FlyinTiki 0 #1 September 22, 2004 Hey there, I just started jumpin this summer at Chicagoland Skydiving in Hinckley, IL. I've got 45 jumps and am A-licensed. I was wondering if anyone who jumps at skydive chicago often could answer a couple questions for me. Do they put up a decent amount of loads on weekdays? Are there packers during the week, for fun-jumpers? (I'm still not too efficient packing) And..are they generally pretty cool with people who are new to both skydiving and the dropzone? I've heard some bad things about certain dropzones and new people. Thanks!They can't catch us. We're on a mission from God. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cudlo 0 #2 September 22, 2004 Simple answer would be... YES! Good people, good food, good times :)_________________________________________ "People demand freedom of speech to make up for the freedom of thought which they avoid." - Kierkegaard Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kramer 0 #3 September 22, 2004 My only trip there came when I had about as many jumps as you do right now. I was welcomed as if I had been jumping there my whole life. By the end of the day, the manifest girls knew my name right away. The owners (two of the best skydivers in the world) both approached me and thanked me for coming, and several people (strangers) offered to jump with me and work on whatever skills I felt like working on. Skydive Chicago is one of (if not the) best dropzones in this country. The FAKE KRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMER!!!!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gravitational 0 #4 September 22, 2004 QuoteSimple answer would be... YES! Good people, good food, good times :) Different people have different experiences. My advice. If you're not getting what you'd expect (read: being blown off), go find Missy or Rook. Or even Tish if she's still around. What was my initial impression of what SDC was, was definately not the experience that I had when I got there. Manifest would not assist in introducing me to load orgs or team funnel. People that I approached in the hanger were, well, rude to say it nicely. Ran into Tish (who I'd met 5 years previously) and got the tour before I left. She introduced me to people I had approached earlier in the day and got a totally different vibe. Just like visiting any bigger DZ for the first time. Don't give up, but if it frustrates you to no end, let mgmt know why you're not coming back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chrisgr 0 #5 September 22, 2004 Weekdays at SDC are a great time to jump. I have been there on Thursdays and Fridays in the past and the Otter was flying Tandems, AFP’s and fun-jumpers. Many of the staff-members also take time during the week to do their own fun jumping or to work on other skills. Even if there is not enough people (6 or 8?) manifested for the Otter, the 182 will fly. There is usually at least one person available who can assist with packing. A weekday would also be a great time to find someone who can provide a packing lesson. One of the available packers or someone from Para Concepts could help. SDC is VERY cool with people who are new to both skydiving and the dropzone. Gravitational, sorry you had a bad experience. Hope you made it back! STL Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #6 September 22, 2004 SDC is my home and i love it!!! Your best bet is to call manifest and see if they have tandems or AFPs scheduled on whatever weekday you're thinking of coming out. Keep in mind Wednesday is $14 jumps so they tend to have a good crowd then. I'm always there on weekends and pretty easy to find, i would be happy to introduce you to people. And if you need a packer on weekends, i'm your girl. During the week Luis is always there packing and he kicks ass. Because it is such a large DZ, i can understand being a little scared of coming on your own, but it will be ok. Just be freindly, introduce yourself to people and have a good time. Any other question, shoot me a pm. ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #7 September 22, 2004 I've had awesome experiences at SDC. Also, when you decide to go, let some DZ.commer's know, and you'd be surprised at who'll show up. Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flailmonkey2 0 #8 September 22, 2004 I moved from naperville, IL last summer to atlanta GA and started skydiving once i moved down here...i think i'll be up in chicago around thanksgiving and am looking forward to making some jumps in my home town :) i'll be checking out sdc Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diverdriver 5 #9 September 22, 2004 The short answer on getting to jump with other people is to go to the red packing mats. That is usually where the Team Funnell people pack. Don't be shy. Just ask anyone where the TF people are because you heard they like jumping with new people to the sport/DZ. The National Skydiving League is over for the summer and there are many people there just looking for groups to jump with. Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
