Oceanfront like DZs

[tdog 0]

I remember watching the sky surfing sequences by Troy Hartman in the IMAX Adventures in Wild California movie. I thought - I have to do that - not the sky surfing, but skydive in the most beautiful oceanfront area looking at white sand and blue ocean.

I see a company in Cancun that is rated by experienced skydivers as a "tandem factory” and experienced jumpers highly recommend experienced jumpers stay away.

So, my question then is - what are the most beautiful drop zones out there - the ones where you have to try real hard not to lose altitude awareness because of the view, the ones worthy of movies (I.E. you don’t land in field between the runway and hangar)? For the sake of discussion, lets assume DZ that are full time operations and actively solicit solo jumpers.

T

[councilman24 37]

Two of the most impressive jumps I've made were a long way from the ocean in the middle of the Austrian Alps. Skydive-Tirol in the Inn valley downstream from Innsbruck. http://www.skydive-tirol.com/ (no good pictures of valley) Climbing to altitude through and around the Alps. Jumprun up the 2km wide valley. Having the skyline change as you fell into the valley and have the mountains wrap up around you.

I'm old for my age.
Terry Urban
D-8631
FAA DPRE

[Ncrowe 0]

Check out Skydive Sebastion in Sebastion florida, great view of the atlantic ocean on the way to altitude and during the skydive.

"Don't Mess Around With the Guy in Shades- Oh No!!! "

[migliore 0]

Also check out Skydive SpaceCenter in Titusville, FL. Ride to altitude includes the ocean, Intracoastal waterway and Kennedy Space Center (where the shuttle launches). Very cool views!

Shane

[stratostar 5]

Hawaii, take your pick of dz's.

you can't pay for kids schoolin' with love of skydiving! ~ Airtwardo

[RyanofOZ 0]

Sebastian and SpaceCenter for sure. I live in Florida and can say they have the very best view for sure. There is nothing like going cross-country over the inlet and back to the DZ!!

Oz

[BlindBrick 0]

If you are talking about Skydive Playa, jumpers from my home DZ have nothing but great reviews for it. Yes, their business focus is tandems but my friends say that they are more than willing to take fun jumpers. One of the guys there is also an awesome still photographer. I've got friends with an incredible picture of them sit flying, over Playa's beach, hanging over their mantle.

-Blind

"If you end up in an alligator's jaws, naked, you probably did something to deserve it."

[PhreeZone 20]

Almost positive that that scene was filmed over Skydive Monterey Bay in Cali.

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

[mdrrus 0]

Troy did the skysurfing sequence above Misson Bay in San Diego. You've got to pull strings to do that demo.

[tdog 0]

Ya, I saw on a show that Troy and the IMAX guy for Wild California would go up in a helicopter and wait until the control tower gave them airspace between jumbo commercial airliners - as and when the space became available.

Thanks all for the wonderful suggestions. I am planning my 2005, and I wanted to have a wish list of where to go. I travel a lot for work, so perhaps I can get to a few places a day or two early to get in some fun too.

My ears are still open for more suggestions.

T

[Shark 0]

Troy was filmed by Joe Jennings over San Diego, CA. Not a DZ but over Mission Bay, landing in the park.

[Clarkey 0]

Sebastian has fantastic views... but for something that only happens a couple of times a year, check out Kenya:

Kenya Boogie

Jump run over the reef in a Twin Otter, followed by a beach landing on every jump - then drop your rig off with a packer and go for a dip in the Indian Ocean while you wait for your next load! You can also do your AFF there...

[JoeyRamone 0]

Check out Skydivechicagos location in Mexico, right on the ocean, the place rocks. www.skydivechicago.com

[altichick 1]

I'll second that vote for the Kenya boogie - awesome trip! And I'll be there again in just 8 days!!

Other (non-beach) DZ/boogies with stunning scenery are Alaska and MOAB - both of these rocked!!

Don't sweat the petty things... and don't pet the sweaty things!

[INSANEDADDY 0]

I had a Blast at Skydive Playa Del Carmen back in 2002. Beautiful view

http://www.skydivebelize.com/

You dont't get to choose how you're going to die. Or when.......You can only decide how you're going to live........NOW.
-BASE 1605 Night BASE 227

[riggerrob 643]

... got to agree with councilman, Saint Johan in Tirol is the prettiest DZ I have ever jumped at.
The prettiest Canadian DZ is at Pemberton, BC, just North of the ski resort at Whistler.
Too bad Pemberton is only a satellite school for tandems. I sure enjoy looking over at glaciers as we fall into the deep V-shaped valley.

[mr2mk1g 10]

Empuriabrava east cost of Spain.

Below you the town of Empuria, right on the coast - no roads just canals. Think a modern day Venice laid out in a grid.

Mediterranean to one side of you with a coastline stretching off into the distance.

To the other side are the mountains. You can see the Pyrenees in the distance.

[piisfish 140]

Quote

Empuriabrava east cost of Spain.

Below you the town of Empuria, right on the coast - no roads just canals. Think a modern day Venice laid out in a grid.

Mediterranean to one side of you with a coastline stretching off into the distance.

it's the biggest marina of the whole mediterranean...

scissors beat paper, paper beat rock, rock beat wingsuit - KarlM

[vt1977 0]

Definitely Empuriabrava - absolutely stunning views!

Vicki

[Rottenmilk 0]

Quote

Troy did the skysurfing sequence above Misson Bay in San Diego. You've got to pull strings to do that demo.

I actually live right on Mission Beach and have always wanted to jump out of the Cessnas that fly over on the weekends. You know, the planes that carry the banners from behind? Man, I bet you could definitely pick up some chicks!