Whats a hobby/craft that you wouldn't expect that has an incredibly high ceiling either monetarily or in sheer skill?

Stern@lemmy.world to Ask Lemmy@lemmy.world – 243 points –

For example, I'm sure the average joe doesn't know just how expensive calligraphy pens can be, or how deep the rabbit hole goes on video game speedruns.

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Skydiver here.

It's not just money, it's not just skill that makes you a successful jumper.

It's a certain type of attitude and the ability to think when you've aimed yourself at a planet. Not everyone can do it. To be blunt, there is a large part of the population that shouldn't do it, because they have terrible decision making ability.

As far as money, I went through the student program in the mid 90's and it cost me about $1200, if I recall correctly. My first rig, used, was $4000. My second rig, new, was just over $8000. I have 4500 jumps most of which I paid ~ $20 each for. I don't want to do that math.

$103,200, including gear and training. You're welcome.

The best decision I can think of to make when someone asks me if I would like to jump out of a perfectly good airplane and plumet toward the ground at high speeds would be to say "No thanks."

Former skydiver here. The best response I ever heard to the "why would you jump out of a perfectly good airplane" question was, "you should see the planes we jump out of."

Do you really need a good plane when you are all skydivers? It doesn't even need to land for you to do what you came for.

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