The experience was enjoyable (and I have already recommended to a friend) Skydive Philadelphia!
The JUMP
This is what the event is all about! I will not forget that leap out of the plane. All the adjectives in the world will not substitute for the actual experience. That's why I say arrive early, so that you are on the first flight and when you land on the ground, you know the experience and you will be the one answering the question, "How was it?" Skydiving is much more fun being that person!
My experience was first in and last out of the plane. I saw everyone else jump and thought, "I just saw someone jump out of the plane!" This thought was immediately followed by, "If they [other skydivers] did jump, then I can do it too!"
As for the free fall, my experience was the Best! The jump went perfectly. After the parachute deployed, my instructor maneuvered the parachute controls to show me all the sights (a mile above the Earth and holding a conversation...the craziest thing!); just a truly peaceful journey to the landing.
I saw the Philadelphia skyline, the Appalachian Mountain Range, the Delaware River, and the lush greenery of Bucks County. One skydiving instructor said that he saw New York City that day. So, if the weather is right you can see for miles and have something to tell your friends and curiosity seekers!
GO BIG
Absolutely Go Big (higher jump, longer skydive)!
Purchase the Go Big offer. Ascending higher for a longer jump was well worth the extra $10.00. In fact, I talked to a skydiver afterward that jumped from a lower altitude from the same plane and he said, "I should have bought the Go Big; next time I'll purchase it." Additionally, the Perkasie Airport controls its own airspace so that means the plane can ascent to a higher altitude - just another reason to jump the two mile (2-M) decent.
SKYDIVING INSTRUCTOR
I was impressed with the skydiving instructor Rob. His greeting was enthusiastic and friendly. Right off the bat, he seemed as excited as I was for the 2-M. He also immediately engaged me with the open-ended questions (the usual smalltalk questions), explained the safety procedures, and most importantly aligned the tandem harness appropriately and thoroughly - this really showed to me his knowledge and that put me at ease with that "I'm in good hands" feeling.
My skydiving instructor, Rob, and I made some small talk during the flight. He let me know every step of the way the safety procedures that he was executing that includes locking the safety belt, adjusting and locking me to his harness, and when he would deploy the parachute.
That's the kind of service that makes you feel appreciated, willing to give a reference to the business and the instructor, and also to return for another jump!
ARRIVAL
Schedule your jump and hope the weather is terrific; it will add to the experience. I went on a day when the weather was sunny and clear with a slight haze to the horizon - an immaculate day to skydive for the first time.
Arrive first thing in the morning. Get all the paperwork and requirements out of the way before the crowd arrives. Skydive Philadelphia has plenty of skydivers throughout the day including the mid-to-large size parties. Arriving early does not assure you takeoff on the first plane (but does get you in the queue). That way you can have the most time to engage the friendly office staff, the tandem skydiving instructor, and the other jumpers.
The directions are very easy to Perkasie Airport. I came from Ocean County, NJ, a two-hour trip one way. The early morning drive was easy because there is no traffic congestion to deal with in the morning hours.
The route to the airport from Ocean County was simple because the travel route was on mostly State Highways. These roads are well maintained and traverse through places that offer good activities for day trips after skydiving, such as a hike in a park (Nockamixon State Park), a visit to Doylestown, New Hope, and Lambertville or a SEPTA train ride from Doylestown Station to Philadelphia.
And remember - ASK FOR ROB!! GO BIG!! GO SKYDIVE PHILADELPHIA!! read more