California in August

[KrisS 0]

Hi, 

I’m planning on Jumping mid August in Perris but I seem to remember being advised in the past that the heat can cause major problems there. Would anyone have any input on how advisable this would be for someone that only has an A licence and looking to progress to B within a period of a week 12th-19th.

I’ve heard Chicago might be the best option but I don’t think it’s possible. Also how would Sebastian be at that time of year? 

Thanks in advance for any input no matter it’s form. 

Kris

[skymama 33]

At any Florida dropzone, August is a pretty miserable month to jump in, not gonna lie. You'll have a dry heat in CA, but a humid, wet heat in FL. If you like to sweat the toxins out of your body, Florida in August is the place for you! There will most likely be afternoon thunderstorms every day. They do tend to pass quickly, so that's a plus. Locals at FL dropzones tend to get on the first loads of the day, and stop jumping in the early afternoon and head indoors or go do water sports. So, if you're into the beach, kayaking, paddleboarding, etc., Sebastian could work for you if you plan your day accordingly.

[skybytch 257]

Perris in August will indeed be hot.  It gets a bit bumpy at times and there is an occasional dust devil.  Lots of people do AFF during August there.  Lots of people with A licenses jump in August there.  The heat doesn't cause major problems, it's just something to be aware of and adjust your jumping accordingly.

August in Sebastian... well, like Skymama said, it's gonna be hot.  Like walking into a steaming wet blanket kind of hot.  Like you just stepped out of the shower and you need another shower kind of hot.  But the air will mostly be very smooth under canopy and the view is pretty spectacular.

At either dz, mornings will be better than afternoons due to weather.  If getting a lot of jumps in is important to you, Perris might be the better choice.  They have several Otters and long waits to get on a load are rare; it's easy to get three or four jumps in before lunch.  IIRC, Sebastian has one plane through the summer. 

[kat00 10]

Perris will get over 100 but its a dry heat.  Between 2-4 you often get the dust devils and some gusty winds.  At the DZ  briefing they will tell you all about dust devils but they are easy to avoid.  Also, sometimes they will start earlier than normal because teams are training for nationals and trying to beat the heat.  In general, keep to the shade and you will be ok.

One little trick if you are sub 100 jumps is to aim yourself for the east edge of the grass that borders the dirt/student landing area.  That way you minimize your walk back in the heat