paparker21

DZ I'm a student at is using aerodyne rigs with pilots and smarts in them. I believe the sister DZ uses the same.

Sure there is - doing it a second, and third time to prove yourself that it wasn't a fluke is pretty great too! Congrats all around to the people learning :)

Just be teachable and enjoy it! Listen to your instructors and make sure you let them know (honestly) how you're feeling about everything. If you're stressing and anxious you'll definitely be more rigid and that's going to be problematic so make sure you find what works for you and stick with it! For me, I've asked instructors to quit reviewing the dive flow with me by 12k so I have a few seconds of closed eye deep breaths and conscious relaxation of all my muscles. I hear the door open, take a couple more deep breaths, open my eyes back up and get ready to check my spot / climb out.

So, as a beginning skydiver i'm understandably excited and been consuming as much information as possible. I found something last night that struck me as both odd and dismaying though and I wanted to know if this is a trend in the sport or a case of not knowing it exists. So i've found a handful of decent sites to read articles, safety, training, etc- dropzone, parachutist, and skydivemag (I'm sure there are others, i'd love to hear about them!) There are a few podcasts (someone fill in the blanks here- i'm not a big podcast guy so i've not explored them yet) And on youtube we've got Brian germain, USPA, and BPA, and a couple others. It curious to me, however, that of the mediums discussed, youtube seems to be the least utilized for instruction/training. This could be simply a case of me not looking in the right places- i'd love for someone to point me in the right direction if this is the case. I'm especially let down by USPA's channel- there's some stuff for AFF, and some shorts, but there really isn't much content. When you look at the BPA's channel however, they've got lots of stuff. Great seminars and expo coverage which includes lots of great stuff-- and this is where I noticed it... Basically no views on most of the videos. There's certainly something to be said for the fact that it's really a go-and-do activity, but there are still some great resources out there and it seems, to me, that they're really underutilized by those in the sport. Why is this? Also, what are some other resources / sites / channels where we can go for additional learning? Thanks and everyone have a safe weekend- it's looking beautiful locally!

Google wasn't pulling anything up like I was hoping for- does anyone have a link, or a file of a map showing all USA drop zones? I'm in the process of job hunting and would like to know i'm considering places within a couple hours of a DZ. I did find there's a printed one available but i'd like to save the $25 (lift ticket!) and just print one since i've got access to a large format printer.

Thanks for the input guys. I've decided that I'll be doing my AFF at the smaller DZ and i'll be taking a Friday or two off so i can knock it out across as few weekends as possible. Couple of deciding factors: 1) The further DZ, while a touch larger, jumps only saturday/sunday. 2) My email correspondence with the smaller DZ was just better- happily answering questions, clarifying things, and just providing excellent customer service in general. 3) Less time driving, no hotel cost (I've got buddies who live about halfway that graciously will share a couch with me for the weekend for the price of booze!)

So i finally have the money in hand to start my pursuit of the sky (I was hooked as soon as we hit altitude for my tandem) but i'm not sure the best way to set out on this endeavor. I've got a few options and thought I would solicit some feedback from those who know best! Q1: Where should i do my training? -Option 1 is a small local dz, nice people, where i did my tandem, will likely be my home dz. It's still about 1.5 hours away though, and it doesn't have classrooms or an exit mockup for dirt dives, or hanging harnesses. I'm sure they are capable of doing the training, but i'm not sure how confident i am -Option 2 is a more established DZ that's about 2.5 hours away. Multiple aircraft, classrooms, exit mock up, and other amenities. They host some events and seem to have a good report. They also guarantee all your jumps between AFF and your A to have a coach along at no additional cost- this really speaks volumes to their commitment to a quality training program. -Options 3/4 - with my tax return, I'd consider traveling to a dz in FL or CA. Larger, active DZs where i'm confident I'd get good training. Bonus: I wouldn't need to wait another month or so for the weather to warm up like i would with my local DZ. Negative: if weather goes south i'm screwed and end up having to finish training locally anyway. Programs are also a little more expensive + cost of travel means less money for fun jumping after my A. Q2: How fast should i do my training? -Spread everything out over a number of weekends and enjoy the process, jumping a handful of times each weekend -Take time off to rush AFF in about 4-5 days, then spread the remaining jumps over weekends -Take more time off and rush all of A in a couple weeks Obvious considerations for these options- -The more money i spend on training, the less fun jumping i'll get to make -The longer i take training, the less fun jumping i'll get to do this season -The more time I take off for training the less likely i am to travel to any events I think, right now, i'm leaning towards taking a couple days to try and rush AFF at the DZ 2.5 hours away then spreading the remaining jumps over the subsequent month. The idea of a real vacation to somewhere warm is pretty damn alluring though.

I'd been trying to make my first jump for months - each time I scheduled, weather fought me- finally I got a break. I'd been in touch with the manager Leslie on a near weekly basis trying to get my jump and we finally got a day that was overcast, but promised to hold off. I made the drive and passed through more than a couple patches of rain. I arrived and as I came in Leslie, though having only met me once before, recognized me and told me there was space on the next load, hurry up! I was quickly and professionally introduced to my tandem instructor, suited up, and we were on our way to the plane (full instruction had previously been given- they make sure everyone's educated and safe!). The TI reviewed safety and procedure as we suited and as we climbed to altitude. It's safe to say i'll be returning for my AFF as soon as it warms up. The staff I met in my couple visits were all friendly, the management is professional, and they really do care about you having a great experience. In terms of amenities, their hangar is limited - restrooms are a short walk over to the main airport building as is vending. They do have a padded packing area but i didn't explore to see what else is available in terms of class space, or areas to dirt dive / practice EPs. Less than 5 minutes away are numerous restaurants, shopping, and I believe a couple of hotels.