AFF Program Reviews

My experience as an AFF student at Skydive Orange was beyond everything I could ever expect. I never thought I’d ever feel so comfortable skydiving on my own. I’ve overcame fears and limitations and the credit goes to the environment as a whole, manifest people, packers, coaches, instructors and of course management. All of them have always been extremely respectful with the challenges I’ve faced during the course, specially when it comes to safety. They make sure AFF students are well prepared for any adverse situation that might happen, big part of that are the EPs practices before our day get started, they teach you what to do and how to handle unexpected situations in case they happen. You’re probably thinking “yes but every drop zone teaches EPs”, yes that’s right but at this place they make sure you build a muscle memory by doing it over and over again and the goal is making those procedures turn into an instinct reaction, AFF students don’t get in the load before getting EPs done every morning, and that makes all the difference. Besides that they’re constantly checking winds and conditions for AFF students, and if they need to hold you on the ground all day because it’s not safe for your knowledge level, they are going to do so with no hesitation. I had the chance to jump at a big and well known drop zone during my AFF and I definitely didn’t feel half of the security I feel when I’m home, I was uncomfortable and all I could think about was how much I wanted to run back to my home drop zone. All the staff are really supportive and they do everything they can to help, teach and show what’s a good and smart path to take for when you become a licensed skydiver. It amazes me how the instructors and coaches are extremely knowledgeable and they have so much experience in the field, it’s unbelievable how much I’ve learned from and with them. On days I had to stay of the ground because of the weather conditions, that is when I became a sponge and suck all the knowledge out of them. This place showed me that becoming a skydiver is not only about jumping out of planes, know how to land your parachute and survive, it’s way more than that… you get to know who you really are and you face your worst fears but also your happiest dreams, skydiving is my passion and even if I try I wouldn’t be able to put down in words how grateful I am for choosing Skydive Orange to be the place that introduced me to the rest of my life.

I think one of the most useful things to me as I was getting the license was having a variety of coaches and instructors.  Getting a license at the same DZ I think can give a certain level of comfort.  Getting a little out of that zone is important to grasping a wider understanding of the sport.  Some people fly certain ways.  I’ve seen a few things done differently.  For example, whether to try to salvage a severe line twist with the slider up.  Some more conservative instructors have said to try to kick it out before reaching decision altitude, while (most) others have said to simply get rid of it early and save the altitude.

The daily EPs I think also instill a level of confidence and a chance to get your head in the game each day, so to speak.  I know they are tedious to the instructors but I rate them highly at least for the first 10 to 15 jumps or so.

I think also the sooner students get off the radio the better.  Something I learned early on was that having someone to tell me when to flare was causing me to be reactive rather than proactive in my flight.  For the first couple it’s helpful as you learn how to do a pattern and when to flare.  For me personally I would have flared the first time much earlier than I ought to have, so the radio is certainly good to have.  I’m sure the instructors have much more experience with a wide range of students, but that’s just my experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting my license at Orange, and look forward to many jumps to come as I develop my skill in the sport.  All the instructors and coaches have been super approachable and fun to jump with, and even the few jumps since getting my license it has been easy to find someone with which to jump.

The AFF course at Skydive Orange was very good. The instructors and coaches are all very knowledgeable. I like that there is a huge emphasis on safety during the training. Multiple gear checks and emergency procedure reviews are done before every jump. The course gave me exactly what I needed to be a skydiver and I wouldn’t change anything about it. I want to give a special shout out to Alex Rayfield (one of my instructors). Alex went above and beyond in his efforts to personally see to it that I received proper training on my final jump, my check dive.

My AFF training was awesome! Couldn’t have been happier.. You guys picked the best team. All of the instructors I dealt with were very knowledgeable and eager to help. I dealt with Mel, Dave, and Rayfield the most. Their training was very personalized, nothing but good things to say. The office was especially on point too, you guys were always available and made things super easy. Honestly enjoyed my experience with everyone on staff, definitely feel apart of the community in the short two weeks I’ve been there. Thanks for being awesome!

I recently got my A license at Skydive Orange… I had never skydived before going to Orange and was brand new to all of it. It was an awesome experience from from my first AFF jump to my final Check Dive. All of the staff are incredibly helpful, friendly, and make safety #1 for you and others. The dropzone itself is really nice and hosts a lot of events; From the instructors, coaches, and riggers, and all of Orange staff really made it a fun. Definitely a highlight in my life learning to skydive at Skydive Orange. Everyone made it such an unforgettable experience. So thankful for everyone there who was apart of my journey towards reaching my A License.

The AFF Program at Skydive Orange was an experience that changed my life. Never before have I experienced an environment that made me feel so welcome and encouraged to excel. And have fun doing it.

First I would like to say that from the very beginning I was and continue to this day to be very thoroughly impressed with Skydive Orange’s commitment to safety in the air and on the ground. All of the instructors, coaches, riggers, and packers are VERY knowledgeable and do their best to make sure that you are prepared before you even step onto the plane, while in the plane, in free fall, and under canopy. Their immense focus on Emergency Procedures is incredible and made me feel confident and safe no matter what the situation.

From the moment I walked through the door the atmosphere at Skydive Orange was extremely positive. Between the instructors and coaches and other students and skydivers, it is a very supportive and encouraging environment. The instructors and coaches although very focused on safety always seemed to want to make sure that you were having fun while learning and experiencing the incredible art of skydiving.

Debriefing after each jump with my instructor or coach allowed me to get great feedback about what went well and what areas needed improvement. At times the instructor or coach would be able to video the jump which I found invaluable to my improvement. They were kind and understanding and offered great ways to overcome ANY obstacle that I encountered. Never once did I feel that I couldn’t ask a question or was made to feel that there was such a thing as a dumb one.

Skydive Orange is not just place of business. It is a family. Over the last 6 months I have met some of the most wonderful people that I now have the pleasure to call friends. I would recommend Skydive Orange to ANYONE. In fact, one of my friends is almost through the AFF Program and another that has done a tandem and is considering the AFF Program thanks to their experience at this DZ. That’s how great Skydive Orange is!

Transformative…challenging…rewarding…inspiring. This is how I would describe my experience obtaining my skydiving license. My journey in skydiving started with three tandem jumps (the second and third were at Orange). I loved my experience at Skydive Orange so much that it was a no-brainer when deciding where to attend the AFF program. The AFF program at Skydive Orange is very structured and organized. The atmosphere, energy, and people are phenomenal.

What I really liked about the AFF program at Skydive Orange:

• We spent a lot of time focusing on emergency procedures. This program definitely made me feel prepared and safe
• Debriefing after each jump with my instructor or coach, which allowed me to receive valuable feedback about what went well and what areas need improvement
• I really appreciated that some of the instructor/coaches were able to video my jump. This allowed me to have visual feedback during the debrief, which was instrumental in helping me learn
• I got to work with a variety of instructors and coaches throughout the program. This gave me more in-depth instruction from a range of skydivers with different experiences and teaching styles
• I never walked away from there feeling like I wasn’t learning something and being supported in the process
• The atmosphere at Skydive Orange is extremely positive. Between the instructors and coaches and other students and skydivers, it is a very supportive and encouraging environment
• Whitney in manifest is super friendly and very responsive to emails. She has such a great vibe and makes everyone feel welcome
• The facility is very clean and comfortable

Even as a newly licensed skydiver, I still have a lot to learn and a lot of questions. I often go to the instructors, coaches, and riggers with questions and their words of wisdom and guidance are extremely helpful. Skydive Orange is by far an amazing place to learn, to challenge yourself, to find your passion, and to make wonderful new friends.

Skydive orange’s AFF and subsequent ISP was a fantastic experience. Tammer, Jim, Alex, and Nick were very informative and patient and not only that, but the DZ staff to include riggers and packers were welcoming and informative. I was initially worried about coming to a new dropzone, but everyone was so inclusive that the worry’s of having to find a new group to associate with quickly vanished. I plan on bringing out anyone who will come in the future!

Choosing to get into the AFF program was one of those “ I wish” ideas that I consider myself lucky to have now gone through with. I still remember the day I first came to Skydive Orange. While waiting to do my tandem skydive, I kept seeing people going in and out of the AFF classroom and thinking to myself, “How cool would it be to actually become a skydiver.” Now, after a little over 7 months later, I know.

As fun as the AFF program was, there were also challenges. I got pretty discouraged around category D. Thanks to the Instructors/coaches there was no shortage of advice and encouragement. As a student in the program, I never felt like I was just another face coming through. These people wanted to see me do well and invested their time into me becoming better.  I’m very thankful, and hope to jump with them in the future during sport jumps. The structure of the program I truly have no complaints about. About half way through I noticed a change in the way the program was being run and a few changes in the people running it. Although the change was subtle I’d say things became much smoother.

Overall I’d like to say thank you Skydive Orange. I’ve got something I get to check off my bucket list over and over again, and that’s pretty awesome. Skydive Orange has more than earned its slogan, “Virginia’s Premier Dropzone”. Here’s to clear sky’s, warm weather, and calm winds!

I couldn’t have picked a better place than Skydive Orange to learn how to skydive. They have an amazing staff, they are so welcoming and friendly. The instructors and coaches gave a genuine interest in making sure that I learned and had fun while doing everything in the safest way possible, they are also very funny. Their skill levels are so good that while flying with them it was like watching hummingbirds in the air. I recommend Skydive Orange to anyone who is thinking about getting their license. I am very thankful for all they did for me.

The AFF program at Skydive Orange is run like a well-oiled machine. I have already recommended it to friends who are interested in the course. I like that safety was a priority but you can still have some fun. All the instructor and coaches were very knowledgeable and helpful with questions. I would definitely like to give a shout-out to Jim Day for getting me out of my comfort zone and Whitney Payne for running manifest like a boss. This sport is very therapeutic and I plan on doing it for a long time.

Skydive Orange is the best DZ to go through the AFF course. I did a good amount of research prior to committing, and after having completed my training, I can confidently say that I made the right choice. The instructors and coaches are patient, knowledgeable and easy going. The facilities and equipment are top of the line, the staff is always helpful and the atmosphere is supportive and encouraging. I look forward to many years of safe skydiving knowing that I have the highest caliber of training, as well as an endless source of helpful information and advice.

I completed my skydiving license at Skydive Orange over 9 of the most fun months I’ve ever had. All of the instructors were fantastic to work with; everyone was knowledgeable, eager to answer questions, and excited to actually get in the air. The great staff results in a great atmosphere for the entire drop zone. The whole location is very laid back and friendly; never did I feel like I was being rushed through the system or shorted on training time or air time.

My only complaint is that they can’t control the weather. Several times while getting my license I would spend a full day at the dropzone unable to jump due to unexpected wind or clouds. Getting weathered out is a huge let down, but that’s life with outdoor sports.