Kim Emerson!
Kim Emerson co-authored the first Skydiver's Survival Guide and helped edit the 2nd Edition. Kim was my AFF Jumpmaster in 1992!
Kim's help in the production of the first book was an enormous catalyst in my completion of several open-ended skydiving projects. His sense of humor and encouragement were a vital part of my survival during the years I worked at the DZ upstate. Kim's friendship opened, even if only partially, many doors that would have remained closed if not for him. For example, if it were not for Kim's friendship, Hank Bungay might never have taught me the Ranch Secret Hand Shake.
KIM EMERSON
Beginning in the Spring of 1953 I began to see birds for the first time. Not long after I decided I wanted to fly too. In the summer of 1958, while the family was vacationing on the dune coast of North Carolina, my father taught me how to land a parachute. He had never done it himself and my relationship with my father is strained, to say the least. I have no idea what the connection between these two points is. I simply draw them together.
In the Fall of 1973 I met a man who had jumped from an airplane, deployed
a parachute and landed with enough success that he was able to tell me
about it.
In the Summer of 1986 I met another man who was going to a nearby skydive
center. I gave him a ride and as a result I knew where skydiving could
be done locally.
In June of 1989 I made my first of 4,000 (to date) skydives. I became
a USPA Jumpmaster and Instructor and S&TA and Ranch club president.
I was a videographer. I co-authored a book (http://www.marcusantebi.com/(ssg).htm).
I got hurt.
My friends included Vinnie The Rapist, Hank The Handshake, Drew Lipinski,
Leland The Nose, Little Ricky, Kevin, Fast Marcus, Dave and others who
have come and gone.