starkmtn

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Dropzone Reviews posted by starkmtn

  1. I don't think this DZ warrants a 5-star rating. It's not a sh**hole but it's not the best I've ever seen either. They are quite expensive, which is what you get, I guess, when you're near Boston. The Otter was pretty slow, and they do something funky with tandems - they drop them out at about 10 or 11K and then take the experienced jumpers up higher. Yet they charge the going rate for a tandem from 13.5. When I took my cousin there (when I lived in the area) to do his first jump, the tandem master was quite rude to him. They have packing areas and a small food concession, but no bunkhouse (at least when I went there), video rooms, or restrooms (they had port-a-potties). Like I said, not the worst, but not the best either.

  2. Imagine you get to start fresh and create the perfect DZ. This place comes pretty damn close. Let's look at some of their highlights:

    1. They have a wind tunnel. Right there. Not an hour away, in the middle of Tourist Central - right there. Walking distance from Manifest.
    2. They have a pool.
    3. They have a great restaurant with a real selection of good food, great service, and cool ambience (there's a live video feed from the tunnel so you can laugh at your friends flailing around).
    4. Manifest staff were courteous, friendly, and knowledgeable.
    5. Ample packing space.
    6. Terrific boarding facility with kitchen, several bathrooms, chill room, and real beds with linens and towels provided. Could be a little bit cleaner with respect to cobwebs and insects, but that's what I get for taking the top bunk...they also have a bunkhouse which is a little cheaper than the "IHOP" (International House Of Parachutists) but I haven't seen it so I can't comment.

    The only things that were not perfect:
    1. The prolonged waiver-signing process (involves being videotaped). Give yourself an hour and a half to get through this. I'm serious.
    2. The fact that you're in Perris, CA - the town is pretty useless, the smog is nasty, and when the wind is from the wrong direction, you can smell the sewage treatment plant.
    3. Video rooms are good for small groups but not for big-way debriefing.

    Otherwise, this is an incredibly kick-ass DZ. If it could be picked up and moved somewhere else, I would take it home with me.