We’ve all been there. Walking into a dropzone, practically shaking with nerves, knowing you’ll shortly be jumping out of an airplane for the first time.
On top of that, you’re entering a new world. A place that experienced jumpers call home, where the people are a community of their own. It’s completely new territory. And can be rather intimidating.
But from what I’ve seen this season, it’s all what you make of the experience.
As a girl who’s visited and jumped at seven different dropzones this year, I’ve become accustom to beng the DZ newbie Luckily, almost every experience has been beyond positive.
(Dirt diving a hybrid with friends I’ve met in and around my home DZ)
Skydivers are some of the most welcoming and encouraging people around. We love having visitors at our home DZ and we welcome new jumpers and students with open arms. It’s not uncommon for experienced skydivers to recruit new students, either. After all, expanding our niche community with cool new jumpers can only be a good thing, right?
This was highly apparent last weekend when my buddy John from Traventure Man came down to my home DZ to do his first tandem. John’s enthusiasm and excitement for the sport helped him fit right in to the culture of our fast-paced DZ – he wasn’t just another passive tandem student.
Hopefully, John will be back on the skydiving scene soon.
Sure, it can be nerve racking to be a newbie in the sport, but with time, determination and involvement, every DZ newbie can become a valued member of the community.
I’m so thankful that this community is such a welcoming one. Can’t wait to get back out there and play in the sky with everyone this weekend.
Blue Skies!
Ashley
very nice:)
Canton Air Sports is a great place to be a newbie
Richard – thanks!
Traventure Man – Isn’t it? When I started at CAS I had 13 jumps under my belt and it didn’t take me long to realize that it was going to be my new home. Tod, Lonnie, and Rick were my three biggest reasons for coming back. You can see why! Can’t wait to jump with you again!!