Momentum: {məˈmɛntəm} noun

the strength or force that allows something to continue or to grow stronger or faster as time passes. 

As skydivers, we go on about the wonderful force called gravity. But momentum is another powerful force that helps us enjoy our sport.

Aussie Bigways is using this force, and so too should everybody who joins the ride to Perris Valley in 2019. It’s about harnessing the enthusiasm, getting things started, and building the pace of our individual development so that our 2019 team is a united and unstoppable super-force!

Harness the enthusiasm..

If you’re reading this blog, you have some interest in the 150-way record attempt. It might be a burning flame, or just a little spark of curiosity. Whatever your level of interest, why not let it burn a little more? Ask questions. Look at the videos on the Aussie Bigways Facebook page and website, www.aussiebigways.com. Put yourself in those pictures. If it all feels like something you’d like to commit to, then go for it!

Everything I write from now on applies equally to new skydivers, who don’t even have their B-rels or Star Crests yet, through to experienced people with many bigways under their belt. The first thing you need is the DESIRE to make it happen.

Right now, 14 months out, we all have an equal chance of success in this 150-way mission. It’s what we do with that countdown that will make the difference.

Get things started…

Here’s the hardest part. So many ‘what ifs’ and hurdles. How can I start this massive ball rolling when l don’t have the experience/money/mindset for the challenges ahead?

Well, to steal another phrase, it’s just like eating an elephant. You make a start. You don’t get through it all in one serving, but you keep on ploughing ahead before that elephant is just a smelly old corpse in the corner that you never got around to sorting out.

Step one is to decide on your 150-way goal and say it aloud. Write an email to the team captain, Greg Jack (gregorykjack@gmail.com) and put yourself in the loop of events that are happening. This is just an expression of interest, not a binding commitment. It helps the team sort out the level of interest and keep everybody informed with progress.

Talk to your local mentor and have a realistic goal-setting chat about the year ahead. Do an honest self assessment of your strengths and your areas that need working on.

Here’s where your level of commitment is important. Not everybody has the same amount of time and money to pursue the ideal trajectory. Look at the APF and Aussie Bigways calendars. Plan your 14 months ahead. Include bigway events, tunnel opportunities and coaching for 4 way or 8 way. You’ll most likely need to travel a bit. Monthly Star Crests at your local DZ probably won’t be enough to give you the skills and confidence needed for this mission.

Start putting away money now. Or figure out what you can sell. Or get a reliable line of credit happening to extend your credit card balance! Plan for around $7K for the US trip.  (It could be much less if you camp at Perris or do the bunkhouse, perhaps a little more if you add on a holiday and hire car in the states.)

Get your equipment and accessories sorted out now so you can make changes in the time ahead if need be. Think about having a closed helmet, a couple of suits to choose from, an audible alti etc.

Building the pace…

There’s not a lot I can say for this bit. Keep doing what you planned to do. Can you step it up? Keep revisiting your list of goals while also celebrating your improved skills. Have a fresh look at your personal calendar and see if you need to change or accelerate any of your plans.

If you’ve done all the stuff above, and you keep moving forward, there is very little that can stop you. You’ll be able to recover from an injury. You’ll be able to overcome health issues, and you’ll be able to adapt to a life of noodles and cheap cask wine as you watch your savings grow.

If it gets hard, go back to the start. Watch the videos. Talk to bigway players. Give that spark/flame the oxygen it needs to keep your desire strong. Start making your travel plans for the USA and decide on the side-trip you want.

Conclusion…

If you’ve read this far, you have more than a spark. You also have a remarkable tolerance for analogies and metaphors. I know I have used too many in this. But don’t throw too much crap at me. I’ll shout you a beer at the Bomb Shelter bar in Perris to make up for it! Hopefully we’ll both be shedding a happy tear or two over a new record when that beer promise becomes a reality.

Written by Kelly Brennan – VIC Mentor for Barwon Heads