The people at Skydive Abel Tasman are what truly make this DZ a must-visit if you're in the area. I spent about a week here to work on my A license and it was hands down the best part of my trip. <-- No small statement because the hiking and mountain biking this region are EPIC!
Instructors Mike, Fiona and Kevin are excellent coaches that take pride in teaching people at all skill levels. The experience base here is great and they will cater to whatever pace you are comfortable. Making a mistake is all in good fun and nobody here loses sight of that. As long as you keep a positive attitude it will be matched in spades!
On the packing floor Frick, Matt, Dave and Yuki are beyond helpful if you are new to the sport and just learning. Nobody is too busy to explain or demonstrate technique. Their work ethic and attention to detail is key to making this DZ operate efficiently and above all, safely. (Thanks again, Frick, for sparing me from that reserve ride!)
Though a lot of their business is tandems; the owner is all about getting the sporty's up, too. I was able to knock out 22 jumps in fairly rapid succession under the circumstances. The only hangup is their Fletcher is limited to only six passengers, so you may sit it out for a few loads. Soon, however, they should be taking on a PC-6 Porter without the PAX limitation so my only 'con' will be a moot point. Even still, the ride to 13,000ft only takes about 20 min, and if you have the high altitude course banged out; 16,500ft is available also. The DZ is at sea level so there's plenty of time to play. The landing area is large, flat and well kept. There's a coffee stand at the DZ too, with some good eats and even better brew (the caffeinated kind).
Speaking of brew (the fun kind)... If you find yourself saying, "I just had my first _________!" Be prepared to pay homage to the universal dropzone tradition.
Overall, I recommend this DZ to anyone visiting the top of the South. Whether you're a new or experienced jumper, the staff here will make the experience unforgettable. And I'll be doing my best to make it back there soon!
Skydive Abel Tasman
in New Zealand
Instructors Mike, Fiona and Kevin are excellent coaches that take pride in teaching people at all skill levels. The experience base here is great and they will cater to whatever pace you are comfortable. Making a mistake is all in good fun and nobody here loses sight of that. As long as you keep a positive attitude it will be matched in spades!
On the packing floor Frick, Matt, Dave and Yuki are beyond helpful if you are new to the sport and just learning. Nobody is too busy to explain or demonstrate technique. Their work ethic and attention to detail is key to making this DZ operate efficiently and above all, safely. (Thanks again, Frick, for sparing me from that reserve ride!)
Though a lot of their business is tandems; the owner is all about getting the sporty's up, too. I was able to knock out 22 jumps in fairly rapid succession under the circumstances. The only hangup is their Fletcher is limited to only six passengers, so you may sit it out for a few loads. Soon, however, they should be taking on a PC-6 Porter without the PAX limitation so my only 'con' will be a moot point. Even still, the ride to 13,000ft only takes about 20 min, and if you have the high altitude course banged out; 16,500ft is available also. The DZ is at sea level so there's plenty of time to play. The landing area is large, flat and well kept. There's a coffee stand at the DZ too, with some good eats and even better brew (the caffeinated kind).
Speaking of brew (the fun kind)... If you find yourself saying, "I just had my first _________!" Be prepared to pay homage to the universal dropzone tradition.
Overall, I recommend this DZ to anyone visiting the top of the South. Whether you're a new or experienced jumper, the staff here will make the experience unforgettable. And I'll be doing my best to make it back there soon!