Rottenmilk 0 #1 September 8, 2004 Hello all! I've got a job opportunity out in D.C., however, am concerned about the quality of skydiving out there, ie. facilities and weather. What are the best DZs in the region... Delmarva, Skydive The Point, Orange, Hartwood Paracenter? But perhaps most importantly, what is the skydiving like during the winter? Does it snow? Cloudy? Cold? I'm coming from SoCal so you can imagine my hesitation. Thanx! J. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bkdice 0 #2 September 8, 2004 VA has lots of Skydiving options. I have jumped at Orange and West Point, but Skydive Virginia in Louisa is my preference. I have not been to Hartwood, but have heard good things. It's the closest to NOVA. I have nothing bad to say about any of the nearby DZs. They are all different. Check them all out! Orange and Skydive Virginia are about the same distance (give or take 10 miles). If you would like to come visit Skydive Virginia, please send me a PM prior to. We have a lot of very nice people that will make you feel welcome. We are currently flying a King Air. We have a good mix of RW and Freefly as well as some bird men. Winters in VA suck - but I'm a puss. It could be much worse. Also consider visiting Cross Keys. It's less than 3 hours for me (from NOVA) in moderate traffic. Incredible DZ. Good luck. PM me if you have any questions. Bettina Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luna 0 #3 September 8, 2004 Well, the winter weather surely won't be what you are used to. DC snows a bit. Southern Virginia doesn't get quite as much, but yeah, it gets cold, cloudy, and sometimes windy. We do jump all year, but some people choose not to, and there will be weather days. Put on a few layers of clothes, gloves with glove liners and latex gloves, and a full face, and it's not that bad. Some people set their limit around 35 degrees on the ground, and we really don't reach that too many times during the winter. As for the DZ's, I haven't jumped anywhere but STP, but I've heard great things about all of them. From what I've heard, they each have their own vibe, so check them each out and see which feels best for you. At STP we have an Otter for at least a few more weeks, and we usually have a King Air over the winter. Don't know when you are heading to DC, but we throw an awesome Halloween boogie, our biggest boogie of the year. If you are in the area by then, head on out. In any case, if/when you decide to try out The Point, drop me a PM. I'm walking a marathon to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Click Here for more information! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rottenmilk 0 #4 September 8, 2004 Well, I guess the snow/cold won't be so bad. I actually learned to skydive in Colorado, and have even jumped through snow! I'm just hoping to get in at least 7-10 quality jumps each weekend. Do you think that this is possible? The job opportunity seems quite positive, and if I go with it will definitely make it out in time for the Halloween boogie! Thanx! J. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luna 0 #5 September 8, 2004 QuoteWell, I guess the snow/cold won't be so bad. I actually learned to skydive in Colorado, and have even jumped through snow! I'm just hoping to get in at least 7-10 quality jumps each weekend. Do you think that this is possible? Every weekend through the winter...probably not. But, on weekends where weather is not a factor, yes. I'm walking a marathon to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Click Here for more information! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnischalke 0 #6 September 8, 2004 San Diego to DC... bummer... Skydive Orange flys a Super Otter all year round, and as long as the weather cooperates, we'll put up 10-20 loads on an average weekend from Nov. through Mar. Hope it helps. mike Girls only want boyfriends who have great skills--You know, like nunchuk skills, bow-hunting skills, computer-hacking skills. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LouDiamond 1 #7 September 9, 2004 Orange is the Bomb diggity like Mike said, they have an Otter all year long and jump even when there is snow (See picture)"It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required" Some people dream about flying, I live my dream SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
calphoto 0 #8 September 9, 2004 Just moved back to VA from Los Angeles, and winter is sure going to be a shock. Gotta order a lot of stuff from LL Bean. Jump wise, Hartwood is an hour closer to DC EACH WAY than Orange. Heard good things about Orange, but if you want friendly and close, Hartwood is the place. We've got everything including a loft and hot showers. Full time Twin Otter, and we send it up light with a couple of tandems or students. 14K ALL the time! Invest in thinsulate and a balaclava, and warm yourself by the woodstove in Manifest when you get cold. Jackie's hot soup helps too!! Wherever you choose, blue skies!!Hartwood Paracenter - The closest DZ to DC! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rottenmilk 0 #9 September 9, 2004 My God there is snow on the ground! I forgot what that's like. It must be fun to swoop through! DC seems to definitely have plenty of job opportunities for someone like me: B.A. in History and currently pursuing a M.A. in Political Science. Gosh, it really is a tough job market out there. Thanx again everyone! J. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mayberry 0 #10 September 9, 2004 I'm just a newbie to jumping but have jumped @ both Orange & Hartwood, both are great places. I started AFF @ Orange but switched to Hartwood a few weeks ago (it's closer to my house) & LOVE the place!!! Like Dan the pilot said, if you want friendly & close Hartwood is the place. GREAT bunch of people there!!! And Dan is DA MAN when it comes to flyin' that Otter!!!! (Thanks for the cool ride Sun. Dan, now that was fun!!! ) Blue skies & welcome to the area!! Don Here's to friends! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
