Nervous at a new drop zone?

[Conundrum 1]

Im still new to skydiving, just finished AFF and have 4 solos. I would really like to start jumping at different drop zones, but am really nervous about jumping at a new place I dont know at all. Any words of advice or encouragement? Other than that I'm probaby just being a tard about the whole thing.

[Kramer 0]

You're being a tard about the whole thing. jk.

I am making my first pilgrimage to a new DZ in a couple weeks. I was a bit nervous about it, but I emailed the DZ, and got a nice letter back from the DZO that really put my mind at ease.

You might try emailing the DZ you want to jump at, and just explain your little situation, and ask them if they think it would be alright for you to jump there. I'm sure their response will have you on the road halfway to their DZ.

Good luck.

-Kramer

The FAKE KRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMER!!!!!!!!!

[flyinghonu 0]

Post here before you go to a new DZ and ask anyone if they will be out there at the same time. I imagine not knowing anyone at the other DZs is part of your reservation about venturing out to new ones. Maybe if you meet someone there, you won't feel like such a "tard"

"Excuse me while I kiss the sky..." - Jimi Hendrix

[Paige 0]

I'm in the same boat as I head to Lake Whales. I think contacting people at the dz is a great idea and a good way to calm the nerves.

Tunnel Pink Mafia Delegate
www.TunnelPinkMafia.com

[panzwami 0]

You might want to wait until you have your A license, since without it you are still considered a student and the restrictions placed on you at other dropzones can be higher.

But as far as the people, generally it's not a problem. Just be friendly and you shouldn't have too much problem.

Matt
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[RoadRash 0]

Quote

You're being a tard about the whole thing. jk.

I am making my first pilgrimage to a new DZ in a couple weeks. I was a bit nervous about it, but I emailed the DZ, and got a nice letter back from the DZO that really put my mind at ease.

You might try emailing the DZ you want to jump at, and just explain your little situation, and ask them if they think it would be alright for you to jump there. I'm sure their response will have you on the road halfway to their DZ.

Good luck.

-Kramer

It is completely understandable as to why you are nervous about jumping at a new DZ. I went through AFF at two different DZ's. One in IL and the other in FL, so I know how you feel, and yes, I would write the DZ if you have any questions, do some homework, like check out the website. Other than that, don't worry!! Enjoy

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Fly the friendly skies...^_^...})ii({...^_~...

[quade 4]

Make certain you take your USPA card and logbook. Make sure that your rig is in date. You'll have to sign a new waiver for every drop zone you go to, so plan on spending some extra time at the beginning of the day doing that.

Make certain you get a good briefing on the layout and obstacles surrounding the drop zone.

If you can manage it, hook up with an experienced local jumper for the first few jumps.

Make a special note of any differences in the aircraft at the drop zone from the aircraft you're used to jumping. It may effect your emergency procedures and may effect your exit.

Try to spend some extra time on the ride to altitude looking out the window and watching the drop zone.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[Nightingale 0]

Elsinore required me to do a coach jump because although I'd passed AFF and was current, I didn't have my A, so I was still a student.

The coach jump made me more comfortable with the new DZ, though, and they landed me on radios just to be sure.

[Shark 0]

Luckily there is another DZ in your own backyard; Elsinore. Just come on out and hang out for a bit and talk to people. Heck, there are probably at least 20 or so dotcommers that are regulars; 3 of us are staff. If you plan to jump and do not have your proficiency card completed, you may have to do a coach jump before being cleared to solo. You will also have to go through the waiver process, so bring your logbook, current USPA membership, and proficiency card if still a student. Additionally, I recommend calling the dropzone for their requirements and ask what's needed. Another thing you might do is find out and make contact with the dotcommers who jump at the dz you plan to visit.

Blue skies,

Shark

[andy2 0]

jumping at a new dropzone gives a little mini rush, what with the different scenery, different LZ, etc. It's nice to vary it up once in awhile. But for cranking out jumps with buddies nothing beats the home DZ.

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let my inspiration flow,
in token rhyme suggesting rhythm...

[WILDBILLAQR 0]

It's also fun to get a group of buds to make a trip to another DZ

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"Thats not smoke, thats BUCKEYE!!"
AQR#3,CWR#49

[skyyhi 0]

Chelle, you know you just want to come jump with me over at Elsinore. . .I need two more jumps to finish AFF, then we will make Shark take us up on a coach jump and torture him mercilously. . .

________________________________________
Take risks not to escape life… but to prevent life from escaping. ~ A bumper sticker at the DZ
FGF #6
Darcy

[Airborne03 0]

Quote

I'm in the same boat as I head to Lake Whales. I think contacting people at the dz is a great idea and a good way to calm the nerves.

haha you know me now! and all your OSU boys!

"Airborne all the way"
EL Cantador Rodriguez

[algboy 0]

Quote

Elsinore required me to do a coach jump because although I'd passed AFF and was current, I didn't have my A, so I was still a student.

The coach jump made me more comfortable with the new DZ, though, and they landed me on radios just to be sure.

After doing my AFF and a several solos at Skydive Illinois, I moved to AZ and--of course--went to Eloy. Sure, it is a different DZ, but once you get the overview of the DZ and can find the windsock/tetrahedron--you're good to go.

Make sure you know where the student landing area is. Under canopy: find it, locate the wind direction and draw your intended landing pattern backwards in your mind's eye. Target, final, base, downwind and fly to the entry point.

For me, the biggest challenge to jumping at a huge DZ like Eloy is to restrain myself from dropping to my knees and chanting WE'RE NOT WORTHY--WE'RE NOT WORTHY!!!

At least I don't have to sweat out passing over 2-lane roads and telephone wires on final anymore. YIKES!!


Just check in with the DZ school, do what they recommend and enjoy . . . .

“Keep your elbow up!"

[skyyhi 0]

Quote

At least I don't have to sweat out passing over 2-lane roads and telephone wires on final anymore. YIKES!!

That's what I love about Elsinore. . .Just nice BIG open areas to land in. . .noice. . .

________________________________________
Take risks not to escape life… but to prevent life from escaping. ~ A bumper sticker at the DZ
FGF #6
Darcy

[RippedCord 0]

Follow Kris' lead (Nightingale) and do a coach jump over at Elsinore. I did the same thing when I'd finished up my AFF at Perris with one solo.

I'm at Perris this Wednesday-Sunday. I know Kris is going to borrow Michele's rig soon (so she doesn't have to pay a rental fee) and jump at Elsinore. Let us know when you're heading over there so we can look out for you and you'll have some friendly faces of encouragement.

AMDG

[Amazon 7]

Conundrum.... do not worry.. You are on DZ.Com... ANYPLACE you go to there will be one of us around to meet... talk to.. help you out getting on loads that match your skill level. If you are ever coming out to Seattle... Just shoot me a a PM and I will be happy to help you out finding a place to jump and people to jump with.. That goes for ANY other DZ.Com people. For the most part I like most of the people here... and all of the people I have met in person have been wonderful....

Even Vinny the Right Wing Anvil

[RippedCord 0]

p.s. if anyone's planning on heading out to Taft for the $14, 14K ft climb in Mike Mullins' King Air, please shoot me a p.m.

I've never been there and would love to check it out.

AMDG

[ladyskydiver 0]

Words of advice - Do it! You learn a lot by going to different DZ's.

Encouragement - You'll have a blast and be glad you did.

Find out who here on DZ.com jumps at the DZ you want to visit or ask if people will meet you. You'd be amazed at the warm greeting you will receive from your DZ.com peeps.

Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile.

[Conundrum 1]

Thanks guys/gals you are awesome. Always have the answers. I look forward to trying a new dz soon. Maybe I'll head over to Elsinore oneof these days.

[ltdiver 3]

Quote

At least I don't have to sweat out passing over 2-lane roads and telephone wires on final anymore. YIKES!!

Your accuracy is most likely alot higher than most skydivers with your experience level due to the fact your landing area was a bit tighter than most while you were first learning.

I had this same experience as a student in that our landing area was next door to a power station on one side and a road with power lines on the other. We got -real- good about just -how- to sink a canopy in between these two obstacles.

When I went to a MUCH larger DZ it was just SO easy to both find the landing area from altitude, spot, and land on the DZ...piece of cake! :^)

(Perhaps that's why getting a PRO rating wasn't all that hard in the target requirement when it came time for that bit. )

ltdiver

Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon