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I have always loved adventure and and like to do things that are a bit different. I tried a tandem and decided skydiving was for me. My tandem instructor at home recomended I go to Spain , given the prospect of qualifying in a few days. Two years later I decided to do it. I researched the Freefall University and was impressed. When i contacted David I found him very helpful and informative and so enthusiastic about skydiving it was impossible to say no to the trip of a lifetime.

When I arrived in Spain Andy , one of the instructors collected me personally. I spent the whole car journey trying to figure out where he was from , turns out its Switzerland.. wait untill ( for the girls ) you see him in his Swiss Team jumpsuit! I went to the dropzone first where more instructors and students and Tim ( whom i later nicknamed hulk hogan .. send me some pics of him in his bandana ! ) I also met the other students who were obviously loving the course.

That night as most nights was spent with all the students , formation skydivers and what not eating and drinking in Aranjuez . The atmosphere there was great.

Myself and Laura were training together and we were a bit behind Dean and Mike ..we did our best to keep up with the ” men ” on the course. My instructor Daniel was absoloutley brilliant ! He was so encouraging and reassuring. I made my way through the course taking my time between jumps. I had to repeat two levels. It was without a doubt worth the time and the energy. When i completed level seven i was ecstatic!

Nothing describes your first solo… it was just out of this world! The freedom you have just falling through the air having nobody with you. Its the best feeling i have ever experienced. Its a must do !!!

Coming to a place like the Freefall University is defintatley the best way to do the course. Everybody is on the same wavelenght , so enthusiastic . Everybody has the same passion to succeed and enyoy. Everybody got on great. Everybody encourages each other ..and then theres helping people celebrate when they pass there AFF course ( kindly allowing them to buy a round of drinks that night !! ) . I will be back and will have friends with me ..they have to experience it !

I made some great friends here and Mikes already planning a reunion..and he only left yesterday !! That will probably be in the Uk, but we might manage one in Ireland also. Bassically get your ass over there .. you wont regret it.

By the way a special word to the Pilot, shes French but got great English and is a great laugh when out for the evening. She pretty nuts , but a great pilot and great friend!

Skydiving was one of those things I had always wanted to do. It was something i didnt want to live life without experiencing. So for my birthday I did a tandem skydive at the Irish Parachute Club in Offally. I loved it , the Freefall was amazing, I ended up doing a second tandem! When a friend suggested we go the FFU it sounded like an adventure and I just couldnt say no! When we finally arrived in Sunny Spain we met all tge team who were very friendly and such good fun!

My Instructor Tim and the team were all great people and it was such craic to learn with all the other students also. The atmosphere was simply great.

After a late night in Aranjuez the day I arrived I did the ground school the next day. When it came to the first jump I was quite scared. At one point on the way up I thought about not doing it, but the instructors were so encouraging and I jumped and I have never been so proud of myself.

I flew through the rest of the levels and what a feeling it was to graduate. My first solo was fantastic and an experience I will never forget. I left the plane and words cant describe the feeling. I went on to complete twelve more solos.

Aranjuez is a beautifull city , this is where the students and staff ate in the evening and where i stayed ( Infantes which is simple but very adequate ). I enjoyed this part of the holiday also. Sharing each others experiences and swopping stories. This down to our common interest.

I am really going to miss the FFU and the people I met. I wish I could skydive everyday. I will be back for certain and would reccomend the the FFU to everybody. For me it has been the trip of a lifetime … a truly amazing adventure.

You gotta try it..its a ” deadly buzz ” !

For a couple of years now I have had this nagging in the back of my mind .. I wanted to skydive. Early this year I completed three static line jumps in the UK and even though the weather caused a lot of delays the seed was sown.

I choose the AFF course because of the high pass rate and I chose Spain because of the great weather ( no delays). The Freefall University was the obvious choice.

After the initial email to David Cowman the wheels were in motion and its been a smooth ride throughout.

The instructors are all great blokes and they all hail from different backgrounds providing a broad mix of experience and first class instruction.

Since I arrived at the dropzone I have been treated like one of the gang and it was this helped me to complete the AFF in the minimum amount of jumps. After graduating I have wanted to jump more and more and the team is always on hand to offer a bit of free advice.

Aranjuez itself has a great night life with everyone staying there including the instructors and every night has been a continuation of the day. I will definatley be back!

Stephen.

After some static line jumps and a tandem skydive I wanted to do AFF for some time. Upon convincing some mates to join me I looked around for some places to do it!

I chose the Freefall University because from even the initial enquiry their approach was one both friendly and professional. For the two months prior to arrival constant contact was kept ensuring we had all our needs met prior to arrival.

Spain has fantastic weather and maximum time is Spent jumping. Allowing three weeks to come to Spain we combined this as a holiday for a bit of relaxation and did not anticipate completing the AFF course in 3 days. This has however allowed more time to continue jumping.

I personally was somewhat apprehensive of my first jump. My fears were set at ease by the professional approach yet relaxed atmosphere of the the training.

All of the instructors are extremely experienced and their enthusiasm is inefectious. Their various backgrounds ensure that they are knowladgeable in every aspect of the sport. Including competing at the highest level of the sport.

Upon completion of the AFF course I have been building towards undertaking the formation skydiving (FS1 ) course. The atmosphere at the dropzone is one that makes you feel part of the team. No question was too stupid and I would reccomend the Freefall University to skydivers at all levels. Both AFF and team formation skydiving training were at a high standard from what I could see. And for those whose friends dont want to do a full course bring them over for a tandem .

I started the AFF course feeling very apprehensive . We built up to the first jump with a ground school and although the instructors were very reassuring and professional i was nervous as we took off the next morning.

As I left the aircraft my nerves turned to excitement. Since that first jump I have not stopeed, everytime I am on the ground I want to be back in the air. I completed the AFF in 9 jumps ( 1 repeat ) and went on to do 20.

The FFU Spain is an excellent place to skydive due to the weather and the instructors. The staff are all very friendly. Im sure i will be back here in the near future to jump more.

Gareth

I had been maintaining an interest in an AFF course since i attended a RAPS course two years ago. I found the static line fun but progression was slow, even if all your jumps were successful.

I first looked at doing an AFF course in Florida but the flights alone would have cost nearly as much as the course itself! The added problem of time and travel meant i looked a bit closer to home whilst combining the course with a holiday. I found the Freefall University.

All the non skydiving matters were taken care of by David Flights , accomodation and and car hire. Confirmations etc. were forwarded by email. He also phoned regularily in advance to make sure that we had recieved everything we needed.

Once I landed in Madrid it was only a short journey south to Aranjuez. The hotel ( Infantes ) was simple but more than adequate. Aranjuez itselfy is very pleasant and its got many restaraunts and bars some of which stay open much later.. probably more than you would want them to!! The small town of Ocaña is closer to the dropzone, we avoided this, the few extra kilometres are well worth it.

Of course the real reason for being there was the skydiving. Arriving on day one i was straight into ground school with my instructor who used his vast experience to ensure that all Ii needed to know came across in a clear and concise manner. Having had previous experience., albeit 2 years prior. My instructor was able to identify when I already understood a lesson fully, and was flexible enough to move on. That meant i was able to jump on the first day.

For Level one i jumped with and Christo. It was clear that their main interest was safety but also that I completed the level successsfully. They had a friendly , reassurring approach with a lot of banter that eased my anxiety.

aff skydiving course florida

The course continued in the same way and by the end of the week i had passed my AFF and completed eight consolidation jumps. Im sure i would have completed more solos had it not been for strong wind on occassion.

The camaradrie was something that I noticed straight away at the Freefall University. I had heard that at some dropzones that they could be rather ” cliquey “. At Ocaña I was made to feel very welcome not only from the instructors but from experienced skydivers who rather than look at the AFF students as the new guys respected us for getting involved in their sport. This extended beyond the dropzone with the staff and students socailising in the bars of Aranjuez. One word of warning though , if you smoke will nick your fags!

Coming to Spain and qualifying as a skydiver has been one of the best decisions i ever made. Combining a spanish holiday with the thrill of flying your body has to beat a week sitting on the beach – if your hard enough!

Im already planing my return in October!

Brett

The first question I was asked when I arrived was why skydiving ? Well I did three static line jumps some years ago with my father who was an instructor in the UK. I left the sport and after a period of travel settled on skiing.

I kept thinking about doing an AFF course but never found anyone that would do it with me. Then I met a guy at work , Mike , who was also up for it. So I started researching where to go. We could have jumped in the UK at a dropzone 20 minutes away but I found the Freefall University in Ocaña , near Madrid. What drew me to them was the professionalism , the opportunity for epic weather and it worked out less expensive than doing it in the UK.

I have to tell you its been amazing! ( I have written this whilst still here ). The weather is perfect ..not a cloud in the sky! The accomodation is great and isnt expensive ( Hotel Infantes Aranjuez ) in the city. Aranjuez is buzzing with nightlife and great food…oh yeah and beer!! All the instructors here are TOP NOTCH ..calming , knowledgable and great fun.. simply put they cant do enough for you. David was extremely helpful in booking and my instructor Andy is a serious dude. He has filled me with complete confidence and I feel I have made a true friend. , Christy and Tim all helped me along the way also.

On level one I was very nervous but Andy and Christy kept me stable. What a rush after I exited the aircraft!! I landed my canopy with a soft touch down and was filled with a total Euphoria!

I then did level 2 and 3. I had to repeat level 3 due to not extending my legs enough. I did level four and then level five. I did a great back flip in freefall ..what a feeling.

Today I did level seven and graduated to jump solo! I am now a skydiver! I did a tumble exit from 13,000 feet. in a ball for five seconds and then arched became stable and tracked across the sky with Andy! Tracking is when you travel across the sky like a bullet which was fuc**** amazing. I landed on target to a soft landing!!

You have to come out and do this!! A big thank you to everyone at the dropzone.all a great bunch. To Andy ..thank you for helping me to experience the closest you will ever feel to God!

Pick up the phone and talk to David and come to the Freefall University. I did, im hooked and will be doing whatever it takes to come back as often as possible.

Updated to add:

I have now found my week has come to an end……I have had the BEST time skydiving with the Freefall University. I managed to squeeze in 23 jumps and made some great new buddies. Warning this sport is highly addictive and nothing else comes close in my opinion. Get yourselves over here and give it a go i guarantee you will not be disappointed. So what next? Well i shall be aiming for MY FS1 which allows me to freefall with my friends…Cool!!!And a canopy control course so that one day i can become a kick ass swooper!!!!

Blue skies and soft landings.

Dean

Initially, I didn’t come to the FFU to skydive. My boyfriend was going through the AFF course and I decided to tag along and watch. However, the atmosphere at the drop zone is infectious and you just want to be a part of it somehow. On the second day I decided to do a tandem, and when I was finally suited up to do it, I thought my legs would crumple before reaching the plane—I was terrified. In the end, the experience was absolutely amazing, and although my fear didn’t relent, the excitement was so powerful I did another tandem on the following day. Before I left FFU I promised myself to come back to do the course, and six weeks later I did. I was not the easiest student—during my first jump I could not get out of the plane. I had to repeat three different levels of the course and each plane-ride was a real effort in controlling my fear. However, I tried very hard and once I was out of that plane I felt like nothing else I’ve ever done compared.When I finished my level seven I seriously could not believe I’ve done it, and I was over the moon.I hold so much respect for the instructors at FFU, because when you take the AFF course you are surrounded by a truly cohesive team of experts.Tim, my instructor, was fantastic—always providing constructive feedback. He was positive and patient even when I was frustrated with myself.Marcus, my first tandem instructor, convinced me to go up the first time and I could not wipe the smile off my face for the rest of the week. Tony let me steer the parachute during my second tandem to give me a taste of the real thing. Also, each time you go up on your first set of jumps, you’re flying with your instructor and a secondary and therefore meet most of the team. Lucy was the one who helped me to get myself together and take that first jump. Danny’s smiling face on the plane is enough to make you grin even when you’re completely petrified of that door opening at 13,000 feet. And all the other people at the DZ that so freely share their expertise and help you through the course.I think that FFU has an exceptional team and a great course—not just for true novices like me, but also for people already passionate about the sport. I can’t wait to go back

WOW ! What can I say , this has been the best holiday experience of my life… mostly down to the wonderful people I´ve met over the last few days, students and staff alike. Everyone was so helpful and willing to lend their support without hesitation. Id like to give a special thanks to both my instructors Lucy and Marcus. I could not have expected it to go any smoother.

I still cant believe how much i have learnt in such a short period of time. Its a great confidence boost. If your even considering an AFF course this is the place to come. Granted I have nothing to compare it to, but i cant imagine a school being as welcoming and professional as this.

Also thanks Lamorna for all your help and information you gave me before I arrived. You made the trip effortless.

Where do i start with what has been the most unnatural, intense and pressurized experience of my life, i know this will sound cliché but i feel different, i feel more relaxed, capable and confident than I used to, i certainly look at the sky in a totally different way.

When you’re going though ground school you can’t wait to get up there and jump, but believe me when your up there the last thing you want to do is jump, but you do, and when you do you’ll know what it was that drove you to do this crazy thing. Whether it’s the adrenalin, the challenge or something else, all the fear and anxiety you’ll feel leaves you faster then you fall to the ground. For almost a minute this will be the closest you’ll ever come to unaided flight, to be a bird, to be a plane, yes you got it, to be superman/superstone, this truly is your licence to fly.

I can’t imagine jumping with a more friendly, relaxed and knowledgeable bunch than the guys I found at freefall university. Everyone was very cool, instructors, divers and students alike, the whole place felt open and inviting.

My only problem now is how am i supposed to go back to a day job! I will return.

My impression of the Freefall University is one of friendliness. Safety is obvious and taken seriously and everybody is happy to give advice, which was great for me as i was learning.

I had a fantastic instructor who made me feel very comfortable and calmed my nerves. I felt ok on ” the way up ” but my stomach went when they opened the door! I got into position and the next thing I knew I was freefalling. When I opened my parachute i wasnt sure where I was but my instructor was on the radio to ” talk me down “!

With the help of the instructors i got better and by level six i was having lots of fun doing somersaults. I completed the AFF and consols and did some other solo jumps during my stay.

Many thanks to all at the Freefall University . I have had a fantastic time and hope to see everybody again soon for the formation skydiving course.

 

 

Jumping out of a plane is not a natural act but with Marcus and Ulli i felt 100% safe at all times. Everybody should be made do AFF !

The instructors and other staff of the Freefall University all have a passion for skydiving which is highly infectious and now im hooked ! I will be back in a few weeks to do some more solo jumping and and perhaps take the formation skydiving course.

I cant reccomend the place enough.. Many thanks to David and the gang for making me very welcome..

You dont need courage to skydive,, no really you dont !! Courage comes with the training you recieve. Your belief in yourself and your instructor gives you the courage to step out of a plane at 13,000ft. If you have ever thought of skydiving but dissmissed it because its something only action heros do…seriously think again.

You can do it and not only that youll love it .. I did.

Doing this aff course is one of the best decisions i have ever made. It has opened my eyes to a whole new world of opportunities and challenges. I would be lying if I said I found the course easy. It has been a roller coaster ride of fear, adrenalin and an overwhelming sense of fun and achievement. It is the challenge of the course that makes it so rewarding and fulfilling, when ultimately you finish aff and suddenly you are free to skydive on your own. I’m sure that I would not have got through the course if it were not for the professionalism, kindness, tolerance and good humour of my instructors. I am very grateful to them and everyone else at Freefall University, Lamorna and Dave. Undoubtably the most intense and rewarding 10 days of my life. I will be back…when I have managed to save some more pennies!

Thanks again! Oh yes, if you are thinking about doing AFF, don’t hesitate. It really will change your life.

The last nine days here in FFU for me have been amazing! The first day here was full of information, which is all good. My instructor covered every aspect of skydiving and what to do which made me feel very safe. The AFF jumps were great, going from never jumping out of an airplane to being able ot double front flip out and control 360 turns and flips just four days later. It’s wicked! Especially the solo jumps! Thanks to everyone at Freefall University for a wicked nine days!

Yes you could, sit by the pool all day getting lobster red being served Sangria…or you could go to the FFU and skydive. Now , no normal person wouldnt be frightened at the prospect of throwing themselves out of a perfectly working aircraft. I found myself making up Diety´s and praying to them , the ´God of everything is going to be all right and the ´Prophet of Safe Landings ´. But be assured safery is second to none and then its all fun, fun , fun !

The instructors are brilliant , making sure you are comfortable with everything before doing anything and your gauranteed to meet people from all walks of life , in groups or here on their own. And all there for one thing…to skydive…. Its also reassuring to meet people in the same ” boat ” ( or plane ) as you and I have made many good mates.

Another worry I had was that all the experienced jumpers and staff would be bravado charged , radicle , ” cant put me in a cage man assholes” . Everybody however was , pardon the pun, down to earth and when the sun does go down theres plenty of fun to be had with outdoor music, bars and BBQ´s.

Dont take my word for it , I am writing this on my third holiday back since learning and will not be my last ( Im already booked in for July ).

Skydiving has no rival and the FFU is the perfect place to start. So forget about sun sand and Sangria.

Go where the sky and the ground is the limit!

Mick from Dublin.

We arrived without any problems on a Thursday evening, having hired a car, to find everyone gathered near the bar area talking about the excitements of the day. I was immediately introduced to the FFU team (and more importantly to my instrucor who somehow turned me into a skydiver).

The reality of what I was doing there didn’t sink in until about two in the morning but luckily as we were staying on the DZ I was able to roam the night smoking Fortuna and thinking “Oh my God, I hope I’ve got the balls to jump”.  We stayed in one of the little “cottages” ;o) Not exactly the Ritz but cheap as chips and when you’re that tired it doesn’t seem to make much difference.  Another good point is that you’re first in line to get on the first lift in the morning -though I recommend a strong coffee from the café before you’re first jump if you’ve been out at Latinos with everyone the night before.  Otherwise you might fall for the famous “look over there trick” :o)

Ground school was fun. At first it’s a bit daunting- there’s so much to remember. It’s amazing though, I arrived with nothing and now I know so much. The information kind of sinks in somewhere between the mock up door and the real one. By the time you’re staring at the ground from 13000 feet all you can think of is drills and at what altitude you should do what.

If we are going to be honest now, nothing can fully prepare any normal human being for jumping out of a perfectly decent, fully functional, aircraft. Luckily the FFU instructors are right there beside you, giving you encouragement and fill you with confidence all the way. Good job guys and girls, and thanks so much.

Each AFF level brings some new excitement (along with new skills of course) and once I had qualified I was dying to try out all my new tricks. Sadly my stay was only a short one and I didn’t have time to fit in all of my consols.

I can’t wait to go back. Keep the engines running people and save a seat for me!!

Jo.