manowar1313 0 #1 August 24, 2005 I'm only 16 where can I go to jump, and where is SAFE? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elisha 1 #2 August 24, 2005 Lodi, CA parachutecenter.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eule 0 #3 August 24, 2005 QuoteI'm only 16 where can I go to jump, and where is SAFE? Your best bet is probably to look at the dropzone locator at http://www.dropzone.com/dropzone/ . Make sure to turn up the radius from the default 100 miles to 200 or 300 miles - you should find various dropzones in Kansas, Missouri, and possibly Oklahoma. Then check each dropzone's Web site, or contact each one by phone or email, and check on their age policy. Probably you will find that most of them will let you jump at 16 _IF_ you have a waiver form signed by your parents / guardians. You may have to go further afield to find someplace that will let you jump at 16 with no waiver, and then your problem becomes convincing your parents to let you drive to California or Florida, rather than convincing them to sign a waiver. As to safety - that debate is always ongoing. You might look at the reviews for each dropzone when you find them in the locator. You may also want to read some of the articles at http://www.dropzone.com/safety/ , particularly http://www.dropzone.com/content/Detailed/515.html . EulePLF does not stand for Please Land on Face. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freelyflyn71 0 #4 August 24, 2005 I used to live in Wichita, and there are 3-4 DZ's in your area. If your parents are willing to sign a waiver, SOME DZ's will allow you to do a Tandem, but ultimately it is up to the discretion of the Tandem Master that will take you for your first jump. If your parents will not give you permission, then, even though it seems like a long time, you might have to wait until 18 comes around. I personally would not have a problem taking a 16 yr old, "IF" I were a Tandem Master, but ONLY with the parents present and with a full understanding of the associated risks. Even if you can't jump, visit some of the local DZ's...there is a lot to learn about the sport, and you could even learn to pack main canopies and earn a few bucks along the way! (if the Drop Zone Owner ,DZO, is OK with it) So go and hang out and watch, there are plenty of nice folks around the Wichita DZ's...one of them might post a response to you later! Good Luck! Eric The Braver the Bird...The Fatter the Cat. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freelyflyn71 0 #5 August 24, 2005 Oh, you might want to think about a wind tunnel...I'm taking my 11 year old daughter to one early next year, your parents might even want to try it too! Do a search on the internet for "vertical wind tunnel", there are some videos you can watch on some of the sites! Eric The Braver the Bird...The Fatter the Cat. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkymonkeyONE 4 #6 August 24, 2005 QuoteI'm only 16 where can I go to jump, and where is SAFE? Raeford Parachute Center, NC www.jumpraeford.com (910) 904-0000 We do 16 year-old AFF and tandems too with notarized parental consent. Actually, the dropzone has been training the USPA minimum age (16) since it was opened over 30 years ago. Chuck Blue D-12501 AFF/SL/TM-I, BMCI, PRO Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WatchYourStep 0 #7 August 24, 2005 Contact Martin at Air Capital Dropzone in Wichita. He's a nice guy and will be able to answer your question. I don't if he'll be able to take you up but he may know of a place near by. 316-776-1700 [url]www.aircapitaldropzone.com "You start off your skydiving career with a bag full of luck and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill the bag of experience up before your bag of luck runs out." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
