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Tired, a bit sore - but it was all well worth it.  I want to go again, because I know there is so much more to learn, and I look forward to learning it.

The experience and getting the chance to fly indoors really made me feel more comfortable with how to react to things in the air, and getting the "feel" of turns etc. - and I am really looking forward to my next jump to see how I can put it all together midair.  We were talking about the experience as we drove back and it was unanimous that the time in the tunnel was worth every penny - and Lambert, you are an awesome coach. 

No trying to BS you or make you feel good - your patience, your obvious delight in teaching and helping others to understand what they are doing and giving practical advice in a way that is easy to understand and digest - it is a rare skill.  Your flying up, catching a person's eye and calming them down - it was great to experience both firsthand and seeing as others went through it through the glass.  You locked on, made people focus on you, and we joked about how you "made the puppets dance" ;o)  It felt natural following your lead and reacting to your signals and advice in realtime... and each one of us got to experience it.  A sincere thanks to you for sharing with us.

The advice you gave and the set-up, where we had the two minutes and then a short downtime, was excellent IMHO.  I felt what I did in the air, got the feedback and then got right back in while the memory was still fresh, and I think that is a huge help.  My only thought on anything "missing" - and I don't really see it as such, just a thought - was maybe using one of the 2-minute blocks to do a run-through of a person's next jump, so they can do a top-to-bottom runthrough so they know exactly what they are doing the next time and have proven to themselves they can do every part of it.  Most of us were in the most "ritualized" jumps (B, C and D) and we all practiced the necessary skills throughout the 30 minutes we had with your help, so I don't think any of us feel like we can't do what we'll need to do - but a once-through might have been the only thing I could think of... and even that is just my overthinking things...

;o)

It was great to watch others and see what they did, and to get an idea of what to be thinking about (but not too much... relax!!!! ;o) on our flights.  I also wanted to note that as students, we see videos of the more experienced jumpers, but don't get to experience right in front of our eyes, just what they can do in the air.  Seeing what experienced fliers can do really gives a deep respect, and a deeper understanding of everything that can be done midair.  And seeing mistakes - even by people with hours (days/weeks ;o) of tunnel and freefall time - makes us realize that we don't have to be "perfect".  That was also something that I found helped me try to relax a bit and know that every tiny detail doesn't have to be perfect, you adjust, you learn and you get the "feel" of it.

On a personal note - the trip was also a great way to bond, meet people and have fun while learning.  I have absolutely enjoyed all the time I have spent at Orange and the people I have met there, and thank each one of you.  I look forward to seeing you, hanging out with you - and jumping with you!

Feel free to use any and/or all of this note in any way you want to!  I'd be happy to give a testimonial on video if you want... and will be happy to add a comment after my next jump - which should be this Saturday if the weather holds out.

PS - I will post some pix and videos to my Facebook page - I'm the only Brian Marcus on the Skydive Orange page if you want to "friend" me - and I do have some pix from Orange on my personal website (where I also have tons of pix of my travels and the ones I sell etc) at http://www.sucramnairbpix.com/gallery/8329773_34nD8