skydivellama 0 #1 April 16, 2004 I'm going to be in Spain in early September and was hoping to do some jumping at EmpuriaBrava. The website says they have bunkhouse accomodations for 12 euros/night; does anyone know if that would apply to a couple of non-jumping friends I might have with me, or is it for skydivers only? And should I make a reservation or anything or is there usually space in the bunkhouse? Finally, is my USPA membership and license enough to let me jump there, or will I need to purchase additional 3rd party insurance or join some other association or anything? I'd really appreciate any info you all can give me. Thanks! "Perhaps she saw before her a lifetime of walking on the ruined earth and chose instead a single moment in the air." -Carolyn Parkhurst Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vt1977 0 #2 April 16, 2004 I have never stayed in the bunk house at Empuriabrava but if you have any questions regarding who can stay there, whether you should book etc, I would advise calling the DZ and asking. All their staff speak excellent English. If it is not possible for your friends to stay at the bunkhouse there are several nice apartment complexes nearby and you may find that it works out as cheap for 3 of you to share an apartment. As for what you need to jump there - since you are resident in the US I am fairly sure your USPA covers you in Spain for 3rd party. Providing you can produce your licence and your logbook and are fairly current that should be all you need. Again any questions, just call or e-mail them. The staff at Empuria are friendly and very helpful. It's a great DZ - you'll have a blast! There is a swimming pool, tennis courts and a go-kart track on site at the DZ to keep your non-jumping friends amused, tandems are cheap if they can be tempted... and the freefall views are absolutely breathtaking! Empuria rocks! hth Vicki Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jasminegolightl 0 #3 April 16, 2004 Yeah - the views are breathtaking! seeing the pyrenees and mediterranean in freefall - ah the beauty of it! and everyone there is really friendly and as mentioned before, speaks excellent english. so don't hesitate to ask any questions. last time I went I stayed at the hotel castell blanc which is about a 2 min walk from the dz. rates were very reasonable and staff was also very friendly. have fun! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #4 April 16, 2004 For 3 of you's, the Maurici appartment probably are a better deal. They are a little further away then the DZ bunkhouse, but still only a 5 minute walk (if that). It will be a litle more private. Denpending when you go, it might be difficult to get a room though as Empuria is a huge tourist town in the summer. Check out their website, they have lots of info on accomodations. Another option that got great reviews in the past was a place called Ninbin (or something like that... any recent users care to post a link?) The DZ requires AADs as far as I can remember (I think it was only freefliers and then was eztended to all jumpers last year). Also, if you are a freak, you will need to either prove your skills (bring video if you have it) or do a evaluation jump with an instructor. Finnaly, as others said, you're in some cool sights. My favorite is traking over the city.... Thats some good groudrush! lolRemster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Plucky 0 #5 April 16, 2004 I just spent six days there. Maurici park is nice, haven't tried nimbim, but there's a url: http://www.nimbin2000.com . I hate to dampen the vibe though, as it's truly a great dropzone - very organised and super-friendly ... but I did one skydive in my six days there - spent five days watching a horizontal windsock! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #6 April 16, 2004 True. If the tramontana shows up, you're grounded for a while. (its a montain wind that can blow study for days). That being said, there are worse places to be grounded. Quite a bit to see and do around there.Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydivellama 0 #7 April 16, 2004 Thanks so much for all the info everyone! Now I really can't wait to jump there, assuming the wind gods aren't out to get me. I'll be in Europe for about three months and I'm hoping to hit a few other DZs as well, but Empuriabrava is definitely at the top of the list! Thanks again. "Perhaps she saw before her a lifetime of walking on the ruined earth and chose instead a single moment in the air." -Carolyn Parkhurst Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #8 April 16, 2004 Check out Lapalisse and Gap in France if you can. We never made it to Gap, but the views looks awsome. lapalisse has AWSOME facilities in the middle of rural france close to the Massif Central, a great hicking area. Also, this year is an ON year for the the Herc boogie (Sweeden) and the Espace boogie (Vichy France). Not sure if you have enough jumps to meet the requirements to Espace (I dont knwo what they ask now) but they are worth looking into, at least on the spectator level if you wanna see what a real plane isRemster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydivellama 0 #9 April 16, 2004 Thanks dude! Wish I could just spend the whole time DZ-hopping.. stupid school... but I definitely want to jump somewhere in France so thanks for the suggestions! "Perhaps she saw before her a lifetime of walking on the ruined earth and chose instead a single moment in the air." -Carolyn Parkhurst Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skyjuggler 0 #10 April 16, 2004 Empuria has loads of places to stay. As far as the bunk house is concerned, they are brand new log cabin style, and all you have to do is email the center or phone them and they will let you know if non-skydivers can stay there. Ninbin also has a bunkhouse and is really nice. it is further away from DZ but right next to bars / beach and restaurants. Basically everyone ends up in town at night, so either stay in town or near the DZ, they both have pluses depending on if you like getting to bed quick or having some extra time in bed in the morning. Paul and his wife run Ninbin, and they have a bunk house of their own now, as well as the down stairs apartment of their house which is a twin and a double with shared lounge and kitchen. Its a good place. If you can get over a little earlier to Europe yoou should check the Espace Boogie out. Lapalisse is a cool dropzone, as in Empuria, and at this time of the year it is perfect. A little cooler and slightly less busy, which means the locals are a little more relaxed. June-Aug is crazy time. As for the wind, you never know when it is going to be tramontana, but it tends to blow once a month or less. last summer i can't remember it at all in the summer months....I could be wrong. Anyways your trip will be wicked. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Plummets 0 #11 April 16, 2004 I have had non sky diving friends staying at the bunk house with no questions asked,admittidly it was the old bunk house but dont imagine that would make a difference. There are six to a room now not four as before, so personally I would recommend goiung to hotel castel blanc for single rooms for 28 euro a night, its 400 paces from the DZ to front door, I know coz I counted when pissed !. Its a very nice Hotel (and I'm not even on commission yet) "Life is a bowl of deadly nightshade, stay way way out on the rim brother" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #12 April 17, 2004 We stayed at castle Blanc. It was OK. We prefered the Valmar. Just a little further, but still very close. The rooms are very comparable, but the breakfasts were coooo much nicer at the Valmar (included in the price at both) and from what I remember, the Castle Balnc was a little more expensive and the BFast was served later, so if you look for an early start, its a bit difficult. Still, Maurici would probably be best for a group.Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites