I made my first tandem jump at SDAZ in November 2007 and enjoyed the experience so much that I immediately made reservations for my second. Having always wanting to try this sport, I was excited to learn that one of the best dropzones in the world is right in my backyard. I live in Tucson, so the 45 minute drive means that I can go as often as I can afford. To date, I have made four tandem jumps and plan on getting my license this year. For my first jump, I took the trip to Eloy alone, but once I was there, I felt anything but. The staff was the first to make me feel welcome. The woman working in manifest was eager to add another woman to the list, and everyone I spoke with was excited to share my first jump experience. With so many strangers cheering me on, I felt like part of the family. The experienced jumpers were very friendly and quick to offer advice or a good ole high five. For my first jump I was put with an instructor named Justin. It didn't take long for me to feel comfortable putting my life in his hands. He was able to answer any question I had and knowing that he has been jumping for more than 13 years put me at ease. I have been able to request him for every jump I have made and he will also be the instructor I get my license with. This is extremely helpful, since he is getting to know me and my experience, he is able to teach me something new every time, and I feel that we work well together. I was also happy to learn that, although I am not in the program yet, the jumps I have made will count towards my license. I have been very fortunate to experience SDAZ. Knowing that people travel from all over the world to jump here, I feel spoiled.
For anyone making their first jump or their hundredth, this is the place to be. The weather can be a little hot in the summer, but the endless views and wide open space more than makes up for it. Overall, I give SDAZ two thumbs up!
