The Chronicle stops the presses- Play offers new twist on classic story
- Students create illustrations for Georgia Ports Authority
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Graduate student channels classic horror in thesis film - Alumnus creates mobile gallery
- SCAD libraries hold artist’s book competition for students
- Griffis discusses development of Arthur legend
- Noted author speaks to students
- The Green Scene: 'We have a dream'
- Personnel File: New staff members join SCAD-Savannah
- SCAD hosts regional IDSA conference
- Titus Kaphar to speak at SCAD
- The Bee Line
- Women’s lacrosse sets records in Kennesaw State win
- Athlete Feats highlights for Feb. 22
- Baseball takes series from St. Thomas
- Women’s basketball wraps up second place in Florida Sun
- Athletics updates for Feb. 15
- Baseball off to best start in program’s history
- Big third period leads lacrosse team to victory
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Trivial Pursuits
 Sky isn’t the limit for Teigen
By Monique Bos Published: Friday, February 24, 2006 Nikki Teigen, media relations manager at SCAD-Atlanta, has what many people might consider an unusual and daring hobby: skydiving. However, Teigen said, the sport attracts a diverse group of aficionados — not just daredevils — and skydivers who follow proper safety procedures are at very minimal risk for injury or death. “A lot of people have this stereotype of skydivers as adrenaline junkies, but I’ve been on airplanes with parole officers, preachers, middle school teachers, even an auto body painter,” she said. “There are a lot of engineers, pilots and technological people — left-brain types — but it’s really as random as the group of people who go to the movies.” The reasons people skydive are equally diverse, including midlife crises, love of flying, desire to overcome fears or enjoyment of the spiritual aspect, Teigen said. “There’s a certain kind of quiet and beauty,” she explained. “It’s very peaceful.” She had always been interested by the idea of skydiving, she said. “In my mid-20s, I finally put my foot down and decided to do it.” At the time, she worked as a news reporter for Savannah station WTOC, and like any conscientious journalist, she researched safety standards and skydiving schools before embarking on her first jump. She utilized — and recommends — the guidelines and licensing procedures established by the United States Parachute Organization (www.uspa.org), a group with more than 34,000 members that is dedicated to skydiving safety. The USPA certifies pilots, instructors and drop zones (areas where skydivers land) that meet requirements for equipment, training and other safety components. After Teigen located a father-and-son firm in Walterborough, S.C., that appealed to her, she enlisted several colleagues to join her new venture. “I wasn’t going to go alone!” she said. “There were five of us.” Her first experience was a tandem jump. “You strap on in front of a professional,” she explained. “It scared the hell out of me, but it was kind of neat, too.” Her subsequent training included static line jumps, in which a cord connects the parachute to the airplane, and free falling. During training jumps, the student often communicates through a two-way radio with an instructor on the ground, who provides guidance for steering and landing. As training progresses, the altitude from which students jump is increased, and instruction focuses on turns, flips and ways to correct mistakes. “You move one arm, and you can spin out of control,” Teigen explained. Once skydivers earn their USPA class A license — after 50 jumps — they can jump on their own at drop zones, which are usually open from Friday to Sunday. USPA licensed jumpers can join USPA drop zones, which are located in every state. Teigen has been a drop zone member for six years, but she has taken a break for the last few because of a schedule that required her to work weekends. However, she is eager to resume the sport once she has settled in Atlanta. “I do look forward to getting back into it,” she said. “It is a very unique, fun sport, and it’s different.” When she returns, she will have to repeat the safety training — but knowing she is up to date on guidelines, equipment and standards is important. “It’s a safe sport if you observe correct procedures,” she explained. “Injury and death in skydiving are very rare.” All USPA members receive a monthly magazine that includes reports on any injuries or deaths, an analysis of why they happened, and an explanation of how to avoid similar situations. As an example, Teigen cited a recent issue that discussed a fatality caused because the skydiver’s shoes were untied and became tangled with his parachute cord — and the lesson for other skydivers is to make sure laces are secured and not loose. “Some people are reckless and give the sport a bad name,” she explained. “Every skydiver should have reserve gear, and unfortunately a lot of people don’t.” She added, “Be safe. It’s your life that you’re dealing with.” For those who do observe safety measures, however, she said the rewards are significant. “It’s a tight community and it’s one where you look out for each other,” she explained. “You are crammed in an airplane together, and you are willingly jumping out of an airplane, and you have to take responsibility for your own life.” She concluded, “I think if more people jumped they’d have a better outlook on life. It gives you a new perspective … It’s very peaceful when you’re under a canopy, and it’s kind of liberating.” |
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