Being a DZ whore?

[DottieBear 0]

The conversation in the "Sebastian Rocks" thread brought up a question that has been floating in my mind for a while....keep in mind I am just starting out.

While I definitely consider Freefall Adventures(Seb during the winter, CK during the rest of the year) home, I cannot help but be a bit of dz whore. I travel all the time for work, and I am a 4 hour drive from Cross Keys when I am home, so its not always reasonable for me to go there. Despite my low numbers, I have already been to 4 different dzs(bad weather kept me from jumping at one of them, tho).Does this reflect poorly upon me when I arrive at a new DZ? Or make the DZs I love feel I have a lack of loyalty toward them? No one has ever said anything to me....but I was just wondering what you guys thought.

~Dottie

“Everything looks perfect from far away.”
Postal Service, Such Great Heights

[NWFlyer 2]

I have jumped at 15 dropzones in about 230 jumps and am looking forward to my 16th and 17th in the next month. I think the vast majority of people in this sport recognize that the diversity of jumping opportunities is one of the things that make it great.

Of course there are always exceptions. But IMHO a dzo should work on earning your loyalty by providing a great experience, not by making you feel too guilty to go elsewhere.

"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

[rasmack 0]

This thread is probably misplaced but I have always been encouraged to visit other DZs. As A student I skydived at five different DZs in two countries. Didn't hear the first thing about it. Quite to the contrary my instructors saw it as a part of my education to go visit other DZs.

HF #682, Team Dirty Sanchez #227
“I simply hate, detest, loathe, despise, and abhor redundancy.”
- Not quite Oscar Wilde...

[Icon134 0]

I wouldn't think anything of it... as soon as I got my A license I started jumping at a different dz every weekend since all of them were more then an hour away from me... and though each dz had a different vibe to it I enjoyed each one individually.

And no I never felt put off by one dz because I jumped at another... of course I pretty much stayed out of the politics and focused on jumping...

Livin' on the Edge... sleeping with my rigger's wife...

[Fast 0]

In 700 jumps I have jumped at...

Sky Knights, 550 jumps+
Skydive Chicago 50 Jumps (tops)
Chicagoland Skydiving Center (30 tops)
Skydive Wissota (50 tops)
Rantoul (20-30 jumps ish)
Perris (20ish)

Thats it, was gonna jump at a DZ in florida when I was down for tunnel time but it was crap weather on our jumping day.


Going to a lot of different DZs isn't a bad thing, its a whole lot of fun to visit some place but I have to say, it is nice to have a place that I call home and know everyone. I learn a lot when I go other places and but I am more comfortable jumping at my home DZ because I know the lay of the land and pretty much every person on the load with me. I know who to jump with and who to watch out for.

I hope to make at least 300-400 more jumps this year for a total year to date of 400-500. Most of them will probally be at my home dz. I burnt through my whole jump package in a month so... hehe.

~D
Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me.
Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

[pastramionrye7 0]

I travel a bit, too, and I ended up jumping 7 different DZs in 6 states within my first 20 jumps in an attempt to stay current. No one ever held it against me, and I think benefited from being exposed to a lot of different instructors, aircraft, landing areas, equipment, etc. Of course, there are also advantages to jumping a familiar DZ with instructors who know you. I'm sure there are plenty of instructors who could make a great case for doing all your student jumps at the same place. It's a choice, and I definitely don't think there's anything wrong with jumping as many DZs as you have the opportunity to. After my two short years in the sport, I find that most of the skydivers I meet are pretty well traveled, and I often meet the same people at different DZs.

[teason 0]

I encourage my jumpers to "go down the road" to the other DZ. One of my instructors asked me if it was ok to go to the other DZ for a course and I supported him going 100%. I have some jumpers who have never jumped at any other DZs and I think they are missing out. Yeah it makes it hard to staff the place some weekends but it's good for the community and helps break down DZ rivalries. My core jumpers have no problem going to different DZs and I get better more well rounded jumpers in return.

I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.

[popsjumper 2]

I've jumped 17 DZs in the last two years...

If I had been charging for my whoring, I might have been rich and retired by now...

My reality and yours are quite different.
I think we're all Bozos on this bus.
Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239

[dreamsville 0]

Different DZ's are fun. I have jumped at somewhere around 30, and you will find that some of those who are competing or instructing have probably been to many more. It helps with perspective on different conditions.

Plus, you will meet good people that you may see again when you least expect it! That's the best.
|

I don't drink during the day, so I don't know what it is about this airline. I keep falling out the door of the plane.

Harry, FB #4143

[jumpjunkie2004 0]

Skydive Orange (VA)
Z-Hills (FL)
Deland (FL)
Carolina Sky Sports (NC)
Cross Keys (NJ)
Skydive Suffolk (VA)
Skydive West Point (VA)
Skydive Louisa (VA)
Southern Comfort (NC)

Nine DZs - 80 jumps.

Some people at my home DZ, have called me a traitor. I don't think they are serious, but I don't know for sure. I think of Orange as my home and hope they think of me as part of the family - like a second cousin that can't be there all the time, but she's really fun when she's around.

Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat...

[CSpenceFLY 1]

Quote

I've jumped 17 DZs in the last two years...

If I had been charging for my whoring, I might have been rich and retired by now...

Explain the difference between what you are doing now and retirement.


.

[agent_lead 0]

ive jumped at

skydive jersey shore (HOME)
crosskeys..
eloy
skydive over poconos


headed out to the ranch and skys the limit within the month

--------------------------------------------
www.facebook.com/agentlead

[ladyskydiver 0]

Enjoy going to as many different DZ's as possible. Have fun and meet some great people.

I think at last count, I've been to 15 DZ's. Damn...not enough...need to get back to traveling and visiting DZ's.

Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile.

[packerboy 3]

2 Tandems at dropzone A
479 jumps at dropzone B

Become staff and get in debt with a dropzone.. that'll slow down your curiosity

--------------------------------------------------
In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock. ~ Thomas Jefferson

[Vectracide 0]

Dottie,

I say travel as much as you possibly can, but try to get your A licencse first. It will be much easier to find people to jump with and you wont have a DZO having to watch over you. Besides, it is good to get the bulk of your first jumps at one place for familiaraity of the landing area and the student gear.

Traveling to other DZ's is what makes this sport so great. You can go somewhere and jump with people you have never met and create new friendships. It gets even better as your jumps and skill increase. Make the best of your travels, as in, go to places that give you the opportunity to become a better and safer skydiver. Go to DZ's that have coaches, and load organizers and turbines. All of the above exist at Sebastian, so you dont have to go far. Jim there is a good coach, and if he cant take care of you personally, he will find someone to place you with.

I personally have jumped at the following DZ's in the last 4 or so years:

Pitt Meadows, BC (first DZ)
Kamloops, BC
Abbotsford, BC
Chilliwack, BC
Snohomish, Wa (Current home DZ)
Northwest Skydivers, Wa
Kaposwin, Wa
Skydive Oregon, Or
Davis, Ca
Perris, Ca
Eloy, Az
Lost Prarie, Mt
Mile High, Co
Moab, Ut
Sebastian, Fl
SoBe, Fl

Traveling in this sport is awesome. Do it while you can. Just make sure you have the basics down to be safe and comfortable at any DZ.

------------------------------

Controlled and Deliberate.....

[mjosparky 4]

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I encourage my jumpers to "go down the road" to the other DZ. One of my instructors asked me if it was ok to go to the other DZ for a course and I supported him going 100%. I have some jumpers who have never jumped at any other DZs and I think they are missing out. Yeah it makes it hard to staff the place some weekends but it's good for the community and helps break down DZ rivalries. My core jumpers have no problem going to different DZs and I get better more well rounded jumpers in return.

More DZO's need to adopt this attitude. It’s good for younger jumpers to "broaden their horizons" and in the long run is better for the health of the DZ’s

My idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals

[twnsnd 1]

You had me at "Whore".

-We are the Swoophaters. We have travelled back in time to hate on your swoops.-

[NoRules 0]

24 dz's and counting!!

Seriously, part of skydiving is meeting new people and trying new things and I don't think I would have gotten that at just one dz. The best part is, it's amazing how many people you run into at various dz's all across the country...

~ * Life Has No Rules * ~

[Dolph 0]

While I agree with the opinions expressed by previous jumpers, I believe there is certain circumstances where "DZ whoring" can have negative connotations.

I'm thinking club based DZs. Usually in any decent club, the members pull together and do the dirty work needed to keep jumping, be it maintenance on facilities, teaching students, packing tandem- and student canopies, staffing during boogies and so on.

"DZ Whores" in these circumstances would be members who show up when the weather is good and the work is done, jumps, socializes and then bugs out. Next time some work needs to be done, they'll bail out and go to a neighboring DZ where they can jump their hearts out, not assisting there either. Which of course they're free to do, but not without some social consequences.

Needless to say, this particular type of dz whoring isn't much appreciated by the "regulars" at club DZs in general.

If one home DZ is a club DZ and one is a member, it creates a better environment if some contributions are made at home during the season.

Other than that, travelling to other DZ has a very positive effect on the whole community IMHO.

[Fast 0]

Quote

While I agree with the opinions expressed by previous jumpers, I believe there is certain circumstances where "DZ whoring" can have negative connotations.

I'm thinking club based DZs. Usually in any decent club, the members pull together and do the dirty work needed to keep jumping, be it maintenance on facilities, teaching students, packing tandem- and student canopies, staffing during boogies and so on.

"DZ Whores" in these circumstances would be members who show up when the weather is good and the work is done, jumps, socializes and then bugs out. Next time some work needs to be done, they'll bail out and go to a neighboring DZ where they can jump their hearts out, not assisting there either. Which of course they're free to do, but not without some social consequences.

Needless to say, this particular type of dz whoring isn't much appreciated by the "regulars" at club DZs in general.

If one home DZ is a club DZ and one is a member, it creates a better environment if some contributions are made at home during the season.

Other than that, travelling to other DZ has a very positive effect on the whole community IMHO.

That is probally why most of my jumps are at my "home" dz (Sky Knights) because it is a club. The only reason the DZ is there is because of the jumpers that jump there. We don't have a DZO that makes money off our dropzone. Everyone works together to make things happen and its great.

~D
Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me.
Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

[kkeenan 14]

I have found that in many cases, jumpers who never travel to other DZs tend to have narrow, close-minded attitudes about skydiving. They are so ingrained in one way of doing or thinking about something, that they are unwilling to consider alternatives. This certainly cannot be taken as a blanket statement covering a whole group, but just my observation of some folks.

By getting out to other places, one sees different ways of doing things - some better, some worse. In addition to meeting new people, one can observe different attitudes, customs, and procedures that can only serve to broaden one's outlook.

Kevin K.

_____________________________________
Dude, you are so awesome...
Can I be on your ash jump ?

[lauraliscious 0]

I counted last night, and I've jumped at 17 DZ's in 109 jumps. 4 different ones by my 1st 18 jumps. I think it's great to get out and experience different places, but it is kind of difficult to jump between DZ's while you're working on getting off student status. I would suggest trying to finish getting your license at one DZ, if at all possible, then go be a whore all you want!

As for being treated like a traitor or anything...nope, it's never happened to my knowledge. I always feel welcomed back when I go to a DZ I haven't been to in a while.

Enemiga Rodriguez, PMS #369, OrFun #25, Team Dirty Sanchez #116, Pelt Head #29, Muff #4091

[twnsnd 1]

Quote

I always feel welcomed back when I go to a DZ I haven't been to in a while.

Weeeell, that's because you have big jugs.....I mean your boobs are huge....SLAP.
Jim Carrey - Liar Liar

-We are the Swoophaters. We have travelled back in time to hate on your swoops.-

[UntamedDOG 0]

Quote

Does this reflect poorly upon me when I arrive at a new DZ? Or make the DZs I love feel I have a lack of loyalty toward them?

I’ve never had this problem. In fact, most dropzones are happy when I leave.

[Eule 0]

Quote

Does this reflect poorly upon me when I arrive at a new DZ? Or make the DZs I love feel I have a lack of loyalty toward them?

I had somewhat the same situation last fall. I started at a DZ ~1 hour from my home in June 2005 and my progression was, to say the least, slow. In about October (still working through AFF) I decided to go to a bigger (more people, turbine) DZ ~4 hours from home. I didn't think anyone at the new DZ was going to wave a magic wand and fix my problems, but I wanted to get a "second opinion" - maybe a different instructor would see something I was missing, or be able to explain something in a different way. The first time I went there I remember saying to a friend of mine that it felt a little like cheating on one's significant other. The folks at the new DZ were quite welcoming and helpful.

I did about four or five jumps there, and then decided to do two things: give the tunnel another try, and go back to the first DZ. I was somewhat worried that the folks at the first DZ would be mad at me for "running off" to the big DZ, and that the folks at the big DZ would be mad at me for "running off" back to the first DZ. Neither of these things happened. I went to the tunnel and came back to the first DZ and everything was fine; I talked via email with one of my instructors at the big DZ and everything was fine there too. So, based on my limited experience, going to different DZs isn't a big deal.

One somewhat negative thing happened when I went to the big DZ. Some of the big-DZ "regulars" were asking me where I was from, where I had been jumping, etc. When I named the DZ I started at, one of them launched into a rant about how he was glad I had come to the big DZ, since the other DZ was a bunch of no-good so-and-sos, etc. This guy wasn't a current or former staff person at either DZ; apparently he just didn't like the other DZ - he possibly had a beef with the *previous* owner of the other DZ, but that is just speculation on my part. I just didn't talk about it further with him and everything was cool.

I have been to a couple of other DZs that I haven't jumped at. One was Eloy; I was there for tunnel time and didn't do any jumps, and another was in Chester, South Carolina, where I just hung out because I was in the area for tunnel time. Nobody gave me a hard time at either place.

Caution: advice from someone with a low number of jumps. I do think that if you are going to a different DZ for the first time, it's probably a good idea to do it under good conditions: not too much wind, you aren't in a hurry, etc. The landing area will be different, the prevailing winds will be different, the exit and/or number of people on the load might be different, etc. You don't want to deal with too many changes at once. On one hand, I think it's good to be able to adapt to jumping at a variety of places, but on the other hand, you don't want to make it harder than it has to be.

Eule

PLF does not stand for Please Land on Face.