davidyvesbecker

DZ Ephesus is one of the major DZ's in Turkey. They have world-class facilities, and a large, open landing area. The runway is less than a mile from the ancient and stunning ruins of Ephesus, all of which can be clearly seen at altitude. The climbout over Izmir and the surrounding turquoise blue coastline was worth the jump ticket alone. I was welcomed graciously, and rented a near new Javelin with PD main and Cyprus. I'm glad I'd e-mailed in advance, since I was scheduled to arrive on Saturday, and was told they couldn't set up your Turkish insurance (around $20) on a weekend. USPA insurance is not valid, though I did nonetheless have to show my USPA D license and logbook. I don't know if there is some sort of waiver of the Turkish insurance requirement for tandem passengers. Prices seemed quite reasonable, around $45 for jump ticket and gear rental. On the particular day I was there, I visited the nearby ruins in the morning and was able to see the loads going up and down. May not have been their usual pace, but didn't seem like a DZ where you could get in more than a handful jumps in a day. The loads seemed to be mostly tandems and AFF, with a few fun jumpers. All in all, definitely worth a visit, particularly if you're visiting the ruins.

Friendly DZ with very nice facilities including large pool, bunkhouse, restaurant/cafe. Agree with previous reviewer, Cahors is very 'familial' or friendly. Once checked out (USPA card was all we needed) you manifest and then settle your tab at the end of the day! Huge landing area. Nice, fast Pilatus Porter, only 10 minutes to altitude. Like most French DZs, good gear available for rent very reasonably, all with Cypresses (required of all jumpers I beleive). This is nice if you're just passing through. Seemed to be a good mix of RW and FF, not to mention Accurancy jumpers. Beautiful views from altitude. Would definitely go back.

This is one of France's major DZs, and a world-class operation by any definition. Worth coming just for the visuals!

If you find yourself in the Brittany area of France -- a summer destination with great beaches, food-- and you want to jump this is the place. Like most French DZs, very professionally run, the "directeur technique" keeps a close eye on operations. They'll want to see your USPA card or equivalent and even if you're very experienced, ideally your logbook too. Its not uncommon for many jumpers in France to rent gear, or use gear that's part of their club. Therefore most major DZs have a nice selection in good condition (typically Parachutes de France), with AADs, usually some higher performance canopies too. I jumped a PDF canopy that was similar to a Stiletto 120. From what I saw they do a lot of tandems but if you want to bring friend to do one, they'll have to get a medical authorization first, which is a hassle. (You won't have to if you have a USPA, BPA, or equivalent- this requirement is only for unlicensed jumpers.) Manifest can suggest some local MDs; or if they plan ahead have them bring a letter from their own doctor on letterhead authorizing them to jump. Seemed like a good mix of freefly and formation skydiving. Landing area is huge and unobstructed. I jumped the porter, which is a nice, fast plane. Weather can by iffy, even in summer. On the other, didn't seem like clouds and rain slowed things down much! Would definitely go back.

Construction of Skyventure Silicon Valley is underway and they're now pre-selling blocks of tunnel time on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300065481724 Anyone interested in going in on a 1-hour block? So far there are zero bids...starting bid is $499.

Anyone know of any planned north or south pole jumps?

Not a lot of up jumpers, but view makes up for it. Make sure to go early in day.

Highly recommended. Great vibes, incredible scenery.