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Policeman falls at Arapiles 6-Nov-2003 At 1:55:18 PM fruityarse

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Thanks all, will pass on your best wishes to him.

Both him and his wife were mildly amused that he was the subject of a forum discussion on the net. Having said that, he is pretty cool about the whole thing. If you would like any more info on the saga let me know and I can ask him.

Re the para fall, a short primer for those not para trained: with static line jumps from low heights (1,000m) you are taught to fall as such: feet and ankles together, knees together and bent but not quite 90 degrees. Your feet need to turn off at an angle to the ground depending on the angle you are approaching the ground. This then deflects the main impact of the fall and your body rotates, absorbing most of the impact without hurting yourself. This is the way parachutists (in the military anyway) spud into the ground time after time and walk away. Well over 90% do, anyway ;)~

It sounds complicated, but after a few jumps it becomes second nature. Furthermore, because it happens so damn quickly and you're petrified of hurting yourself, you don't have a choice!

I agree with Keiran that it would have been absolutely horrifying for the belayer, just horrifying...

Bill