Well it looks like AFF will be in the spring for me. Need advice.

[Muenkel 0]

My AFF training was postponed due to circumstances beyond my control. Anyway, it looks as if it will be spring when I can do my training. Here's my question: I know you're all partial to your home dz's, but is there a dz in the U.S. that has an exceptional reputation with students? I plan to put a couple weeks of vacation aside, as I did this past spring, and devote it to my training.

Your suggestions are appreciated.

_________________________________________
Chris

[Sebazz1 2]

Adventure Center Skydiving, Hollister California... Used to be owned by Greg Nardi who now owns Tittusville in Florida. We really cater to students here. Not to mention I work there too...

[Skyrad 0]

Sebastian is home of the British national team, FS & FF. Quite a few world champions jump there, all of whom are down to earth and willing to share what they have learnt. Its close to the wind tunnel in Orlando and the people are great. Good vibe, excellent & instructors. A home from home.

When an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca

[Jessica 0]

Why not go somewhere that has dz.commers you wanna hang with? I think training at most big DZs will be pretty good.

Skydiving is for cool people only

[freeflir29 0]

I can suggest two differen't DZ's. Ask Chuck about coming to Raeford. They are busy on the weekends and getting a Cessna on the weekdays shouldn't be a problem either. Or....I can always suggest Skydive Atlanta. We have several AFF instructors that skydive as a full time job. I have seen a lot of instructors both in Skydiving and the military. I can tell you that Woody has that majic touch with students. He is really able to connect and put them at ease. He spends A LOT of time with his students and is probably one of the best instructors I have ever seen. You definately won't go wrong by coming to SDA. Plus...I have a video camera and just MIGHT be willing to film some of your dives.....

[FallinWoman 1]

There is something to be said for doing your training at a DZ close to you...that allows you to become a part of the DZ family....from student status on up....

Just a thought.
Anne

[skygal3 0]

I get a one week vacation in the spring...I was thinking, if I can't get away to do it this winter, I am going to take that week and devote it to getting my A license...come on up to SDNE! we can do it together!!!

[skybytch 273]

Perris. Two excellent schools, either of whom I'd trust to teach my mom how to skydive. Close to lots of other cool stuff to do in case of a bad weather day.

Plus you could hang out with all us fruits and nuts! We could get the whole southern California contingent together to root you on!! Heck, maybe even the northern Californian's would show up!!! We could show you the town!!!! We could make it a big ol' dz dot com party week!!!!! It'd be epic, I tell you, simply Epic!!!!!!

Somebody make me stop now. Please. I'm getting way out of hand.

[PhreeZone 20]

Ever since you've became a record holder all I see is Ego Lisa.... its a shame... you used to be so cool too...

Do student training at the DZ you want to make your home. The DZ's have the chance to know you from jump 1 and will let you meet all your new jumpers at the same time. Student training is a huge portion of the income for DZ's keep the money local to help keep the DZ there for after your graduation...

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

[Jessica 0]

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There is something to be said for doing your training at a DZ close to you...that allows you to become a part of the DZ family....from student status on up....

This is very true. Skydive Dallas will always be a home to me, since that's where I trained. I miss them a lot.

Skydiving is for cool people only

[skybytch 273]

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Ever since you've became a record holder

Heh heh. Why yes, I am a record holder. Did you want to touch me?

[Sebazz1 2]

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Two excellent schools, either of whom I'd trust to teach my mom how to skydive

What Lisa is neglecting to tell you is that her mom is very very wealthy and Lisa is the only beneficiary.. Sure she wants her mom to jump...j/k

[Muenkel 0]

Well this was a very effective thread!

I got a different answer from everyone. But you all are da bomb!

I like the home dz bit, which I kind of have 2. Titusville is where I discovered skydiving and began my aff last May. Plus, they are very cool ppl. I am also in Florida frequently. However, I live closest to Jumptown. The purpose of putting time aside and "going off to school" so to speak is to put my full concentration on my training.

Decisions....Decisions....I still have time.

Anymore advice is appreciated.

_________________________________________
Chris

[freeflir29 0]

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Did you want to touch me?

Just "The Rack" really....

[scottbre 0]

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There is something to be said for doing your training at a DZ close to you...that allows you to become a part of the DZ family....from student status on up....

This is sort of a double edged sword though. You also have to deal with a lot of the regular skydivers at your home DZ not taking you seriously, and just assuming that you aren't good enough to jump with them, because you did your student stuff there and they still see you as a student regardless of how many jumps and how good you may become.

"Your mother's full of stupidjuice!"
My Art Project

[hooked 0]

Just my .02 worth.....I would do my training close to home, where you will do most of your jumping. Save your vacation and go somewhere after you are licensed to meet all the DZ.comers! It will be spring time for me too.

J

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Sometimes we're just being Humans.....But we're always Human Beings.

[Muenkel 0]

Jan,

Good advice on the vacation time. However, I do lead a pretty demanding and hectic life...hence the reason I would want to get away from home and concentrate on my training. Also, I do get more than 2 weeks per year vacation, so I have both options available to me.

_________________________________________
Chris

[hooked 0]

Chris,

Then go for it, the sooner the better! I guess what I meant was, I would want to be real familiar with where I was going to land (as that's the part that seems the scariest to me) while I was a 'new' skydiver and to become comfortable with the landing patterns. If you learn away from home, then you have to learn the patterns at your home dz when you get back. I could be wrong, what do I know. I'm sure someone will correct me.

J

--------------------------------------
Sometimes we're just being Humans.....But we're always Human Beings.

[bps 0]

Hello --
I guess it depends on your goals.
Are you looking for a place with exceptional weather?
Are you looking for top-notch instruction?
Are you looking for a place that you may call home one day?
Is price a consideration?
All very valid questions. There are dozens of fine drop zones in the US. And undoubtedly, many fine DZs near you. To better answer your question, it's beneficial to know the answers to the questions above.
Blue Skies,
Bryan

[Muenkel 0]

Thanks Bryan. In answer to your questions:

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I guess it depends on your goals.

To become the best skydiver I can be. As for specific discipline, this will develop as I learn.

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Are you looking for a place with exceptional weather?

Isn't everyone?

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Are you looking for top-notch instruction?

I want to answer this sarcastically, but I won't. Yes, I want the best instruction of course.

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Is price a consideration?

No.

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Are you looking for a place that you may call home one day?

I hope it would become a second home. I do not plan to change my primary residence at the moment. I am also interested in visiting various dz's as I continue to pursue the sport.


Now, I answered your questions. So, what's your advice?

_________________________________________
Chris

[Airhead 0]

Unfortunately I'm in the same situation as you my friend.

I've been waiting to get in the rest of my jumps- and looks like cold weather is here to stay...
So continuing with my AFF training HAS TO BE PUT OFF util next Spring for me too. But there does seem to be a lot of ways to going about it.

Enough said - See Ya

[pop 0]

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Adventure Center Skydiving, Hollister California... Used to be owned by Greg Nardi who now owns Tittusville in Florida. We really cater to students here. Not to mention I work there too...

Yeah, that one.

7 ounce wonders, music and dogs that are not into beer

[JDBoston 0]

I would say make sure you spend at least a day at whatever drop zone you choose PRIOR to plunking down big money. Check out the vibe, see how smoothly things run there on a busy weekend day, see if everyone's having fun, etc.

Recommendations from people on this site are great, especially if you also know them personally and can put some context around it, but in the end, you're going to have your own learning style and your own preferences, as far as the DZ scene and how people deal with each other there, and it's your money being spent (a LOT of your money).

Personally, I would recommend a local DZ for convenience, learning in the same climate you'll be jumping in initially, meeting local jumpers, and so on. If you go through a student program someplace far away, you may not know many low-timers (besides a few DZ.commers, which should be enough, I know!) when you get back home and start jumping for real. Not a huge deal, but definitely a nice-to-have.

I'll suggest Jumptown in Orange MA, since I jump there and have a very high opinion of the place and its instructors (though I got my license at Cross Keys when I lived in NYC). Feel free to PM me for more specific feedback on the place. But good luck whatever you do.

Joe

[TheBile 0]

Come on, Lila. Haven't you finished your AFF yet (Like I can talk )

Gerb

I stir feelings in others they themselves don't understand. KA'CHOW !

[Muenkel 0]

Joe,

Thanks for taking the time to share your excellent advice. I certainly have NOT ruled out Jumptown. In fact, Bob Clancy lives in my town. I have heard alot of good about that DZ.

I still though feel an obligation to Skydive Space Center, where I initially discovered skydiving and began my aff. They are also really cool people.

Seb's suggestions sound great to me also. He's been really cool to me, and I feel I would be at ease with him.

Then of course there is Perris, which I think is the capital of skydiving. So many dz.commers jump there. I also like Bytch's idea of making it a party!!!

Well, I shall ponder the many options. I will definitely pm you with more questions as they come up. Thanks for your generosity and I look forward to someday looking at the beautiful New England landscape from 13,500 feet with you.
Chris

_________________________________________
Chris