rag95

Impossible to land off - the dz is massive!!! Great place to hang out - especially as we're talking about a military dz, open to us civvies from friday pm through the weekend. Services tea & dodgy bacon butties notwithstanding - excellent atmosphere (not a tandem factory as some of the civvie dzs) so manifesting is not a long laborious exercise. Come over sometime - might even get to jump with the Red Devils....

Had a couple of days free at the end of a business trip to San Jose, so decided to find somewhere to get a few lobs in. After a posting on rec.skydiving I got a number of recommendations - one of which was SkyDance. Well I turned up & despite being on my tod & a low timer (only just completed my AFF & was on my consols for my BPA Cat8) I was welcomed by all. A very chilled out attitude - no bullshit and the like. Got my throw out briefing (having trained on ripcords) & a check out jump with Ralph. Then it was up to me to get on the lifts & do what I wanted to do. Unfortunately I brought the rain the next day, so didn't get up. Saturday was a different matter altogether - 7 jumps - excellent!!!! and I sneaked a couple in on the Sunday morning, before I had to fly back from San Fran (90 minutes drive). Whilst it was generally busy and the atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation for the next lift - during the quiet moments (first thing in the morning) it only required 2 jumpers to put the Cessna 182 up - so little time was spent waiting around for a large load. Special thanks to Cessna Bob & Markus! When I look back - it was the friendly & easy going (but professional) atmosphere that made the few days I spent at Skydance so enjoyable. I was taken out to dinner with the regulars & I was immediately made to feel part of the crowd. If you're in the neighbourhood - pop in & jump with the crew at Skydance. Even if they're busy - they'll find time for you & ensure you'll have a great time. Looking forward to getting back there! Blue Skies!! Alex

BIG UP to the guys at Hinton! Sound DZ, fast LET410, great atmosphere, excellent bacon & egg sarnies, funloving but professional attitude & loads of larfs. I'm only a newbie (just got my Cat 8), but these guys have ensured I have had fun. There's always someone looking out for you to make sure you continue to have fun. Blue Skies!! Alex Just one weenie gripe - need some music, guys!!