Random Midnight Fodder

So I’m up late, waiting on an announcement to come through for one of my clients, what a better time to blog than now, huh?

Honestly, I’m not sure where this post is going to take me, it very well may be random as my brain tends to be all over the place this time of night, so bear with me. I’ll try to stick to skydiving at the very least

This weekend Rick and I took a trip out to CSC again. I was finally able to get up in the air with Ms. Sydney for a couple of attempted hybrids. Yes, you read that correctly, couple = 2, attempted = failed. We’re not going to get into the nitty gritty of it – truthfully, we’re not entirely sure what the problem was that was making us not get our act together – but needless to say it was still a skydive and it as still a wicked awesome time. Great flying with you love!

It was nice to do some more freeflying with Doug and Carolyn while I was out there too. Doug was giving us both some great head down instruction, working on exits with flower grips and just getting the feel for the position right out of the plane. After a couple jumps and video reviews things really started to make sense to us! It’s fun flying with these two, can’t wait to get out there again!

I must admit that I was a little envious after Rick did a wingsuit jump Saturday evening. I considered it on Sunday before we left, but the schedule just didn’t permit. Now I’m kinda jonesing for some flight time…that’ll have to be in my near future .

Sad to say that summer is almost officially over. But, there’s still so much season left to enjoy, and so much to look forward to!

• This weekend we’re heading to the Work Stinks! Boogie at Start Skydiving in Middleton, OH. This was mine and Rick’s first boogie together last year so we’ve got fond memories of the jumps that were made and the experiences had. I’m excited to be going back this year. I’m sure there will be lots of photos and video to share when I return next week!
• At the end of the month we’re heading to California for what originally started as a trip to visit family who lives in LA, and is now also a trip to Elsinore for the Chick’s Rock boogie. Looking forward to meeting up with some jumpers I’ve been meaning to get in the sky with for quite some time. Hopefully I’ll be able to convince some of my cousins to jump out of a perfectly good airplane with me that weekend

Let’s see, what else? Oh yeah, I’m selling my Sabre 1 – 150. Anyone need one? It’s in great condition, just over 300 jumps on it, new oversize slider (and regular size slider) come with it. Slinks. With the oversize slider it’s never slammed me…in fact, it snivels! And it’s purdy…

Going to post on DZ.com soon, but wanted to throw it out there to the readers first. Email me if you’re interested: theskydivechick@gmail.com.

Okay, so enough rambling, it’s back to work for me. Still working on a fun Jump for Diabetes video I hope to share in the near future, so stay tuned for that.

Blue skies!


Ashley

Flying with weight

A few weeks back I decided to open my wallet for a piece of equipment that I’ve been told time and time again I would eventually need to fly with, but I’ve been too stubborn to purchase.

I don’t like being told that I’m going to need something in order to accomplish what I want in freefall. Sure, we all need parachutes, that’s a given. But when I was told I would need a weight belt (or vest) to keep up with others in freefly (and on my belly too, though you’ll rarely catch me there), the stubborn ass in me came out.

“I can just stand and catch up if I need to.”

Well, that didn’t prove to work as well as I thought it would – even standing I’m still pretty floaty.

“Well then, I’ll go head down to catch up.”

Turns out my head down skills aren’t where they should be to stick with a group of sitflyers.

“Well, what’s 10 pounds going to do anyway?”

Turns out…a lot! I’ve been flying with the belt off and on the past few weeks, forgetting it at home once, doing some solos another time, but for the most part the belt has been on. Though until this weekend, I didn’t really realize just how much of an effect it has on my fall rate.

(The first jump I did with a weight belt at Zhills. You can see a little bulk in my lower back, but nothing too terrible. In fact, it’s the same jump as my blog header – you can’t even tell I’m wearing weight there! *Photo by Aaron Stocum)

Jump #1 at The Ranch entailed me in a sit, looking down at my buddy Tom. Once I realized a stand was going to be necessary, he was too far gone and I, for the life of me, couldn’t stick a stable stand .

So for jump #2 I strapped on an extra 10 pounds around my waist and off we went. On this jump, I was only very slightly above him, in fact, if I would have kept a better heading and focused on driving my hips forward we could have easily made a couple good docks.

I think I was in awe of the difference the weight really made.

The rest of the weekend I worked on my fall rate changes and focused on the differences the weight makes on my skydive. I was even surprised how much I could feel the difference under canopy and coming in for a landing.

Needless to say, I’m incredibly happy with the weight. Who would have thought a girl could get so giddy about putting on 10 pounds?!

Best part is, in freefall, I don’t really even realize it’s there. I tuck the buckle back between my rig and lower back and, aside from the little jelly roll appearance it gives under my clothing, I’d never even know it was there on the skydive!

For all you floaty skydivers out there, I highly recommend strapping on a weight belt and giving it a go. It might just make all the difference in the world!

Blue skies!

Ashley

BASE Week: Rick Simenc

Well, this is the last day of BASE Week, and after an interview with Miles D, how can it get much better?

Let me tell you how…with an interview from my freefly partner! He’s also a former BASE jumper so it ties in .

*Photo by Ashley Mead

Y’all have heard so much about Rick in the past 9 months or so, it’s only fitting that you have a chance to hear the facts straight from him. Some of you may have read the article in the Jan/Feb issue of Blue Skies Mag that discusses diabetes in the world of adrenaline sports – this interview is nothing like that. We’re keeping the topics on the lighter side today.

I struggled with these questions, Rick, as the regular readers pretty much know the basics about your current skydiving career – aside from those days you sneak off to jump without me

That aside, I think I’ve come up with some compelling questions to get your wheels turning and keep the readers entertained. So, here goes nothing!

SDC: Let’s start with the standard question – how did you get your start in skydiving?

RS: To make a very long story short, from day one on this planet I’ve been the epitome of spontaneity and this was one of those last minute choices .  I told myself I was going to go skydiving. So I did a static line jump for my 18th birthday.

SDC: Obviously we know your favorite discipline is freefly, but tell us why.

RS: I guess because I’m the black sheep.

SDC: Ah, “dark side” – black sheep. Makes sense. Regular readers know that we travel a lot, tell us about your favorite trip, dropzone, experience – whatever.

RS: Here comes the cheese….I will have to say that my first date with Beans (aka SkydiveChick, aka Ashley) is my most memorable skydiving trip. We went to the Work Stinks boogie last September. Too much fun! All beer has already been drunk! Our first 2-way head-down, first Heli-jump, Ashley’s first sit-fly, my first otter and our first boogie.

SDC: Aw, that’s sweet! Y’all remember this picture I assume!

*Photo by Norman Kent

SDC: You were once a regular BASE jumper. What triggered the switch to skydiving?

RS: I wanted the dirt to look smaller.

SDC: Alright, now I’m really going to put you on the spot…what’s your favorite part about being my freefly partner? (yep, I’m making this one about me…I know you can respect that )

RS: Reverse cowgirl.. LOL! I love when you ride me out the door!!

SDC: Hahaha! For those who are unaware of what he’s talking about, see the video below!

SDC: We’ve had a lot of great opportunities over the past year, what are some of the things you’re looking forward / hoping to accomplish to this season?

RS: My 500th, D license, coach and pro-rating

SDC: Jump for Diabetes is fast approaching! Tell us a little about where the idea came from and how you made it work last year.

RS: The idea came from another fundraiser that was held at a DZ in Omro,Wi while was still a student. It involved jumping out of planes, raising funds and promoting awareness for Lupus. It was fun for all and it was a good cause. I told myself, when I’m able to stay on my feet when landing, I will coordinate an event like that one and try to do the same as them. And I gave it a shot…WTF, ya know?

I’m really looking forward to this years event. I’m very lucky to have Beans and Apt3 Studios on the Jump for Diabetes team. This years event would not be happening if you guys didn’t step up.. PROPS!!

SDC: What is your most memorable skydiving experience so far?

RS: Probably sit’n relative with you.

SDC: So as one of those freeflyers who falls into that oh-so-subjective “intermediate” category, and the person who taught me how to sitfly, let’s hear your advice to all those aspiring freeflyers out there.

RS: Challenge yourself and don’t give up. When you think you’ve done everything you can to get it.. and don’t, push yourself to keep going and achieve your goal. Once you get it, you get it.

SDC: Anything you’d like to add?

RS: It’s been 3 days and I’m jones’n for some ff (freefall).

Thanks, Rick. This was fun.

For anyone who was curious about something and didn’t find out in this interview, feel free to send questions my way. After all, we do live under the same roof.

Blue skies!

Ashley

BASE Week: Marko Markovich

I’ve deemed this week “BASE Week” here at SDC.

Why? Well let me tell you – I’ve done some incredible interviews the last few weeks and all of them are / were BASE jumpers. So I’m dedicating this week to the experts out there who know what they’re talking about. Because let’s be honest, if you’ve been here before, you know I clearly don’t have a clue .

So on with the show!

Today we’re talking to a BASE jumper that I met at the Everglades Boogie this January. I turned to him on the first Otter load and asked him his name…he looked really familiar. Turns out, we didn’t know each other, but had some BASE friends in common.

So we kept in touch (oh the powers of social media) and after reading about his BASE trips in Blue Skies Mag, I was excited to chat with him about all this.  Today we’re talking to Marko Markovich!

*Photo credit unknown. I borrowed this from his Facebook page

So let’s start out with a few generic skydiving questions to get the ball rolling, shall we?

SDC: How long have you been skydiving?

MM: Since 2007

SDC: Tell us a “your story.” What brought you into the sport and what has kept you here?

MM: Well I always wanted to go skydiving, once I finally said screw waiting for a bunch of people to go with me I went with 2 buddies. And when I landed I was back in less then a week! So much fun, so many places to jump and so many people to meet! I love how challenging it is!

SDC: What’s your favorite skydiving discipline and why?

MM: My favorite skydiving discipline has been freeflying but since this winter and all the boogies I have been to Luis Prinetto turned me onto tracking a lot! It is by far my most favorite in the sky! There are so many types of track dives you can do and constantly switching up the dive in the sky!

SDC: Moving on to BASE…when we met at the Everglades boogie, I quickly found out that we have some mutual friends in the BASE world. What turned you on to BASE?

MM: BASE is a totally different world and thats why I love it. When I first took the APEX course I took a year off since it scared me up pretty good. Then I got back into it and love it more then anything. Every BASE jump is like my first skydive, so scared that I can’t really enjoy it yet, and when I do start to enjoy it I always see myself pushing the boundaries and trying harder and harder things on base jumps. I would like to take a step back and just enjoy it but love pushing and testing my limits! One thing about it is that I can go do it whenever I want for the most part, and I can go alone and do it for myself!

SDC: So what are you more passionate about, BASE or skydiving. Why?

MM: That’s a tough call, since you have to work for BASE and not pay for the jumps I think it will win for now!

SDC: You recently got back from a couple cool BASE trips, one that was chronicled in Blue Skies Mag… and the more recent trip to Twin Falls. Tell us a little about those experiences.

MM: This winter was the funnest winter I’ve had in my life. Had a blast in Cali and met so many people, same as in Florida and Twin Falls. California definitely has some of the sickest scenery for BASE jumps! Idaho was an amazing trip as me and 2 buddies went and we had a blast jumping non stop for 6 days!

SDC: What’s the best memory you’ve made as a BASE jumper?

MM: The best memory I have is actually from this past weekend at Twin! I taught my buddy how to jump and got him into the sport, we did a nice 2 way with him doing video of me doing a gainer on a sunset load at the bridge. It was by far one of the best jumps I have ever done!

SDC: What’s one of the scariest things you’ve seen in the sport?

MM: Well lucky me I havent seen much carnage in this sport. Just seeing people do some low turns and stab out at the last second…thank god!

SDC: Okay, now back to skydiving. Planning on attending any boogies or traveling anywhere this season. Maybe back to Everglades perhaps?

MM: Yeah this winter that just passed was my first with a lot of traveling, my next winter is getting planned out much differently. I will be at almost every boogie in the US if things go according to plan!

Thanks Marko! It was great chatting with you. Be safe out there on those static objects.

Stick around, we’ve got some more BASE jumpers to hear from this week – and you WON’T be disappointed!

Blue skies!

Ashley

*NOTE: This was my 100th post. Yay!

Carolina Revisited

Last week Rick and I took a trip to South Carolina for a long weekend. The main purpose of the trip was to visit his aunt who he hadn’t seen since the 80s, but our adrenaline addiction benefitted greatly when we heard that she lived an hour from Skydive Carolina.

So needless to say we spent some time at this Southern DZ!

The first thing you notice when arriving at Skydive Carolina is the HUGE LZ. H.U.G.E. It’s 70 acres! And there are outs everywhere – not that you frequently need them. Even I didn’t have a problem hitting my target

The only issue we really ran into was turbulence and thermals off the runway.

We were pleasantly surprised when we ran into a few jumpers that we met at the Everglades Boogie. We posted up near a group of belly flyers who made us feel right at home and got a chance to jump with one of the freeflyers who we also met in Clewiston.

On the last day of the trip we were able to jump with Justin, a friend from Skydive PA and now a resident of South Carolina – this was the weekend he made Skydive Carolina his home.

The first jump of the day was a little hairy for me – what with getting kicked in the face and almost getting clobbered by another freeflyer. Whew!

After spending a few days there, I have a good feeling that Justin will be right at home there. The people are so nice and down to Earth! There’s a strong community feel, very encouraging. Most of all, people are just there to have a good time – even the teams in training took the time to chat and share in a few laughs.

Another Southern DZ I highly recommend! If you decide to pay this dropzone a visit, tell Annette that Ashley and Rick said hi

Blue skies!

Ashley

What kind of skydiver are you?

So we all know the obvious answer to this – if you’re a belly flyer or free flyer, swooper or camera flyer – but what I’m referring to here is more about your involvement in the sport.

Sure, the great majority of us would prefer to have the ability to make a skydive anytime the urge hits us – which, let’s be honest here, is practically every hour of every day – but due to things like careers, obligations or even just personal choice, we become a certain type of skydiver.

Based on my experiences at a number of different dropzones are the country, I came up with a list of categories. Of course, this is intended to be a fun list of very subjective classifications based on my observations as a fairly new skydiver, so please take it as such. I’m interested to see where people think they fall!

Some of these overlap a little, and there is a possibility to be in more than one category in some instances (in my case, I fall into two of these classifications). If there’s anything I’m overlooking or you have a category you’d like to add, please chime in with a comment! Now onto the list!

The Careerist – these are the DZOs, the tandem instructors, the full-time videographers and riggers of the world – the people who have made skydiving their career. I’ve seen this in a number of lights: some do it to make $ to jump more and then fun jumps become few and far between, others make it work for themselves and they still take time to fun jump with their pals and of course there are variations in between. But either way, most of your time is spent at the DZ, if you’re not living there

The Frequenter – these are the people who have the ability to carve out lots of time (and money) for skydiving. Whether they have unusual work schedules, own their own businesses, or they’re the type you always wonder exactly what it is they do, they’re always up for a jump, no matter when or where. These are the go-tos when it comes to organizing mid-week jumps – you can always count them in for a random day of skydiving.

The Organizer – these are the people who frequently organize the jumping days. There could be sub-categories here, like the travelers who are always organizing groups to go to a bigger DZ or boogies, the mid-week jumpers who are trying to fill loads so they can get up, or even the dirt dive kings of the world who decide exactly what point will be turned on the next skydive. Regardless of how, these people get things done, they get people to jump.

The Weekend Warrior - most often these are the people with day jobs who work pretty typical hours and are available to skydive on the weekends. This is me in a nutshell. I can get the occasional day or afternoon off to make a few jumps, but for the most part weekends are committed to skydiving so long as long as the weather plays nice. I’m also one of those people who doesn’t quite know what to do when it rains on a Saturday afternoon.

The Weekday Warrior – reverse of the Weekend Warrior, these are people who tend to work more on weekends and have random week days free. They’re also usually the organizers of the mid-week jumps.

The Traveler – the person who doesn’t necessarily have a “home” dropzone and spends lots of time traveling to other DZ, events and boogies. This also includes those jumpers who fly their personal aircraft into whatever DZ they feel like jumping at that weekend (oh to be a pilot, I’d love to take advantage of that!). I definitely consider myself a traveler, I love visiting new DZs, jumping new aircraft and meeting lots of great skydivers along the way.

(Still from one of David Schwartz’s videos last weekend at Skydive Carolina – freefly with Rick and Justin)

The Occasionalist - from my experience, these are the people who busy day jobs, families and lots of personal obligations on the table. They are busy people, juggling lots of activities. They make it to the dropzone when they can, but it’s not the top priority. Someone with a life outside of skydiving…you’ve gotta respect that!

The Groupie - at first this term sounds negative, but I promise it’s not. These are the people who really fit in at the dropzone, the people you look forward to seeing when you’re skydiving, but that may not jump that often, if at all, for one reason or another. These are the jumpers that make the after-hours bonfire  just that much more fun! They get the sport, they’ve jumped, but they’re mostly there for the community and/or to support someone who falls into one of the above categories. It takes a very patient and understanding soul to be able to put up with all the type As at a dropzone

So, that’s what I’ve got. What’ve I missed? Any categories you’d like to add?

Taking words from my interview with Norman Kent, no matter which group(s) you fall into, embrace it!

As a pretty typical Weekend Warrior, I’ll be the first to admit that I had higher expectations for myself than is actually possible, but then again I’m the type of person who thinks she can do it all and punishes herself (and sometimes those around her) when she can’t.* I’d love to be able to set my own schedule and make jumps at my leisure, but of course, who wouldn’t? Sure, I envy those jumpers who can head out on a sunny day mid-week to make some jumps together, but then again, I’m blessed to have enough vacation time to travel to different dropzones and meet some great people along the way. And during the week, I do have a day job I enjoy, so really, how can I complain too much?

In the end, it balances out. That’s the take-away message here. Be proud of the type of skydiver you are! In the end, we’re all skydivers who enjoy the time we spend together in the air and on the ground, and that’s what really matters.

Blue skies!

Ashley

*this is my way of publicly apologizing for being a douche. Sometimes my words get the best of me – I’m only human.

The small victories

(This is the one where I hope it doesn’t sound like I’m full of myself…take note, this post goes beyond just me, to my partner and fellow freeflyers. These past couple weeks have been incredible for everyone!)

I’ve been saying it for months, and it’s so true – skydiving is all about the little victories. Some of the best jumps I’ve had are those where we come down talking about the small improvements we’re seeing.

The past couple weeks I’ve really seen improvement with me and my freefly partner. We’ve been lucky enough to jump with some incredible freeflyers on random skydives that were not only incredibly fun, but very helpful to the learning curve!

We’ve been working for months on our relativity and forward movement / side sliding in sit. Our last few skydives have shown incredible improvement in this. It’s like, all of a sudden, something clicked!

There’s something to be said for jumping in groups of 3, 4 and 5, where there’s always someone to dock on. You’re also forced to make it to the low man or you’re going to be watching that skydive from the outside. Now who wants that?!

(Fun three-way with Susie. I bailed out of the dock because I had too much forward speed.)

(This 5-way campfire turned into a couple of two-ways, but there was a lot of penetration going on up there! – Now would be a good time to remove your head from the gutter. Thanks ).

This weekend at Skydive PA I finally nailed a controlled stand to make it down to the group. What an incredible feeling! Standing had always been my weakness, but as a smaller jumper it’s a critical skill in freefly. So I’m pumped for this success.

Wishing I had the video to share from that 4-way freefly, but my camera died so you’ll just have to take my word for it .

On top of that, you can’t forget about the head downs, transitions, forward and side movement that were accomplished in the sky this weekend. Not only does it feel great to have these successes yourself, but when you’re able to witness someone else’s victories, it’s just as rewarding!

(Rick showing us what it’s all about! We had some fun under canopy. I’m loving the Sabre 1)

This is one thing I truly love about the sport – there’s so much to learn and there are always new ways to improve. It’s the ultimate self-improvement activity! And in the end, you have plenty of reasons to celebrate around the bonfire with a cold beer.

What areas have you seen yourself progressing lately – in and out of skydiving?

Blue skies!

Ashley

Video update: freefly

Wanted to provide a short video update – from my perspective.

The first is a two-way freefly with my partner at Skydive Pennsylvania in mid-March.

The second is a much anticipated 2-way sitfly with Christa. This was a long time coming – so fun. This girl and I do not get up in the air together enough!

The last is a two-way freefly with Rick. The video does not do this exit justice – it was SO MUCH FUN. At the tail end, if you’re paying attention, you can see his cutaway before my camera shut itself off.

Hoping for more freefly fun this weekend (and no chops)!!

Blue ones!

-Ashley

Wind+Sleet=Safety Day grounded

*Photo by Nancy Mellish


As you probably guessed by the title of today’s post, Safety Day this year was weathered out as far as actual skydiving was concerned, but we had a great turnout at Skydive PA!

This was Cecil’s first Safety Day as DZO, and he made it look easy! The day started with general refreshers like malfunctions, safety in freefall, on the ground preparations…you get the idea. Then we broke off into groups based on ability level. I sat with the group that discussed camera flying and what to do at the scene of an accident.

All very good stuff. Then there was the presenting of the Ches Judy Award, which went to one of the most helpful instructors I’ve ever met – John Ellison!

*Photo by Nancy Mellish

The rest of the evening was spent mingling, chatting with staff, and getting reacquainted with the local skydiving community. I really enjoyed the time I spent with the freeflyers and soaking up knowledge from the rigger on staff. Good stuff!

It just so happens that while discussing some things with one of the students, she seemed very interested when I’d mentioned selling off my triathlon to downsize. Further discussion led to her trying on my entire rig, which she instantly fell in love with.

So what does this mean? Well, looks like I’m in the market for some new gear!

I’m already planning to order a custom Infinity rig from Velocity Sports – what can I say, I fell in love, there’s no turning back now!

I’m also in the market for an AAD and a used 150 until I order a custom 135…I’m a slow downsizer. Know of any 150s that need a temporary home?

So how was your Safety Day?

Blue skies!

-Ashley

Experiencing Skydive City

After the Everglades Boogie we had about 2 1/2 days of rain. This was a good chance for us to experience some things in Florida we might not have otherwise.

On the way from Clewiston to Fort Lauderdale, we stopped at a place that offers air boat rides to see the alligators. Instead of taking the ride we walked around their exhibit and saw a bunch of different animals.

From there we decided to head up to Orlando to get some tunnel time. On the way the skies cleared a bit so we swung by Skydive Sebastian in hopes that they were jumping. It was pretty dead there – must be everyone had gone to the boogie down south.

(The deserted Skydive Sebastian)

We arrived in Orlando that evening to find there were no tunnel slots left. We watched some tunnel newbies and a couple freeflyers working on their relative sit. This was actually very educational for us, as I was able to see what the smaller of the pair was doing, while Rick picked up some tips on how to slow his fall rate a bit.

The next day due to lack of funds for sufficient tunnel time, we went over to DeLand in hopes of jumping. Two days spent in DeLand were a bust – aside from the PD factory tour which was pretty nifty. We also met some great people who worked in the skydiving industry. Though we didn’t get to jump, it was a good little visit!

(Picking oranges at Skydive DeLand – waiting for the skies to clear)

The next day we checked the weather and Skydive City in Zephyrhills seemed to be our best bet for jumping. So we got in the car and made the 2 hour drive. By the time we got there, the skies had cleared and the Pac was going up!

This was my first jump back after the cut away at the Everglades Boogie, and needless to say I was more than a little nervous. There were all sorts of thoughts running through my head and I continued to doubt my pack job (even though it wasn’t my pack job that I had to chop).

We jumped with a guy named Pat who was also a freeflyer. After getting my rig stuck on the door at exit, I was pretty much out of the skydive. It was a good solo sit, though!

The second jump was the sunset load where Rick and I worked on our relative sit, again.

We woke up on day two a Skydive City to a thick layer of clouds. I was bumming because I was two jumps away from my 100th, which I really wanted to get on this trip.

Well lucky for me the clouds broke up and the day ended up being perfect. I think it was the nicest day we had the entire vacation.

Pictures like this sure make me miss 70s and sunny!

Our first jump was a two way relative sit. We decided to do a train exit as that seems to help keep us together. On this jump, it proved highly successful. When we got back to the ground we were both extremely excited – we’re starting to get it! Between my posture and putting my legs down and Rick finding the trick to getting bigger our fall rate is getting there. And though it’s hard to tell with this wide angle GoPro, we were pretty close, too.

The next jump was my 100th. Aaron, a former Cleveland Parachuter himself, went up with us to get some stills and video, so we made it a 3-way freefly – or, did our best to, anyhow.

We didn’t stay quite as relative as we would have liked, but it was a fun skydive regardless. I did cork out once which is uncharacteristic of my recent sitflys, but I was back in the game quick.

Thanks Aaron, for capturing this jump for me!

If I can ever figure out how, I’ll post Aaron’s video here or on my YouTube channel. Stay tuned. For now, you get the jump from Rick’s perspective.

Overall Skydive City was one of the best experiences of the trip. We got to jump with some great people and had incredible weather. And I’ll definitely agree that they’re the friendliest dropzone around!

If you’re in the Tampa area, Skydive City in Zephyrhills is a must. If you drop by, give Aaron my best!

Blue ones!

Ashley