rick@uokvax.UUCP (11/29/85)
In response to "Florida DZ's", I offer the following
information.
In my opinion you will do well to jump in Florida over the
holiday period. My advice is to get to one of the bigger DZ's
in the middle of the week. There is always a shortage of experienced
people during the week and your chances of getting invited on a
good RW dive if your an unknown are much higher. Don't overstate
your qualifications and be prepared to be in "the base" with some
other local talent,probably pulling something out the door.
Assuming you do well, and don't pull in anyones face your
likely to make some new friends who will get you on some dives
during the weekend. The winter season in Florida is pretty good
for skydiving and your bound to run into some jumpers from
other countries. Chances are many of them will be trying to get
in as many jumps as possible during their stay and will also be
content to jump with low experienced skydivers.
Both Z-Hills and Deland were offering RW schools the last
time I was there and if you can afford them its also a good way
to get some dives in. The more structured schools will have a
video man on the dive and an instructor in the air who will sit
and critique your flying during the post dive.
The other smaller drop zones; Palatka is a great place to
jump but call ahead to ensure their open.
Bring plenty of bucks,a sleeping bag, and a logbook/rating
documents and you should have a good time.
Rick