ristaino

many jumps later and a much much better understanding of the sport and DZ operations. I realize that Skydive Carolina is nothing like what I wrote above. from jumping at some other places it all the same the same the staff give what new jumpers think is flack, good advice because they care. how does the saying go? if I knew then what I know now. what most young or new skydivers don't realize about emerging into the sport is that they are young and dumn. uh I mean inexperienced. and that was what happened to me. I was young and dumn and didn't understand alot of why things are the way they are. since the last review there have been some great changes at skydive carolina. monthly they have Casa weekend. special events like high altitude jumps and night jumps. the cafe has had an overhaul and the two best cooks, in my opinion, any DZ has ever seen.

I haven't been around long enough to experience what DZ's really suck and what DZ's are really great. I have been around long enough to know what I like and what I don't like. if you ever come by Chester they have a great packing area, landing area and they have the big birds that get to altitude fast. I like that about a DZ. I would give it all up just to have some friendly people that didn't treat you like they were almighty and your were thier kid. What your about to read is my personal experience. Everyone makes mistakes, no one is perfect. I was told that all jumpers have landed a little funcky at times. Even the up jumpers. the first time I do it I get chewed out by the DZO like I was three. He told me everything I already new had happened after I picked myself up to get off the tarmac. he asked what happened then didn't let me answer when I began to. the Manifest manager did the same. but was a little calmer about it. Ever since then I have had the best relationship with the DZ. I took a reserve canopy and container that didn't match with pack volumes. I had no ideaat this point I didn't know about that stuff at the time. again the DZO acted like I was a moron when I went to pick up my gear. later after several more jumps and I am almost A licensed. I have my own gear and I go to a boogie. My gear was assembled by a rigger (my Dad) and packed for my first jump with it. the instructors swarmed me and all at once were harrasing me for my pack job. when I told them a rigger did it they acted as if I was lying. then I told them it was my Dad and they kinda shut up. fact is they were embarass for talking junk about my family. Some of the insrtuctors thier are cool but most act like if it isn't done thier way then your wrong. there are many different right ways to get a rig packed in this sport. skydive carolina doesn't advertise the right prices. on the web site is a price and then they charge you another. they claim 18 to 13.5K I was charged 20 bucks for using a visa check. they failed to mention the extra charge when i gave them my card to hold an open tab. same thing with my student jumps. on the wed was advertised one 130.00 for level 7 and charged me 150.00 I went to other DZ'z to do my coach jumps because of this and when I come back to doa clear and pull they wouldn't let me because there wasn't a coach available. I did my hop n pop for 10 bucks at another DZ and made sure I had a witness who was experienced. I have a feeling that chester likes to price gouge. I told the manifest manager that it was the last thing I needed to get my pro card completed and she acted like I forged it. as if since I did jump there the whole time while getting my pro card filled out then I wasn't jumping at all. I was asked about my jump currency in a condensending tone. again being treated like a child with no integrity. again this is my personal experinece and not everyone there is like that. the staff has alot to be desired.

This is the best DZ I have been around in a while. I didn't see the king air when I was there. I didn't ask either. I was so happy to see a mom and pop operation. some of the DZ's I have been to so far have all this madness going on that makes them suck. who cares if they have indoor padded packing area and great big planes that get to altitude fast. I would rather be happy and have fun than to have all the ammenties. usually the big DZ's like that suck because of the people. too many clicks and uptight, god like staff. Everyone at Skydive Coastal Carolinas is friendly. Great views, great landing area, reasonbly priced. Bring Cash! no peas though, maybe one day they will make a pea pit. they put out an X if you ask them too. I definaly plan to come to this DZ more often. I live in charlotte! I am very pleased with this DZ. If you are used to a political clickish DZ then stay there don't come and infect my fun.