In the somewhat unusual position of being a tandem jumper who is not allowed under BPA rules to jump solo because of my age, I have always found Hibaldstow to be a friendly, welcoming dropzone. The staff go out of their way to ensure a good skydiving experience, whether you're doing your one and only Charity jump, doing the AFF or static line courses, or like me, you've got the bug and can't wait to get back up in the sky. Everyone is very professional (I have jumped in other places), there is great teamwork and safety is second to none. If the weather conditions are not right, or there is not enough wind, you don't jump. Some find that hard to deal with, but safety is paramount, both for the passenger and the tandem instructor, so bear that in mind if you are doing your first tandem jump from here. Generally if there is a weather delay jumpers are kept informed of conditions and given a choice on whether to go and come back later, or stay. I usually do the latter and have only not been able to jump on a couple of occasions. For some people better management of expectations would be good, particularly if you're returning for the fourth or fifth time to do your jump. I'm unsure if you get pushed to the top of the list when conditions do improve, but the perception is that others might be given priority, particularly regular skydivers.
Having done my last jump when the dropzone was preparing for the Nationals, the place was buzzing, some might say a little too noisy. There is great camaraderie, and I have always found the experienced skydivers to be just as interested and friendly towards those of us doing tandem jumps. The new facilities are excellent, much better than the previous club house. There is a great choice of food at reasonable prices - the sausage baps and jacket potatoes are particularly good. If you're bringing friends and family along to watch you jump, you need some form of distraction for little ones - the place is geared up for jumping so there is no play area, although maybe there could be? Something for future consideration, perhaps?
Lifts are generally mixed, with both tandems and fun, formation or student jumpers together. I have sometimes been the only tandem student in a lift, but never felt the odd one out because everyone has been so friendly, and the banter is always great!
