Author Archives: melissa
-
Highline BASE Project – 150 Days To Go
Posted on June 15, 2013 by melissa in BlogSlacklining is a practice in balance that typically uses nylon or polyester webbing tensioned between two anchor points. Many people suggest slacklining is distinct from tightrope walking in that the line is not held rigidly taut (although it is still under some tension); it is instead dynamic, stretching and bouncing like a long and [...]
No Comments. Continue Reading... -
Yo Bro! Check out my Go Pro!
Posted on May 10, 2013 by melissa in Blog, EducationThe sleek, low-profile design, an easy-to-use system, so small it’s hardly there, and it’s oh-so-glorious high quality images – the Go Pro, Hero. In this social media society, the Go Pro is seductive, yet it’s oh-so-risky. For all you rebels at heart, those willing to learn, and especially those with less than 200 jumps [...]
No Comments. Continue Reading... -
Food Confessions of a Pro Skydiver Girl
Posted on May 7, 2013 by melissa in BlogI’m a nutrition enthusiast and an athlete. I studied two years of Nutrition at the University of Hawaii Maui College, done a dizzying amount of online studies and experimented at home trying to find a balance of healthy, eco friendly, eating. After years of self-study, I’ve finally found what works for me. You can [...]
No Comments. Continue Reading... -
2013 Goal: 1 Month In, 180 Days to Go
Posted on May 3, 2013 by melissa in BlogIt has been one month training on the slackline with my talented coach, Emily Sukiennik. I went from hardly being able to step on a 1 inch line inches above the ground, holding Emily’s hand while I find my balance, to confidently stepping up a foot higher and walking all the way across, falling [...]
No Comments. Continue Reading... -
Understanding the Landing Pattern
Posted on April 18, 2013 by melissa in Blog, EducationI believe one of the most important elements in skydive training is the topic of “CANOPY.” In my last article, “Look At Me – Canopy Awareness Tips”, we cover many areas that we can be more diligent in canopy planning, including the Landing Pattern. So this article will discuss how we can more effectively [...]
No Comments. Continue Reading... -
The Compass Rose: Wind
Posted on April 18, 2013 by melissa in Blog, EducationAviation weather uses the compass rose to determine wind direction. This blog is to clear the mystery of the numbers that identify winds. The compass rose is based on a circumference of 360°. Therefore, we identify North by 0° (or 360°), East 90°, South 180°, and West 270°. Another note about describing winds in [...]
No Comments. Continue Reading... -
2013 Goal: The Next Project Unveiled
Posted on March 22, 2013 by melissa in Blog[Insert theme music here...] I’m goal-oriented. I strive for pushing myself forward as an athlete, as a woman, a business owner, a teacher, and a human. My mother tells me that my father was very goal-oriented, so perhaps this is a way of living out part of his legacy, however I prefer to take these [...]
No Comments. Continue Reading... -
Blowing off Rust
Posted on February 6, 2013 by melissa in Blog, EducationWinter is upon us, but spring is creeping around the corner. Some of us skydivers have to hibernate or bury ourselves in work and count the days until their home DZ reopens. Not all of us can afford to travel to a winter destination DZ. Good thing is we can save jump money during [...]
No Comments. Continue Reading... -
The Origins of VFS
Posted on December 12, 2012 by melissa in BlogIt was the winter of 2003, and I was alone in the 46,000-sqaure foot hangar called Skydive Chicago – bored. The temperatures neared freezing levels, snow covered the Skydive Chicago landing area in white, and the hallways were empty of eager skydivers. I distinctly remember thinking that I need to keep my hands busy [...]
No Comments. Continue Reading... -
2012 Goal – Pilot’s License
Posted on November 19, 2012 by melissa in Blog“So come with me, where dreams are born, and time is never planned. Just think of happy things, and your heart will fly on wings, forever, in Never Never Land!” ― J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan: Fairy Tales Saturday, November 17th I flew to DeKalb, Illinois for my Private Pilot check ride. My heart is [...]
No Comments. Continue Reading...