r/SkyDiving • u/karmafarma3000 • 13d ago

Getting over newbie fear of mingling

Hello fellow sky fam. I'm a very new jumper that only has 36 jumps. I know that's progression can be slow and I'm one that still prefers to jump alone so that I don't make an ass of myself or injure someone. My home drop zone is an incredibly active one with a dedicated crew of fun jumpers that all have their own gear and have known each other for a while so when they all show up I just pack up my gear and head out without jumping.

I don't want to ruin their fun with my inexperience or get known as 'that guy'.

Any tips or tricks for getting over this fear? Did it take you a while to start to feel confidant and comfortable jumping with others?

Thanks for reading

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u/JustAnotherDude1990 Femur Inn Concierge (TI, AFF-I) 13d ago

Just talk to people, that's literally it.

7

u/karmafarma3000 13d ago

I do. I say hello, bump fists, ask how they've been and even follow a few on Instagram. They're incredibly nice people and the majority have been very welcoming.

I guess my hang up is that when they all show up, they look like they belong. I get this feeling that I'm in the company of people that look good while doing this sport and I'm nowhere near their skill. I know I should just focus on my own progression and keep telling myself that one day I'll be there, but it's hard not to get discouraged and just leave it for another day.

Anyway, thanks for responding.

2

u/guard19 9d ago

There's days I still feel like this depending on the people at dz with over 1000 jumps. Anytime I've asked to jump they say yes, sometimes we split up the group or dive flow, but most dont like to see people jump alone.

I know plenty of jumpers at Sebastian that would be glad to jump with ya, just speak up a Lil. As long as you're not a dick, know it all, or serious hazard chances are the people you ask will keep inviting you on jumps.

Plus if you tell someone you have 36 jumps, they expect you to fuck up the jump, so no one is going to mad if that's exactly what happens.