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I watched the red devils when I was a little boy and had the bug. I started in the raps system in the UK and due to the good old british weather only managed to get to 10 second delays before having enough and giving up. AFF in the UK was very expensive so i chose the FFU in Spain to have a holiday at the same time. Everyone here makes you feel like part of the family. Tim my instructor was fantastic, give him a pay rise. I had an amazing time and my best jump was level seven. The dropzone is massive and overall nothing could have been improved. Take my advice and book today without delay and remember ” Relax ” .

Having completed an AFF course in Cypress some years back in 1991 , I let life side track me. I then did a tandem a month ago and it reminded me of what i was missing and now here I am. I thought the setp was good with a friendly atmosphere. All aspects from a customer service point of view were covered..transport, hotel etc. Coming here was no hassle. I was very impressed with the relaxed but professional instruction method. Overall the course for me was very good, with the level 6 bing the best.

As I have already said the whole experience has been great. I obviously still have a lot to learn about the sport but at this stage things have been going well. From my prior experience of dropzones , this has been the best to date.

When Pete first suggested the AFF last year I was thrilled at the thought, but doubted that I’d ever have the courage to jump. With adrenaline pumping just at the prospect plummeting to earth I read the course details over and over, and after the tenth reading, decided that maybe it can’t be that bad.

Two people to look after you for the first three levels, then down to one person for the last four. Someone will be there to literally hold my hand all the way – well at least until I pulled the canopy. What the hell, why not.

The prospect stayed on the back burner and we convinced ourselves that we’d probably sort it out sometime between climbing holidays when the weather didn’t look so great in the mountains…. sometime… mañana…

Friday 23rd June arrived and we avidly checked the weather forecast for the week ahead. The dry spell had come to an end, and our planned week on Scottish sea stacks was looking doubtful. Perhaps mañana had arrived after all, so I casually mentioned the AFF. That was it. Pete was a man on a mission. After a quick phone call to Spain, then a bit of a wait while we got confirmation that instructors were available, we booked our Easy Jet flights and car and finalised details with David at midnight. We turned up at the Drop Zone at 7pm the next day and introduced ourselves.

Everything was perfect, just the way we like to play. Last minute decisions put into action and there’s no time to have second thoughts. We started from nothing, so a full day in ground school taught us the essentials – arch, arch and arch, all about the reserve, arch, arch, oh and the landing, and arch some more, and relax. Yeah right!! And suddenly it was time for that first jump. I was so scared. The sound and the smell of the plane was just fazing my head, I couldn’t think, I felt sick, I focussed on looking out of the window. Andy kept telling me to smile, I grimaced, I almost wanted to cry! And then the door was opened. My heart jumped into my mouth, I could hardly breath, I couldn’t believe I was going to do this. But everyone else looked so happy, so relaxed, I just knew I was going to jump, and I knew that all had to do was arch. Just do it girl, I kept saying over and over, just do it, and arch. So I did. WOW! Wonderful, amazing, fantastic, surreal. My senses were pounded for the first two seconds as I shouted arch, arch, arch in my head and I focussedon the horizon. And suddenly there it was, right in front of me, as I had been told it would be, I was in the right position, arched, legs and arms relaxed, feeling the air rushing by me and feeling like everything was totally in control. I was loving every second of it. I completely missed my practice pulls and my final pull – trying to grasp Andy’s altimeter instead (!) – but Andy sorted me out and suddenly I was floating and shouting out for the sheer joy of an amazing jump and just glad that no one could hear!

The course is fantastic, everyone is just amazing, you don’t have to prove yourself to anyone, there’s never any undercurrent feeling of competition and everyone is really supportive – especially at those times when you’re so tired and feel like you’re just rubbish and you’ll never stop feeling scared. And when you pass, well, it’s just brilliant, and everyone shares in your bubble of happiness.

Beer and bbq’d sardines are a great celebration.

Andy was superb. So relaxed, so confident. Thanks Andy. The packers were brilliant. Never annoyed when you brought the bag back full of mud because you landed on the softest thing around – your arse! – or the lines were twisted because you were so excited that you forgot to gather them properly. Paula was wonderful – sorting out accommodation at the last minute and translating everything. The rest of the instructors were just great, and so supportive. Always ready to help and give confidence. The other jumpers – well all mad of course, but now feel like my new best friends.

Thank goodness for madness – why not join he club!?

Laetitia

Forget your first kiss, the first fumble behind the bike sheds, the first drive after passing your test because you will always remember you first level 1, your first solo exit, your first hop and pop, your first consol and then your first fun jump, in shorts over Ocana as you track one way and then another knowing that you are hooked.

Go in with no pre-conceptions or worries and open up to the experience, open your eyes, listen to everyone and take that plunge knowing the wealth of experience all the instructors have and you’ll do well. My primary instructor was Ulli, who seemed more comfortable and at home during freefall than on the ground – I took that as a reassuring thing.

The exit and freefall is such an unnatural feeling, but because of that it is such a great feeling!

Thank you all at the DZ – Sam for all the sorting out, David, all the instructors who are great, all the packers (who are unsung heroes), Edu the pilot and Dolly!.

After a sleepless night it felt like a long day, caught the early flight to Madrid and then straight to the DropZone. Was met at the airport by Christo and had a speedy journey to Ocaña. Met by all the friendly staff who made me feel welcome. Ate lunch with Luci, who would be my fantastic instructor over the next week, then straight into ground school. Finished the ground school that afternoon and had time to watch the last load landing under canopy. Raring to go I couldn’t wait to get up in the air.

Letting my nerves get the better of me the first night in the hotel was slightly restless. Once I was back at the airfield I started to feel better. With the help of Andy Gregory, my secondary, the three of us were soon falling free from the Porter and I was receiving expert tuition all the way down. Managed 3 jumps but was starting to get tired and make mistakes. The great thing about the whole course was that I always made to feel in control and never pressured or rushed. No more jumping that day and back to the hotel for a good nights sleep.

Next morning it was back to the DropZone, another practice and back up in the Porter. This time, no mistakes and from now on it would be just me and Luci. Unfortunately the wind picked up a little too high and would have to wait a while for my next go. Gus, another student, and I took this opportunity to take the train to Madrid.

Next jump didn’t go as well as planned and started to get the fear a little. Everyone was very supportive and always there to chat. Thanks goes to Luci for giving me the confidence to go back up.

Next jumps all the way to graduation were a blur. Was up and down like a yoyo. The FFU was the best choice I made in a long time. Cheers to Samantha & David for the organisation, Ulli & Paula for driving me around, Andy Guler for helping me get back in the plane, Andy Gregory for being my secondary and of course Luci for being the best!

travelled on my own nd was picked up at the aiport, taken to my hotel then straight out to meet the rest of the GANG….they all immediatly made me feel very welcome.
Ground school was at a good pace and was surprised at how I took it all in. we had a few days of bad weather anly got 3 jumps in 4 days then in one I completed my AFF, yeahhhh!!!!
Level 7 is just the best, unstable exit is so much fun.
Coming back in 3 weeks.

Arrived at the DZ I met Tim who was my primary instructor for the AFF course, Andy was my secondary and I can’t have asked for better instructors and would highly recommend both.
Tim put me at ease straight away and went trough the ground school very well explaining and getting me to pratice for every eventuality. After the ground school on day 1 I carried out AFF level 1, and it was just unbelievable. However not as unbelievable as jumping solo for the first time on day 3 of my course…. All I would say if you thinking about doing it …stop thinking and crack on with it!!!!!!!

I went on my own to the Freefall University, having virtually everything arranged for me by the customer support team was a real bonus. And I had no sooner arrived in Aranjuez after a seamless journey when my phone rang and I was introduced to another bunch of students, already well into their AFF courses. I had not even reached the DZ and I already felt welcome. The following day at the DZ I started my Ground school with Ulli, Whose friendly casual confident manner made learning so easy, when the time came to jump I didn’t have a single question to ask, I knew exactly what was coming so I could just soak up the experience!

My Instructors Ulli and Paula were great, they are so enthusiastic and have so much experience, they looked after me both in the Air and on the ground. I managed to meet a lot of the Staff outside of the DZ as well. All in it was a fantastic experience, and for the price of an AFF course in the UK, I had a week long adventure in Spain! For those with a sense of adventure don’t just buy the sport, Buy the Lifestyle, go to the Freefall University_

The whole experience is amazing. Every jump begins the sheer amazement that you are about to throw yourself out of a plane at 13.500ft. I still haven’t got over the strange thoughts and feelings that you have as you stand in the door for those last few seconds, knowing you’re about to jump into the sky. The training, the equipment and the great instructors mean that you know everything is going to be ok!! Then you jump…

And then the truly amazing part begins. You arch hard for stability and there you are, handing on the air, nothing between you and the ground except 13.500ft of air. You look at your instructor flying next to you and you look at the altimeter on your wrist, it’s hard to describe what you’re thinking as you turn and track through the sky, watching the clouds rush past. All too soon the altimeter hits 6.000ft and you prepare to pull at 5.500ft you reach, arch and pull….You feel the sudden tug as the canopy starts to deploy, then you look up and watch as the canopy opens into a perfect rectangle.. It’s almost as good a feeling as free falling, when you see that beautiful, perfect rectangular canopy above your head. The canopy ride is great fun, it’s a mix of exhilaration about the free fall and the peaceful flight under the parachute

When we arrived the we banded with both the other “potential” skydivers as well as the drop zone team….We were introduced to our instructor and went straight into training. Ulli was very good at providing the information, let it sink in, then going on, whilst all the time encouraging everyone all would be ok…
As soon as it was possible, the team were straight into jumping to get everyone through. Once the course was completed it was then onto the consolidation jumps, again these was no pressure to hurry these – all to be done at your own pace, fantastic as steady and sure is what I need. On these jumps advice was continually given to help you improve and learn – great just the way I need it…. I will be returning to complete more jumps in a few weeks and meet up with my new friends again!!!! That’s the thing it’s not just jumping but the interest of meeting people from all backgrounds and hearing about their experiences….Great time…. Great fun…. Great feeling

After 3 sessions at the body flight, bedford wind tunnel which has been very helpful, I have quit a job which I was obviously able to fund skydiving in the first place, sold nearly everything I own and I am back in Aranjuez for as long as funds allow. In short there is a unrivalled atmosphere at the Ocaña dropzone compared to anything I have experienced anywhere in the world, all the staff are sound, not a bad word to say about any of them. Aranjuez is a great city.
I’m craving the Freefall like a junkie craves a smack. If you think I’m mental you’re right, only I have burnt the papers which prove it. If you’re thinking of skydiving think of this dropzone. I have done my AFF course , CH1 and am about to get into formation skydiving with Luci Boella. Watch out for me on the news as I aint going home..

I travelled on my own and was picked up at the aiport, taken to my hotel then straight out to meet the rest of the GANG….they all immediatly made me feel very welcome.
Ground school was at a good pace and was surprised at how I took it all in. I completed my AFF over three days and my instructor ( Ulli was just great – positive and constructive . The night life in Aranjuez lived up to my expectations .Level 7 is just the best, unstable exit is so much fun. Coming back in 3 weeks for some more jumping!

I couldn’t possibly recommend the Freefall University anynhigher!!!! From the second of arrival, we had all of our course material and the telephone number of our instructors, and an invitation to come out that night to meet everyone!!!! Everyone at the drop zone does a great job to make you feel at home. Safety is high priority at the freefall university!!! A large part of the ground school Is dedicated to techniques and procedures to ensure that you stay safe in the air, and on the ground too…

As for my personal instructor – Andy Gregory , I cant thank you enough or recommend him any more!!! He keep my nerves calmed down during every flight to 13.500ft and managed (somehow) to turn me from falling like a rock to something that resembles a skydiver in only 7 jumps… well done that man!!!!

As for the Course, I would not have believed that the pressure goes down and the enjoyment goes up after just 4 aff levels – from level 5 onwards, there is a feeling of calm… it’s a great feeling to see everything come together!!!

Skydiving – its easy!!! Jump… arch… and relax!!!!

My ground school and first 5 jumps with Danilo (Danny secondary) were great. Everything explained so well and demonstrated before each jump. After level 5 my confidence went, I donít know why, so I had a day and a half sitting, enjoying the weather and thinking.
I spent time talking to Andy and Uli and went back up. Levels 5, 6 and 7 went without a hitch and everything seemed so easy. The main thing for me was to actually do it, being scared of flying and heights. But after the first lift the problem with flying seems to have gone.
Everything about the course, from the training to the socialising, is great as everyone is so friendly and helpful. So donít think about it just book up and do it.

After being welcomed at the dropzone and shown around I could not wait to get started. the first half day is ground school. Then the nervous first jump.The adrenaline rush as you leave the door with nothing for 13500 feet below, is amazing. But then its straight into a well rehearsed routine which ends in the “first pull”! Don’t plan on much sleep the first night, 50 seconds freefall plays on the mind all night. The next 5 levels fly by. Somewhere around level 5 it stops being scary. From now on its all enjoyment. Level 7 is a nail biter but only because of the pressure I put on myself to pass. Then came the solos fun, fun, fun with the consols and beyond. “Copper up for just one more”.

I arrived with very little knowledge of what to expect. The ground school with my instructor Uli was very relaxed yet also very professional. I do not have the words to describe the first jump, the first feeling of freefall, what I did know is that I wanted more!
My advise to anyone even considering to skydive is to just come here and try. You’ll wonder what you used to do before it was in your life.
My instructor Uli comes with the highest recommendations.

I arrived with some friends in the late afternoon – already skydivers – here to jump and another AFF student. Within what seemed like minutes we were whisked off the ground school. To find out what we know already (done static line) and to teach us what we need for freefall.
The following lunchtime we were ready for level 1.
Uli –my instructor- is enormously enthusiastic about the sport and I trusted him immediately. He instills confidence and I believe not only in his ability but mine too.
Jumping into the sky is a hugely liberating experience, with two instructors with you levels 1, 2 and 3 to help you with technique stability. After that there is one instructor in the sky for levels 4, 5, 6 and 7 to help you recover from unstable positions and enjoy the freefall and prepare you to play in the sky independently.
Are you ready to jump?

The FFU is friendly, they make you feel at home. Doctor Uli was a great help with my nerves. Tim kept me calm in the plane. Skydiving is fantastic. Who would have thought falling at 120 mph could be so much fun.

I will be back to jump some more!

A thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying experience!! All the staff at Ocaña make you feel very welcome from the start. The course is excellent with great indstructors. Even in February the weather was superb all week. My thanks to all the staff, but especially my instructors Tim and Ulli not to mention the two Andy´s . Cheers for all the help and support guys.

The fun really begins when the course is over!