Just to keep all the readers interested, I prepared an interview for a bad weather moment, but seeing as we have not had any today, I have posted cameraman Dorian Harwood's interview now:
1. Coming to Nationals this year, which team are you filming and what was their training commitment for the season?
Each year I always try to work with a couple of teams, this season its been High Altitude Heroes in the A class who won overall Gold in the Rookie class last season and then Boogie Nights in the AAA class.
2. Many jumpers regard the 4way cameraman as not really being on the team, or being misfits. Why do you think this perception exists and what value do you feel you really add?
I think it is because people only get to see the teams dirt diving or practising the exits and the camera flyer is just seen lurking around in the back ground. I wouldn't say we are misfits, if anything being a good FS camera flyer takes good flying skills and years to develop those skills. A good camera flyer can be the difference between Gold and Silver, if you don't get good judgeable footage.
3. Aside from camera work, what other types of skydiving / parachuting do you enjoy?
Up until recently I worked most weekends filming Tandem and AFF so any chance to do some FS coaching or practising my freeflying is always a premium which I enjoy. Hence the reason why I enjoy the FS camera work so much. It brakes the jumping up and keeps your skills current.
4. Is it true you used to be one of the rare breed of DZ owners and what was that experience like?
Back in 97, I was jumping at LPS where I did my first SL jumps all on round front and back kit. The then current owner Dick Barton wanted to sell up so I thought it would be a good opportunity!
I knew nothing about running a DZ apart from I needed a CCI, so I teamed up with ex-RAF and Falcons team member Chris Frances. The next 2 years we ran LPS together and I ran the office, admin, DZ set up and student training. And Chris too the helm as CCI! Then in 99, I sold out to Chris to move into camera work and then started working at Hinton.
5. Away from the dropzone, what job do you now do?
When I'm not filming, my normal day to day job is An equine dental technician or in laymens terms a "horse dentist". I'm one of only 140 fully qualified in the U.K.
6. Do you have any funny stories or experiences in the sport.
Weston had just taken charge of a Cessna caravan, so one of the pilots Mike Westwood needed to get rated on it. On the first Tandem lift of the day, beautiful sunny Sunday morning we took off. Flying was Mark Gibbons with Mike Westwood in the left seat and I was sat by the door as I was jump master, at 13,000 ft.
The red light came on, so I opened the door and took a look out, and carried on looking, then the green light came on. After a minute both pilots turned round looking between the seats at me and signalling for me to start get people out the door and asking why I wasn't doing anything.....to which I replied "hey,dumber and dumber! maybe you would like to turn the plane round 180 degrees and fly it in on the right run in! It does pay to check the spot.
1. Coming to Nationals this year, which team are you filming and what was their training commitment for the season?
Each year I always try to work with a couple of teams, this season its been High Altitude Heroes in the A class who won overall Gold in the Rookie class last season and then Boogie Nights in the AAA class.
2. Many jumpers regard the 4way cameraman as not really being on the team, or being misfits. Why do you think this perception exists and what value do you feel you really add?
I think it is because people only get to see the teams dirt diving or practising the exits and the camera flyer is just seen lurking around in the back ground. I wouldn't say we are misfits, if anything being a good FS camera flyer takes good flying skills and years to develop those skills. A good camera flyer can be the difference between Gold and Silver, if you don't get good judgeable footage.
3. Aside from camera work, what other types of skydiving / parachuting do you enjoy?
Up until recently I worked most weekends filming Tandem and AFF so any chance to do some FS coaching or practising my freeflying is always a premium which I enjoy. Hence the reason why I enjoy the FS camera work so much. It brakes the jumping up and keeps your skills current.
4. Is it true you used to be one of the rare breed of DZ owners and what was that experience like?
Back in 97, I was jumping at LPS where I did my first SL jumps all on round front and back kit. The then current owner Dick Barton wanted to sell up so I thought it would be a good opportunity!
I knew nothing about running a DZ apart from I needed a CCI, so I teamed up with ex-RAF and Falcons team member Chris Frances. The next 2 years we ran LPS together and I ran the office, admin, DZ set up and student training. And Chris too the helm as CCI! Then in 99, I sold out to Chris to move into camera work and then started working at Hinton.
5. Away from the dropzone, what job do you now do?
When I'm not filming, my normal day to day job is An equine dental technician or in laymens terms a "horse dentist". I'm one of only 140 fully qualified in the U.K.
6. Do you have any funny stories or experiences in the sport.
Weston had just taken charge of a Cessna caravan, so one of the pilots Mike Westwood needed to get rated on it. On the first Tandem lift of the day, beautiful sunny Sunday morning we took off. Flying was Mark Gibbons with Mike Westwood in the left seat and I was sat by the door as I was jump master, at 13,000 ft.
The red light came on, so I opened the door and took a look out, and carried on looking, then the green light came on. After a minute both pilots turned round looking between the seats at me and signalling for me to start get people out the door and asking why I wasn't doing anything.....to which I replied "hey,dumber and dumber! maybe you would like to turn the plane round 180 degrees and fly it in on the right run in! It does pay to check the spot.
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