Does Size Matter in Skydive Centers?
By: Randall Fortner
Dallas Skydive Center
For most of us skydiving is an unknown realm of confusion. Anticipation of free falling fill your head like a kid. But where does one go to jump from a perfectly good plane? Skydive Centers can have multiple turbine aircraft or two guys and a single engine Cessna can do the job too. The truth is in this case that size doesn’t matter. What matters is your preference . Kind of a big fish little pond idea.
At Large Drop Zones
At large drop zones, you will find lots of experienced skydivers from all walks of life. All walks of fame and fortune skydive. You will also find the newbie area of folks that are not sure if the decision to jump from a plane for the first time was a good idea. This is the realm of confusion mentioned in the beginning. Skydivers are unique. Skydivers are diverse.
First time skydivers or Tandem jumpers are usually left in a waiting area for one of those experience jumper to come take them on their first skydive. In the middle group, less noticeable, skydivers learning to jump, or more correctly, jumpers learning to skydive. Now mix in grandma and uncle Roger who came to watch the 1st. jump of their newly turned 18 year old finally exercising her privileges as an adult. You get the idea, lots of people, lots of confusion, lots of anticipation. In the crowd of emotion, as a member of any of these groups it becomes easy to be no one. Large drop zones are for some.
Small Drop Zones
Small drop zones usually offer similar skydive experiences but on a less defined hierarchy. The first time skydiver is probably in the same group as the 10,000 jump world record holder. The planes are usually smaller so these skydive centers are more homogenized than their clicky big brother. Small centers give the less experience skydiver and the low time jumper equal and non judgmental access to the experienced jumper. This interaction is not found at the bigger skydive facilities and can make the difference in your experience. A small skydive center is for you if you prefer small towns. If you would rather mix it up in a crowd and make a name for yourself then go big. With drop zones, size matters.
