I had always wanted to do a parachute jump since I saw an army display team when I was knee height to a grasshopper (yeah I know not so long ago then J). So after years of procrastination I arranged a jump at Bridlington for a charity called DEBRA.  28 August 1999. Turned up, absolutely gorgeous day. 1 hour later I was sat in a pink Cessna 206. Yes, I was scared but as soon as I landed I walked straight in and signed up for the static line course. I still remember the excitement of that first jump. I did my first S/L jump on 10 November 1999 (see photo) dispatched by Jo Johnston. Was I as scared as on the tandem jump? – no not really – I think I was worse. And the rest is history.

What are you doing this year? (i.e. team, commitment, goals, aspirations, fun jumping)

I joined Evolution at the end of last season and concentrating on 4 way this year. We plan to compete at all the regional and the national events so am pretty committed to the team. When not training / competing I am actively helping (trying to coach) newbie 4 way team – Team Gorgeous. Aside from that, during free weekends I intend to cross over to the dark side and do some free flying. I enjoy the little bit I do but don’t get much chance.  So this year I am going to make more of an effort. I will also continue to do WARP coaching. My ultimate goal for this year is with the team however another personal goal is to obtain my tandem rating.

I am inspired by anyone that tries and tries to do his or her best and that is at all levels in any activity.  

However to name inspirational figures:  The guys of Arizona Airspeed, Kylie Minogue (oh yes). There are a few other notable figure heads from my personal life however, one person whom I gain a lot of inspiration from is not a skydiver. Jason Richards (www.jasonrichards.co.uk) check him out. You will see why. Jas played and active role in the organisation of my first tandem jump. Thanks Jas.

Wow this is difficult. There have been so many memorable ones. Probably the one that always comes to mind is my first naked skydive. It was a cold (honestly) May morning with Dave Walker over Bridlington. We didn’t tell anyone (except those that needed to know). Got set up on finals and saw everyone there waiting with cameras. The pilot had radioed down to warn everyone.  Very funny! Too all blokes,  a little advice -  ‘naked skydives should only be undertaken in very warm climates and never with Steve Murphy there’.

Excellent question, however this has recently been answered by the introduction of the new canopy handling qualifications.  This is a good move by the BPA and will make the skies and our sport an even safer environment.

I think another introduction should be the every skydiver should make regular hop and pops say 1No jump in every 100 from 3000 feet. You never know when you HAVE to get out low. How many of you are actually comfortable getting out at 2500 or 3000? Not that many…………….

Favourite food – stuffed crust super supreme pizza with extra jalapenos (covered in Heinz ketchup)

Favourite Film – Debbie does……….no, Rocky IV

One word, persevere, with weather, training, attitudes. It does pay off. So they tell me anyway. I am still waiting.

Remember it is supposed to be fun and there is no such thing as a living sky god.

I tell people I am an international agent working for the secret service however the reality is I am a freelance electrical design engineer.  Sorry to disappoint.

Other interests, I enjoy karting, motorbikes and travelling.