I'm new to the sport and did my first dive yesterday. I'd done my training the day before but the weather was too awful to jump.
I was told by staff to come back early in the morning as it's first come first served for static line jumpers as they make the real money over the weekend doing tandems. I did what they suggested and they got three other newbies up on the third drop with me as promised.
The atmosphere at the the club is great. Everyone is welcoming. They have a small cafe area for drinks, sandwiches and breakfasts, all very cheap and pretty good quality. It was a family affair with people bringing their dogs and binocuars and sitting in the sun having a laugh or playing footie.
The rule is that you have to do refresher training before every jump and they keep a record. I'd done my 6+ hrs training and test the day before and still got a 20min refresher with another newbie. This settled a lot of nerves as I was confident I'd remember the essentials.
All of the folk their take it in turn to teach, manifest and jump and they seem to enjoy all the aspects which creates a relaxed yet professional feeling.
All kit is scrupulously checked and signed.
You can ask as many questions as you like and no-one will tell you they don't have time or to ask someone else.
I'm going back as soon as possible because it's well priced, the scenery over the sea is good and its a relaxed and professional environment to get my qualifications.
The down side is the hanging around waiting for your jump. However, they warn you in advance that this will happen and to come prepared with a book or to talk to folk which I did. You also get to watch all the tandem folk diving and sseing them come back with their kit which again adds to the atmosphere.
The car park was pretty full yesterday which caused a bit of hassle. However that's because some of the tandem folk had brought 5+ specators.
I think the more advanced divers would struggle because they don't go very high for AFF, but the people who run the club can give you loads of advice on where and how to progress in the sport even if they won't make any money from it, and you can't say fairer than that!
All in all this is a small, friendly, well run and professional drop zone which I would heartily recommend.
