{"id":48177,"date":"2024-01-31T14:46:57","date_gmt":"2024-01-31T14:46:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skydivemag.com\/new\/?p=48177"},"modified":"2024-01-31T14:47:06","modified_gmt":"2024-01-31T14:47:06","slug":"jumping-at-a-new-dropzone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skydivemag.com\/new\/jumping-at-a-new-dropzone\/","title":{"rendered":"Jumping at a New Dropzone"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Photo by Griffin Hernandez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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On a recent trip to UAE for some training I reminded myself how lucky I am to travel the globe, jumping at so many amazing dropzones<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It doesn\u2019t come without admin though, and preparation. Different DZs have varying rules and procedures, things probably won\u2019t work the way they do at your home dropzone. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some tips on visiting new dropzones…\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Communication<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re planning a foreign trip, make contact with the dropzone as early as possible before your intended dates. Check that they can accommodate you and your plans or your group. Do they have any restrictions on your planned activities? Are they open for the duration of your stay? Do they have everything you need? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paperwork<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Paperwork \u2013 the skydivers\u2019 nemesis! Make sure before you leave your home country you have all your paperwork neatly stored, signed up and your reserve repack is in date. Things like association memberships, licenses,  logbooks, rig paperwork, insurance information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro tip – I take all my paperwork in my hand luggage; in case there are any lost bags, I could potentially still jump with rental gear.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Check all your paperwork is in order and up to date to make checking in go smoothly
Image by Rhythm Skydiving<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Wellbeing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Travelling is exhausting at times. Usually not enough sleep, airline food and dehydration can take its toll. When you arrive in a foreign country, it can be tempting to go straight to the dropzone and get on the first load. It\u2019s a good idea to plan a rest day at the start of your trip. Tired skydivers can be dangerous skydivers without even realising it. Your first jump and the rest of the holiday will be more fun when you have more energy, and start on the right note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tired skydivers can be dangerous skydivers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Dropzone Brief <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re at the dropzone checking in, you will at some point receive a dropzone brief. Pay close attention to all the details and ask relevant questions to make sure you understand the local rules. Things like exit order, load control, flightline checks, jumpmastering, aircraft procedures, opening altitudes, canopy pattern, landing areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I had a dropzone brief recently and it was comprehensive and included everything I wanted to know, however during the \u2018where you land\u2019 part I was told the classic, \u201cYou\u2019ll be fine, you\u2019re a Flight-1 instructor\u201d<\/em>. Whilst very flattered, I asked a few more pertinent questions, to confirm exactly pattern flow, no-go areas, windsock, arrows, landing directions, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pat attention at the DZ brief, and ask about anything you’re not sure of
Image by Rhythm Skydiving<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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First Jump <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This leads nicely on to your first jump at this new dropzone. I highly recommend a solo hop\u2019n\u2019pop. I know this may feel a bit \u2018safety overkill\u2019, but it is a vital part of a solid process to ensure you know what to do. Most dropzones would be quite happy to drop you at 6,000 feet or so if you ask them and they can fit it around their other commitments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A solo hop and pop gives you so much valuable data. <\/p>\n\n\n\n