butterflyer

Nobody mentioned Cloverdale? It's the only one I've ever been to, so I can't compare, being newer than ANYBODY...but I still love it there :) It's beautiful, right next to Lake Sonoma, and I can see from the ocean to the Sierra Nevada mountains while I fly. Santa Rosa has a small commercial airport that sees commuter passengers from SoCal every day, and it's just 20 minutes from that dz. Plus, I'm your tasting consultant if you venture to wine country ;) I don't need a parachute to fly...unless i want to fly twice.

Ooh, this thread makes me very sad and afraid. But I know someone like this guy, well loved and respected, a textbook narcissist/sociopath who went to covert and dangerous lengths post-breakup. My half-pence: be nice, cut a very wide path, and document EVERYTHING. Nether feed nor tolerate the drama. Keep yourself safe because you can control that part. Glad you are ok. I wouldn't let a guy like that near my children if I could help it. At least not unsupervised. I don't need a parachute to fly...unless i want to fly twice.

Too bad, you came and left....I'm just above SF, can't jump alone yet, but would have tossed in that beer, just for stories :) I don't need a parachute to fly...unless i want to fly twice.

Ha! Thank you! I though it would be harder, but I kept reminding myself to relax. Honestly I didn't feel them let me go, I just noticed it when I saw them in my periphery...I turned to look at my main instructor and realized I was initiating a turn, lmao! He tapped me back, I regained my heading and just...flew! Ooh, all-time favorite brew, to gift or sip...Racer 5, from the Bear Republic micro brewer just North of my home. Too yummy, might have to offer up two cases. Is there anything better? But interesting, I have never seen any of those guys drink beer...perhaps this DZ doesn't share this tradition? I don't need a parachute to fly...unless i want to fly twice.

I'm only adding my review here, being so inexperienced with other drop zones, because this is my home. The fact that the folks there are helpful and warm, and the scenery is exquisite...well, that's already been said.... BUT I do want to add that they just got a new plane...seats 15 jumpers. Can't cite the model, but I did jump from it last weekend and can see that it's their answer to other reviews about their limited aircraft. This thing is big, shiny and purty :) Sorry I can't be more helpful, except to say that they deserve to be rated up for this bird.

Can it be my favorite kind? I don't need a parachute to fly...unless i want to fly twice.

I'm a new AFF student jumping out of Cloverdale with both Jimmys Halliday. I just finished my level 3 this past Sunday. What a beautiful zen rush! I was released by both of my wingmen and flew totally stable :) It's slow going for me, because I've been traveling a bunch this summer, but am planning to do 4 and 5 the weekend after this. These forums are awesome for me, learning so much by reading other divers' experiences and advice. I'm happy to report that I've never yet had to by a case of beer (thanks you guys!), lol I know this is for me...never before have I done anything so perfectly fitted to my dreams. I know I'll never again look at the skies the same way. Cheers! I don't need a parachute to fly...unless i want to fly twice.