MattFallsFast

I've jumped at 20 dropzones in the past 5 years and Z-Hills is the most professional and all around quality DZ I've seen. Staff really know their stuff and are welcoming. Visiting European jumpers make the Christmas boogie even more fun. Aircraft are plentiful, well maintained and spotless. Landing area is really huge. It's a busy place at times, but if you come early in the day you're guaranteed to be given a warm and personal reception. Rigging services are also top notch and super friendly. Overall, this place has all the talent, aircraft and diversity of skydiving disciplines you want but without the cliques or drama. Must visit if you're anywhere near central Florida.

Darius11 seems to have some issues. Aside from calling all Texans "barbarians", a scan of his recent user posts shows statements that include "Israel is a racist state", Britain is a country "covered by peoples blood, off course not British blood" and that women who do not veil themselves will always be judged by how "sexy" they are. I believe this guy is mentally ill.... (and I of course love ALL the beautuful, non-veiled ladies of Texas!)

I'm sitting here crying in my vino..this is as touching as the end of Stand By Me! Buddy, you're one in a million you (and that hair, that beautiful f@cking hair...) are awesome. Keep up the ministry (lord knows these kids today need your sage advice) and keep up the jumping (lord knows Racer42 can't skydive without ya). I really can't wait to get back to the States, get up in a plane and watch you drop outta that b*tch. It's truly a sight to behold. Sei un bravo regazzo. (You're a good lad, Josh.) PS-Oh she is evil, she's an 'evil genius'. ;)

Both Olav and Manuel are gone?! Wow, a lot changes in a few months... Still recommend it for proximity to Florence and they have a nice bunkhouse. Matt --Just beware, the manifest at Tortuga aren't the friendliest of people...you know, you should hit some of the Boogies instead.

If you happen to land out and find a pair of black Gatorz lying around in some vinyard, they're mine...lost them on a FF jump last March. :(

Skydive Tortuga in Arezzo - Olav is awesome and will make you feel at home. The town of Arezzo is just south of Florence, so it is definately on the way (just a 10 euro cab ride from the train station) and you get to see the bridge from the Mona Lisa in freefall (yes, there is a bridge in the background of the Mona Lisa...go look it up if you don't believe me). All around great vibe and really amazing food at the DZ cafe. Also check out Skydive Salerno south of Naples...although it is more difficult to get to by train and only open on weekends. Still, the view of the sea in freefall is unforgettable. On a clear day you see Mt Vesuvius and Capri/Ischia. Sardinia has a great DZ as well, if you will be out there.

Napoli, Italia. It is considered Europe. And Megan is flying here on the 3rd, so I'll be a happy boy for the rest of the month!!!!! I'm taking her up to Switzerland for Christmas. b/c I'm such a gentleman, of course... (please don't reveal to her that I'm not actually anything like a gentleman until I say so!)

I look at this thread and I see the names of the best skydivers I've ever had the pleasure to jump out of a plane with, and also Brian Forbes. (Don't think I forgot about that whipped cream incident, Forbes....) I would have given anything to be there to just see all your smiling faces again. And, also, get really really drunk off my ass. I liked that about hanging out with you guys too! But I digress, although the last 8 months being overseas has been fun in the sense that I often find myself exiting aircraft with people who to not speak English in any meaningful way and who are, in fact, not likely understanding what the hell I plan to do on the skydive, it just isn't the same as jumping with all of you. They say you never forget your "first time", and I had all my "first times" with all of you. I was back that way for couple of days last month and got to see the new digs. Awesome DZ with an awesome vibe (as always when Santee is on scene). I only wish I could be there for the GR Freefly Revolution IV. To all you awesome Texas fun jumpers, I will be there jumping with you in spirit (although physically I'll just be moping around Naples, probably eating pizza or something) So, although I may have seemed to get frustrated at times when my skydive wasn't "perfect" or I flared late and busted my "ass"...it was always an honor to jump with each of you. Party your asses off out there. Ciao, Matt

Agree about Tortuga in Arezzo-Olav's DZ is really great. Have jumped there many times and always learn something new and beautiful about freefly... I live in Naples and jump down here when not up in Arezzo. Skydive Salerno is about an hour south of Naples on the coast (amazing views) and very laid-back. I always have a nice time there.

Another consideration is INSURANCE. Your USPA Third Party Liability is not enough for some countries (like Italy) which apparently require something like 1.5 million Euro (that's $2 million) coverage. For the AN-72 Boogie in Germany next weekend it is 1.5 million Euro as well. By the time you learn this, however, you are already there. They'll offer you a top-up policy to cover the difference, however it isn't cheap. Anyone know if USPA is aware our 3rd Party Liability coverage is not enough to jump in Europe? Anyway man, just something else to consider. Once you get past manifest, jumping in Europe is amazing. I've loved every jump I've done in Europe...

Thanks Olav! We had great jumps, great load organizing and as always the beautiful Tuscan landscape below us. Mille gratzie! (Oh, and did I mention great food?)

sigh. Well, hope to speak with you some other time NWFlyer. Oh yeah, and it's also too bad the thread got moved...

Calm down there, 'happy'. Read my reply to NWFlyer. I'm not trying to get your panties in a bunch (although from the sounds of it, that wouldn't be too hard).

Right, I see your point (and my post was exaggerating to prove a point). I'm just trying to say that not all anonymous posters are "trolling". Some are legitimate posters posing legitimate questions. Shouldn't content of the post be the real focus? (BTW NWflyer: I would love to introduce myself to you at the DZ!)

So a person can't question another post unless they reveal all their personal information? That way, you can point out that you have more jumps than they do and discount them out of hand. Maybe some people are just not interested in playing that game. Besides, your occupation states you are "Master of the Universe", you won't give a last name and you round up your jump numbers to 1700...guess you are the same as anyone else who doesn't want their personal information revealed to all.