Newbie n SoCal - upfront pay or piecemeal

[AngieS 0]

Hi All, :)

My name is Angie obviously. ;) To give a bit of history first: I'm really excited to finally be doing this and getting my A license. When I was a kid, 15 y/o, I couldn't wait to turn 18 to finally be able to jump. As soon as I turned 18, I took the first plunge and absolutely loved it and wanted to pursue it further. But many things going on then such as getting my sh*t together, back in high school and graduate, spent 6 years in college, met my husband, a child years later, some health probs, etc. I'm now 38 and a single mom, great career, and no legit reason to not pursue it finally as I've always wanted to do.

I've done two tandem jumps already, the most recent being last month at Perris Valley with my sis. Would love to get my A license at Perris Valley but my instructor then who is still there was a total cutie and liked him so was a bit distracting to say the least. Given this, I've opted to get my A license at Elsinore. Inevitable anyway to find a cute guy or what have you but would much rather be instructed and taught by someone where it's all business, esp being a newbie, and little distractions and no tension there or distractions elsewhere while being there -- at least in the beginning and learning how.

I already know that this is something I want to pursue and know it will be something I would excel at. I am fearful without a doubt but have been put in situations where your life is put on the line and having to keep head on straight -- not let emotions overtake and rule you as this is always a detriment. Stay calm and reason it out, do better when under pressure and having to step it up when it calls for it

At any rate, for those who are experienced with this sport, would you recommend paying upfront to do the AFF as well as the remaining jumps, etc., to get an A license? Or would it be better to piecemeal it out and pay as I go along? At Elsinore, I was quoted $2999 for their package deal of AFF and everything up to getting an A license.

I know one of the drawbacks to paying upfront is that it'll be difficult for me to go over to Perris Valley and do some of the training there perhaps if I change my mind down the road and wanting to hook up with it there. I doubt very seriously I would get half way through and decide not to do it and not follow it through to the end. I enjoy it too much. It's exciting getting there but the rush completely disappears once out of the plane and it is totally relaxing being out there.

Any recommendations in any context for a newbie is greatly appreciated; even suggestions on what DZ to do this at in So Cal and finally getting my booty up in the air is all good too!!!

Ty,

Angie

[blkhwk91b 0]

(note to self....start new DZ with nothing but ugly people...check)

Seriously, good luck

"Better to have a short life that is full of what you like doing, than a long life spent in a miserable way." - Alan Watts

[AngieS 0]

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(note to self....start new DZ with nothing but ugly people...check)

Seriously, good luck

LMAO...highly unlikely. hahah!! ;) He was the only one there that I thought was cute and happened to be my instructor. I perhaps should have clarified a little better and the circumstances. If he's cute, no biggie, can deal with that. But with this instructor, from the get go, there was a lot of playful flirting going on, some innocent sexual innuendos, etc., and this was no biggie being a tandem jump since he's the one that's doing all the work -- no pun intended -- it was fun but distracting. Being that I want to take this sport up in a serious way and learning it, I don't want this type of tension when I'm learning it in the beginning and knowing that if a situation turns bad and need of having to save my own butt.

Don't get me wrong, what happened wasn't a bad thing and being very playful with each other - we both obviously enjoyed it. I just would much rather have an instructor in the beginning, even if he's cute, but not the intense attraction. I know I can pick and choose my instructor when I finally start the program.

[RonRandomguy 0]

First, let me say that I think you're making a very smart decision about finding someone who you're not quite so attracted to, so that you don't get distracted. That's an excellent plan!!

Second, I totally understand what you're saying. It seems that there are A LOT of women out there who are so attracted to me, that they get too distracted even doing normal, everyday things, not related to skydiving. I think that's why they usually put a restraining order out on me, because they just like me too much, you know?!?!

Seriously though, I wish I had some real input for you, but I can say that I paid for the 'A' license package as well, and it is cheaper in the long run. I would also find out what exactly is included in the total package, because it may vary from DZ to DZ. For instance, does it include a packing class, or maybe a canopy piloting class? Just something to consider, and you can compare the cost of each, compared to what is included.

Alright, hope you're doing great, and take care.

Life's not permanent, don't take it too seriously! :-)

[AngieS 0]

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First, let me say that I think you're making a very smart decision about finding someone who you're not quite so attracted to, so that you don't get distracted. That's an excellent plan!!

Second, I totally understand what you're saying. It seems that there are A LOT of women out there who are so attracted to me, that they get too distracted even doing normal, everyday things, not related to skydiving. I think that's why they usually put a restraining order out on me, because they just like me too much, you know?!?!

Seriously though, I wish I had some real input for you, but I can say that I paid for the 'A' license package as well, and it is cheaper in the long run. I would also find out what exactly is included in the total package, because it may vary from DZ to DZ. For instance, does it include a packing class, or maybe a canopy piloting class? Just something to consider, and you can compare the cost of each, compared to what is included.

Alright, hope you're doing great, and take care.

OMFG....stalker material, eh??!!! Too damned funny!!! Great sense of humor!! hahaha!!

At least in what I was quoted from Elsinore, I'll only be saving about 400 bucks so not like this OMG type deal and saving sh*t load by doing it upfront. Have read in a few places of people end up going to another DZ but not much they can do bc they paid the whole shebang somewhere else but for whatever reason ultimately didn't like the DZ they were originally at.

Thinking a bit more about it, can maybe do the first few AFF jumps at one DZ and then make a decision if it's a place I want to do the whole 9 yards at. I'm assuming that if you complete an AFF jump, they do sign off on it and documented progression. So if I do change DZs, I can take that card with me or whatever paperwork to show that I've completed up to a certain level when starting at the new DZ.

I've done the same and seeing what's included in their A package deal at Elsinore and Perris Valley. Of course, Perris Valley offers a bit more, plus tunnel time that Elsinore does not offer. I know tunnel time will be a valuable tool. Of course, would much rather make mistakes there than up in the sky. I'm the type that likes to go in fully aware, prepared, understanding, and knowledge, esp when there's a potentially great risk involved. Can't perfect everything but nice to get a bit of hands on experience before doing something so you at least know what to expect and be able to sharpen the skill a bit beforehand.

Angie

[skymama 37]

Welcome to the forums! In my opinion, a tandem instructor shouldn't be flirting with a student anyway. If you like Perris, then stay at Perris. The tunnel time is a good bonus to their training program.

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

[AngieS 0]

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Welcome to the forums! In my opinion, a tandem instructor shouldn't be flirting with a student anyway. If you like Perris, then stay at Perris. The tunnel time is a good bonus to their training program.

Thank you for the warm welcome. :) No doubt would choose the better DZ over another and what the facility offers. Have been comparing the two facilities and thinking about this...honestly will probably end up going to Perris Valley because of their wind tunnel and having my instructor on hand for it that Elsinore doesn't have and my ending up having to pay more for my instructor to go with me to Perris Valley if I opt for Elsinore. Perris is a bit more expensive for their package deal but not by much but many perks to Perris that Elsinore doesn't have so Perris is the front runner right now.

I've been in similar situations of a mutual attraction, not skydiving, but where one is teaching the other and have to admit little mistakes can be made that otherwise probably wouldn't have been made if it was all business and no flirting, etc., during it as your mind may be elsewhere even for just a moment when an innuendo may be made and breaking that concentration and focus, etc. It's just based on my past experience, this is what I'm wanting to avoid in the beginning and at a most crucial time of learning it and then the rest can follow. Don't mind going to Perris even though he is there and know I can choose my instructor. I'm just not wanting him around when I'm being taught it for the first time.

You are right. The flirting and playfulness should have been curtailed on his part and sending those vibes out but I was also guilty as charged and flirting back. LOL D'oh. Just need to stay away from him and control myself a bit better....LOL

[Zaccelerator 0]

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If you like Perris, then stay at Perris.

I agree with SkyMama. I got my license at Perris this summer. There are a lot of instructors there. Some I jumped with multiple times, but most of the time I had completely different instructors each jump. I'm sure the staff at the school would arrange for other instructors if you ask.

As for payment, I did it one jump at a time. I would only worry about it if you though you might change your mind or move. But, like you said, it's not a huge savings anyway.

[AngieS 0]

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If you like Perris, then stay at Perris.

I agree with SkyMama. I got my license at Perris this summer. There are a lot of instructors there. Some I jumped with multiple times, but most of the time I had completely different instructors each jump. I'm sure the staff at the school would arrange for other instructors if you ask.

As for payment, I did it one jump at a time. I would only worry about it if you though you might change your mind or move. But, like you said, it's not a huge savings anyway.

Congrats on getting your A license!!!! *sigh* I'm jealous. LOL Oi. Wouldn't you know it, I set the appt for the 28th at Perris and all set and ready to go and just do it up front. Very excited and happy to finally be doing it -- something I've wanted to do since I was a kid.

Figures, next day after setting appt, heading for work and out the door and down the concrete stairs, one of my heels caught on the stair and went head first tumbling down them. Whatever. Jacked up both knees, serious road rash on both shins, ankles, feet...bruises everywhere -- surprised I didn't break my neck on way down. Not one to whine and cry. Assessed real quick how badly I was hurt and knew I was hurt but not enough to stop me from going in to work. Got to work and things started to mellow out and body aching of course but left knee killing me and unable to bend leg much. After work, headed to urgent care and found out I fractured my kneecap so I'm now out of commission to get my license for a bit. Not sure if I'm going to need rehab, etc. Doc said 4 to 6 weeks minimum to heal and then go from there. :(

I'm way bummed but oh well. Have waited all these years to start it up. Can wait a few more months or half a year or year -- however long it takes to get my knee back to somewhat normal. Hoping for just a few months though so Xmas time maybe. Nice little present to myself!!!! :)

Maybe I'll see you down there at some point. Again, congrats on finally doing it!!!

[wolfriverjoe 1,523]

Oh No!

That really sucks.
FWIW, I did the same thing (more or less, vertical crack of the kneecap due to a fall) a few years back. I just had to wear a brace and stay off it. No rehab and I was back to normal in a couple months.
I wouldn't jump until you can walk, run and jump off a short height (a couple steps or so) without pain.
DISCLAIMER: This is my experience. I am not a doctor, nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night.

Refrencing the flirting thing - I know TIs that are really good at reading people. They are really good at understanding what kind of person the student is and they tailor their behavior to that, acting in a way thet keeps the student the most relaxed and calm. That may mean being totally professional and business-like, no jokes or cracks. That may mean teasing, joking and pretending that they have no clue what they are doing. That may mean a bit of sexual teasing.
It's all done to keep the student calm and relaxed so that they have the best jump possible.

That may (or may not) be what happened with you.

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

"~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

[Zaccelerator 0]

Ouch! Sorry to hear about your accident. Hope you have a speedy recovery.

[AngieS 0]

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Oh No!

That really sucks.
FWIW, I did the same thing (more or less, vertical crack of the kneecap due to a fall) a few years back. I just had to wear a brace and stay off it. No rehab and I was back to normal in a couple months.
I wouldn't jump until you can walk, run and jump off a short height (a couple steps or so) without pain.
DISCLAIMER: This is my experience. I am not a doctor, nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night.

Refrencing the flirting thing - I know TIs that are really good at reading people. They are really good at understanding what kind of person the student is and they tailor their behavior to that, acting in a way thet keeps the student the most relaxed and calm. That may mean being totally professional and business-like, no jokes or cracks. That may mean teasing, joking and pretending that they have no clue what they are doing. That may mean a bit of sexual teasing.
It's all done to keep the student calm and relaxed so that they have the best jump possible.

That may (or may not) be what happened with you.

Ty to both of you!! :) That's what I'm hoping too and healing relatively quick. Road rash is healing up pretty fast though!!! Mine wasn't a clean break so to speak. Pretty bad hairline fracture, vertical as well, and spans almost entire kneecap. Said same thing, brace and stay off it as much as possible. It's feeling a bit better though thankfully. Hoping rehab won't be in picture either but will see as the weeks go on.

As for the flirting, you may very well be right. I can see how they would have to tailor according to each student to keep them relaxed and calm. But how would he know to do that right off the bat. It started right after being introduced and when he took me back to one of their rooms to tell me what's going to happen, suited up, harnass, etc. Who knows and may very well be right. Hmmmm....even the person I was with had commented about it on way home and saying....ooooh, he liked you. LMAO But never know and could be very good actor. May find out sooner or later I'm sure as I still plan to go to Perris when I do finally start program to get licensed and if he's still there and playfullness starts all over again, etc., then pretty obvious. LOL