skydiving through europe

[savolleyball25 0]

My buddies and I are planning a 5 week backpacking trip through Europe this summer and are hoping to hit some dropzones along the way (it's not solely a skydiving trip). We are weighing the pros/cons of hauling our rigs around for five weeks. Our biggest concern is having them stolen, especially on the trains or in the hostels. Does anyone have any experience doing this or want to throw in their 2 cents?

[mrubin 0]

I spent 4 weeks carrying my rig around Europe and it was a hassle. Its extra weight to carry and you have to worry about it getting stolen or damaged. I also found that I didn't skydive in as many places as I thought I would. I kept meeting new people and exploring new countries.

I would not take my rig on another trip like that unless it was a trip specifically for skydiving. You can always rent gear. Its more expensive, but its also a lot easier. In my opinion, you should just take your logbooks and whatever other gear you don't want to rent.

Skydive Switzerland in Interlaken has some incredible views. The Irish Parachute Club has a lot of great people, but its difficult to get to.

Have fun!

"I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

[airtwardo 7]

Yup...logbook, license, medical insurance card & money will get you in the air.

Dragging gear is a pain unless you plan on staying some place and doing a lot of jumping.

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[feuergnom 29]

if you plan on jumping in austria and need rental gear, drop me a pm

The universal aptitude for ineptitude makes any human accomplishment an incredible miracle

dudeist skydiver # 666

[TommyM 3]

I've toured Europe extensively and did some jumping on several trips. The first time I lugged my damn rig all over the place...what a mistake, but since the actual jumping was really fun, the second trip I planned to have my rig shipped to the drop zone office (empuriabrava) waiting for my arrival. When I was done jumping I sent it back home. I don't remember (about 20 years ago) what the cost was but since I'm a cheap bastard it must have been worth it. If your going to one country and one drop zone just to jump, bring your rig with you.
I attended the first Moscow boogie, circa 1991, and since I had doubts that anyone at the boogie would be able to repack my reserve, I had my rigger give me a "crash course" on packing my reserve but as back-up plan I had my second rig all packed up back home, in care of my family, and ready to be shipped if required. Oh yeah, a hard helmet is an awful PIA to carry at all, so I brought a leather brain bag instead.

[savolleyball25 0]

Thanks for the advice everyone. We've decided that we're definitely not going to haul our rigs around. Right now we're looking into shipping them to Norway to jump at the end of our trip, but the cost looks ridiculous. UPS and FedEx are quoting somewhere in the neighborhood of $600-$700 for shipping and insurance. Unless we can find a cheaper way to ship them, we may just be renting in a few places. Either way, thanks for your input. It was a huge help.