How to Buy Used Skydiving Gear & GIVEAWAY! 

For the curious: I redeemed a 50% off Wings voucher at the beginning of last year. I got basically all of the optional quality of life improving features and some tie-dye and custom embroidery, and at the end of the day I walked away with about 33% off the total price of my custom container. The 50% is only for the base price, but that was still a huge savings for a custom container. Production time was 8 weeks for me. My container fit perfectly first try (have someone knowledgeable measure you!), it's super comfortable, and Wings has some great color customization options. Some of the optional rig features are a little archaic and the company is kinda old fashioned, but they do good work. The Wings Boost is arguably the best MARD in the business and should definitely be included. Note for Mark: I don't need the certificate, obviously

Great video! I’m going through AFF at Sebastian. I got into skydiving in order to fight anxiety, fear, and depression. I did a tandem jump thinking that if I could conquer the fear of jumping out of an airplane, life’s problems would seem much more trivial. It has most definitely had that effect along with a dramatic reduction in anxiety. I thought I’d do it once and check it off my list. I loved it, did 2 more tandems and signed up for AFF. I’m currently on level 3 so I don’t think I deserve a certificate for gear yet. Weather has been kind of a problem so far. The quality of people at that DZ, instructors and regular jumpers, have really encouraged me to just jump. It’s not just the hour or so that I’m engaged in a skydive, but the hours of reflection afterwards about the jump that make it so awesome. Thank you very much for your videos. It helps to see how everyday people are involved in this life changing sport.

Hi Mark, First of all thank you for looking out for your fellow skydivers. I just finished my Solo last summer here in Canada and it has been a great challenge to find a rig my size (small frame female) and was told that I am better off buying a new one. The cost of having a new one has been an obstacle for having my own rig and has been slowing me down from jumping as on the other hand, I have to rent gear to jump. Both, my older son and husband, are skydivers and have their own rigs. They have been able to progress faster than me. We’ve already booked a trip to Florida for mid February in hopes of jumping, finding gear for me and were also hoping to see you at Sebastian and shake hands, so if you choose me it would greatly help my gear start-up (that will take quite a chunk of the cost) as it is much easier to find used canopies than a container my size and a full cost one is a quite expensive at this point, if it happens to be presented to me I’ll turn around and visit Wings at Zeffyrhills and get a perfect sizing done for my container before we fly back. P.S We’d like to meet you anyways .

I feel I deserve your certificate for use towards the purchase of a new container as I am a new skydiver (Sep 2023 earned my A and I have completed 30 jumps so far, one at a host dz). I'm 59 y.o. and am saving for a container/harness system. At the rate I'm able to save it is going to take two years. I need my own gear soon. I got into skydiving as my dad was airborne in the U.S. Army during Korea and had jumped 1,900 times. I'm retired U.S. Navy and flew onboard the P-3 airplane, having to practice putting on an emergency parachute but never needed to use one. Hearing my dad's stories intrigued me, but I was always afraid to jump. He passed away a few years ago, but I know he is looking down at me enjoying the same thrill he did. I will DEFINITELY use the certificate to purchase new gear that fits me and I will gladly and proudly share pics and videos withbyou or on your channel of me and my new gear that you helped make possible. Please, help a new skydiver continue diving, but with new gear that you helped make possible. Les

Great content, skydiving for 2 years now and would love to be able to afford my own rig instead of borrowing from the DZ , but will get one at some point, these kind of videos help so much to know what to look for. Thank you

I'm interested. Just took the first of many leaps of faith, a couple months ago and picked up this great new hobby after dreaming about it for decades. Cool thing is that I gave up drinking (since September) and I decided that I'd try and live a more interesting life and follow more of my dreams to replace the feeling that I need to drink to be a fun/interesting person. So far, my plan is working great, mainly thanks to skydiving! :) Will definitely get a rig once I finish my A license. :) I'm scheduled on Sunday to make my AFF Level 2 jump here at a very awesome small DZ, Skydive SW Florida. Trying to stay within my budget, so I am progressing a little slower but my goal is to have my A license on my 36th birthday in June. Then... I'm going to go traveling and become a fun jumper! Would be sweet if I had my own rig for when I complete my license. Thanks for the video content. Blue skies!

Hey Mark, love your videos as usual and man you are really nailing it on so many things! I got into the sport this past year, I was deep into depression and had a pretty rough childhood. I took my 5 year old son with me to a dropzone recently (I’ve got 40 jumps) and he absolutely loved it. I spent all my savings on getting my license and now I’m doing the gear rental thing and paying like 200+ for a few jumps each weekend. I recently lost my job because of downsizing and I’m updating my resume so I can go for some interviews next week. You’re the man dude keep up the awesome work!

For anyone with the same problem of the rig coming off the back when sit flying, purchase a belly band. Resolved the issue on an old rig I used to use. Blue skies

I was literally just scrolling a Facebook page looking for my first rig when this notification came through 😮 This upload came at the perfect time! Thanks very much Perndog 🙏🏻 I don't feel that I'm any more deserving of the voucher than anyone else but I will definitely put it to good use if it finds its way to me. Your closing comments about Skydiving really strike a chord with me, Skydiving has pulled me out of years of misery, before Skydiving life felt to me like an endless cycle of bills and pressure (I own a small business) but now I feel happy and I have a genuine smile on my face more often than not, I could go on and on but I won't. Anyway.....well done on the Vid, thanks again for the tips ( I will no doubt refer to it again) and best of luck with the efforts on your second child, I also have 2 kids 👍🏻

Hi Mark. Long time lurker, first time commenter. I have a similar story to yours. I met some friends who introduced me to skydiving last summer and it was one of the best experiences of my life. It helped pull me out of a depression after a difficult year coming out of a career that wasn't for me and having to care for my father with early, but quickly progressing Parkinson's disease and dementia. After finally finding full time care, I was feeling a little defeated but grateful to have some time for focus on myself. Immediately after my first tandem, I booked my AFF course for a week later and finished in 2 days. Skydiving hit that "reset" for me and I feel the most like myself than I have in a very long time. I have since completed my A license and pursuing my B fairly quickly. I am very grateful for my friends sharing their gear, which is a perfect fit, but I can't continue to ask for such a favor. I know they are willing , but it's time for me to have some independence and to grow further as a skydiver. I would put the gift certificate to use immediately. We have a top notch rigger near by to help me sort out the main and Reserve and AAD, but half off a brand new container makes this a much bigger possibility for me. Thank you for all the awesome content and sound advice! P.S. All the best to you and your wife with Foundling #2 !

For the giveaway, its dope that you are doing this. I'm a super newbie when it comes to the sport. Started AFF in November, finished on New Years and looking to get A licensed at the end of the month. Similar to your reason for getting into the sport, I needed something to help being definition into my life. My mind is always racing and anxiety for me is a challenge, skydiving puts my mind at peace because for that minute of freefall, all you have is yourself and that bliss that comes with it. Skydiving for me has become self-care...obviously my friends think this isn't self care and that I'm crazy but what's crazier, living a miserable life or doing something that could bring you out of that misery 🤷🏾‍♂️ I'm also a therapist and my form of therapy is somewhat unorthodox because I believe in facing EVERYTHING. I use skydiving as a way to encourage my clients to take on those challenges that worsen their mental health. My philosophy, if you're able to conquer the fear of jump out of a plan and taste the feeling of accomplishment once you land..nothing else will matter. You've overcome a monster of a challenge that people cringe to...because of that, whatever comes your way, you've won. I'm bigger than your typical skydiver. 6'1" 220 and Bonehead Composites is making me a custom helmet because of this melon called a head lol so the gift certificate will definitely be used. Lol I've had a few coaches tell me it may be hard finding a used container that fits me so I've always figured I'll just buy a new one. Love the vids, keep them coming, and good luck on number 2. Peace 🙏🏾

Just subscribed not too long ago but I've been watching your videos for a while. I've learned a lot since I started working on my license in august from your channel. I really like all the useful information for newer and experienced jumpers along with the videos about lessons learned! I just finished all my free fall check-offs for my license last weekend and only have 5 more jumps before I'm done! My Facebook feed has turned into nonstop looking for something that would work for me since I started jumping. My birthday happens to be tomorrow and ordering a new rig would be a great way to celebrate! ;) Blue Skies!

My fiance and I did our first ever skydive a few weeks ago and the adrenaline rush was amazing. We start the ASP this Saturday with ground school and 2nd tandem and signed up for the whole thing to get our A license. I dig your videos and they have been very helpful to me to give me confidence to know what I can achieve, also, doing it with my best friend. Weather permitting, all will go as planned and we can achieve our A license by our wedding in October. Thank you both EDIT: I know the giveaway was way over by now, just wanted to share🤘🏻🍻

Good content, thanks ‼️

Im 31 years old I've just done my first tandem jump it has changed my life ..skydiveing is something that I WILL DO FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE im going to start my AFF in April when the season begins and im already trying to figure out how to purchase a rig I know it's kinda expensive to get into but the fact of the matter is this is something I am going to do for the rest of my life ...love ur videos safe travels my friend

I'm a "tunnel rat" with 1, count 'em 1 tandem jump and I fell in love. I'm paying off some bills and hope to get my AAF out of the way with my tax return. Really enjoy watching your channel, and really appreciate a man who admits a mistake, learns and passes it on for everyone. I'm an Air Force Veteran who has gone through some disability issues and have had to battle the depression of not being able to work for about 7 years. If I'm not picked, I'm still going to fly the tunnel in Jacksonville and start my AAF when my taxes come in. Blue skies my friend!

I personally dont want the certificate. But I would give it to my friend who is jumping an old 80s non free fly friendly container. We both started AFF together and he has had some bad luck in terms of buying gear. The guy loves FF and I worry about the container he currently uses giving a preme. I jump out of Z-hills currently. Been watching the vlogs since before my first jump. Love the content and look forward to meeting you someday! So cool of you to pass it on and look out for the newer jumpers. Blue skies.

While I would love to have 50% off a new container I'm in no position to purchase my own equipment yet. I did my first jump with my two girls and it was the worst and best feeling of my life. We were all on the plane and I was the last of the tandems to exit. I saw my daughters step out of a plane at 13,500 ft my heart stopped and I immediately thought "What the hell have I just done!" Then as my instructor and I stepped to the door and began our descent I then began to live. I was immediately hooked on the sport. It was an amazing day for all of us and the next summer at 46 years of age I got my A license. I took my daughters jumping again (with a tandem instructor) while I was taking lessons one day and my oldest had a tension knot malfunction with a cut away that second tandem jump. Never knew it until after she left the DZ. I bought the tandem instructor a case of beer that day. My daughter can't wait to jump again!

Mark! amazing helpful content as always! maaan.. soo.. why would i want that 50% coupon.. ill tell you a little bit about me, skydiving has saved my life, started jumping when i was in a very dark place in my life (relationship and profesional life problems) and its been an amazing ride! this january 19th its gonna be 3 years since i started my course and with almost 100 jumps ive wanted to start buying my own gear.. the thing is, being a single dad from a third world country where a ¨good¨ salary is like 1500 usd and jump tickets being like 35 dollars (50 with rental) its hard! not to complain! i do the best i can with what i have and oh my i enjoy every single bit of it! basically every dollar i save goes towards my two and half year old boy and skydiving. My dream is to become a professional skydiver (dreaming is free) PS: got the opportunity to go and travel to orlando this march for work and im planning to go and get a few jumps in so it would be dope if we can meet and get a jump together (and even doper if its with my own wings container... lol) all love! keep on doing what youre doing! its making a difference!

I've been watching your videos since my first skydive in June 2018. This sport has opened up a whole new season of opportunities for me as I was purely a winter bumb and only did winter sports. This cracked my shell and allowed me to fully enjoy great weather nearly 12 months out of the year. While inhave a container system that I love and enjoy, I would like to win this for a skyfam brother who was less than half the jumps I have and has been struggling to get gear, even used. That is what I would do with this certificate if it I were to win. I doubt you will select me because I'm sure others out there deserve it as well. I just wish to spread the love you share down in Florida with my small community up in Montana. Keep up the great content and blue skies, friend!

Awesome video Mark. Well done on the giveaway idea. Love it. Very informative info. Question... if your aad fires... does the static line release with the main from the reserve & How?

Awesome video! While I’d like to try winning I myself already have gear and would like to see a fresh student without gear gain this opportunity! 🤙🏽

Skydiving had always been a dream of mine since I was a kid. Cool prize. I don't need it myself but if I win it there are two new skydivers on my DZ that could use it and I would give it to either of them. PS I fly a Wings container right now, bought it used from someone at my DZ a long time ago and I love it :-)

Hey, We have had many comment back and forth. I have never won anything randomly, period. I am not the luckiest fellow in the world when it comes to contests but I will give it a shot. I have been in the Army now for 11 years and jumping static line for about 6 of those year’s. I am a jump master for airborne operations and really enjoy jumping. I am currently a support medic of one of the special forces groups and have gone on many trips with them to keep them safe while they performed MFF jumps. They kept pushing me to learn how to skydive but I always too busy. Roughly a year and a half ago I completed my AFF and started jumping when ever I could, it have been amazing!!!! I love fist bumping all the people in the plane with me and making small talk before I exit into the drink. When I land people that have jumped thousands of times still allow me to be hyped up and they join in, even though they are blasé about their job. I am moving to AZ to take a job with the military that will allow me to have access to some of the better drop zones around! I am a bigger guy so have a container that fits me would help in making my wife feel better about my safety while I jump. I really like showing my 2 year old son that his father is not afraid of anything and embraces the unknown. Money will be tight come August as I will be having my second child and my wife is taking a year off from work to bond with both children. I won’t be broke but I do have to really find any edge I can to buy safe and cost effective skydiving equipment. Thank you for reading this novel and I hope to hear from you weather I win or lose. V/R Charlie PS Sorry about the grammar and spelling

Just kidding Purn, love your videos and thanks for all the good advice all the time

Hey Mark, i am one of your subscribers and I have been following your channel for quite a few months now. I‘m currently studying international business in Cologne. Last year I was able to fullfill my long time wish and did my AFF Course. I‘m at 50 jumps right now and kinda stuck between jumping as regularly as I can and saving upon an own rig, which that discount would of course get me a lot closer to. Thanks for the opportunity! Best regards and blue skies 🌤💪🏽

Since medically retiring from the Army, I have felt like my life lacked purpose. Aside from being a wife and mom, I feel like I have just been existing and not truly living. This along with what, until recently, I have told very few people, I struggle with ptsd and it's effect on my everyday life. How can I expect to live my most fulfilling life if I’m constantly held back by my mind and how it works? How can I expect myself to be the best wife and mom possible for my family, if most days I can only get outside of myself enough to do what has to be done? Since learning how to skydive I am more able to enjoy life and be more present with my family. Skydiving has been life changing for me. Right now I am only 13 jumps in and still working towards my A license. This isn't something I take lightly. It's become my outlet to get a break from ptsd and all that comes with it. Daily I have this feeling of wishing I was still part of something bigger than myself, a sense of belonging and purpose. I want to keep progressing and eventually help other people find this freedom and way to overcome things they struggle with. Thank you for posting your videos!

Hey brutha I love your channel and always look forward to your posts! I’m active duty Army and I’m an E-5 who lives in the barracks, so I don’t really have the funds to be as invested as I want to be in the sport. I got into skydiving after my wife left me right before we were about to PCS across country and I went through a deep depression. I decided to do something for myself and signed up to get my “A” license shortly after my divorce. I absolutely love the sport, and try to scrape together any money I have to go get a jump ticket and gear rental in every time the weather is clear out here in Seattle. The sport has really helped me get though my depression and is now my outlet whenever I am feeling down. I’m at 30 jumps right now, and my goal is to get to 100 by the end of the year! I would really appreciate the 50% coupon in order to fulfill my ultimate dream of having my own rig and one day be able to wingsuit! Cheers brutha and thank you for your prior service 🍻

Very COOL SETH!!

Only the best

I am having my second child in August, i love the mando reference!!!

Hey Mark! It’s worth noting that Wings will give 40 percent off to current military members, Active and Guard/Reserve with ID. Don’t give the coupon to me, I’ll just use my CAC card. 🙃 Blue sky’s !

Is the certificate still current.

Bro get a belly strap that will help keep the container to your chest and stomach instead of coming off of your back while free flying

And even Cooler is that you will pick a person from their deep heart felt passion as to how and why they leap from airplanes. You're, not just giving away to anyone looking for a freebie. I'd love to grab a coffee or brew to hear your trials and trepidation and how this great sport transitioned your world after The Gulf War??

Hello guy, I'm Tran Duc Hai, I'm from Vietnam. In fact, I'm not a skydiver because I don't have AFF or USPA license but I have learned skydive from a local course. Is it possible for me to buy a completed skydive rig? My country doesn't have this sport yet, but still have parachuting activity in some military clubs. I want to become a sport parachute dealer in my country, but I don't know how, can you give me some advices? Thanks a lot!!!

Hey PernDog I am a new skydiver I’m still working on my AFF, winter weather is keeping me from finishing but I’m hoping to have my license soon. Is skydive Sebastian where you jump most cause I plan on coming to that area in the next year and could use some guidance on becoming a better and safer skydiver. Maybe we can jump together in the future. I think that would be awesome. I would love to meet you.

Hey, I sent a DM on your Facebook page! Regardless if you choose me. It would be cool, if you heard my story and hear how your channel has helped me in a way you may not have thought of :) Thanks for your content and hope one day we can fly together

WINGS?! :(

Early in the video, you made a shout out to Monte. Didn’t he used to work at Perris?