Hello folks,

I'm the web designer for Westside Skydivers. Joe Johnson was my AFF coach back in 2009; the first person I ever jumped out of a plane with. He's a fun guy who has built a fun staff of experienced instructors out in Winsted. These guys are joking and laughing all the time, but don't let that mislead you; safety comes first at Westside. Since I still don't have my A license (you have to go out more than a few times a year to get this), I'm not able to jump when the winds are above 14 kts. Everyone else can, but I'm going solo with a bigger chute that can be harder to get back to the dropzone with when the winds are high. So the last two times I've driven out, I wasn't able to jump. I've known Joe for years now, but that doesn't mean he'll bend the rules. So while it sucks to get excited for a jump and not go, it's at least a bit comforting to know that people are watching out for you.

Thanks to everyone at Westside, especially Miles Hubbard for coaching me on the most fun jump I've had yet (2 backflips\2 frontflips\2 barrel rolls). What a blast!