UKFSChick

I'm looking for someone to settle an argument for me! Anyone know which DZ or DZs do the most tandem jumps per year? This has gone back and forth a bit so evidence to back it up would be awesome! Cheers.

Good luck with this line-up Hannah, what a sweet opportunity, looking forward to seeing what you guys do :)

Where are you snowboarding and what type of skydive coaching are you after? You might want to check out the coach credentials at www.nzskydivingschool.com, right next to Mt Hutt, and feel free to pm me for more info if you like :)

Doesn't that describe virtually every tertiary education establishment in existence?

Thanks guys this is perfect :)

Very helpful of you, thanks :) What did you use to draw your calculations?

Anyone know how many tandems the UK does each year, approximately? Can't find it on the BPA site. Thanks.

thanks

amongst other things

Aussies too, as I understand it. Also there is some sort of living allowance the NZ Government gives to Kiwi permanent residents while on the course. Not sure of details on that but it's around $165 a week. You don't have to pay it back. In addition, all the jumps at the school are supervised directly by the current Course Director, and/or he jumps with the students. When you consider the cost of even the most basic coaching, that is a big bonus.

Many parts of the world do have state healthcare provided so the 'benefits' point is a little moot. In NZ it is not uncommon for course graduates doing camera to earn NZ$22k - $55k per year. A tandem master could earn from NZ$35k - NZ$90k, and manifestors are on around $15 per hour. Packers get $10 - $12 per pack job, which at a busy DZ is a solid income enabling you to save, buy a home, invest, if you want to. Also, much of the time these jobs are formal positions of employment, subject to the usual rules, protections and regulations. This is before you start to consider the other doors that start to open when you're doing 500 jumps a season. For students who may have no other formal qualification, no college, and no real desire for office-based employment, these are very good opportunities. As far as the uncertainty of the market goes, NZ does more tandems than any other country in the world apart from the US. Population 4m vs 300m. Adventure tourism is actually a growing sector, and the very existence of this course is a result of that. But I think what it really comes down to is that a skydiving career is a lifestyle choice. Not everyone is cut out for the Matrix, and no amount of 'job security' is going to change that

Have you looked at Bodyflight, or are you definitely keen for somewhere warmer? If you have a tandem or AFF instructor rating and 1000 jumps,you might be able to get a work visa for New Zealand. No tunnel but a lot of very busy commercial dropzones, so the employment opportunities are very strong. Huge difference from trying to get a US green card... Best of luck with cutting away. Done right, you will never look back :)

I'm in your shoes. As others have said, definitely build your lead up slowly and make sure you feel okay with your wing loading on both main and reserve. I've always worn a belt over my jumpsuit. On the hips seems to be the best option for efficiency in your moves as it keeps your centre of gravity where you want it. I'd also consider getting your jumping partner to slow down as much as he can with the right suit - although it seems a lot of bigger jumpers tend to put the onus on the small guy [sigh]... Lead can be pretty uncomfortable above 5 or 6 lbs wherever you put it, especially if you're running for a load or if you have a long walk back. The shape of the belt is also a factor as some have deep pockets and if your waist is long-ish this lets you load most of it on the front (ie not between your back and the rig). I've regularly jumped with 20lbs or so but frankly it's not a preference, just a fair exchange for slots/ jumps/ skydives I wanted to be a part of :) I also like to think it's a good workout...

I know what you mean.

You'd need to contact the school for pricing. www.nzskydivingschool.com. [email protected] The flying component of the course focuses on building the skills needed to shoot camera, such as shot composition, angles, timing, framing and so on. When they have reached the appropriate level of awareness and skill, students practice on each other. All the jumps are either supervised directly by the Course Director (full briefing/ dirt-diving and video debriefs) or the CD jumps with them. I understand that most of these students are using a helmet-mounted GoPro. Only those students with sufficient jumps and skills in accordance with NZ regs and as determined by the CD and approved by the TI will jump with an actual tandem. I understand the limit is 200 for NZPIA. @ Airtwardo: The course fees are paid to the School which delivers the Diploma Course (NZSS). The school is in liaison with various DZs worldwide who provide placements for students. It works well for the placement DZs as they have an extra pair of hands on deck. In exchange they provide 30 jumps, exposure to various aspects of DZ operations, supervision and quite possibly a path to employment. They don't receive payment, but provide an opportunity to learn, as is common for interns in most lines of work. I can see why you would ask about the business model...lol..however do bear in mind this is not the same experience you'd have as a DZ bum hanging around a dropzone, packing a few rigs and picking up a free jump here and there. They have formal course modules to complete, and their training on the prior 20 weeks of the course prepares them to be very proactive and involved at every level. The path to a paid flying slot (usually camera) is very real for these graduates, although variables include the individual's attitude and the opportunities available at that specific DZ. Do also bear in mind that there is a very limited sport scene in NZ, so hanging around a tandem operation waiting for an 'in' is not really an option. A lot of this comes down to how you feel about education and training. Some people will choose to do a course in computer programming; others will tinker around writing code at home and learning as they go. Some will do a tunnel camp, others will buy time here and there picking up coaching from whomever is happy to provide it for free. Some people do a BA in journalism, others write a freelance piece here and there and try to talk their way into a gopher slot on their local paper. This is a formal course of study, the only difference is, it happens to be in commercial skydiving, a field which for many people is also a sport/ hobby. If you believe in the value of education and training this is a solid course which, when delivered correctly, provides a very broad basis for people wishing to work in skydiving as a career.

Sorry for the ambiguity.

Your IC also needs to get their hips through the door to enable tail to go on time. Right now your OC is doing a great job, but your IC is rolling out the door over his/ her knee, and tail is still on the step with OC already flying. This is where your rotation comes from.

well, make sure your camera flyer's had time to get the formation before you do that

Tail is late. Fix that, no more rotation. If you are still having issues consider aiming to take it out on a 45. Good luck.

She's on work placement. 94% of graduates get a paid job in skydiving immediately on finishing their course. After 32 weeks and with around 200 jumps, that's not bad.

As mentioned already, I'm sure the individual is a factor. The course modules are very thorough and for many it's a great stepping stone. Life is what you make it

Quote Hand around long enough, acquire enough skills along the way, and opportunities arise.Quote "Hang around long enough" being the issue?

Thanks Remy. We miss you all and all the OTL crew too. How's Karen? You guys should come down here and jump, the dz is nothing short of incredible and I hear it looks pretty sweet from 10k too. :)

It's true. You don't have to move that much, it seems. Simply touch and retouch 45 times. God knows why it takes so many years of jumping and hours in the tunnel to learn that little fact :) I've been spicing up my own skydives with a lot of unnecessary movement for years, maybe this is where I have been going wrong... :-s Bloody boring world records, it aint fun unless you are GEEKING OR FUNNELLING, everyone knows that. You should have a point docked if you fail to pull a face on exit. (And while we're at it, what's with the boring black or navy suits and predictable white gloves? Where are the go-faster stripes, and Hawaiian or cow-print suits? How about some flames or bikini babes on the helmets? Dull, imagination-free, athletic purist, competitive ba$tards!) ;-)

I know, easy, Lord knows why no-one has done it before, guess they just couldn't be arsed? ;-)