shep7376

Having recently been invited by a friend to visit SkydiveUKLtd I can honestly say that this is a shining example of how a DZ operation should be ran. Other operators can learn alot from Jason, a man who can be everywhere on the DZ at the same time yet never rushes anywhere. Within minutes of arriving I had been talked through the registration proceedure, had a gear and docs check, been given a DZ brief by Jason, been manifested on the next load and had offers by other jumpers to jump with them. All that took place within 15mins (seriously) of arrival. It was a Friday mid morning in November and I expected only a few jumps, not so. 6 unrushed jumps later within 5 hours and I was hooked on this DZ. If your able to get there pop the address into your SatNav and pay it a visit, well worth it.

Any chance we can name and shame this DZ so I can avoid it??

Certainly the exit order is strange, at my DZ the order is (assuming no students etc): 1. Flat (belly) groups largest to smallest. 2. Freefly groups largest to smallest. 3. Tandems, AFF etc last to go. Personally I would (if it is really required) blame the JM for not sorting out the exit order. Certainly the origional poster is not to blame, given the level of experience it is possible that he is not aware of the best way to get out.

Cheers Billvon, That sounds like sense to me. Pete

Another posting on the forum (cant remember where) says that you shouldn't just drop your leg as it doesn't make the best of your booties. Unfortunately the poster didn't state why? I have heard that you can turn using the booties but can't find out how. Any thoughts? Pete

Having just received my first RW suit (Parasport) with the competition booties fitted (as recommended by several instructors) I have been trawling the forums for information on how best to use them. I understand that they will improve the lift in the legs and this can help with the power they produce leading to a more efficient track or forward movement. My question is this: How do they affect a turn and how should they be used to make the turn more efficient, they have been likened to me as having large rudders fitted to your feet. Pete

I have recently completed my AFF course at Nethers and was quite suprised by some (but not all) of the reviews. I notice that many of the reviews make comment of the military funding the DZ, perhaps it is important to remember that the DZ is a military training dropzone with the APA running the 'civi' side - independently. If the military had enough money to throw at the DZ I'm sure they would be in a better building than they are now. Hopefully this will change in the near future with the move to a spare hanger. Many of the staff are military yet are not there as permanent staff, they give their time to support their chosen sport and are not paid for it. That said I can understand where the comments about some attitudes come from, in defence safety is everything and this is strictly controlled although this could on occasion be verbally explained in a more 'fluffy', non military way. With regards a comment about 'best to be a blonde female', I'm afraid that I'll have to agree, I have recently tried to get FS coaching only to fail. I tried to get one through manifest but failed. Asked around the DZ and still nothing turned up. Spoke to several long-time regulars and was told that this was the norm... I did finally get a coach though, some of the military lads helped me out. Overall, dispite the negatives I would recommend the DZ to anyone passing-by, it is full of knowledgeable skydivers who will make the time for you if you ask them, the bar host some awesome parties and there are always lots of great events on.