I can't say enough about this drop zone. I have wanted to get my "A" license to skydive for just about my whole life, and when I started my research it was obvious to me that this was the best place to get it. I've done tandem at other drop zones, and it was fun, but it wasn't enough. I wanted a school that would give me the best instruction on how to jump myself, safely, and have as much fun as possible.
I had heard that becoming a beginning skydiver, other divers will put you through your paces, and that they can be elitist and cliquey. Not so, here. Everyone was friendly to me from the very get-go, regardless of their level of expertise. Ground school was very comprehensive, from the correct terminology to use to the different emergency procedures. When it came time to make my first jump, I was really nervous and it showed. Everything went well and then I got tunnel vision and couldn't pull. My main instructor, Callie, ended up pulling for me. Thanks Callie for saving my life when I froze! I also messed up the landing, so she was kind enough to walk the entire perimeter of the landing area so that I wouldn't be confused next time. Since pulling your pilot chute is the most important thing in skydiving, she couldn't pass me for that jump, but she explained exactly why, and what I needed to do to pass my second time around.
The next morning, I went to repeat my jump, and she had already debriefed my main instructor for the day, Greg, on how I had done. He very patiently went through the whole process and coached me on what to do to be able to land safely and pass my Category A jump. He coached me to a near-perfect landing and was able to see things I didn't even know existed. He was also my main instructor for my Category B jump and my reserve instructor was nice enough to take video so we could look at my technique. He gave me some groundwork to do so that I'd have a better chance at passing Category C and was very attentive and patient with me yet again.
I worked with two reserve instructors, Daniel and Brian, on different jumps. Everyone I talked to was friendly, happy, and encouraging. If I had a question, someone would answer it. Even the regular jumpers who didn't work there were very friendly and fun to be around. There was not even the slightest hint of snobbery or elitism.
They're also very safety-focused. At the DZ where I did my tandems, there was a lot of joking around and if you're nervous, it can make you really uncomfortable. When I overheard Greg laying down some safety rules on some of the more experienced divers, I knew I was in a safe place. They take safety very seriously--they won't let you jump unless they know you'll land safely and happily, and they won't graduate you if you're not ready. These are real skydivers who love the sport and they love sharing it with people. I can't recommend Skydance enough. I'm so glad I chose them to teach me how to fly. read more