most newbie friendly DZ out of big three

[thegreekone 0]

I have relatives near Skydive Arizona, Deland, and Perris, but am not sure where to go? They all have freefly/canopy schools and every bell and whistle anybody would want. That said, I hear Deland can be hard to break into, yet you are going to learn a lot. (I heard when you do break in there, it can be quite the experience) Is skydiveAZ still really hot? (temp) Also, I am sort leaning towards Perris since their demo supply and program is good and I will soon be venturing into new gear territory.

This will be a serious two week visit where I hope to make between 80-100 jumps. So it is definitely a "take everything into consideration decision".

thanks

[Ashtanga 0]

Quote

I hope to make between 80-100 jumps

Do you want coached jumps? What discipline? This could determine where you go also.

[bbarnhouse 0]

Quote

I am sort leaning towards Perris since their demo supply and program is good

Square2 has the same program as Square1.

The temperatures are still in the 100's here in Arizona. It's hot in Perris too, hot and humid in Deland.

All 3 drop zones have a different vibe and any one of them would be a good choice.
I suggest you visit each dz's website, then call and ask questions. Make an informed decision based on all the information. Then choose the one that you feel is the best fit for you!

[skybytch 273]

You'll have a great time and learn loads regardless of which dz you choose. You didn't say when you were planning your trip - weather could be an issue at all three dz's in August (it's hot in Perris and Eloy, it's hot and humid in Deland).

Square One's store at Perris does have a large amount of demo gear, the most I've seen at any dz gear store. If a new gear decision is a primary goal for the trip I'd highly recommend Perris for availability of demo gear or Deland for the large number of manufacturers within walking distance of the dz.

Perris and Eloy have it over Deland in that they have tunnels on site. Perris and Eloy have a bit more of a post-jumping on dz social scene too.

All three have excellent coaches and lots of other good people to jump with.

[fmmobley 0]

If you have relatives near Perris, then you should consider Elsinore as well. Elsinore and Perris are just a few miles apart.

My experience is quite limited, but I sure loved my visit to Elsinore.

... Marion

[thegreekone 0]

[ You didn't say when you were planning your trip - weather could be an issue at all three dz's in August (it's hot in Perris and Eloy, it's hot and humid in Deland).

late september early october.

Square One's store at Perris does have a large amount of demo gear, the most I've seen at any dz gear store. If a new gear decision is a primary goal for the trip .

This is a big part of my trip, but NOT the only reason. I really hope to really start making a very concentrated amount of jumps centered around freeflying and canopy instruction to the next level. I haope to have 1/3 of my 100 jumps be coached. (20 freefly and 10-20 canopy)


Perris and Eloy have it over Deland in that they have tunnels on site. Perris and Eloy have a bit more of a post-jumping on dz social scene too.

post jumping scene is important, but if the scene is TIGHT only during the day, that's cool too. I just really really really want to learn and take it to the next level

[skymama 37]

I'll chime in as a Deland person. It's true that it can be hard to break into the group if someone is there for a day or so, but if you're going to be there for 2 weeks I know you'll be treated well and that the locals will talk to you.

If you come to Deland and will have access to a car, I would recommend you stop by some of the other dz's in our area too. The vibe at every dz is different and is fun to check out.

If you are looking at buying gear, you can set up appointments to tour the manufacturing facilities.

The weather will cool down a bit in Sept./Oct. but it will still be in the 80's. The afternoon showers slow down a bit too.

That said, I've been to both Eloy and Perris and was treated well at both dz's. I think you'll have a great experience at any of the 3 dz's.

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[dgskydive 0]

What Lisa said.

SQ2 is a great store!!!

SQ1 does have a much bigger selection of stuff to demo.

IF you choose Eloy, give the staff at SQ2 a call and see if they can round up any canopies you may want to jump before you get there. They have a much smaller selection then the store at Perris.


Either wa we will do our best to take care of you, but if gear is your main reason for coming out, then hit Perris. IF you want good Freefly coacching hit Perris as well. You can't go wrong with the 3 time National Champions Alchemy on the DZ. Plus the tunnel and pool and BIG BAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dom

[berchtoldaj 0]

And what about Crosskeys?? who picked this big three anyway?!?

************
Watch out for planters.

[alw 0]

How can yu go wrong with that list?

Reasons to choose Deland

It's Deland - ou may get to experience a hurricane in the process.
The drive to the tunnel gives you a chance to get aquainted.
Close enough to some other really good DZ's to check out a wide variety of DZ culture-planes-eithics - well not ethics.
Di I mention you may get to experience a Hurricane?

---------------------------------------------
Every day is a bonus - every night is an adventure.