Jaker 0 #1 November 1, 2007 First off, thanks to all who replied on my first post! I've read enough of these forums to realize that everyone's home DZ is the best DZ out there, so it may be hard to get an unbiased opinion on this one! I'm looking to start the AFF program in either late December or January. I've tried to research all of the DZ's in my area, and there are several within an hour or so driving distance from home. The closes three being Skydive Deland, Skydive Sebastian, and Spacecoast. Z hills would also be a consideration, but is a little farther. The program itself seems pretty uniform from DZ to DZ, and the differences in cost are negligible, though that wouldn't be my first consideration either way. I'm a researcher by nature. I like to have lots of information before making a "purchase." Buying a bike or a camera are one thing...getting the best instruction for something like skydiving seems slightly more important! The problem is, without some experience it's hard to know what to look for! I have no problem completing my own background work, and trying to make informed decision, but where to start? If anyone has any pointers, I'm all ears! Any experiences good or bad with any of the DZ's that I mentioned? Feel free to send me a message if you'd like. /////////////////////////// disclaimer type addition /////////////////////////// I fully understand that instructors can only do so much, and the rest is up to me. That being said, I'll take whatever advantages I can get! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #2 November 1, 2007 Since you've got a little time till you're ready to start, how about using that time to do some research. Go out to the DZs. Talk to the people at the schools and introduce yourself as a prospective AFF student. If you have time to go during the week, the instructional staff might have more time to spend with you; but if you go on a weekend, you may get the best sense of what the operation will be like when you're there (assuming you will be primarily a weekend jumper). See which place feels right to you. Ultimately, that should be your deciding factor - each of those DZs has quality instruction available."There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
popsjumper 2 #3 November 1, 2007 Dammit...NWFlyer beat me to the best punch...again. I would suggest Deland and Z-hills first since those two have more AFF volume and more available instructors on a daily basis. How about you come to Georgia and we swap abodes for..oh say, about 6 months? Nothing beats the smell of jet fuel in the morning. My reality and yours are quite different. I think we're all Bozos on this bus. Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tombuch 0 #4 November 1, 2007 QuoteI'm a researcher by nature. I like to have lots of information before making a "purchase." Buying a bike or a camera are one thing...getting the best instruction for something like skydiving seems slightly more important! You obviously have the right mind set for finding the best DZ, and the three you have selected are all good choices. My preference would be Deland based on the folks I know who jump there, and the Deland history as a leader in training (especially team training). If you haven't already done so, do check out a copy of my book, "JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy." It is a consumer book designed to help folks choose a drop zone, and includes specific questions to ask, and what the answers mean. One of the key suggestions, is to call and then visit several drop zones. In your situation is sounds like you have already made the calls, and are looking for that 'one thing' to push a drop zone above the others. I think a visit might do the trick. Of course you should ask more questions when you visit, and should look to confirm the drop zone matches the marketing hype, but you should also be looking for a general sense of comfort and your own 'feeling of belonging.' I'm confident that whatever choice you make here will be a good one.Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Broke 0 #5 November 1, 2007 I would go to Z-Hills, but then again I may just be biased. I have jumped with just about every instructor there. They also have instructors who do not have a tandem raiting, so when they are loaded down with tandems you won't miss that loadDivot your source for all things Hillbilly. Anvil Brother 84 SCR 14192 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BIGUN 1,393 #6 November 1, 2007 QuoteThey also have instructors who do not have a tandem raiting, so when they are loaded down with tandems you won't miss that load Allow me to re-phrase this... Not all of their Instructors carry multiple ratings (AFF & Tandem), so even on days where the tandem student ratio is high, you should still be able to get a load with your AFF instructors instead of getting bumped due to the inordinate number of tandem students. <didn't want any lurkers to think they do Tandems with unrated Instructors>Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jaker 0 #7 November 2, 2007 QuoteSee which place feels right to you. Ultimately, that should be your deciding factor - each of those DZs has quality instruction available. I actually have a week off soon. I've been to Deland already, but I think I'll make a trip to Sebastian and maybe Z Hills that week. I've actually been out to Deland twice since my first tandem, but just kind lurked around and watched! lol Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jaker 0 #8 November 2, 2007 Ya know, I think you're right. And to clarify, I certainly didn't see anything I DIDN'T like at Deland, but it's hard to know with nothing to compare to. I actually talked to a few people while I was hanging out waiting for the coveted dvd, and everyone seemed approachable and friendly. What I think most people forget over time, is that the more "exclusive" a group of people seem from the outside, the harder they can be for outsiders to approach. To those of you who have forgoten, skydiving is still a pretty damn niche activity! lol I'll have to get over that feeling of bothering someone with my newbie questions and concerns! Thanks again! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jaker 0 #9 November 2, 2007 QuoteHow about you come to Georgia and we swap abodes for..oh say, about 6 months? Nothing beats the smell of jet fuel in the morning. Oh, don't tempt me! It FINALLY started cooling off a little this week, and this northern transplant is dying for some fall weather! Never thought I would say that gain! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
popsjumper 2 #10 November 2, 2007 In the interest of disclosure laws, I must inform you...my "abode" is an 8X10 room sharing 2 bathrooms/showers with the DZ clientele. It does have central heat and air though. My reality and yours are quite different. I think we're all Bozos on this bus. Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
