Nataly 38 #1 July 12, 2013 My work has approved 3 weeks off in September (they don't care if it's the first or last 3 weeks). Was thinking of going jumping. Been to Empuria - LOVED it each time. Great planes, good packing area, great restaurant/canteen, awesome vibes, excellent facilities, fantastic coaches... However, the last time I went I bought a block of 25 tickets (2, actually as I was with another jumper)... Unfortunately there were bad weather days and most of those tickets have since expired... A big dent in the wallet with almost no jumps to show for it... Not criticising their weather (!) or ticket expiry policy - I knew when I bought the tickets they were non transferrable/refundable and eventually expired. Anyway, I am considering trying Skydive Spain. Read a few reviews and it seems like a decent spot. Planes go to 15,000 ft, good facilities, canteen, coaches, tickets don't expire and block tickets become significantly cheaper than say Empuria. I don't want to base my decision purely on my wallet, but it is one factor. Has anyone been to both facilities (Empuria and Skydive Spain) and can you give me your opinion of both please? Preferably experienced jumpers... Thanks in advance. "There is no problem so bad you can't make it worse." - Chris Hadfield « Sors le martinet et flagelle toi indigne contrôleuse de gestion. » - my boss Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joellercoaster 6 #2 July 12, 2013 I haven't been to Seville in about five years, but: it's a great DZ, very different to Empuria (a differently great DZ)! The first and most important thing is that the dropzone is out in the sticks. The nearest bars and restaurants are in little Seville satellite towns and suburbs. The good news is that the DZ cafe is well stocked with decent food, though the beer is a little pricey. But for skydiver nightlife, you're going to be going further afield. The plane is generally a Dornier 28 with G92 engine upgrades - in my admittedly biased opinion, the most kickass of all jump planes. At other times they have had other fast planes, including a Finist (like a Porter in a wig) and IIRC a second Dornier for events. I've been hearing recently that the landing area has baked harder over the years, so bring good sneakers. Sometimes I've found Skydive Spain can have quiet periods that Empuria doesn't, purely because it's smaller... this is not a problem if you brought your jumping buddies with you. Overall I liked Skydive Spain, the staff are good folks and they have a BPA Advanced Instructor on site if you are after qualifications. Personally I'd tend to go for a boogie or a training camp, rather than just rock up - depends on what you're into and who you're travelling with!-- "I'll tell you how all skydivers are judged, . They are judged by the laws of physics." - kkeenan "You jump out, pull the string and either live or die. What's there to be good at? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brutus 1 #3 July 12, 2013 I am not an experienced skydiver at all (60 jumps) but I live in Spain and have been in several DZs. Skydive Lillo (120 km far away from Madrid) is a little DZ but has a near family ambience that really makes you feel confortable and relaxed. They used to have a Pilatus for daily work and sometimes Caravan at the weekends. Skydive Madrid is the closest DZ to Madrid (45 minutes on the highway) and has 2 Pilatus. Also a nice bar an good packing ad chill out zone. Skytime in Castellón is also a little dropzone but is very close to the seashore and has awesome views. Their packing zone is quite small but has great instructors and reasonable prices Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
