mwaller

Wow! Sorry to hear that you’re having some difficulties finding friendly people thus far in this sport. Not trying to make excuses for anyone, we are only human and everyone has their good and bad days. Maybe you can try a different Drop Zone… I have only jumped in the US and I cannot speak for everyone; however, I personally have never been around such a great group of people and think I am fortunate. Even here in the US there are some jumpers that are border line friendly/rude with people outside of their day to day group. I don’t think it is an insecurity thing, I think it is a comfort thing. No mater what the sport or activity is when people are uncomfortable they are not going to be on their best behavior. They could just be ego maniacs too. Because you have a profile here I am hoping that you will continue to pursue your skydiving career! Please do not let the actions of a few people ruin the sport for you. Hang in there, Michael

Welcome, Kami! This June 25th will be my 2nd year jumping. I still remember taking that first “leap of faith” out of a Cessna! My advice would be to speak to your instructor, relax, and do not do anything until you are 100% ready to do so. Work with your instructor to iron out your jitters, try not to rush and relax. You have a huge group of new friends that have all been where you are at. Enjoy your new friends and all of your jumps!!!! Good luck! Michael

That is great that you and your dad are close enough to learn about the Skydiving sport. This is a great time for you and your dad! I am closer to my skydiving family then I am to most members of my biological family. I am sure this experience will allow you and you dad to become even closer! Good luck and welcome!

NICE JOB! Welcome!

MikeyB, If you’ll go to uspa.org there is a section there that speaks specifically about learning information about skydiving! The link is called “Learn About Skydiving” and is easy to find on the USPA web page. You should look into that. Also, listening to “skydive” radio is cool but you should also think about heading down to your local Drop Zone (DZ) to watch and learn about skydiving in person. Make a list of questions, there will be a member of the DZ that you go to that can answer your questions. Lastly, once you follow through with your 1st jump, you might want to think about joining the USPA. You’ll get a year membership and a monthly magazine that will help fuel your desire to continue jumping. Good luck with your skydiving adventure!

Got it! :p)

Don’t drop out of school! Laughing, finish school and you’ll be able to buy a home close to a DZ of your choice. Better yet, get you’re A - license and a couple hundred jumps and start augmenting your school money by doing camera work and coaching at your local DZ. I still pack Tandems to help buy my lift tickets. Skydive Deland was nice. There are a lot of drop zones around and all of them are so different. My home DZ is very small but a very tight nit team. Maybe you should think about looking into your local DZ and seeing what you can do to help off set the price of your training jumps. If you think a Tandem is fun, wait until you get to jump by yourself! So exciting!!! Have you thought about joining the USPA? http://uspa.org/ Good luck in school and your future jumps!

Welcome! Deland is a long way from Cleveland. You should come see us down in Columbus, Skydivecolumbusohio.com Take care, Michael

The Atlanta Skydiving Center (ASC) is a great place for experienced jumpers and for those who are just beginning their experience with the skydiving sport. I made 15 jumps during this trip and someone from the ASC staff was there after every one asking how everything went. Even though they had a number of Tandem students the staff always had a smile and I felt welcomed to be there. There are actually 3 of us who made the trip down from Ohio and want to make this an annual trip to ASC to escape the weird Ohio weather. Thanks ASC!!! The Ohio Guys, Michael, Daniel, and Harry.