Skylark 0 #1 August 28, 2003 I made my first jump at a UK dropzone yesterday, after many jumps in Europe and the United States. I had been told that some UK dropzones were particularly frosty to newcomers and was disapointed to discover this was indeed true. I had asked to borrow a jumpsuit and inquired whether there was somewhere I could change. I was thrown a look as if I were stupid and told I should change in the reception area, despite it being full of members of the public purchasing tandem tickets. I eventually changed in the toilets. Nobody had told me that carrying a hook-knife was mandatory at this dropzone. I was just about to get on my first load when a member of staff stopped me. "Where's your hook-knife?", he barked. "I don't have one". "Right, get this person off the load!" he angrily shouted. I stood there, feeling a bit stupid and embarrased, not knowing what the problem was and convinced I would lose my slot after waiting two hours. Eventually somebody suggested I simply borrow a knife, which are always lying around dropzones. I borrowed the knife and had an uneventful jump. Upon walking back to the hangar, an instructor told me I had dragged my hired canopy, "...all the way back from the landing area". I was ordered to turn around and pick it up. That's ok. But it was the way I was ordered about like a naughty child, not a responsible adult that made me feel most unwelcome and stupid. I was hardly dragging my canopy at all, anyway. Where were the smiles, the welcomes and the friendly faces I was used to in Europe and America? Where was the willingness to help newcomers feel at home? Why did there seem to be such a military atmosphere? Why couldn't the instructor simply ask me if I wanted to borrow a knife, rather than trying to pull me off the load? The rest of the day was fine and most others I met were friendly. But there was definately a 'members only' feeling, rather like one gets at a stuffy old golf-club that won't accept female members. Come on guys, chill-out! "Into the dangerous world I leapt..." William Blake, Songs of Experience Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The111 1 #2 August 28, 2003 Sux. www.WingsuitPhotos.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #3 August 28, 2003 QuoteNobody had told me that carrying a hook-knife was mandatory at this dropzone. Its not a DZ thing, its a UK thing.Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skylark 0 #4 August 28, 2003 QuoteQuoteNobody had told me that carrying a hook-knife was mandatory at this dropzone. Its not a DZ thing, its a UK thing. That doesn't excuse instructors being rude to people. "Into the dangerous world I leapt..." William Blake, Songs of Experience Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrickyDicky 0 #5 August 28, 2003 I promise you this would not have happened at my DZ. I think some users of uk.rec.skydiving have become a bit annoyed of late because it has become more like uk.rec.peterlee, but I think it gives some idea of what our dz is like. So, next time you're around, come to peterlee. It may be small, and up north (can you handle the northerners) but it is definatly the most friendly dz in the country Ive ever been to. I may be a bit biased, and Ive only been to a few, but so far its the best. UK Skydiver for all your UK skydiving needs. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mr2mk1g 10 #6 August 28, 2003 I wish I could appologise on behalf of British DZ's but Im only a skydiver and have been treated in exactly the same way on a number of times. I can only assume its cos nearly all DZ's in england are run by ex-military bods and thats simply the only way they have ever done things. They need some good old american Capitalism instilled in them. they ALWAYS forget that we are CUSTOMERS - abuse us and loose us. Happily not all DZ's are like this... go somewhere else. I guarantee there are better experiances to be had eslwhere in the country. Check out Alanab's thread in talkback for loads of reviews on UK DZ's or just ask again here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #7 August 28, 2003 Several UK DZs are military. Thats might explain the military attitude. Which DZ was it?Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikemc 0 #8 August 28, 2003 name and shame, i would like to know!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skylark 0 #9 August 28, 2003 I'd rather not set hares running by naming and shaming. It could cause me problems, I'm sure. Hopefully word will get round of this post and UK dropzones will think twice about being so unfriendly in future. "Into the dangerous world I leapt..." William Blake, Songs of Experience Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vt1977 0 #10 August 28, 2003 Yeah, go on... name and shame! Bet I can take a good guess at the DZ you're talking about but woudl eb interested to hear. PM it to me if you like. Vicki Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vt1977 0 #11 August 28, 2003 QuoteI'd rather not set hares running by naming and shaming. It could cause me problems, I'm sure. Hopefully word will get round of this post and UK dropzones will think twice about being so unfriendly in future. Go on... give us a clue...! Vicki Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikemc 0 #12 August 28, 2003 come on..........wont leave you alone until you do Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrickyDicky 0 #13 August 28, 2003 Thing is, if he does name and shame, they'll be zillions of people out to defend it. I have ideas but only from what Ive heard and experienced myself. UK Skydiver for all your UK skydiving needs. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vt1977 0 #14 August 28, 2003 QuoteThing is, if he does name and shame, they'll be zillions of people out to defend it. If it's the DZ I'm thinking it probably is then I doubt it somehow!!! Go on, name and shame! Vicki Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydivejersey 0 #15 August 28, 2003 Well next time come to our club. We are the only USPA centre in the United Kingdom with the atmos you are looking for. Plus we are a club not a profit centre. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spike 0 #16 August 28, 2003 Can't imagine where you mean Vicki, well maybe I can, though I guess every UK DZ has its own prize chump. You mean this thread? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spike 0 #17 August 28, 2003 Is this a continuation of Alanas thread? Come to Nethers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydivejersey 0 #18 August 28, 2003 QuoteCome to Nethers Started my jumping at nethers some 11 years ago. Weather sucked. Always soooooo windy. Do they still play Jenga at the bar to see who buys the round? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phonics1981 0 #19 August 28, 2003 Quotecome to peterlee......so far its the best. Ive only ever been to Peterlee but when I first went I was shitting myself cos I went by myself (my mates arent interested in skydiving) and straight away seen that there were loads of Uni students and regulars who all knew each other so I thought it would be a nightmare getting "in there" but EVERYONE ive talked to there has been more than happy to help me and have shown no "who the hell is he?" attitudes. So definately dont judge all UK DZ's because of one. Peterlee is top dog! Quote It may be small, and up north (can you handle the northerners) And us northerners are bloody brilliant! ------------------------------------------------------ "Ive given up on sigs cos I make a mess of them!" ------------------------------------------------------ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spike 0 #20 August 28, 2003 You mean the oversize version? Nope, you'll find that down at Hinton now.Yeah know what you mean, these damn army guys keep on eating cabbage Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pilotdave 0 #21 August 28, 2003 Never been to england (except a stop at Stansted airport) but I just want to say that I'm really enjoying all of your cute british "accents." Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrickyDicky 0 #22 August 28, 2003 I get the feeling a geordie or a scouser might scare you UK Skydiver for all your UK skydiving needs. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikemc 0 #23 August 28, 2003 i think you have gone off the topic. come on??????????? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Faber 0 #24 August 28, 2003 QuoteQuote -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nobody had told me that carrying a hook-knife was mandatory at this dropzone. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Its not a DZ thing, its a UK thing. but should be common skydiver thing... Go to Hinton they are way fun Stay safe Stefan Faber Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BBKid 0 #25 August 28, 2003 QuoteI get the feeling a geordie or a scouser might scare you Geordie might scare you, but a scouser might steal your wallet! I was amazed when I went to a different DZ because I was used to Ian at Peterlee moving heaven and earth to get you on the load you wanted, or finding an instructor for you, yet when I went somewhere else the CCI only wanted to talk to you when you were writing out a cheque. So I'm going back to Peterlee this weekend to (hopefully) get my cat. 8 (20 months after my first jump!) Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
