peggs82

Being new to the sport now (just one year) I have spent alot of time thinking of what could be done to increase new students to the sport. I am sure that many of my ideas are old...and this one may be to, but I thought I would share it... As many of you have said, we traditionally treat tandems as a quick money maker. Get them in...get them out, take next load up. There is no follow up, or sometimes not even a basic jump course to familiarize the student with the rig, deployment procedures, etc. The student makes their skydive...we ask how it went...and then they leave. Perhaps we ask if they are going to come back, usually still excited the student will say yes, but they typically never do. Now how about this... Produce a DVD at your dropzone. Take the highlights of your last couple seasons, showing all aspects and disiplines of skydiving. Perhaps even some of the fun events at your DZ. Then add a piece about how to progress. Perhaps a summary of the FJC for AFF or Static line. Show an entire AFF jump, and even footage of them being radio'd down. Perhaps a quick FAQ about your training programs. Give them information about how to make that second jump. Now GIVE EVERY TANDEM STUDENT that DVD. Add the $1.50 to the jump ticket (to cover the DVD) if you must. Still excited from their first jump, the students will watch it, and maybe get a little more fired up about skydiving. Seeing what we get to do all the time may further their interest. And then with info about how to progress, we may see a few return. Heck, even if one comes back that would otherwise not have, I think it would be worth the expense of the DVD's

Would the water be to put the fire out after a 50 meter brush burn?

Well hello all. Been a long time reader, just never felt I had much to contribute to the overall conversations here. 1 year down in this sport now, and loving every second of it. 55 jumps since July, in many wonderful DZ's: Skydive Chicago, Pacific Skydiving in Hawaii, Aerohio, Cleveland Parachute center, and my home....Skydive Pennsylvania. I am looking forward to getting to know you all...there is alot to be learned here for sure. On another note, I will be spending about 3 months in Floriday (Nov-Jan)....where should I go...who should I look up?

I was just at cleveland parachute center last week, and a guy was having santa clause pics taken. I'm sure you could contact them for possible use... http://www.clevelandparachute.com/

While visiting a friend in clevland, I needed to kill some time. Drove the hour down to Aerohio and it was worth it!!!!! I've been to many high profile dropzones lately, and really grew tired of the cold vibe, "hi, where ya from? Thats cool...bye" That did not happen here. I arrived and was quickly introduced to the two other fun jumpers there at the time. After a very through DZ briefing (some say it is difficult to spot the DZ), we began planning our four way. I did not even have to ask!!! By the time the pilot showed up, one tandem and one AFF showed up, and guess what? ...WE TOOK THE OTTER!!! 8 people in an otter is pretty wild for me! The whole way up, the staff was pointing out landmarks to help me find my way. To be honest, I can understand how one could become confused finding the DZ, but don't sweat it. Just watch the others on your load after deployment if you become desprate. On the next jump 2 people volenteered to help me sit fly. They were very safty consience, all while helping me get in the air to learn. After it was all said and done, they even invited me to dinner! That blew me away! Had alot of fun with them that night. Even was invited up for the next weekend. They really made me feel at home. If your anywhere in ohio, make the drive. Great people at that dropzone! I for sure will head back there!