us to a wonderful group massage. It was great, relieving our stiffen up muscles. We then proceeded to have our sumptuous seafood dinner at a place called “Walking Street”. Our wing load factor increased tremendously that night.

23 July It was another high-wind day and our first load comprised of Jon, Chris, Matt, Edward and Collin all landed way way off and made it back like 2 and half hour later. It was an important day for Jon, he crossed the 100 jump mark and made it to the Skydive Singapore Festival. Reggie made it 99 that day and was in full throttle for the 100 jump. I was very happy that Nisi and Mike finally completed their recurrency jump in the morning. They were back in business. Richard joined us in the afternoon and did a 3 way with me and Reggie. It was my second jump with Richard the first one dated back 2003 Nov. It was great jumping with him again. We were happy to meet Guntmar and a few other new friends too. Not forgetting to mention Vincent of Jakarta. Dinner was on Jon and Reggie for achieving 100st jump. Wait, no, it was Jon’s 100st and Reggie’s pre-100 jump. 24 July We said goodbye to Jon, Chris, Matt and Edwards as they decided to take a good rest on Sunday before flying back at 4pm. We all missed their company. My scheduled jump with Vincent did not happen as he had a flu and headache. But I look forward to jumping with him again. In Reggie’s 100st jump, we did a 4 way with Nisi and Mike. Also my first time jumping with Nisi and Mike, our group’s love birds. Everyone achieved our respective mission in this trip, and we will be jumping together again in Aug. Sheetoh

After two weeks in cold England I'm feeling homesick :-) It was too cold for Jolanda so she left for California this week. Now I have the time to say thank you to everyone we meet and jumped with during our time in South East Asia. Especially our friends from Singapore:

Danniel you were a great mentor and teacher to me. I will try my best during tandems and jumping with students. Don't spend too much time jumping since you have such a big family now :-). Natasha you are a true inspiration and one of the greatest persons I meet, I hope to see you and Andy on our wedding. Wanni, one can only wish to have the determination you have, I think you will archive anything you want if you keep going, even with your job. Come we had the best parties and jumps together, have fun driving with your new motorbike. Hope to see you in Perris soon. Ashley you will always be our hero by five times a night :-) Take care of my beautiful rig.

There are so many people I want to thank, Sheetoh, Niels, Stephen, Reggie and many more. Even Skydive Adventure, without them we would never have meet. Richard and Gutmar who organized the nice skydiving event last year in Singapore.

I'm sure we will see all of you soon somewhere on a dropzone. We enjoyed very much spending the last four years with you. Keep going and stay safe....

blues
Marcus & Jolanda

First time the next day, felt really feeling shit on a day that I could skydive: a local doctor (saw him for the first time in my life) subscribed me something to ease my stomach and head, came late to the drop zone. Apparently, the energy we’ve all been put inside the boogie also put our Bobbie that day. The afternoon, ready to jump, a 3-way with various points lead by our Indian friend Santosh went a bit off, but managed to be video-ed by satellite camera man Stephen (first camera jump I did not had to pay for…….first time jumping with Santosh) Stephen told me to land on the beach, easy. So I did and had another first; a beach landing! Soft, smooth and standing. Beer in the truck back to the drop zone and destined to try it again the next day. That evening, my wife (destined to make a tandem) and my mother (who was on holiday for the 8th time and wanted to experience a Herc ride) arrived and we had a peaceful dinner together inside the hotel, as where the others went out to our Thai friends Pow and Moi’s home (or was it the next day…).

First time I had a day off skydiving due to a wind hold; the night before, a lot of rain, blowing like madhouse, the organizers had a stand-down in the end all day. The main event that day was a donation of all kinds of useful stuff to 2 local schools, right at the hotel. Besides being a day watching the World Record formation in 2004 (I was also part of the organization team), walking around the town, went to the monkey mountain at Wing 53, had 2 lunches and relaxed a lot, the evening was something else. As all our friends went out for dinner, we were invited by the major of Prachuab Khirikhan (first time I met this very influential person) for an informal dinner with all the organizers (Bobbie, BJ, Pam, Larry, Bonnie and the 3 of us) at a local restaurant: for the ongoing success of the Thai Sky Festival, very important to be there. Hoping that the next day, the weather would be better, we went back for the hotel, stuffed!

Last day and hoping that the weather would turn back into our favor, it did not. Most of the experienced skydivers were planning to go to Phuket for 2 exhibition jumps, cancelled in the end, again due to the wind. We headed back to Bangkok that same afternoon; I left that same evening on a 14-hours’ flight to Stockholm. What an event it was, even though it was short for me and for many of our Asian friends. Wherever I will be, whatever I will do, I will be back next year.

Some other first times? Looking together with Marcus and the RTAF for his brand new Crossfire 109 and free bag (found later) in the middle of swamps and fields, breaking the trunk of an RTAF-van where we hitched a ride with (Marcus, remember that last bump we hit?), my wife did a tandem (9th March) being now officially my 1st family member to experience why we love to do this, seeing Danniel in those “pretty short” black shorts (never again!!!), sat in a BT-67 with more “scarcely clad” Russian skydivers than dressed ones (that smells!), met a possible future skydiver named Spartacus, being nicknamed “Dolphin” (?), got to know some great new people (Steve, Nancy, Andy, Arnold, Andre).

How many beers do I owe all of you now?

Being part of the 2005 Thai Sky Festival was one of these things I had to; besides giving me the opportunity to skydive again in Thailand with world-class friends and organizers, how can you not miss this? Annually, our company (read: me, working for Turismo Asia, a large travel agency) is asked to organize the logistics past of the Boogie. From transfers to hotels, from cooperation with local authorities with power to make this a success story to helping fellow skydivers with tips and suggestions, the boogie for me started already 6 months before the magic 27th February. Our very close friends Bobbie and BJ – and they are! – have been traveling up and down for the past 6 months at least 2 times to Thailand, making sure that all pieces of the puzzle would fit. Bugger, this year, the boogie would fall right in the middle of a long and tedious business trip to Europe, so all the days I could be there, I took holiday, finalized the details for the transport all the way until midnight (for 1.5 weeks!) just before heading out to Prachuab Khirikhan, my ehh…our playing ground for the coming days

Although I had to work all day on the 1st February, I had to be there on the 1st for the obvious reason. Being based in Bangkok and hardly care for the maximum speed limit on the way, I made it in just over 3 hours (first time). Friends and familiar faces came over from the very fist moment and dinner-drinks (beer) spilled all around with Stephen, Julia, Ace and his girlfriend). Seeing all the guys and girls from mostly Thailand and Singapore again after jumping weekend of Pattaya, some of the States and around the world, I was destined not to be too much pre-occupied with still my job at hand. That same evening, we went out with Stephen and Julia – from Skydive Thailand – out on the beach upfront of their hotel until what time?

Being a novice jumper (just under 70 jumps now) and just had bought a 2nd hand Javelin Odyssey last year with only 1 jump on it (well, the container had 3 jumps, the canopy Sabre 210 only 1 jump, first time I jumped my Sabre in Prachuab Khirikhan), BJ came over to me on the 2nd February if we could make a jump together; simple 2-way with various points (5 if I am not mistaken, first time I did so many points and the first time with BJ). The first Herc jump I made with BJ was also the first one I made it into my first 3-way, as spotter Sven docked on us at around 7000 ft. Scenery to die for, clear blue sky and me going through the roof in my first jump in my new jump suit. It was my first jump on Wing 53 after breaking my ankle the year before on an off-landing in a water melon field. First jump, landed standing! My day would not be the same anymore…. Dinner with our friends at the Hadthong during the opening evening of the evening was just fab. Shows again for how little you can get pissed and full to the rim in some parts of Thailand.

Next day, starting jumping day was a planned 4-way (my first) with Norwegian spotter/load organizer Paal; unfortunately, I drifted from the exit way too far away, while I saw the other 3 making a 3 – way star and turned 360 degrees. Even though a bad skydive is still better than a good day at work, it was also my first one trying to make a 4 – way and landed for the first time on the drop zone (I think that Stephen hit 1st place with most off drop zone landings, call him if you want to know how many times). Still, determined to do better (yep, that’s me in a nutshell), Paal and I made another one that same day, where we did some very good relative work with a mix of different fall speeds, forward movements and turning points. A most memorable one, like the previous jumps, like every single jump…. Later that day, Jolanda and I continued what we’ve always been doing together in the sky this time for the first time out of the BT-67 – not our 1st sunset 2 – way. 1st One was at Perris. Exit was linked and I know for sure that during exit, we have done head down, on our back, flat before getting stable (first 2 way tumbling exit). Chasing each other some times in half tracking position, the sunset is what made me realize how stunning sunsets can be, especially in Thailand. Danniel would almost sign me off for a night jump, but (another first) I flew for the first time through clouds. The evening was just a great dinner, knowing the town well, we found ourselves with some 15+ friends sitting., enjoying some marvelous Thai food (first time I had to order for so many people at the same time during a boogie in Thai) and some beers, Cokes, water and strawberry Fanta’s (Danniel, how can you drink that stuff?).

It was a great weekend at Pattaya Airpark (05 - 06 Feb) Danniel and I departed from Singapore on 4th Feb at abt 745pm. We arrived in Bangkok Airport after abt 2 hours of flight.

We took a vehicle from the airport to Pattaya town. By the time we reached the inn, it was already quite late, almost coming to midnight and we were too lethargic to do anything else. The room was comfortable, many thanks to Stephen who made the arrangements for us. The inn looked slightly shabby from the outside but the rooms were in fact really comfy and reasonably priced!

Day 1: The next morning, we got up at abt 8am to meet Stephen and his wife Julia who came over in their truck to pick us up. The ride to the DZ took abt 15mins.
Over at the Airpark, we got to meet the manager, Mr Neil together with Mr Tong our friendly pilot and other equally friendly staff.
I couldn't wait to get up in the air. Thank goodness we didn't have to wait too long. In no time, we were gearing up and ready to board the plane. Our load of 5 pax comprised skydivers from all over; Steve Dow(Indonesia), Karen Hawes(USA) and Demian(Canada)
As the engine started to crank up, i couldn't stop myself from gleaning eagerly at the scenery outside. From where i sat, just beside the Pilot, i had an overall view of the entire landscape from the side windows to the exit door and all the way back to the rear of the aircraft. I like watching the ground below slowly moving away as the plane started it's gradual ascent up to the skies.
The climb up to 10,000 feet took approximately 18 to 20mins. As we ascended, the air turned from warm to breezy then cool and gradually, it became almost chilly. It was like stepping into a large cold storage freezer. All this was happening and yet the sky outside was still so blue, bright and sunny, albeit a few dash of clouds here and there..
Thank goodness for us the clouds did not pose much of a problem. The first few jumps were right smack on target, all thks to Mr Tong for the wonderful spotting despite the cloud base.
After the other 3 jumpers took their exit ahead of me, i took my position at the door and looked at Danniel while at the same time, glancing over towards Mr Tong. His thumbs up came soon after and that was the green light for us to exit.
Looking back at Danniel, I nodded my head and gave the command "Ready, set... GO!!"
Off we came, out of the aircraft and right into the open air outside... for a few seconds, all was silent and then the sound of rushing wind followed soon after. My clothes were flapped around madly as the air pushed me from under the belly and rushed through the holes in my helmet... What a rush!
I practiced a few simulated pulls before proceeding to execute L/R turns. There was barely enough time to squeeze in an attempt at a quick forward glide.
The day ended too quickly with me longing for more opportunities to jump. There could have been more sorties, but i managed only 3 jumps on that first day.

Day 2: The second day, we had another 3 jumps too, including one jump which was out of the DZ due to the heavy clouds. Nevertheless, we made our way to the alternate DZ (temple), a nice flat grassy open field. Good experience that was! Soon after, i was up in the air again, and this time Danniel was able to capture some great pics... Thks for the great shots Dann!
Also managed to execute a solo jump on the same load together with some thai tandem skydivers. The final jump of the day was a hop and pop at 4000ft.
As in Day 1, a sumptous Lunch was arranged for by Mr Neil. Soon after, it was time to pack up and leave for the airport. Looking forward to the next trip again!!

What a memorable trip....Marcus and I were lucky to attend the first half of the Thai boogie 2005. It was nice to catch up with Steve Black,Nancy and Spartacus and our Singapore crew (Danniel, Andi and Arnold) and the Thai delegation (Nils, his wife and his mother, Pow, Moi and their friends, Stephen and Julia from the Dropzone in Pattaya).

Marcus was testing his new Micron rig and his new Crossfire 109 parachute. Luckily he opened high on his first jump, it took 2,000 feet for the parachute to open. On his 3rd jump of the day he had on top a line twist after the opening and the parachute started to spin. I was watching from above how he is kicking it out, the canopy was flying straight, suddenly it started to dive.....cut away and Marcus was under a white canopy landing safely at the beach.

When I came back to the manifest nobody seemed to have noticed that somebody had a cut away and watched where the canopy or the freebag went... then suddenly some Thai official said he knew exactly where and they will bring it back. We waited and waited and then Marcus and our friend Nils went searching too, but it stayed missing...

I went up to altitude (13kft) with our new skydive friends Lance, Jose and Kaylene having a funny, steep tracking jump. We got the permission officially to land at the beach. Actually we thought that everybody from the BT65 sunset plane would land on the beach, but it was only the four of us with a perfect stand up landing inclusive me :-) we were welcomed by BJ Worth, Eli Thompson and Craig O'Brien. Coming from the sky and more then 30,000 jumps are welcoming us with beer - it was something we will not forget easily..

Back at the Drop Zone we meet Marcus, Steve Black and mourning the lose of Marcus brand new parachute. It's now 7:30 and we gave up the hope to find it least for today. Suddenly we receive the message that the canopy has been found, not long after an older Village man brought it back in perfect condition. The toggles still in place. The free bag has not been found as of today.

Next day Marcus is jumping his old rig with his old parachute. Danniel is jumping a few times Marcus parachute and has the same slow openings. After Marcus is talking to Santosh who has the same rig, they figure out what is wrong. Meanwhile on the first jump in the morning on a 6 way sit with everybody all over the sky the next in our group Jose had a cut away. I see him falling down not too far away from me. When my parachute opened I look up and I try to figure out why my canopy looks different. It's flying straight so I don't worry too much and keep on looking, suddenly I realize that I have the free bag from Jose entangled in the lines of my main parachute. ... my heart is pounding a bit faster and at the same time my canopy starts to turn one sided. I put the toggle all the way down at one side and manage to land safely with only a few blue spots more :-). The Angels have been with us.

Having problems each jump to get back to the drop zone, because we were always the last out and got shitty spots, we decided from now on to land only at the beach :-). The 3rd day was another action day. One of the guys who jumped with us had a rig which was not freefly friendly. The deployment bag came out and the lines wrapped around his neck. Luckily he was able to free himself, cut away and pull the reserve (our 3rd cut away). He landed safely with an ugly pink reserve.

The next highlight: Eli is jumping with us (Marcus, Steve B., Lance and me). I'm really nervous. There comes Eli in hand down, I got a bit scared (like he wouldn't be able to stop - right...:-)) he moves into a sit grabs my foot, goes for Marcus foot and despite me moving around stay in a dock for a nice amount of time - what a beautiful jump...
The last jump was back to our "new" freefly team Marcus, Steve Black, Lance, Kaylene and me. The first time we were all at the same level - we were pretty proud of ourselves.

Unfortunately, on the 4th and 5th day we had bad weather and were not able to jump. We lighten up though the Saturday with an excellent dinner at Pow and Moi's place. The food was a dream, the company great.
We used the non skydive time to deepen our old and new friendships and we were very sad when we had to leave on Sunday afternoon and have every intention to go back next year.
Jolanda

Just came back from the Pattaya Sun and Fun Festival (11 - 14 Nov),marking the unofficial opening of Skydive Thailand. We are (almost) there ! I have made some pictures which you can find under the Gallery The drop zone is around 20 kilometers south of Pattaya City Center (25 mnts drive), 2 hours from Bangkok, in a very green, lush and flat region of the provincial district of Najomtien. There is no public transport going over there, so you depend largely on hired transportation or your own. The DZ guys are more than welcome to help you!! The closest reference for those planning to come over is the Phoenix Golf Course, which is a mere 4-5 mnts drive from the airport. The pictures shown of the web-site of Pattaya Air Park I gave through already are not updated; a lot of construction around the Air park (brand new runway, new control tower/office space/hangars, restaurant etc) have been pulled out of the ground over the past months, being ready for the Pattaya Sun and Fun Festival. And it has made a tremendous change! Due to its location, there are hardly any large obstacles around the landing area, besides some trees. It currently has a reasonably fast-climbing C-206 (4/5 persons) full-time and with the talks I had with the DZ, they are close finalizing the Porter deal here. Further talks are there to make this THE ASEAN CENTER OF SKYDIVING (even a wind tunnel has been mentioned). That remains unofficial and off the record...... The dropzone has nothting to do with the previously run dropzone in Thailand (closed down in 2002, located north of Pattaya in a region called Sri Racha). It is a totally new venture by a company who will also sell other (extreme) sports and activities in and around Asia

No accommodations (yet) are on the premises, the closest hotel/resort is around 10 mnts drive (you can book it either via me or via the DZ) directly on the beach and in a very quiet spot of the Najomtien Area. Camping is not a problem, as long as you pass it on to the DZ that you will be camping. Rates for 12.000 ft will be around Bht 1300 (approx. US 27). Tandems will be around Bht 10,000 (approx USD 250) excluding photo/video. The DZ is run by a british couple, with loads of experience in correcly setting up a business. The owner (Stephen) is now working very hard to finalize all the legal matters with the airport owners, with the government organizations and the Royal Thai Airforce and will also be by beginning next year, a fully licensed Cessna pilot. There is already an AFF camp planned in Feb 2005 with AFF jumpmasters from Empuriabrava, Spain and as it looks right now, it will be full soon. Furthermore, we are now working as well on a deal which may include the one and only jumpsuit makers here in Thailand to promote and cross-sell this via the drop zone. Excellent tailormade stuff they make for hardly anything (less than $ 120) in all kinds of material and colors. Keep you posted on this one too. As it all now looks, the DZ will start with weekend operation (Fri/Sat/Sun) and when all runs well,weekdays will be following shortly. During Pattaya Sun and Fun, only demo jumps were allowed (there was a huge amount of planes/helicopters present on the landing fields...), no hook turns allowed and Cypress compulsory are the rules of the management. At the festival this weekend, there were already some jumpers coming over to see if they could make jumps. See you all somewhere out there soon in the Land of Smiles!

6 of us, Jonathan, Mathew Leong, Kris, Edward, and myself made it to this trip, Paul the only British skydiver in our group joined us at the DZ on Sunday. At the Perth airport, Richard Chee linked up with us. We were glad to have him as our camera man. He was as usual, spotting his cheerful self.

6 Nov
After arriving at DZ, I was introduced to Allan Moss, who took good care of us through out our stay.
We made only 2 jumps due to gusty wind averaging 22kt to 27kt. Jumps were only opened to C license and above. Rule was a rule so we could only watch and wished we were up there.
As for myself I made used of the only 2 jumps available to get myself orientated to the DZ.

7 Nov
The wind condition was marginally within 20kt so most of us made between 5-7 jumps.
I did 7 jumps which included a tracking 4 way, 8 way and a couple of 2 and 3 ways. The special moment is my forth jump which was a 2 way with Kathy. We did a 2 way spinning exit and broke our spins at 9000ft. This was one helluva outrageous jump today.

8 Nov and 9 Nov
We slated these 2 days to focus on canopy control and landing accuracy. Our trainers, Dave the Chief Instructor, Cedric, the quiet but skill full expert, and wanting to teach--Andy were serious in imparting their canopy and accuracy skills. All of us had a couple of 1 on 1 with these expert instructors and benefited tremendously without doubt.
We all did 6-8 jumps for these 2 days but could have been more if not for gutsy winds above 25knots.
As I was the only odd one out with 190 sized canopy, my landings have been either backward or crabbing due to sudden change in wind direction. On my last jump 9 Nov, I flared a little slow as I was distracted by sudden change in wind direction resulting in me landed in crabbing way and was very lucky to have escaped only with a bruised right heel.
Jonathan, myself and Edwards all did 3k hop n pop, our first lowest hop n pop in our jumping career.

10 Nov and 11 Nov
We did about 6 jumps these 2 days due to bad winds again. We did 3 ways, 4 ways and 6 ways. We also had our only off-DZ landing on 11 Nov 1st jump at 4pm. Only Kris and Jonathan and ASO Dixie made it back to the DZ. Myself, Paul, Matthew and Edwards landed just across the road. An important lesson learnt—No matter what you do know where you are first.

12 Nov and 13 Nov
We continued our RW exploits on this day and did many 6 way, one 8 way and one 10 way. We did about 12-15 jumps on these 2 delightful days that saw us confirmed our Star Crest status. These are really exciting jumps making up of multinationals from all Singapore team, British, German and Australians.
Edward also did his1st free fly lesson and from what we saw on video he did extremely well.
These 2 eventful days also saw me attempting for my C-license APF accuracy jump. Unfortunately after 3 consecutive bull eye landing and followed by a forth within 8m, my fifth attempt was a 25 m from target. “Too bad! It is back to zero “ Said the Chief Instructor Dave. So I blamed it “squarely” on Jonathan who was flying very near me enough for me to keep an eye on him instead of my accuracy landing. Take that jab buddy!
Jonathan experienced his most serious hard opening but fortunately he had only a bruised neck (caused by chest strap, imagine how hard was the opening)to show. It was enough to shaken him but he immediately made correction to his packing method and the rest of the jumps his opening was a easy breeze.
We watched a 16 way formation on the sunset jump and also witnessed a cut-away at probably 1000 ft by a jumper due to line twist. We had good beer Saturday from the cut-away jumper as well as Jonathan’s B license celebration.

Final Day
Today we summed up our skydive activities with 2 more Star Crest jump on final day for 2 other Australian jumpers. We were happy that we did an average of 3 to 6 jumps but the only blemish had been the 2 Australians not getting the Star crest.
All in all, this trip have been a pretty successful trips although there could have been more jumps if not for the winds. All of us did an average of 37 to 44 jumps. I am disappointed of not hitting at least 60 jumps but we definitely picked up valuable RW skills, big ways experience, tracking speed and level control, accuracy landing and the all important canopy control.
There was also no reserve opening and we all did it in safest fashion possible.

Until the next time, we will be back.

Sheetoo

Hoxter situated in i hour drive from hanover is the biggest dropzone. the dropzone is predominantly flat fly also some part of the year few courses in freefly as well swooping training and competition.

for a moderate charge of 160 Euro u will receive i week coaching with a group. The load organizers are team captain of BJ worth world record attempts. namely Dieter Krisch, Pitt Weber, Cristoph. Also the club Dadalas is famous for its 4 way minimeet attended by 100 plus 4 way team. even though i am more into freestyle and skysurfing, this year iw as doing only formation. i had some problems of level during Thai boogie earlier this year. tried weights later realized i don't require weights. The course started Monday morning depending on the skill level with 4 way and progressed to 16 way.
The jump plane was Jan wild gruber twin otter. later we had dornier -28. The course was divided into 2 groups of 16 way. 8 members in one plane. so the aircrafts do-28 and otter fly in formation and jumpers exit at the same time and make 16 way. it was really good exercise before we progressed to 31 way formation. all jumps were video and copy was available at 10Euro. even though German was predominant the instructor were generous enough to debrief me in English. they put me all slots rear floater, front floater and diver. i was never been in base due to my 56 kg(under weight).
everyday 5-6 jumps were planned and we progressed very fast. i did 44 jumps ranging from 10 way 5 points to 16 way 2 point and 31 way. of course beer was floating every evening. and club house was all time open.
great place to learn

blue skies santhosh

Last week I jumped at Ramblers in the Sep 2004 learning curve week. I have to say this learning curve thing is really a great time for skydivers to get-together and learn loads of stuffs.
Most are the belly flyers doing bunch of 4-ways, 8-ways and 10 ways more. There are 2 jumps where we used 2 caravans. So the flatties made the big way from 2 planes from the sunset load :)
In the evening, we dine and drink. Almost everyday someone has to put carton on something. Somedays there are just too many beers around ?? Nahh.. When that happens, you know is a very slow start on the next morning :) After dinner, we watched landings of the day and have some seminars on landings. This is a really good idea, cos' we learn so much on the videos.

I had 2 very excellent freefly coachs, Yogi and Debbi. Both gave very good tips. I was a bit rushing and too eager to learn headdown... But I have learned in the week that the key to freefly learning is a total relax. I took the initial pace and slowed down 50% and more... And each jump just so much more to be absorbed.
I have learned quiet something on flying of high performance canopy, and really thanks to Yogi for the *knock knock* ... Slow down.. Take a step back attitude.
Oh oh... Yah, and I had my first reserve ride. Not a cutaway... Poped reserved. I had a very bad uncontrollable spinning with back facing the earth. Tried to get out the spin, but I guess terminal velocity kicks in and I can't even flip back on belly. Beepp beep beeep.... I know is falling below 3000 feet. Somehow intuitively I just pulled the reserve handle :) Yah, and I paid a carton of beer that evening !
Learning curve at Ramblers happens once every 2 months. I have met couple people who have been at the learning curve consecutively few times. Met some friends like Nick (met at JOS) and Rob (met a Bali). I would really recommend anyone who wishes to learn anything from RW, to freefly, to canopy lessons.

Blueskies, wanni

Saturday I arrived at the drop zone just to witness the first Tandem landing in Marina South - what a beautiful side. My heart started to jump just a bit faster because of the anticipation to jump the first time in Singapore. We went and booked us on a load quickly. Soon we were off sitting comfortable in the MI 8 (also a special treat to have a helicopter and even such a big one). Wow the view as we are going to altitude un-describable - just so beautiful - you could see Changi airport - even all the way to Malaysia.

After about 20 minutes we reached altitude and made ourselve ready to jump for the FIRST TIME IN SINGAPORE. Excited we hold each other and let ourselve out in the blue Singapore sky... When we landed we were welcomed by smiling bystanders and photographers. On the ground we couldn't wait to get up again to do more jumps.

During the whole weekend fun jumpers made anything from a few to 15 jumps - maybe even more. On most drop zones you would never be able to do as many jumps. It's an incredible treat to have this available at your doorstep. There were people from all over the world who came extra for this event to Singapore. We had the pleasure to have some of the most experienced, famous and nicest skydiver jumping right with us in Singapore!!!

To organize such an event is a lot of work without the contribution of the public wanted to do tandem jumps this event never would have been possible.
For my first Tandem jump - I was waiting for hours because the airplane was broken. I have many friends who couldn't jump for weeks because the weather was bad or for months because an aircraft broke...

The biggest issue is that you need things to work which our out of your control when you organize skydiving- in Switzerland where I'm from, I think I can safely say that 70% of the time you can't jump because the weather conditions are poor.

Why is skydiving so special - because it's something you can't take for granted - something which takes incredible courage to do - which gives you a feeling which nothing else in this world can do...

A huge thank you to Aerial Trendz for organizing it. You did an awesome job and we are sure that next year you will do even better!

Jolanda

Two weeks have past since the tragic accident in Lido. Natasha, Wanni, Danniel, Marcus and myself from Singapore made our way to Bali for the memorial jump of Rony, Edy and Johan.

When we met Edith it was wonderful and so sad to see her. We could see her pain and I felt like hugging her and never let go again.

The memorial jump was planned for Saturday's sunset jump onto Kuta Beach. First Yudho held a speech honoring our friends, speaking of the pain of the closest friends of Rony, Edy and Johan. We hold a prayer and then we proceeded to the aircraft. When we were on 12,000 feet we were circling - there were another 5 minutes of silence and prayers.

We - Ian, Mark, Marcus and myself with Wanni as our camera woman planned a six way jump with Rony and Edy. We made a linked exit, after we were stable we open up between Ian and Marcus to make space for Rony and Edy to fly with us. Some of us are not very experienced belly-flyers, but everything worked to perfection. We are sure it was Rony and Edy's guidance who let us have such a performance. We flew and flew for many thousand feet with the most gorgeous sunset you can possible imagine. It was magic and we could feel the presence of Rony and Edy with us flying like there is no tomorrow...

Natasha was watching us exiting from the back of the Casa. Our jump was also dedicated to her.

Yanka's team jumped with their team mate Rony and there was a special memorial jump with BJ Worth, Yudho and some of the closest friends of Edy. Everybody gave their best for our friends Johan, Rony and Edy - all of them we never will forget and we love so much.

I learned something very important - death doesn't mean only pain, end, suffering or mourning - it means a new beginning, release for our loved ones who are in spirit with us. It's very sad for us that they don't share anymore our lives, but for them starts a new chapter in peace.

Jolanda

So much to say, and yet, I do not know where to start. So many skydiving moments to share, and yet, I do not know who to share with. So many questions to ask, alas, the friends to ask are gone.
Edy, you have been my source of inspiration, my tower of strength, my role model I look up to, and my guide when I was at a loss as to the things I should do. I have told you many times how much you have been a help to our skydiving community in Singapore, allowing us to jump with the best of Indonesia, and yet, I feel I have not said it enough. We have gone through the good and tough times together. We have cried together, and we have laughed together. Those moments will always be cherished and relived over and over again. I still see you in my vision, with those cheeky eyes of yours, sharing your plans and vision for the sport with me. And when you were down due to tragedies and you wanted so much to quit, you picked yourself up and pushed yourself on selflessly for the sake of the sport. Rest well now my friend! Take the weight off your shoulders and fly with the wind. Go where your heart desires and set yourself free. Free to roam and free to do what you have always wanted to do. I will miss you dearly.
Rony, my friend, you are someone I would like to be if I had a choice to relive my skydiving life again. Always ready with a smile, ever ready to learn, always quick to pick up a new skill, always enthusiastic. You have made a lot of new students and tandem passengers very happy with your professional and accurate recordings of their first step into the sport. Every one of them has some memories to look at, and its all due to you. You have made their experience so much more pleasant with your contributions. And your ever tireless efforts to help a plan be put into action in the skydiving weekends that we have held with you is nothing short of amazing. Your ever willingness to upgrade your teaching skills has made this sport much safer for students. Your ever willingness to teach has benefited so many. Take the weight off your shoulders now. You have earned this moment. The moment of freedom from all the burdens that weigh you down. Spread your wings now and fly with the wind. I will miss you dearly.

Johan, my friend, I may not have told you this, but, I have always admired you. Admired you for the uncanny ways you may have prevented a potential disaster by saying no to a take-off to skydive. I will always remember your quiet disposition, and the way you smile has put many an anxious student at ease when you take control of the plane. You are one of the safest pilots I have flown with and it’s been my honor to call you my friend and protector. Through all the times we have pushed you to take off for that next load when conditions were not ideal, and you stood your ground when you said NO, we thank you. All the skydivers who have flown with you, we now salute you and bid you adieu. Fly free and fly safe, my friend, for that’s what you would have said to us. I will miss you dearly.
My Friends, your journey on earth has ended for now, and, as you begin your new journey into your next adventure, may you find your source of inspiration, enthusiasm and guidance there, as I have found them in all of you.
“…once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return…” You are home now, my friends

It is with great sadness that I am writing this article now. Every word that I type brings tears to my eyes as memories of our good friends who were lost in the crash keeps flooding back. This article is based solely on what I know and saw.
The weekend started out with 9 people departing Singapore and a Malaysian, meeting us at Cengkareng airport (Indonesia), for a weekend of skydiving in Lido Lakes. Saturday started out uneventfully with the day ending with a total of 10 loads. 3 new people were welcomed into the community over the weekend when they did their first tandems (Ian Ng, Hung Sze Wei-Malaysian and Ann Kwok Pui Yee). In addition, Andy Gan Chee Hou also managed to do 3 more AFF student jumps.

Sunday started with a slightly warmer temperature. Winds were now coming from the North (as opposed to the winds coming from the south on Saturday). Landing directions were changed to accommodate the wind change. First 5 loads were completed by 12 pm. Metro TV, a local TV station, was there to do a program on skydiving. Some of our skydivers were interviewed, including Edy, our skydiving spokesperson. When the 6th load was getting ready to board the plane, Metro TV was there to film the process. Boarding was done without any problems. The aircraft lined itself up at the southern end of the airstrip for take-off. Aircraft started its take-off at approximately 12:15pm. The take-off was normal based on what we could see. Personnel’s on board included Johan Pahlawan (our pilot), Rony Adriono (Tandem Master), Priscilla Hall (Australian Tandem passenger), Edy Christiono (Instructor) and Willy Ellison (Australian licensed jumper). We watched the plane take-off until it was out of sight. Everyone went to the canteen for their lunches. After about 5-8 minutes into the flight, someone mentioned that the aircraft engine could not be heard, indicating that something could be wrong. No one suspected anything until a local informed us that the aircraft had just landed into the lake. Not wanting to believe it, Yudho and myself quickly made our way to the lake where the locals had indicated the aircraft had gone down. There were a lot of locals trying to use nylon ropes with some form of anchor, trying to hook onto the aircraft that had gone down. They could not see where the aircraft was. After some time, they managed to anchor onto something that could possibly have been the aircraft. But with limited equipment, they could not do anything to pull the aircraft up. The Search and Rescue team did not manage to get to the scene until about 4 pm. By now, we were hoping that the personnel’s on board had managed to get out of the aircraft somehow and would turn up to inform us that they were alright. But, the search continued, even into the night. It was not until about 0100 hrs to 0230 hrs that the first of four bodies were recovered (Rony Adriono, Priscilla Hall, Willy Elison and Edy Christiono). The search was stopped when it was no longer possible to even see an inch in front of the divers. Search was resumed the next day at about 0830 hours and by 0930 hrs, the last body was recovered (Lt Col Johan Pahlawan). This has been a great tragedy and loss to the Indonesian skydiving community as well as to all the skydivers that know the people on board personally. Our condolences goes out to the families of the victims of the crash.
The Singapore team of skydivers returned home on Sunday night while I volunteered to stay back in Indonesia to help out in the post crash procedures. Investigations are underway, as well as the recovery of the aircraft, to determine the possible causes of this unfortunate incident. More information will be made known in due time. In the meantime, all of us are trying to come to terms with the incident in our own way, and figuring out how to move on from here. May we all find some form of closure to this incident soon and carry on with our lives. The memories of those lost will always remain in our hearts and we pray that they will now be able to soar the skies with a lightened load. Rest well, my FRIENDS!
Our thanks goes out to the local authorities, the locals, the NAUI team of divers, the Marine divers as well as the Search and Rescue divers, for putting a tremendous effort under difficult conditions, to recover the bodies of our friends.
Thank you once again.

danniel

Saturday began with a temporary hold in the morning due to VVIP movement at Halim Airport, which affected us at Pondok Cabe. We still managed to make quite a few loads for the day. Congratulations to Vitus Boesch (2 jumps) and Andy Gan Chee Hou (1 jump) for having completed their AFF Level I & II jumps. Henry Coombs had an anxious moment when he was faced with a 2,000 feet delayed opening from 4,500 feet. This was possibly due to a pilot chute hesitation. He managed to keep his cool and survived the day. Well done Henry! The late afternoon ended early due to VVIP movement at Halim again. We headed back to Kemang hotel for a swim before ending up in different directions for the evening celebrations and dinner.

Sunday morning was a repeat of Saturday's with the VVIP hold. We managed to complete another 1 jump for Vitus Boesch (AFF Level III) and 1 jump for Andy (AFF Level II). Andy was supposed to complete his Level III but for the engine failure of the Cessna. We were at 8,500 feet when the pilot said he could not climb any higher. So we were to jump at that altitude, but because of clouds, we did not do so. We decided to abort the jump but the pilot suddenly said that he had lost power in the engines. We discussed with the pilot and decided to bail out at 6,000 feet if he could hold the aircraft level then. Instructions was given to Andy that we were going out at 6,000 feet and that he was to Arch, Reach and Pull upon a stable exit. As a good student, he asked "Do I need to wave off before pulling?" What a well trained student. Alas, the pilot could'nt hold the aircraft level, and at 4,500 feet, we decided to land with the aircraft. Landing was smooth but the engine totally stopped upon coming to a complete halt at the end of the runway. We had to push the aircraft back to the hangar with our gears on. What a lesson for the AFF student. VVIP movement again halted our activities for the day. We had a 2 hour traffic jam on our way back from the DZ to the hotel. Just enough time to wash up and head for the airport. What a weekend! We will be seeing Vitus and Andy again in June for them to complete their course. Looking forward to another 2 new skydivers. Congratulations Vitus and Andy!

Last weekend was a time of relaxation and fun jumping. A total of 7 jumpers had indicated interest but, in the end, only 4 jumpers, Natasha, Marcus, Sheetoh and myself made it, and of course, Rony Adriono from Indonesia. We started Saturday morning with Rony prepping his tandem passenger for the task ahead. Our hats off to all the brave tandem passengers who have volunteered themselves for the sake of helping the tandem instructors to complete their tandem course. In the evening, we settled ourselves into The Beat for a nice and cosy dinner followed by a game of Pool. It was only then that we found out Jakarta was hit by hailstones during the late afternoon when rain stopped us from jumping more. What a day. CONGRATULATIONS to Rony Adriono on his successful completion of the tandem course.

Sunday started at about the same time but, after 3 sorties, the weather started to hit us again. We decided to call it quits and ended up going back to our hotel to have a shower before heading to a nice coffee place Natasha brought us to(sorry, forgot the name). Excellent choice. We had a nice sandwich and a relaxing drink to go with it before heading off to the airport. Enjoyed the company and the weekend thoroughly. Many thanks to Rony who made it all possible for us with all the arrangements. danniel

25 Mar 04 (Singapore 100ft above sea level)

It is going to hurt tomorrow because you are going to use the muscles that you seldom use", said Uncle Danniel. I thought to myself, "Huh?? How hard can it be? I am a strong man?" Next day, as I reported to the airport with a heartbeat that is beating hard and fast, I felt pain at my back and thighs. "Can I survive the ordeal in the next few days? What am I doing, jumping off perfectly functional plane?" These thoughts kept circling in my mind. But it is still not going to deter me to accomplish my dream of becoming a skydiver. I left Changi Airport with anticipation and pain in my muscles as I head for Indonesia for my AFF.

26 Mar 04 (Lido Lake 10,000ft above sealevel)

My heart was beating even faster and my breathing was hard. I waited in anticipation as the Cessna climb steadily to a height of 10,000ft above the sea level. I was staring at my altimeter all the time to see when is the "time" and I can hear my heartbeat pounding hard and my breathing was hard too. I could hardly enjoy the magnificent view of the volcanoes in Lido lake vicinity and the distant south beach of Java. I kept reminding myself of the drills that I had learnt and rehearsed many times on the ground. But the constant smile from Uncle Danniel and Rusli gave me assurance that I will be fine and will back on earth soon. I returned the warm smiles with a fake smile and tried to portray a confidence that had disappear since the plane left mother earth.
The time had come! The plane went to a gliding mode and the deafening noise of the aircraft disappeared. Uncle and Rusli gave me an approving nod and I moved to a squatting position next to the exit of the plane. "Check out! OK! Check in! OK! Out! In! OUT!!!!!!" I took a leap of faith and I was freefalling! Everything seems to come to a standstill. I can see the plane crawled away and there was complete silence. It is surreal, I felt that there was only me and God. Reality check!! I am freefalling!! Now the drills: arch, circle of awareness, ripcord practice pull. I checked my altimeter, I checked with Uncle and Rusli. I kept checking….. circle of awareness, ripcord pull practice…… But before I can fall stable or do any practice, it is time to pull the rip cord. There was a sigh of relief when I felt a tension at my groin and saw the nice blue and white strips of the canopy against the clear blue sky. Loud and clear instructions from the walkie talkie brought me safely to the drop zone. I had completed my first jump!! AWESOME!!
Everyone was supportive on the dropzone. The skydivers are a cheerful and fun loving bunch of lads and lasses. They will make everyone feel right at home and before long, they will be helping you in the art of freefalling. As the sun set, it marks the beginning of more fun at dinner table that is filled with stories, jokes, food and beer. It was a fantastic way to spend the weekend! Two thumbs up!!

27 Mar 04

I did 8 jumps over the weekend (not bad for a student). I enjoyed very single one of them. My instructors, Danniel, Rusli and Rasion were very professional and their comforting smile and encouragement gave me all the confidence that had deserted me since the plane took off. Words can hardly explain the adrenaline and excitement that was provided by this sport. But I will certainly be back for more. Besides the skydiving, the company was fantastic. Skydiving is not only a sport, it is a culture, it is a communion among the like-minded.
I felt a sense of pride as the commercial plane gathers speed at the runway for take off. I am now officially a skydiver. (OK… 17 more before I'll can officially and legally become a skydiver) I am already missing the fun of jumping off perfectly functional plane. So till the next skydiving trip.

BLUESKY
Sung Pong

Skydiveasia would like to congratulate Marcus Eich, USPA D-24738, who just last year had just completed his USPA Coach course, has now just completed his USPA Tandem Instructor Course (RWS).

The USPA Tandem Instructor course started on March 27, 2004 with 2 candidates, Marcus Eich and Rony Adriono. To date, Marcus has completed all 10 of the required evaluation jumps and even started taking his first timers. Rony Adriono, the only videographer available for now at the drop zone, had his hands full for the past few weeks. He now only has to complete another 4 more evaluation jumps before completing the course and getting his certification. We look forward to seeing him at the drop zone as a full-fledged tandem master.

This marked the first time for me at Lido Lakes DZ and my first exit from C-182. Jumping at new DZ cost me beer obviously but not sure if it was the same for first time in C-182. Talking about "First", there were also a number notable "first" among us in this weekend, just to recollect a few:

• Regin also jumping first time at Lido;
• Regin jumping his new rig;
• Wanni doing her 500th jump;
• First tandem jump for Marcus as passenger ;
• First tandem jump for Rony and Marcus as tandem master;
• Regin doing conversion to BOC;
• Jolanda's first off landing in Lido
• Sheetoh first sit fly

Though rains had wrecked our days, Food was plenty and good through out. All in all, most of us did average 6-7 jump. If not for the rain, I estimated that we could have done at least 12 jumps. Overall, despite the weather, I think we were in a good spirit, and we will be back soon for more. The sky can only get bluer.

Always Blue Skies,

SheeToh

Day 6 Feb

Everybody was quite on time but then there was half hour flight delay. It was good to see Kiran and Royce again. No one ever anticipated that some "sensational and memorable event" was to struck the duo over the weekend. There was a new student---Nantiket who would be doing his first jump of his life. He seemed very cheerful and carefree for a first timer. Usually first timers tend to be on a quite side filled with visible tension. Like my first time, it was full of wild thoughts and very worry if can return in one piece! Other jumpers were Uncle, Come, Natasha, Kiran, Royce, 7 of us altogether.
The bus ride from Jakarta airport to Hotel Plaza can not be smoother and everybody was loaded with enough tidbits and energy drinks to last the weekend. All set and ready for the plunge. There we were joined by Tom from KL.

Day 7 Feb

It was a fabulous morning to start and we did about 4 loads before the torrential rain came knocking on our DZ. Nantiket did pretty well for his first tandem though in video he appeared to be trying to grap something on exit! There was also one other loads that took us to 12000 ft before bad weather forced us to abort the jumps. The ride down was bumpy and felt like roller coaster. This was my second plane landing in consecutive months.

Day 8 Feb

We woke up extra early at 5am and by 6.15am we were on our way to the DZ. Everyone was not too happy not because of the early rise but because of the weather was getting bad. We did not make any jump the whole morning due to torrential downfall. The sky finally cleared after lunch and we managed 3 jumps.
The wind condition today was high about 12-15m/h and we had 2 off DZ landing on back to back loading. The first off DZ landing was by Kiran, Royce and Tom but fortunately they made absolutely good decision in selecting safe alternative landing point. The second one involved Rosli, and again Kiran and Royce. Rosli was on tandem course and due to his huge tandem canopy, he took like forever to land and at one stage appeared to be rising. Kiran and Royce unlike their first off-DZ landing earlier, this time luck was not on their side. They returned to the DZ with mud all over their body from head to toe. You should see their facial expression as they stood there side by side full of muds receiving interviews from Come and Ashley--the original padi landing man. The brother-hood of "Mudbrothers" have just added 2 newest member! Make sure you check our website under "Gossips" for our latest pictures.
This was a weekend jump that was curtailed by bad weather. But overall I was happy about being there, such a relax "enclave".
Blue Skies,.

SheeToh

Day 16 Jan

Changi Airport to Hotel Plaza
There was a flight delay from 6pm to 7.40pm. We are all anticipating possible upgrade to Business Class unfortunately the fight was not full. But it is okay as the flight time is just over an hour, no big deal.
There are 11 of us, Uncle, Come, Marcus, Regin, Kelvin (and his girl friend), Natasha, Kathrin, Raquel, Sherif and me. At Jakarta Airport, we were joined by a friendly chap--Tom from Malaysia and our usual jumper—Rony.
Despite flight delay, we manage to shop at Carrefour just before it close. There we went again, enough tidbits, energy drinks and foodstuffs. Regin, a dentist by profession did not expect a classy hotel at all. Well, I guess every new member, including myself were surprise to find such classy hotel among the typical Indonesia landscape around Kalijati. By the way, I am sure no one has yet perform a dental operation during a jump may be someday one of us (with bad tooth) can consider that and I am sure it might be able to qualify for Guinness Record! (Not sure if this will cost Regin his dentist license!)

Day 17 Jan

We arrived at airfield with different feeling—first time tandem students are as worried looking as I was just a few months ago; and fun jumpers are all excited and raring to go attacking the air space. The morning breeze was calm and with just a few clouds over us it was clearly a good start we were hoping for.
The day we put up 6 loads until the rain came at half past three. We could have made another 2 jumps if not for the rain. Nevertheless, almost all the fun jumpers put on at least 5-6 jumps and for me I did 5 jumps.
There were a number of achievements today from the pack.

• For the tandem students they all made their first ever maiden jump. Sherif had a very good landing on foot and that was not easy for tandem let alone first timer.
• Regin cleared his AFF levels.
• Tom cleared his check out jump
• Kelvin made his first appearance at Kalijati
• I had my first unsupervised pack-jump on my 37th jump

Day 18 Jan

After a mouth-watering breakfast, we reached the airfield at 7.30am and almost immediately started our jump run. Kelvin’s girl friend decided to make her first tandem that morning and she was seen puffing away nervously. She said later she closed her eyes during the climb out and exiting. I saw the video and like the 3 first timer yesterday, they were all responding to hand signals very promptly. High Fives to Students and also the instructional staffs.
We managed 6 loads before the weather knocked on the door. But the sixth load of the day was my first aborted flight due to bad weather. The Porter went up to 6000 ft and never managed to come out from the thick clouds that suddenly engulfed it. So after a topsy-turvy flight Edy decided to abort the mission. We were all clearly disappointed that we were coming back with the Porter. I thought it was Uncle’s first fun jump of the trip and I was sure he would be as disappointed. I feel sorry for Uncle after all 6 tandems over the weekend that he should be rewarded with a good 4 way he had rehearsed for.
By the way, they said the aborted flight will cost the first timer beers so I will checked the rule book later to confirm that. Despite the disappointment, all the fun jumpers still manage to find fun by doing a “beer accuracy” exiting from the Porter by running to the beer point. I was one of the last to reach the beer point but still manage to get my beer because there was a rugby scrum before me!
Not bad at all for rain interrupted weekends that we managed 11 loads. For many of us, several milestones were achieved as we concluded the trip. For me personally, this was the trip that I got my A license certified. Before I forgot, Sherif made another stand up landing! What an achievement for him. You should see his video from climb out to exiting that his face turned from smiling (very mechanically) to shocked-of-his-life-face. That was really funny. I guess everyone has his funny moment on video. As for me, mine was a 15 second climb out just a few months ago. (Well my legs wobble that it did not listen to my command—was my explanation!) Funny right?
I am now looking forward to the Feb jump window. I know many of us are also looking forward to the Feb trip. Tom was especially amazed and surprised at the number of jumps we put up and as a result he had to scramble for ATM machines. He said to me that he had never had so many fun jumps in one day in his life and was so thrill that he can’t wait for the Feb trip.

So I will see many of you in Feb jump window. I will own up how many beers I owed over the last 2 weekends later.
Blue Skies,.

SheeToh

Many skydivers were looking forward to the Halim boogie. It was really up to our expectations. One full week of skydiving, from a variety of big aircrafts: a Fokker-27, a CN-235, and an Hercules C-130!

It all started with the qualifying rounds of the national championships of relative work and accuracy. A signigicant event by itself, but the FASI went one step further, with three more days to nail the new Indonesian record: a 24-way. Ain't they wonderful? The best part is that, as usual, there were many slots left for all the fun jumpers. Both the fun and the jumpers were there.

Apart from Uncle who was a video for the competition, most of the gang from Singapore arrived wednesday and thursday. With Wanni and Stimpy, we had some trouble finding the dropzone. First we followed the directions of the wrong people. Then we felt our level of stress raising to unhealthy levels when we got stuck in a bad trafic jam. Fortunately, we arrived in time for the first load (i would hate missing the first load when i wake up at 5:45am).

The replacement of the C-130 by a CN-235 was not much of a disapointment: it's still fast and there is a large rear ramp. Apart from the size, it's as good as the C-130 (yes, i know, size does matter). Anyway, apart the big way, there were not so many people left, and there were always a few slots availables for reporters and other passengers. 12000 feet: jumprun! We are first out for a 3-way sitfly, as a good morning warmup. The big way was last on the second pass for their first training blocks. Good spot, but i still chose to land outside the enclosed area for my peace of mind... Ok, for those who are already whispering "pansy!" it's not only because i was scared, but there were way too many cameras for my comfort down there. The good thing is that later on, all the reporters were kept busy with the cute event of the day: a tandem pax proposing to his girlfriend (on the ground, not even at the door of the aircraft). Apparently she accepted, but i don't know the end of the story (we are not invited anyway).

Altogether, thursday and friday were beautiful days. More fun jumpers arrived. The 24-way attempts were on the way to success, under Yudo's direction. There were still some problems to fix, but the overall performance was not leaving too much room for doubt (optimism is good to keep everybody focused). Philippe organised some jumps for the stubborn ones who are still jumping on their belly (just kidding guys, we still love you). Meanwhile, the usual freeflying flock was having lots of fun sitflying and going head down (now we even have a video of a dock for those who don't believe us). All jumps from 12000 feet, except one. What aroused my suspiscion is when Edy gave me an oxycan at boarding time. Jumprun was 13800 feet, not bad. One noticeable close call a collision upon opening (yes, it's crowded over there). The lower skydiver cutaway and had an uneventful reserve ride. Well done!

Saturday morning was terrible. I'm not only talking about the hangover and the lack of sleep. Is was raining since 4am, with a thick overcast and it didn't look like it was going to clear any time soon. Finally, late in the morning, a beautiful blue sky started showing up far away, and a short while later, we were boarding the bus. Yes, this time, we had to board a bus, because we were jumping the C-130. Yehee! Last time was two years ago. Fortunately i didn't bring my ping pong table, it wouldn't fit inside (they didn't remove the middle seats). Nevermind, it's still comfortable for some fifty skydivers.

On the second jump of the afternoon, the new record is almost there: the formation is completed... Unfortunately too late to hold it for the three seconds required to make it an official record. There is still one chance left. They know they can make it, and it would be a timely success: the jump for the closing ceremony of the Indonesian Air Games 2003. And guess what; they did it! This time they waited for the video before cheering up. The proof was there, everybody could see it on the wide screen. Congratulations guys. Since it was the right time to get emotional, the organizers made the moment even more intense by expressing their recognition to all the foreign participants. All of us got a nice trophy.

All stories have to end with a nice dinner and lots of barley beer. Jakarta is the right place for this, but this time we didn't hold too long: we already celebrated the previous night, and some of us were still in a very adventourous mood. Yes, real adventure, waking up early, for a safari. I didn't know it, so i give you the tip of the day: bring lots of carrots. Yes, if you want to see camels drooling and begging you on their knees, don't forget the carrots.

Come

There was not much action the last few weeks, but altogether, July was quite a good month. The previous trip to Pondok Cabe, earlier in the month, was a bit disapointing, but bad weather and aircraft breakdowns are our fate, to all of us. Anyway, even without the aircraft, we managed to fly Danniel's Stiletto 107, with the dramatic end that most of you already know: a crash with an Hercules C-160. The C-160 was severely damaged.

Last weekend was much better. As there were quite a few issues about canopy control, we decided to focus a lot on this. A great success: no more crashes in the C-160. The first highlight was the official opening of the George of the Jungle Flying Camp, to the jubilation of our chief instructor (master skydiver, POP's, and owner of the training canopy) who commented: "i told you this canopy turns to the right". Sorry dude, but it flies straight; straight into the coconut tree. Flying small canopies requires big b*lls, but two of the same size.

A flying camp has to end with some kind of competition, just to have a proper evaluation of the high standard of quality of this excellent training (probably the best canopy school in Asia, and the cheapest in the world). Unfortunately, with our restricted facilities, it was not easy to implement the appropriate logistic, and the competitors had a tough job (don't laugh, i almost died). That was on the last load, so i'll crow about it later, after a quick glance over the weekend.

We were six from Singapore (Danniel, Natasha, Jolanda, Marcus, Philippe and me), most of us really craving for a lot of skydiving. An appropriate group for the C-185, specially when the local jumpers so kindly let us almost the exclusive use of their aircraft. Unfortunately, after an early start saturday morning, the third load had to land with the aircraft for mechanical problems. Didn't sound too good, but the mechanics managed to fix it by the middle of the afternoon, early enough to make one more load. Not many jumps, three only, but still good, with Natasha getting really good in sit fly (next step is the "gros fion" in sit fly), Philippe good on both sides of the force, and Uncle's unique ability to sit fly on his belly (don't ask, you really have to jump with him to believe it -- no video).

Sunday was one of these perfect days: perfect weather, few skydivers, early start, and skydiving all day long. A small group from the customs came in the morning to train their accuracy (no, they didn't come specially for the George of the Jungle Flying Camp). As they climb to 5000ft only, it's just the time for us to pack and get ready for the next load. All of us could jump as much as we want; up to six jumps. Not just six jumps, but six good jumps, including : a perfect hybrid with Marcus hanging below Uncle and Philippe, Jolanda showing off on a tracking jump, a four way sit where Natasha spent 5000ft screaming "give me my foot back" (she should know the french idiom "prendre son pied"), a two way head down where we both properly flew our grips. This head down jump left Marcus so amazed that he couldn't find his main pilot chute anymore. The quick reserve seem ok for him though.

You probably got it right: it's already quite good beer value for the weekend. But, as we are talking seriously, let me tell a bit more about the beer accuracy competition. Natasha snubbed us and stood off. The German competitor underestimated the wind, made his last turn too far away down wind and really deserved his beer after a long run, fully equipped, under the afternoon sun. The Belgian competitor chickened out, didn't cutaway his main, and wasted a lot of time trying to run with an inflated canopy (these guys pretend they are the kings of the beer). The French competitor, beer adjudicator as well, the only one who really knows both about accuracy and about beer (it's me, for the thickest ones), planned a perfect landing pattern, negotiated accurately the last turn, touched down right on target, grabbed the can, cracked it open, and drunk it; twelve seconds hands down. Don't underestimate the feat: with our limited facilities, the beer was warm, and a can of warm anker is not that easy to drink. I almost choked to death on the froth (still wondering if my insurance covers such accidents).

Nine jumps over the weekend is quite good. Not nine jumps for everybody: some were kindly leaving their slot to others, some couldn't surface from their hang over, and others had a hard time waking up early. Yes, waking up early can be a problem... Except when someone sets the alarm at 4:30 after we spent the night enjoying the performance of the dancers at Salsa. An exhausting weekend as usual, with lots of good fun. Thanks to all those who keep on making this available for us.

Come

Although I have known you for 4 - 5 years, I have never really spoken to you as I should have. Maybe it was the difference in language, culture or level of experience. Maybe it was the lack of time that we have. But I have always looked up to you for the times that you have brought joy to those seeking to find out for themselves the true meaning of freedom in flight through tandem jumping.

For all those that have experienced the joy of tandem jumping with you, I'm sure they will forever be grateful. For you have brought them to realise that there is no limit to what they can conquer in their body, heart and soul. I have personally seen your ever ready smile towards any student or skydiver at the drop zone. That smile has warmed many nervous hearts seeking to complete that first jump. That smile has also let me learn that we are all one big family, always looking out for one another, regardless.

We will endeavour to keep the spirit that you have shown us alive in our present and future community. For now, rest well my friend, take that weight off your shoulders and fly free................

We will all miss you.

Danniel Lee

Your friend

We're sitting now at 9 p.m. on Sunday night at the Singapore launch and having uncountable vodka orange...and remembering this fantastic weekend...

What a weekend! 2 of us from Singapore (Wanni and myself) and 2 hard coreIndonesian (Steve & Vincent) went to our favored drop zone in Indonesia - Lido. The weekend started with style being picked up by Vincent's driver with the most cutest pick up sign - see picture. We stayed at Vincent's French "castle" and rang the weekend in with a few real good gin tonics...How would you feel to have one Cessna 185, 2 pilots, 2 packers & whole bunch of crew carrying rigs, bags and spoiling you rotten for you and your 3 most dedicated jump buddy's? I don't think any of us had ever a similar experience...One whole drop zone for ourselves! I don't know which record highlight delighted all of us more:

* Having broken Come's Lido jump record of 11 jumps a weekend with Steve making a record of 14, Wanni, 13, myself 12 jumps and Vincent's personal record of 7 jumps in one day.... ...even doing so having time to lay at Steve's pool for 2 hours and having gin tonic and pizza again before flying off :-)
* Wannie's ever getting better videos - yes she is really our new star camerawoman and already got an offer from the National Indonesia 4 way team...
* The most funniest spotting...with Wanni pointing one direction, and second after Vincent pointing in the opposite direction and neither of them realizing what the other is doing - the climax was when both were pointing at the same time in the opposite directions. It was quiet comical to watch Johann took it cool and flew in "zickzack"...amazing though how good the spot ended up to be...
* Vincent's and my successful exit....after practicing....a lot....
* Our 3 way 5 point....:-) from 10 K...
* Our 3 way head down...at 196 miles per hour....ok we actually did a "horny gorilla" but we preferred to go head down then with the feet first :-)
* Our ever worst tracking jump - instead of having a horizontal "rabbit" to follow we had one going head down....around circles...Steve we loved it :-)
* Our ever best tracking jump with Wanni being an excellent "rabbit"
* Our amazing 3 determined attempts to get back to the drop zone with people putting money on us that we don't make it back...
* The feeling what a difference it makes to jump with Vincent in a Cessna 185 or without...sorry Vincent but the 2 jumps when it was just the 3 of us...we made record time to get to 9K :-) and we couldn't believe how much space a Cessna actually has...
* Seeing powerful Vincent going to bed at 9:30 p.m. after 7 jumps...
* What a difference it makes when we're on a mission....after our rather average but very funny attempts on Saturday we were almost pro by Sunday...the mission on the first Sunday jump was to be on the video...off we went... Wanni yeeeeaaahhhhh we're coming.....what a wonder...determined we were we MADE IT a beautiful free build star:-)

What a weekend! What great jumps! What wonderful company! What a crew - Thanks Edy, Edith, Dolly, Johann, Max, Harry and all other wonderful team of Dropzone Lido!

At this point the SQ flight just arrived (21:30..) after 4 vodka orange...and we're still waiting for confirmation when we can take off...their might be a chance of many more...

Jolanda

Once again, another weekend has passed with a successful jumping trip completed. This trip was not without its uncertainties.

The planning started as early as mid April, with most of our members getting bitten by the skydiving bug. We were initially looking forward to the weekend of May 3-4, which was abandoned on last minute information that no aircrafts (Cessna 185 & DC-3) were available. Then a flicker of hope as we were told that the Cessna 185 at Lido Lakes Aryaduta (our all time favorite Indonesian drop zone) and the DC-3, would be available on the following weekend. Plans started getting underway for the weekend trip on May 10-11. Wanni, who successfully secured it, arranged air tickets. Danniel organized co-ordination for the accommodation and aircraft. There were some tense moments as to the availability of the rooms at the resort, but we finally confirmed it on the day of our flight. Aircraft was another big confusion as members were receiving different information from different sources regarding the availability and timings for the DC-3. The group finally left Singapore at 18:50 hours.

Arriving at Soekarno-Hatta airport, we arranged to have 2 Kijangs to bring us to our usual "supermarket" and then, on to the resort. What a shambles. One Kijang (the Cocktail Bar) ended up going to the biggest supermarket in Indonesia while another (the Comfort Kijang) ended up missing the usual supermarket and heading straight to the resort. What a start!

May 10 started with everyone at the drop zone on time at 08:00 hours. The first sortie saw Philippe Marcourt, a Belgian, getting back into the saddle after a long lay off of one year. Danniel accompanied him on his entry jump back into the sport. The rest of the sorties followed with Swapneel Khule, an Indian national, making his first ever virgin tandem jump with Danniel. The early afternoon sorties were marred by rain and clouds, which were attributed to Philippe trying to quietly sneak in on his 1000th jump. Eventually, the weather cleared up at about 16:00 hours for Philippe to complete his 1000th jump and Swapneel completing his second tandem of the day. The day ended with everyone averaging about 5 jumps and Philippe celebrating his 1000th with a photo session and a wet dunking.

Sunday started with uncertainty due to unconfirmed timing of the DC-3. So jumping continued at Lido Lakes until 12:00 hours. By then, everyone had done about 3 jumps and Swapneel completing his third tandem. Everyone proceeded to Pondok Cabe with the intention of jumping the DC-3 (this was after receiving some accurate information from Budi Otto, a local skydiver). We arrived at Pondok Cabe just in time to get 2 sorties in for the group. It was a spectacular experience for most of the group members who have not jumped the exotic plane before. Spotting on the second sortie was way short of ideal but everyone made it back safely to the drop zone. The activity stopped at 16:30 hours.

Amigos, beers, margaritas and food (not necessarily in that order) was next. A famished group devoured the entire setting in about half an hour before pushing off to the airport. Another fiasco. But, we finally made it to the airport and the flight, thanks a million to Michaela Massani, who held up the entire SQ crew for us. The plane ride was another adventure for all as we were in high spirits.

Touched down finally at 22:50 hours before everyone went their own ways to a much-deserved rest before the start of the workweek.

Congratulations to Philippe Marcourt on his 1000th jump and Swapneel Khule on making not only the first virgin tandem jump, but completing 3 tandems over the weekend. We look forward to him coming back for more.

Many thanks also to Edy Christiono for organizing the activities at Lido Lakes drop zone, and Budi Otto, who co-coordinated with the Customs organization to allow us to jump with them. We look forward to many more exciting trips.

Uncle

Although in times of SARS or bomb threats we decided to travel to Indonesia and to do have a nice skydiving weekend. We all met at Jakarta International Airport and I mean all… also the skydivers from Thailand (Patrick and his friend Paul from Norway) ;-) Patrick, the Flying frog, (also this his website at www.patricksrestopattaya.com) and Paul, an Offshore Manager from Norway told me about her airplane crash in Pattaya and showed me the pictures. My last jump was in September 2002 and it will be the first jump on my new PD190, so maybe you know how I felt at this moment J So it was about 7 p.m. and we (Natasha, Jolanda, Wanni, Marcus, Ashley, Paul, Patrick, Matthias) have loaded the two Kijangs (model of a car for those who don’t know!) and tried to go the direct way to Radisson Resort. Unfortunately it started raining. Maybe raining is the wrong word. I’ve never seen something like that before. Camel Trophy is like playing in a sandbox if you want to compare. I forgot to mention that we had a short stop to meet Ronny, to buy some beers and to visit the toilet. I felt so thirsty as in that moment Jolanda asked: ‘Matthias, would like some orange juice with water?’ and I said: ‘Y-Y-es, please!’ Hmmmmm but this was far away from orange juice with water. But after having reached Radisson safe, everybody in our Kijang was in a good mood and we directly went to the bar, where Wanni and Ashley were waiting and having some drinks. The other guys Patrick and Paul were sleeping (they had al long trip, you know). I think everybody was looking forward to have a good rest.

Saturday morning, at about 6:30 a.m., all of us met for breakfast, except Ashley (shower) and Jolanda (sleeping until the 6.59). Marcus was preparing the “late breakfast pocket” for Jolanda…At 7.00 a.m. we pushed into the Kijangs to go directly to the DZ. It was a wonderful morning, with sunshine, endless blue sky and a lot of traffic on Indonesian roads. The way to the DZ is very interesting (for me it’s the first time joining these great people and being in Indonesia, that’s why I’m so excited).We arrived at Kalijatis DZ. I’m really impressed. The first we can see is the Pilatus Porter and the nice people there are waiting for us. For Patrick, Paul and me things are new here, but after a few minutes we feel familiar and Natasha gives us newcomers an introduction in the landing area, wind indicators, taxiway and the dangerous places (antennas and so on). But landing area is really wide and I think it’s also ideal for beginners here. In a whole, it was a wonderful day in the air and at the DZ. Paul has brought me into my first Headdown (Craaaaazy & coool!). And now the story of the ‘Luxurious skydivers’ began. Jolanda did her 100th jump (beer? No way!). I think, everybody had great fun this day. Additional to that, Paul had his first dive after the crash, but he did it. I had my first jump on the new rig, my first headdown, first jump on Pro-Dytter (thanks to Larssen & Brusgaard, good thing!) and finally we had 6 loads this day, quite good. In the evening all the skydivers are so tired and happy to go to Radisson….the story continues….when Marcus mentioned ‘Ok guys, let’s meet at the pool area in 10 minutes!!!!). What? Pool area? No tent, no caravan, no bunkhouse – yes it’s true, we stay at Radisson Resort, a beautiful place to hang out. Microsoft is having a conference there…. Arrived at the big pool, Ashley is waiting again with a big pitcher of cool golden-colored beer. Jolanda and Marcus are coming with Champaign, sorry, that I’ve to mention that and most of us are enjoying the spirit of swimming pool water. Natasha organized nachos and we are talking about the day and our life… what an undescribable atmosphere… love that! (see also pictures). We had dinner and sharing more skydiving stories and we watched the videos made by Patrick and Marcus. Most of us went to bed early and we knew we had to get up at 5.30 because departure was planned for 6.30 to have more loads…. Crazy!

We checked out in the evening and so we left Radisson at 6.31 a.m. Arrived at DZ at about 7.30 or earlier?! I think we had 4-5 loads on Sunday, but I had to leave at 1 p.m. I did my first sitfly with Marcus who was so kind to give me the necessary support and to suppress my turns. Thanks a lot! This is the beginning of my freefly career… Next jump was also a solo sitfly, not too bad, I could stop the turns. I remember the others made the ‘Horny Gorilla’ and I suppose they had a lot of fun. Rony was also joining us on Sunday and did several jumps with Natasha. He made some camera jumps, maybe we can see them next time?

So it’s time to finalize the story of ‘the luxurious skydivers’ and I hope, you enjoyed it. For me, this was one the most beautiful skydiving weekends I ever had. Thanks to all, who made it possible. This was perfect organizational work… Hope to see you all next time in the air again. Blue skies & always soft landings…

Matthias

After 12 hours flight Marcus and I arrived in Zuerich – excited to do our first Balloon jump…though the unpredictable Swiss wind wasn’t on our side…Frank our good friend we met at the Bali boogie and his friends Moritz and Heidi, had a plan B…Austria with an operating spring drop zone was only 1 hour away and luckily on the way (kind of) to our final destination St. Moritz… 12K feet, first jump: 3 sit flyer and 1 head downer circling around me and then on the second jump 4 sit flyer and 1 head downer (my first 5 and 6 way :-)…what a view…and what a start to our 1 week snowboarding vacation :-o). Every day blue sky…after having ,green, black and blue moons all over our bodies from snowboarding we thought that it’s time to do something safer… :-).

At the same time, there was in St. Moritz a skydive event organized by skydive Grenchen– have you ever jumped in mountains which are covered with snow? No, it’s a must to put on your list to do….besides jumping on Bali beaches this has been the most amazing experience… everywhere you looked blue and white…we were blown away – Starting point was 5,900 feet above sea level, going up another 12K, 4 beautiful jumps - the ultimate jump was our last one 14K (total 19K above sea level) interesting the oxygen provision they had…first jump with oxygen…

Jolanda

Elevation! That's a good name indeed. The Federasi Aero Sport Indonesia brought us to unprecedented heights. The result of the joined efforts of the Balinese authorities, the Air Force, the FASI and local sponsors resulted is an incredibly succesful event for the enjoyment of all of us, lucky skydivers.

Bali. The destination of your dreams. For some of us, the dream was so insistant that we reached there for Christmas, a few days ahead of the Elevation. Definitely not a bad choice. It's not only that the place is a delight for the eyes, but there are many things to do and the Balinese people really add a magical appeal to the exploration. I'll never get bored of their so beautiful rice paddies. Older rice has the most perfect shade of green, and the young shoots produce fascinating views: a perfect mirror blossoming into even lines of green petals. In the mountains, the fields become terracings stripes winding lazily all over the slopes. I tell you, Balinese farmers are more like landscape gardeners; i would even say real landscape artists. This doesn't apply only to farmers.

Art is everywhere. They have an impressive diversity of arts and crafts, with metals, stone and wood sculptures, jewelleries and paintings. Even their architecture style is outstanding. Initially, I was wondering why they build so many temples. Of course, they have many Gods and they worship Them with due respect, but it was really too many. I got the answer when, after visiting a temple (maybe it was a palace, i'm not sure), i stepped into someone's house, thinking that it was a small temple. They have very elaborated houses. I wouln't mind a balinese house for my retirement (preferably on top of a cliff overhanging nice surf beach, but i'm rambling).

Contemplation, but a choice of activities as well. Jolanda and Natasha convinced me to join horseback riding, instead of going surfing on my own. Not that I had so much hesitations, Jolanda's plans are always fabulous. Anyway, I was expecting a relaxing ride on the beach, and the visit of a village. Nothing really exciting, but still an enjoyable ride. How wrong was I! When it comes to horses, I'm nothing close to a good rider, and i can tell you, I had a hard time. No mistake, it was not that the horses were bad tempered; they were just full of energy. That was challenging! On the next day, it was white water rafting. Way more relaxing... But still lots of fun. Enough rapids to keep us entertained for the whole 9km. The perfect warm-up for the main course.

Skydiving, that was the main point of the trip. We were there, on Saturday afternoon, still restless from the morning activities and excited at the idea of the first jump. The first jump in Bali for quite a few of us. The aircraft is there, a Fokker 27 from the Air Force. The pilots and the crew are ready to fly for us. Not much time to chat with everyone: too many skydivers. There is even a surprise guest: Frank, a skydiver from Switzerland, on holidays with his family. After a short delay, and some worries about the weather, we finally board the aircraft and take off for the first jump, from 12000 feet, in front of Bajra Sandhi People's Struggle Monument at Niti Mandala, Renon. The landing area is huge and the Monument is impressive, both from the sky and from the ground. Unfortunately no time for a closer examination.

The official opening ceremony of the Elevation boogie was magnificently organized at our hotel, the Kartika Plazza. Definitely much more than just a get-together party. Official welcome speeches, great food, traditional music and dancers... It's impressive to see how much efforts, so many people were putting into this event. It was the opening ceremony and the high quality of the reception was a strong hint about the success of the whole boogie. Time to go to bed and get ready for a full day skydiving on Sunday.

Kuta Beach in the morning is great. Exiting the airplane at 12000 feet, above the emerald green sea is already an exciting sight. Flying above this long strip of pale yellow sand, caught between a line of trees and the surf is delightful. I don't even envy the surfers. On sunset, Sunday evening it's a different story. High tide, the strip of sand is a bit narrow. Much worse, the beach is really overcrowded. Rather be accurate on this landing. Most of us were, for the best enjoyment of the spectators. That was the fourth jump of the day, the two other jumps being in Renon. A very succesful day. It was also a very special day for the few tandem students who made their first jumps there.

The weather was not with us on Monday. Of course, it's the raining season, we can't expect blue skies all day long. But there we were a bit unlucky. Only two jumps. The rain came in early and it poored all the afternoon. Nevermind, tomorrow will be better. It was much better indeed. Still raining in the afternoon over Renon, but over Kuta it was almost ok. We did the three planned jumps and Toni could take Franks's son for a tandem jump on Kuta. Kind of cool Christmas present. The last jump, in the rain, was a bit painful, and most of us were a bit worried about the weather. Would it spoil the main event of Elevation?

The midnight jump for New Year. That was the highlight of the boogiee. A unique experience for many of us. One of the rare things that will keep a bunch of skydivers sober on New Year's Eve. Of course, we had a strong motivation to celebrate, but later. We even sent Michecke to the landing area, in Renon, with her crutches and a backpack full of Champagne and ice. Well, we didn't drink the champagne until we were back at the hotel, but she did it, she even crossed the whole field on her crutches (hopefully her doctor doesn't know about it). But back to the jump. We met early for the necessary briefings. The landing area, the landing pattern, nearby hazards, exit order, opening altitude, visibility... Very good and comprehensive briefings given by highly qualified specialists. Then we still had an hour or so to be creative and figure out what to do with the glowing sticks and other lights.

Time to board the Fokker for the last load of the Elevation Boogie. Twenty five glowing skydivers flying over the beautiful Balinese night, 6000 feet above the constellation of Denpasar, waiting for the jumprun. 11:59pm. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1... Happy New year! The countdown almost on jumprun; time for the resolutions. Of course, even more jumps for 2003. Exit time for the second pass. Falling into the void, watching the imposing shadow of the aircraft. 1, 2... A shade through the bright opening of the door and another star falling in the void. 3, 4... One more. Bright spots evenly spaced falling through the night. Right below, the landing area and lots of lights from the Monument and from the stage. That's a huge party down there. 17, 18.. time to open. Perfect opening. The last jumper from the first pass is on final, caught by the powerful beam of a spotlight. Gosh, that's a crowd! One spiral to get into the landing pattern. The spotlight is blinding but the landing marks are clear enough. Only concern, the crowd... and ooops the wet and slippery grass. Nevermind, everybody is enthusiastic, jumpers and spectators alike. Too bad we can't join the party. As soon as the last one has landed, we go back to the bus and head to the hotel to celebrate.

That was a boogie! Eleven jumps out of the twelve initially planned. A wonderful success, thanks to the Air Force, the FASI and all the support that we got from Bali. Looking forward the next boogie in Indonesia.

Come

No kidding! The ultimate cockroach killer, they confiscated it at the airport. Fortunately, that was on the way back. I say fortunately because this time we stayed at the Subang Plaza again. I'm still amazed that a building holding such a strong remanence of a gone splendour can be so ruined inside. Check out the terrified faces of the girls refuged on the bed after noticing a giant spider... Ooops, wrong story. This time, no rats eating the soap, no invasion of cockroaches in the cupboard, only a major flood at the second floor. Wanni reached her bed safely, thanks to her outstanding swimming skills.

So, we arrived there, on a rainy friday night, after a comfortable flight in business class (I love full flights) and a less comfortable drive (but we still had beer so it was ok). Saturday morning was a bit of a slow start, and we had only four loads before the afternoon rain. It was not as bad as last time, but it still meant a long boring afternoon... and no Uncle to throw in the swimming pool (anyway, both are still empty). However, we still had a good dinner, enough beer and good fun. Sunday, we started early enough to make six more loads, most of these at 12000 feet, except one at 14200 feet (why is it the one that i missed?). A bit earlier in the morning and a bit faster, the seventh load is definitely possible, even on sunday.

That's ten loads over the week-end. Quite good actually, when initially we were not sure if there would be enough people to fly the Porter. As usual, there were a few achievements. Steve and Ian managed to do a rodeo jump. You'll see the briefing in the gallery... They claim that the actual jump looked even better than the dirt dive, whatever that means. There were quite a few very succesful 4 ways and 5 ways, thanks to the members of the national team. An "Happy Birthday" jump for Rony's mother, not that succesful because Yanka lost the cardboard right at the exit. Jolanda and Wanni managed to keep close on a 2 way sitfly. Wanny impressed me with a soft (and planned) foot-to-foot dock (sorry, i missed the shot of the dock; however i captured her ecstatic face). There were also two track jumps, on one of them, i had both Edy, Steve and Ian right there.

There are still many experiments witht the canopies. Wanni sneaked her girlfriend's electra and scared the moles (i didn't put the shots online because it's obvious cruelty to animals). Ian sneaked Wanni's Sabre and impressed everybody with his excellent skills. Jolanda tried stand-up landings and managed to do it (yes, legs can also be used for this). She also seriously improved her accuracy. Rusli enjoyed so much his reserve that he didn't even bothered pulling his PC (well done on this one)!

That's just the summary of yet another great week end skydiving in Indonesia. Thanks to all those who made it possible. Special thanks to Edy, Edith, the Commandant of the air base, the crew of the porter. Many thanks to Danniel who made all the arrangements for us.

Come

Last week our friend Michelle came back from her AFF-Course. She did less jumps than she expected because of a bad landing at her first AFF level. During landing she hurt her back and broke her ankle. She stayed a few days at John’s home hospital and then came back to Singapore. We all hope that she will recover very fast and we will she her in the air soon.

All the best

Marcus

7 a.m. Melbourne airport….my Singapore connection Ricky is picking me up and ready to rock’n roll to Pakenham. Tired (me) but excited (us) we arrive 2 hours later at the Drop Zone.

After realizing how technical talented I’m and needing help from Singapore to get my Protrack and borought fancy skydive watch going - up we go into the blue sky. Ops...where is the Drop Zone - never knew it until after I landed….bad spot…or some people taking to long to get out of the plane (me:-)….

On the ground I meet one of the youngest skydiver - An amazing young man with the name of Robert who did his Tandem as soon as he reached the legal age to do so and did this weekend his first Static line jump. When he was 14th he built a real parachute with complete rig for his Teddy. I was stunned - especially when I saw that Robert packed the Teddy’s parachute better then I have ever packed mine…. The Teddy went up and jumped with the instructor. The parachute opened - with a line twist, but never the less the Teddy made it save back to the ground :-).