brettski74 0 #1 October 27, 2006 Planning to go to the Canadian Invasion at Eloy in January. Being relatively new to the sport, this will be my first big event and my first time travelling specifically for the purpose of jumping out of planes (does that mean two cartons of beer?) I'm sure that SkydiveAZ will be the land of milk and honey that we've all dreamed of, but since I've never been to Eloy or the invasion before, I'm wondering a few things... - What kind of food options are there, and how much should I budget for food if I like to eat healthy? - How cold does it get at night in January? Am I going to freeze my nuts off camping in a tent or is a few bucks per night in the bunkhouse overrated? - The Arizona Airspeed camp - anyone know if that's above my level. Sounds like you'd wanna be at least a B. It's conceivable that I'll finish my B while I'm there, but still, should I perhaps save that for another time and concentrate on other learning experiences better suited to me? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shell666 0 #2 October 27, 2006 QuotePlanning to go to the Canadian Invasion at Eloy in January. Being relatively new to the sport, this will be my first big event and my first time travelling specifically for the purpose of jumping out of planes (does that mean two cartons of beer?) I'm sure that SkydiveAZ will be the land of milk and honey that we've all dreamed of, but since I've never been to Eloy or the invasion before, I'm wondering a few things... - What kind of food options are there, and how much should I budget for food if I like to eat healthy? - How cold does it get at night in January? Am I going to freeze my nuts off camping in a tent or is a few bucks per night in the bunkhouse overrated? - The Arizona Airspeed camp - anyone know if that's above my level. Sounds like you'd wanna be at least a B. It's conceivable that I'll finish my B while I'm there, but still, should I perhaps save that for another time and concentrate on other learning experiences better suited to me? Check with Lyal and Cathy at Eden North about all this. They'll have the skinny ... since they're planning it (and Lyal practically LIVES in Eloy when he's not here!!!) info@edennorth.com Enjoy the Invasion! You'll have a great time. Smack Lyal and Aidan for me when you see them too! 'Shell'Shell Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #3 October 28, 2006 Even if it is hot (i.e. T-shirt and short pants) during daylight, desert temperatures drop rapidly at sunset and it often drops below freezing. If you plan on sleeping in a tent, take a thick mattress (i.e. full-length, self-inflating Thermarest) and a winter-weight sleeping bag. Hint: two summer-weight sleeping bags almost equal a winter-weight sleeping bag when you stuff one inside the other. Wear a turtle-neck shirt and toque when you crawl into your sleeping bag. Personally, I would spend the extra dollars to stay in the bunk house. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #4 October 30, 2006 Quote - What kind of food options are there, and how much should I budget for food if I like to eat healthy? On the DZ, there is a Bar and Grill (the Bent Prop) with typical bar food. There are a couple of restaurants in Eloy (the Cafe, Eva's, a new Pizza place). Think about 8-12$ per dinner at all these places, plus booze. There are a few more places in Casa Grande. Quote - How cold does it get at night in January? Am I going to freeze my nuts off camping in a tent or is a few bucks per night in the bunkhouse overrated? Night are cold. Quote - The Arizona Airspeed camp - anyone know if that's above my level. Sounds like you'd wanna be at least a B. It's conceivable that I'll finish my B while I'm there, but still, should I perhaps save that for another time and concentrate on other learning experiences better suited to me? Email them. www.airspeed.orgRemster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brettski74 0 #5 October 31, 2006 I managed to get in touch with Lyal, who basically confirmed most of what's been said by Remster and RiggerRob as well as a bunch of other information, so in the spirit of sharing for any other noobs like me that may be watching... Nights are cold - expect to see ice on the ground in the morning - I think I'll go for the bunkhouse - probably worth it for the extra heat and reduced baggage. There are several food options, including a restaurant on the DZ, restaurants in Casa Grande if you find yourself a ride and you can also probably find yourself a ride with other folks on the DZ to go on a groceries run if you so choose. Airspeed is probably above my level, but there will be coaching available to get me to my B - as Lyall said, this is one of the things they specialize in - getting people the training for their next level if they need. He also mentioned that the CRW camp is probably above my level at this stage, too, but if you want to do CRW, you just have to ask and someone will be happy to show you a few things. Blue skies. Edit: I should add, if anybody has specific questions, ask Lyal as suggested above. He was really helpful. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shell666 0 #6 October 31, 2006 QuoteI managed to get in touch with Lyal, who basically confirmed most of what's been said by Remster and RiggerRob as well as a bunch of other information, so in the spirit of sharing for any other noobs like me that may be watching... Edit: I should add, if anybody has specific questions, ask Lyal as suggested above. He was really helpful. Glad you talked to Lyal and got the info you needed. When you get there, talk to the folks that have been going to the Invasion for years. They'll be one of your best resources. And above all, have fun! And if I didn't say this already, smack Aidan and Lyal for me!! Oh, and Mahoney! 'Shell Edited to add .. after you smack Mahoney, stay away from him. He can be scary. 'Shell Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #7 October 31, 2006 Quotesmack Aidan and Lyal for me!! Oh, and Mahoney! I'll pay to see him smack mahoney! Say hi when you get down here. I'll be doing load organizing on and off if its busy enough.Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shell666 0 #8 October 31, 2006 QuoteQuotesmack Aidan and Lyal for me!! Oh, and Mahoney! I'll pay to see him smack mahoney! How's about I pay YOU to smack Mahoney for me?! 'Shell'Shell Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #9 November 1, 2006 I may be easy, but I aint cheap. Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sonicfreefly 0 #10 November 1, 2006 Nights are freezing cold and the bunk house or the team trailers are well worth it. Bring ear plugs if you are a light sleeper. There are curtains on the bunk house and this cuts out the light and gives you some privacy. Bring a jacket for the nights. There are enough people around that you should be able to see who is going where for dinner. There are people always going into Casa Grande so you should have no problem catching a ride. See ya there. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brettski74 0 #11 November 2, 2006 QuoteI'll pay to see him smack mahoney! I take cash, jump tickets or coaching. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
