jallen

So, all things considered, what is the general consenus on the PC-1000 vs the PC-350. What is the best camera to buy from a skydiving perspective?

Just got back from Japan on JET recently. I made the trek to the Tokyo DZ a bunch of times (I lived far away). I'm pretty sure it is a USPA DZ, but I'd suggest trying pretty hard to get your license (and have gear) before you go.....it'll make it much easier when you arrive. You might get lucky like I did and get to jump the chopper that they sometimes have access to. Really great people here and a pretty nice facility. Jump tickets for fun jumps are 6500 yen, plus you need to pay a yearly membership (2500 yen) and monthly insurance (2000 yen). No idea what tandems or AFF costs, but expensive, I would guess. I've heard that a new DZ in Osaka is opening this spring. Depending on where your going, might be worthwhile to check into. Don't miss the opportunity to jump in Japan!

There are some awesome skydivers here. This is where the national teams are when they aren't in Florida. There are also usually some foreigners kicking around. No worries about finding someone to jump with and many of them speak good Enlgish, despite the fact they will tell you otherwise. It takes about 25-30 minutes to get their Caravan to 13,000ft. Pilots in full uniform and white gloves is something you'll not experience often. It's expensive too jump but it’s all relative if you’re making a Japanese salary. There’s some amazingly trippy scenery with Fuji-san and the Japanese Alps in the background and Tokyo almost directly below. If you’re a foreigner who has lived in Japan, you'll probably understand some of the differences you'll see at this DZ as oppposed to others in the West. It’s all part of the experience and that’s what makes Japan a cool place. If you’re just visiting, respect their culture. The bunkhouse is nice and the people are cool but I'd suggest hitting up areas of Tokyo (i.e Roppongi, Shinjuku or Shibuya) for nightime fun. Tanoshinde!

I have been jumping here for a few years now and since the day I rolled up to the DZ for the first time, I was welcomed with open arms - as is every single person there. The DZ owners (Serge, Louise and PT Rob) will go out of there way to accomodate you. You probably won't find a dropzone anywhere that has the calibre and number of awesome, experienced, safety-minded coaches and instructors. For the first jump student or progressing student, the instructors will do an excellent job teaching and briefing you and making sure you're ready to make a safe jump and develop the necessary skills. For the experienced jumper - Whether you're into going Mach 2 upside down, RW or surfing turf, you'll find lots of excellent skydivers to play with and learn from. Newbies get lots of rewards in terms of skills development because there is always someone very talented on the load or looking to do a jump with you. Everyone at this DZ is very cool! There are no cliques here. Often, the nightlife gets wild....no sneak peaks though, you'll just have to come out to experience that yourself. The DZ itself has a large landing area with lots of outs. There is a nice covered packing area and other great facilities. Many people bring their trailers or tents and camp out. From the DZ, it is only 5-8 minutes to downtown. There are several resutarants only a couple of minutes away, there is a 24-hour convenience store and Tim Horton's across the road. And...special events here are the best in the area (AKA - The Otter Boogie). What more do you want?