I dropped by Gold Coast over the weekend and found it to be a wonderful place. Starting with the first point of contact at any DZ, the "manifest bitch", Amanda was one of the nicest and friendliest I have seen anywhere. Hell, just look at her, she is obviously friendly :).
The facility is first rate. Clean, roomy, student gear was immediately taken care of after each jump. For example, the student jumpsuits were brushed and washed Saturday, starting Sunday again fresh. The showers there have clean towels AND toiletries. Plenty of room for packing. On-site rigging is immediately available. There were quite a few female jumpers, again more evidence that if you have good instruction, clean restrooms, a little food nearby, and treat them like people instead of meat, women will join skydiving in numbers.
The DZO, Mike Igo was active, helping new jumpers with advice, and jumping more than a little. Their Otter runs with some of the lightest loads I have seen, letting jumps continue even if 18 people are not around. The staff (Paul Cozic, David Layne, et al) were actively engaged with new jumpers most of the day.
I recommend the DZ highly, and will go back.
Tom Birdwell