julesey 0 #1 February 2, 2004 Hi! I never thought I would do it, but I made two tandem skydives this weekend. It was incredible and everything my friend told me it would be. I want to continue on but I don't have anyone really to jump with. Is it easy enough to make new friends at the dropzones? I got a clicky vibe but how easy is it to get in with the crowd? I never thought I would be taken in but I'm hooked. Had to drop by dropzone.com to share and meet others. Thanks for listening! "I know it's tuna. But it says chicken. By the sea." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarkM 0 #2 February 2, 2004 Dropzones aren't completely clicky, it's just that 99% of the new people that show up at a dropzone don't become regulars so the regulars don't socialize with them much. But once you stick around long enough to show them you're not just a joy rider they'll open up to you a lot more. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SlyFox 0 #3 February 2, 2004 Congratulation on your tandem jump. I think you'll find most around the drop zone are friendly and eager to talk about skydiving. Just start hanging out there and introduce yourself if somebody doesn't intro themselve. Good luck and Have fun. *****Why would anyone jump from a perfectly good airplane? Because it isn't much fun if it's broke.**** Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #4 February 2, 2004 Welcome to the forums! Seriously, as long as you aren't a real jerk, I'm sure you'll fit in fine.She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DaMan 0 #5 February 2, 2004 Quote...I got a clicky vibe but how easy is it to get in with the crowd? I never thought I would be taken in but I'm hooked. Had to drop by dropzone.com to share and meet others. Thanks for listening! There really isn't any "out" crowd at most DZs, but there are people you don't jump with until you hear from someone else, "Oh, they're OK to jumps with...".Most everyone is willing to talk on the ground - ask questions and listen to the answers. Don't feel left out if you aren't jumping with the in crowd - it takes a lot of jumps to get good enough not to screw up the dive for everyone (or worse). Keep hanging around and eventually they'll ask you along on a jump - but before you say yes, make sure you can handle the jump...there's nothing wrong with waiting until you're ready.Z-Flock 8 Discotec Rodriguez Too bad weapons grade stupidity doesn't lead to sterility. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
julesey 0 #6 February 2, 2004 I was hoping to find a progression buddy so I don't feel so lost! I make friends easily it's good to know most people are willing to do the same. I need to find a good school though. I jumped in FL over the weekend and ca't go to school there cause I live in VA. I have a good friend who has been to three of the dropzones and she recommended Skydive Virginia, so I may call them. Hope to see you all in the sky! Jules. "I know it's tuna. But it says chicken. By the sea." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gerryfuss 0 #7 February 2, 2004 Most dropzones have students so you are bound to meet people wherever you jump that are in the same boat as you. You also have to remember that everyone jumping out there was also in the same boat at one time or another, we all know how it feels to be the new guy (or gal in your case). I'm sure you will be part of things before you know it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gerryfuss 0 #8 February 2, 2004 check your messages Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peacefuljeffrey 0 #9 February 3, 2004 Glad to meet ya, new skydiver! Get ready for a lifestyle change. I know mine changed a lot after starting to skydive. If you're a reasonably likeable person, I think you'll have no trouble establishing friendships at a dropzone. Like others said, it's tough at first for the regulars to know what to make of a new tandem passenger, but if you've made it clear that you're not just a "had to try it once" tourist, if they're anything like the folks at my DZ here (Skydive South Beach), they'll welcome you, teach you, and befriend you. Me, I plied my new skydiving friends by making a sort of habit of bringing home-cooked food out. I'd make beef jerky (that is the big friend-maker here), beef stew, hummous, spinach dip with tortilla chips, homemade salsa... Since I love food, I brought out enough to share, and it brought everyone together for a bit (for a reason other than skydiving). I'm not saying that you need to cook for everyone to make friends, but I found it was a lot of fun to do. A newbie around seems to bring out the magnanimous parts of people, and with me, that meant everyone giving me tips on safety and technique. I've had help from no fewer than seven different people about packing my parachute! (And now I'm getting better at it!) You just joined a family! Congratulations -- you picked a good family. Now pick an AFF instructor and get freefallin'! ---Jeffrey-Jeffrey "With tha thoughts of a militant mind... Hard line, hard line after hard line!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skyyhi 0 #10 February 3, 2004 I did my AFF on my own. . .but along the way I met TONS of progression buddies. . .they are regulars here too. I really only knew one instructor and maybe another jumper or two when I started hanging out and jumping. . .believe me, it didn't take long before I knew everyone and was hanging out at the bonfire after my jumps for the day. It's a lot of fun. . .go for it. . .even on your own. . .you will find you have many more friends than you think. . .________________________________________ Take risks not to escape life… but to prevent life from escaping. ~ A bumper sticker at the DZ FGF #6 Darcy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
julesey 0 #12 February 4, 2004 Great ideas, thanks!!! My hubby is a chef so maybe he would make some great dishes for me to take. Food is always a great icebreaker (and alcohol). "I know it's tuna. But it says chicken. By the sea." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smit705 0 #13 February 4, 2004 Welcome, You will find great people no matter where you go. Just Do IT! Someone will take you under their wing, so to speak. Good Luck and Blue Skies! Dave Smith In Christ Dave Smith Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChileRelleno 0 #14 February 10, 2004 HI! and welcome to DZ.com. A pretty woman, married or not is a welcome addition to just about any DZ! Don't worry you'll make friends unless your personality/attitude or hygiene is severely lacking, and from what little I've read you sholud be fine. ChileRelleno-Rodriguez Bro#414 Hellfish#511,MuffBro#3532,AnvilBro#9, D24868 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
