thxleo 0 #1 March 31, 2007 Hi everyone. I am brand new to the website, so please excuse me if I am posting this question in the wrong place. I'm hoping someone might give me some good advice. Here goes... Next month I will be vacationing in southern California. I've decided that I would finally do something that I've always wanted to do, which is skydiving. However, I know almost nothing on this sport and I don't really know where the best place to go would be. I found some companies in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and San Diego on the internet. Does anyone have some advice on who the best company would be? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much. Lee Pittsburgh Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BIGUN 1,300 #2 March 31, 2007 Welcome. Glad you've decided to pursue your dream. The hyperlink below comes from the tab above that says, "Dropzones." It's been filtered to California for you. http://www.dropzone.com/dropzone/North_America/United_States/California/index.html As for your request for the "Best Company," this is a little "like" shopping for motorcycle. Most of the dropzones represent our "manufacturer" called the United States Parachute Association (USPA) which is the governing body for Basic Safety Recommendations (BSRs) and general guidelines for instructional methodology. The following hyperlink is to the USPA's website on "Learn to Skydive" http://www.uspa.org/about/index.htm Ask any dropzone you choose whether their Instructors are USPA rated Instructors. As a customer, you have the same rights as shopping for a motorcycle; visit the DZ, ask questions, get input, get to meet your Instructor, ask their qualifications, you can ask to see their qualifications, how long they've been in the sport, how many students have they taught, how many of their students have gone on to get their licenses, etc. Here's what you won't get on this forum, any two opinions that are the same, public flaming of any dropzone (we're kind of a dysfunctional family that commmunicates by fighting with each other at Thanksgiving, but let some outsider say something bad about one of our family members and you're in deep Kempshi). Choose a couple off the list and give them a shout. They'll be happy to answer any questions you have. I would also encourage you to read all of the excellent articles posted here: http://www.dropzone.com/safety/Learn_to_Skydive/index.shtml Welcome to your exploration into skydiving. Good luck.Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CSpenceFLY 1 #3 March 31, 2007 If you call anyone make sure you are talking to a real dropzone.If they are just trying to get your credit card number or they will not tell you exactly where they are hang up.You can find a list of real dropzones either here or at USPA.org.There are some dzs that are not USPA members and most of them are fine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thxleo 0 #4 March 31, 2007 Thanks for all the information. I'm leaning towards going with Skydive San Diego and just making a day of it in San Diego. Thanks again! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
77r 0 #6 April 1, 2007 Hi Lee. The best place to go for skydiving if you're a beginner and on a budget would be the Parachute Center in Lodi, Ca up near Sacramento. The tandems there are only $100, and the training will cost you $500 for 10 static line jumps(but no freefall time) or $1000 for the 7 level AFF program. Then it's $35 a jump after that which includes the cost of the rented gear. $35 more on top of that if you want it to be a coach jump. And all of the first 7 AFF jumps are recorded on tape free of charge. It's a great deal and as far as I know (with the exception of Wissota up in Wisconsin) the least expensive in the country. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skyriderdoug 0 #7 April 2, 2007 I would definately go with either Elsinore or Perris Valley!! I would not do a static line jump regardless. There is a reason many dropzones don't offer this method of training any longer!! Also, don't necessarily go with the cheapest...... Do you really want a "bargain" when it comes to your life....... Just some thoughts. Enjoy your first!!!!!!13 men in a dead man's boat and the oars leak!?! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jacketsdb23 49 #8 April 2, 2007 QuoteI would not do a static line jump regardless. There is a reason many dropzones don't offer this method of training any longer!! Which is? You imply this is a sub par way to train. There is nothing wrong with the static line method of training.Losers make excuses, Winners make it happen God is Good Beer is Great Swoopers are crazy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites 77r 0 #9 April 3, 2007 QuoteI would definately go with either Elsinore or Perris Valley!! I would not do a static line jump regardless. There is a reason many dropzones don't offer this method of training any longer!! Also, don't necessarily go with the cheapest...... Do you really want a "bargain" when it comes to your life....... Just some thoughts. Enjoy your first!!!!!! A bargain dosn't mean you are risking your life. It just means you're being trained by people who are giving you a chance to break into the skydiving world without robbing you blind. Just because someone is sucking you dry for money dosn't mean their program is better than anyone else's. It might be a good program granted, but 3 grand to learn to skydive is outrageos. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skyriderdoug 0 #10 April 16, 2007 WOW, so you seriously need an explanation on why static line is a sub-par method of training.... you're attached to an airplane when you exit the door by the same line that will pull your main pin. What happens when you exit unstable and get deployed on your back? What happens when the static line wraps your ankle? Are you spinning? Do you back flip out and get it around your neck? How many static line deployments result in line twists? Oh, and don't forget if the static line wraps a main flap and won't pull your pin.. Have fun getting whipped around the sky still attached to an airplane. Use your "10 years" and think, WOW, you may just need a refresher course... 13 men in a dead man's boat and the oars leak!?! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skyriderdoug 0 #11 April 16, 2007 OK, a quick lesson in business............ How much should it cost? Just curious. Standard USPA AFF course should cost: 1st Jump = $160 With the Drop Zone making NO MONEY. Breakdown: 2 Instructors @ $35 a piece (some ppl need to make a living) 3 slots on the plane @ $20 per = $60 Student gear rental = $15 and that's just upkeep and a little bit of replacement after a few thousand jumps. Instructors pack jobs @ 7 per (packers need to live also) = 14 Do you want your jump video taped (which is becoming pretty standard for training purposes)? Who is paying for the upkeep and replacement on the camera's (which, by the way run about a grand a piece)? Who is paying for rent on the hangar where your jump planes are kept? Do you like those jump suits your given to wear? Who pays? With the bargain mindset your closing down dropzones. Things aren't free in this world.... OH, I almost forgot,,,,,,, What's the current gas price? If you still have a question hit me back and I'll give you more of a breakdown. Also, this sport is constantly evolving. Do you want to jump an old rig? Yes they work but I want the rig with the "current mods" for safety. Blue skies13 men in a dead man's boat and the oars leak!?! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. 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skyriderdoug 0 #7 April 2, 2007 I would definately go with either Elsinore or Perris Valley!! I would not do a static line jump regardless. There is a reason many dropzones don't offer this method of training any longer!! Also, don't necessarily go with the cheapest...... Do you really want a "bargain" when it comes to your life....... Just some thoughts. Enjoy your first!!!!!!13 men in a dead man's boat and the oars leak!?! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jacketsdb23 49 #8 April 2, 2007 QuoteI would not do a static line jump regardless. There is a reason many dropzones don't offer this method of training any longer!! Which is? You imply this is a sub par way to train. There is nothing wrong with the static line method of training.Losers make excuses, Winners make it happen God is Good Beer is Great Swoopers are crazy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
77r 0 #9 April 3, 2007 QuoteI would definately go with either Elsinore or Perris Valley!! I would not do a static line jump regardless. There is a reason many dropzones don't offer this method of training any longer!! Also, don't necessarily go with the cheapest...... Do you really want a "bargain" when it comes to your life....... Just some thoughts. Enjoy your first!!!!!! A bargain dosn't mean you are risking your life. It just means you're being trained by people who are giving you a chance to break into the skydiving world without robbing you blind. Just because someone is sucking you dry for money dosn't mean their program is better than anyone else's. It might be a good program granted, but 3 grand to learn to skydive is outrageos. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skyriderdoug 0 #10 April 16, 2007 WOW, so you seriously need an explanation on why static line is a sub-par method of training.... you're attached to an airplane when you exit the door by the same line that will pull your main pin. What happens when you exit unstable and get deployed on your back? What happens when the static line wraps your ankle? Are you spinning? Do you back flip out and get it around your neck? How many static line deployments result in line twists? Oh, and don't forget if the static line wraps a main flap and won't pull your pin.. Have fun getting whipped around the sky still attached to an airplane. Use your "10 years" and think, WOW, you may just need a refresher course... 13 men in a dead man's boat and the oars leak!?! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skyriderdoug 0 #11 April 16, 2007 OK, a quick lesson in business............ How much should it cost? Just curious. Standard USPA AFF course should cost: 1st Jump = $160 With the Drop Zone making NO MONEY. Breakdown: 2 Instructors @ $35 a piece (some ppl need to make a living) 3 slots on the plane @ $20 per = $60 Student gear rental = $15 and that's just upkeep and a little bit of replacement after a few thousand jumps. Instructors pack jobs @ 7 per (packers need to live also) = 14 Do you want your jump video taped (which is becoming pretty standard for training purposes)? Who is paying for the upkeep and replacement on the camera's (which, by the way run about a grand a piece)? Who is paying for rent on the hangar where your jump planes are kept? Do you like those jump suits your given to wear? Who pays? With the bargain mindset your closing down dropzones. Things aren't free in this world.... OH, I almost forgot,,,,,,, What's the current gas price? If you still have a question hit me back and I'll give you more of a breakdown. Also, this sport is constantly evolving. Do you want to jump an old rig? Yes they work but I want the rig with the "current mods" for safety. Blue skies13 men in a dead man's boat and the oars leak!?! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
