SHORT VERSION OF MY REVIEW:
It is nearly impossible to find a place more suitable to skydive than at Texas Skydiving Center (TSD). If you're wondering about where to go, then just go here. Whether you are doing a tandem with some friends or family, looking to do your very first AFF jumps, or just coming out as a fun jumper, this is the best place to go near Austin.
MY CIRCUMSTANCES:
I came out to TSD for a week in order to take my AFF course and had the goal of doing my first 7 AFF jumps to reach solo status. The only skydiving experience I had was one tandem that I had done in Miami four years prior. I was staying in Bastrop the whole time which is a perfect location because it is the same distance to both Austin and TSD. My AFF instructor, Sarah, couldn't have been better, and I was thoroughly trained with everything I needed to know for my first jumps, especially some excellent training for emergency procedures! And after a week of jumping I had done 14 total jumps and was already feeling much more comfortable in free fall (being the scaredy cat that I am)!
LONG VERSION OF MY REVIEW:
WHERE DO I START WITH TEXAS SKY DIVING CENTER (TSD) ?!?!
THE PEOPLE:
For me, the people are the most important factor when it comes to any extreme sport like skydiving. You are putting your life in the hands of people whom you have never met before, and it's crucial to know that these people are:
always keeping SAFETY as their No. 1 priority
PASSIONATE about what they do
warm and WELCOMING you into their "sky family"
KNOWLEDGABLE to the highest degree
CARE about making their customers have an unforgettable experience
EXPERIENCED in the sport to the extent that they feel more comfortable falling through the sky at 120mph than they do running to their car
THE DROP ZONE:
The drop zone is a huge field over 100 acres in area with a gravel runway running diagonally through the middle. So, it gives a huge area to land. Even for a beginner like me, I was able to land perfectly fine even in high winds. In addition, there are a dozen or so donkeys that roam the property. Petting these "therapy donkeys" provides the perfect remedy for the pre-jump heebie jeebies. But those aren't the only animals around. You can feel free to explore the property where you can find llamas (including a baby llama just over a month old!), guinea fowl, chickens, pigs, rabbits, etc. As you can see, it's the kind of place where kids wouldn't have trouble hanging out in as their parents go for a skydive! There is even a primitive playground with swings and monkey bars.
THE EXPERIENCE:
Normally a jump consists of you getting into the plane with your instructor or other jumpers. The plane will climb up to 10,000' for tandems and 11,000' for AFF students and fun jumpers. You can expect the ride to be about 20 min. As you ride up in the airplane the anticipation builds, and many people (including myself) find this to be the scariest part of the experience. Once you jump, you can't help but enjoy what is happening to you. A free fall of 35-45 seconds reaching speeds of 120mph, and then the main canopy opens. You will then enjoy about 5-6 minutes gliding around the sky like a bird, during which you will have the chance to BREATHE and take a look around you at what the world looks like from 4,000' in the air. And, of course, if you're doing a tandem, every landing is super smooth!
In reference to poor reviews from previous years:
TSD is under new management since September, 2016. Two of the instructors who have been working at TSD for years decided to buy the company from the previous owner/operator who was the cause of much dismay that can be seen in the reviews from years past. The team at TSD is very accommodating to their customers wishes and needs, and booking jumps, payment, video/pictures, are all handled in a very ethical and...
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