EdPaxton

I visited this DZ in early May 2006 and spent one day jumping there. It is relatively easy to find, is well-appointed and very welcoming. The reception staff, the Directeur Technique and all the jumpers were well-informed and hospitable. Equipment checks and briefings were thorough and professional. The aircraft, an unusually painted porter, appeared well-maintained and climbs to 13000' quickly. There is a pool, accommodation and a restaurant although I didn't see what the rooms were like. Not much to do right next to the DZ as you are pretty much in the middle of nowhere. However, Pau is about 30 mins down the road which has all the attractions of a large city. I believe they are open throughout the year and they do in the region of 30,000 jumps per annum. They get more aircraft in at regular intervals. This place is well worth a visit, I look forward to going back and doing more jumping there.

A fantastically friendly and helpful DZ. The management really try and make things happen.Has a more parochial feel to it than the other SoCal DZ's. Everybody from the girls in manifest to Andy and the military programme will do what they can to sort you out. Improvements are constantly being made to the facilities and it has the advantage of being that much closer than Perris and Elsinore to the fleshpots of San Diego. Avoid at all costs the US Navy Parachute Team who are a dark and twisted bunch with no alcohol-tolerance! (They're outstanding blokes really...)In summary, SSD has RW, freeflyers, a great canopy school and a really good atmosphere. Go and check it out you really won't be disappointed.

I found this DZ through this site and spent a day jumping there as I passed through. I found the atmosphere very friendly and extremely helpful. The facilities are good and it is easy to find off one of the main arterial routes through the region. There is a real club atmosphere and they purposefully keep it that way by capping the number of tandems. Cannot comment for students but as an experienced jumper with knowledge of french I thought the place was good. Recommendations: If you want to spend 2 weeks doing 10 lifts a day this may not be the place for you. Take advantage of the dollar exchange rate and go elsewhere. If you are passing through then it is definitely worthwhile.