On Coaching
I am one of the first “grads” from Castaway Coaching Skydiving School ran by Harry Parker. I am writing this not as I just get my “A” license (which I did through their assistance), but as I just have completed my “B” license. I was trained to a much further extent than other jumpers who got their coaching from others, and it shows. I am a conscientious, safety oriented jumper who has been trained to always be observant of possible hazards and know how to avoid them. I received training far and above the training others received I feel certain, and I had a BLAST doing it. Harry’s thoroughness and his method of ingraining things when he was coaching me, still ring true. I find myself hearing his voice “Always check your handles” before the door opens…and “notice the altitude of the cloud deck” to this day. His manner of teaching was very enthusiastic, and I still crack up when I think of the grins he wore while we were jumping together. Harry always goes out of his way to make others feel welcome and fit in during events at the DZ, and his style of coaching made me feel immediately comfortable. Harry is more than a coach to me, he is a friend. I cannot wait to get another 100 jumps done so I can learn wingsuit from him. As far as recommending a coach goes there is only one as far as I am concerned, The Harry Parker, of Castway’s Coaching.
Rob Tanner
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Hi,
Finally I found time to write something. I was at Sebastian 2 months ago and now for me it's a very good memory. I really appreciated the way you accommodated me. Your availability and your good mood made me feeling good there, I didn't want to go back home! The jumps were very fun, safely and enriching for me. The wingsuit is amazing! This trip will remain engrave in my mind as an exceptional experience, partly thanks to you.
Thank you
See you
Guillaume
Saturday, March 8, 2008 - 07:52 PM
.. Sorry for my english ;)
Harry,
I wanted to leave you a quick RAVE about the coaching sessions we have had. Thanks for all the patience and time you have spent with me. It was an absolute BLAST to jump with someone else, especially of your caliber. Being a student jumper doesn't give one an idea of fall rate, heading, etc.. as well as jumping with someone else does... Not only have you been great in reinforcing the basic building blocks of skydiving, you have taken an interest in making sure that we are comfortable and succeed in our lessons, truly an attribute to Skydive Sebastian!!...Thanks for everything and I look forward to much more learning in the future. Will be up next weekend for more!!
Rob Tanner
Monday, July 7, 2008 - 04:28 PM
On The Water Training course
“Living in Florida and jumping at a DZ basically surrounded by water, this class is a necessity and could be a life saver. Thanks for continuing my skydiving education!”
Robert Tanner
“Great Course! All aspects of an emergency situation were covered. I learned a lot more from this course then I thought I would, even stuff that I could use in other emergencies.”
Simon Trevinod
Hey Harry
Thanks for sorting me out at such short notice with the water training. You saved me a load of hassle back in the UK. It was a blast, i got a lot out of it, and who can argue with free BBQ!
You're one of those rare people who fill a room with laughter, like a naughty schoolboy who still gets his work done. Your enthusiasm for life is infectious and your accomplishments impressive.
Dont stop being you Harry - If anyone tells you otherwise you must remember the three Buddha's:
Be Agressive - in ignoring them,
Be Mindful - that they are misguided
Be Aware - they are in a minority.
(See - your teaching methods do make things stick ;-)
English Greg
Monday, January 28, 2008 - 02:17 PM
On Photography/Video
Hello Harry,
Wow! I am in awe....how will we ever choose photos for an album! They are all so beautiful. We can never thank you enough for the wonderful photos, the love you captured for us to enjoy always. I am speachless.
Love and LIght,
Mariclare and Paul
Aug 7th, 08
Hi Harry,
I just had the pleasure of viewing Mariclare and my Dad's wedding album; as I was sitting at my computer, my whole family came up behind to view over my shoulder. A series of oohs and ahhs followed. I just wanted to tell you what an amazing artist you are, and how much we all enjoyed the photos and the memories they evoked. I am happy to have met you.
Gina LoBue Smith
(Paul's daughter from Connecticut)
Aug 24, 08
Harry,
You did a fantastic job capturing the personalities of each individual! The pictures make us smile and reminisce about the full week. The warmth and love within the family shines out of your slide show and, as has been said many times, "your pictures speak a thousand words". We will be able to relive the week with the moments you have captured. Thank you for that gift.
Looking forward to the next time we see you. Take care.
With love,
Eileen
July 13th, 2008
Harry Parker has the gift of capturing love & fun – in action – on film. Amazingly, he caught each one of our large (& loud) crowd in a number of poignant, lovely, robust, and silly photographs.
To be honest, I thought I’d be satisfied with just having the photographs. I’ll make a book, I thought. But somebody went for the whole shebang. Wow. I wasn’t prepared for the result.
Harry had produced an exquisite slide show that told our family’s love story without saying a word.
Now we are a remarkably talented family … but we could have never done that. Plus, we all looked gorgeous. I haven’t heard one “I look so blah-blah-blah” complaint.
If I sound a little playful, it is because Harry is playful … & practically family by the time he left.
If you’re looking for a great professional photographer; a fun guy; a guy with integrity who knows how to capture the moment; then Harry Parker is your man.
~Lauren T.
Moose Pond, ME
June 2008
Harry;
you have rendered me speechless... i think that what you have created is absolutely perfectly beautiful... i don't have words to describe the feelings that arose while i looked at the show...you captured the perfection of us all... i am so moved.. for me to have this as a marker for the beginning of my awakening is such a gift.. your vision is amazing.. the pictures are so unique.. truly beautiful.. i will never be able to express to you how beautiful you are, we all are... i am so humbled.. touched, moved ,and inspired... this is such a gift for you to share with us... you are such a gift.. i am honored to have you as a friend..i love you and cherish you harry.. i have to stop.. i am pouring tears all over the place.. i wouldn't change a thing... thank you harry... thank you sooo much.... yes, i would purchase this book i'll put in an order for several... take care of yourself.. you are precious..
love jini
February 13,2008
It was a great time! Pictures are wonderful might be ordering more! Everyone was commenting on what a good sport you were, will recommend you to anyone looking for a photographer!
Maureen DiMaria
August 13th, 08
Hi Harry! I was the roller girl at the Skydive New England drop zone... I had you take a group photo of the Ripcord Cafe Staff. I just purchased some of your photos and wanted to say... artist to artist... that your photography is breathtaking! Great job photographing Tiki Bar weekend! What an amazing collection of photos!
Good luck with your future adventures! Hopefully you be taking next year's pictures!
Jena
September 11,08
Thank you so very much!!
It was great to meet you Harry!
I'm glad you enjoyed your visit at SNE...it was awesome having you around...you are such good energy and take great photos! =)
You did a great job of capturing how special this place is in your pictures...thank you for that.
We look forward to running into you again somewhere soon in the future!
Till then!
Thanks again for everything....
Blue skies,
~Erin
Harry,
You rock! For the past 2 weeks everyone has been raving about how awesome you and your website is. We have all seen the slideshow and its awesome!
I had a blast up here and im super happy with everything. I'll be back in Sebastian come Nov. I cant wait to see you. Thanks for everything.
Love,
Greg
Sept 23, 2008
Lisa and I would like to thank everyone that came to our Boogie. We were overwhelmed by the amount of people who showed up for our first event. Harry, Lisa and I would like to thank you personaly for capturing the true essence of our event, and we were truly honored with your presence. We look forward to working with you in the future and we hope you will be apart of the 2009 Everglades Boogie, as we will work even harder to make the next one even bigger and better.
Rick
Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 09:48 PM
Wow - what a vibe at Air Adventures! This place is on the verge of EXPLOSION and I credit it all to Rick and Lisa. Thanks to them, my visit there as a vendor was nothing like work at all. Thank you also, Harry, for capturing it all and putting it out there for all of us to remember, appreciate, and re-live everyday until we do it again next year. We learned a lot from this boogie, and FlexVision plans to bring even more to this event next year so long as we are blessed with the opportunity to partake in such an awesome event once again. Cheers and Blue Skies......
Kyle
Friday, February 8, 2008 - 07:09 PM
Wow, beautiful shots. You really caught the vibe. I look forward to working with you on a regular basis. Thanks for the memories!
Monday, January 28, 2008 - 11:10 PM
Lisa
You captured the energy of an incredible 1st boogie. The variety of aircraft and the great vibe were fantastic. Hot air balloon jump! You bet. Rockin' hellicopter, oh yes. Skyvan, Otters, this is no small dz anymore. Rick and Lisa worked around the clock to make it all come together. Friendly, supportive skydivers and organizers, you caught it on camera. Can't wait to see the video.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008 - 04:02 AM
Dixie
Gratitude
thank you harry.. your pictures are amazing, you have captured the perfection of us all.. you seem to have captured the beauty that is in all of us, the beauty that surrounds all of us, you are an extraordinary photographer. not to mention that you are a blast to have around, and you make the BEST cookies.. i wish for you all the success in in your career, you deserve it.. thank you for sharing your gifts with the world. thank you for your kind words and generous heart..love you harry parker.
sincerely, jini
Wednesday, February 20, 2008 - 09:10 AM
WOW
To Our Harry Parker,
I know you saw the photo spread of our Lovango Love Shack in that national magazine and commented on the quality of the photography. Well when I compare yours with it I see the the same beauty plus those special "Harry" things you do with imagination and creativity, WOW!
Not only did you do a fantastic job with the scenery but the portraits of all us folk and our critters are incredible. I know that your very special talents will take "The Harry Parker" to the top of the photographic world.
You and your camera are welcome on Lovango anytime.
Love ya, Toni
Events in life occur unexpectedly-some prearranged, some happy and some sad. Documenting these events in our life can truly inspire us, heal us, encourage us and help us celebrate life's moments. Harry Parker captured my brothers celebration of life at his memorial ash jump at Skydive Sebastian in Florida. Harry's videography and photo skills captured all aspects of my brother's beliefs-from his mentoring as a father and musician, as well as his love of flight. Harry's ability to see the world intimately through the camera lens allowed for a wonderful video in which everyone can reflect upon forever. What Harry can bring to the documentation of life's events, no matter if it's a skydive, wedding or graduation, is powerful - and the love and energy underlying his work is beautiful and apparent to all. Through Harry's passion and skill, my family and friends are able to celebrate my brother's life in a way that is truly honorable. Thank you Harry- your work is to be commended.
Blue skies to all,
With love,
Ballistic boB
Friday, October 26, 2007 - 12:44 PM
Having witnessed the tireless and selfless caregiving that you provided Jimmy during his final time on this physical level, I can only imagine the emotional and spiritual experience it must have been to assist in his transition.
Thanks for allowing us to share those intimate moments. And, thanks to all who contributed. The unique and special bond among you is quite apparent.
Michael
Thursday, October 11, 2007 - 01:50 PM
Carolyn Karpel
Harry.
Tonight was the first time I've checked out your website. You're a PHENOMENAL photography.
I watched the ash dive video and was moved to tears. It was beautiful!!
Thanks for sharing your art with us.
Carolyn
Saturday, December 15, 2007 - 07:49 PM
Mr. Parker,
I have had the pleasure of viewing many of your pictures and videos. I think you are an excellent photographer and I hope you continue in your practice. I look at many photographers pictures and videos and find that you capture the essence of the moment. It's like being there.
Many thanks
Jorge Banegas
On Events
Have you ever met someone, and forever afterwards, whenever you think about him, you find yourself smiling? That's the kind of person Harry Parker is. A smile maker. :)
It was a delight to meet and talk to him this weekend at the Hog Flop Boogie. I loved his outgoing personality. He made a boring raffle drawing into pure entertainment.
Its always amazes me that such well-known skydivers, like Harry, would take the time to talk to the "little guys" and make us feel important. I was honored that he spent some time with me.
Jennifer McKinney
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 09:59 PM
Harry,
Just wanted to thank you again for hosting an awesome boogie - what a great and memorable time, and, allowing me to stay at your place and making me feel right at home. That was very kind and generous of you.
The whole weekend was magical and thank you for being the nucleus to make it happen. I know all the folks that show up help make it work, simply as participants, but it is you that has the vision, and then the will and energy to make it a reality. Without you, it just wouldn't happen.
So, again, thank you for everything. I sure appreciate it and I will look forward to the next time we get to share the sky.
Blues,
Mike Masheff
This was an amazing event and thanks to everyone who helped out and especially to the amazing Harry who not only got the dunk tank but MADE the dunk tank a great and somewhat naked success! I had a blast and i'm glad everyone was there to show support for Krysta. Thanks again!
~Dara
Monday, June 9, 2008 - 01:24 PM
WOW. The video was really and truly amazing also. As much as it touched me I know this was priceless for Ballistic and it's all thanks to you guys for being the people that you are!
BOB
Wednesday, October 3, 2007 - 07:00 PM
Becca
It was such an honor to be a part of this jump. Thank you for taking such great photos and making such a beautiful blog about it, Harry. Luv, Becca
Monday, October 8, 2007 - 07:31 AM
Thank You Harry, for choosing to have this party and bringing everyone together. The slide show is great! You are GREAT!!!
Lots of Love!
Tiff
Saturday, December 15, 2007 - 04:01 PM
Harry,
thank you for pulling this together, what a great night....
i know how much effort you put in for that night to succeed and it did....great job man !
Jacob
Saturday, December 15, 2007 - 07:48 PM
Harry,
Thank you so much for putting together such a beautiful and classy event for all of us. You put so much time, effort and love in to making it special for all of us and......it works! Your pictures are so much fun to look through. Each persons personality shows through. Beautiful! Thank you for all of your effort. It is appreciated by all!!!
Merry Christmas,
Renee
Saturday, December 15, 2007 - 11:44 PM
Harry,
Thank you so much for having us. I think it's nice that we get these opportunities for everyone to get cleaned up and put on some fancy clothes! We're so used to seeing each other covered in sweat out at the dz! And what a great group of people! The party was beautiful, and the people twice as beautiful.
Thank you so much for all the organization you put into all of it, you are a delightful host, and of course, thank you so much for all the photos you took and putting them all up on the website for us to enjoy.
Oh, and, the egg nog was soooo yummmmmy!!!
Looking forward to our next jump together, Harry! Team Harry's Mad Hatters!!
Lots of love to you,
Becca
Sunday, December 16, 2007 - 03:12 PM
JoeZ
What a true and important statement, Harry - these ARE THE GOOD TIMES!
Sometimes we all need to take a step back to realize how blessed we are to live the life we have, and to have great family and friends.
You did an awesome job, Harry; Susan and myself very much appreciated your effort and dedication to make this great Christmas Party the success it was.
We are the STARS indeed, and I love how bright we all shine!
JoeZ
Monday, December 17, 2007 - 01:00 PM
Hello Harry,
Just a quick note to let you know how much I enjoyed the party on the 18th. Every one there was wonderful and made it one of those events that will stay with me and make me smile :).
Thank you for all of the work you put into making the event go so smoothly! It is not easy to put a great event together, you did a wonderful job.
Your Belly Dancer :)
~ Mindy
November 26, 2007 4:54:20 PM EST
