Stories
First Jump stories are now being added to the web site for the 2008 skydiving season, so we're looking for your contributions to help keep it fresh.
2008
4-26-08 I attended your facility on Thursday April 24 for my 25 b-day and I want to thank you guys for making it a wonderful experience that I would never want to forget. You guys are great and made me feel at home. Excellent staff... I will definitely be returning again in the near future. Thank You, 4-15-08 I jumped for the first time on April 15, 2008. 10 of us jumped in total that day and I just wanted to thank everyone there for a wonderful experience. I've heard many stories of people who didnt enjoy, chickened out or had an instructer that was more nervous than they were. You all kept us relaxed and excited and I have recommended that everyone I know who wants to jump give you guys a call. Thank you for a wonderful experience that wont soon be forgotten. Leilani S 2007
9-15-07 Dear NJ Sky Dive, Thank you so much for all you did to make my birthday skydive an unforgettable event. I arrived at the airport afraid that I would somehow be denied the skydive, but all of you worked together to give me the most amazing experience I've ever had. Thank you. Willie planned out how to make the dive work and took me on a skydive that's still clear as that beautiful day in my memory. George videoed the dive and I can't wait to see it. The men on the ground actually caught me upon landing and after unhitching the harness, toted me to the truck and drove me off the field.. It was a spiritual event. When we left the plane, I was suddenly very close to God, but I had no fear. I had total confidence in Willie and knew he'd show me what fun skydiving is and would get me down safely. I was actually able to relax and enjoy the views and all the turns on the ride. You have all been a huge gift. You all gave me the best birthday I've ever had. Thank you so, so much! with great admiration and respect, Penny G. September 1, 2007 skydive 9-13-07 Hi Sky dive jersey shore.. My name is Ryan P. and i just experienced my first jump Wednesday 9/12/07. I just wanted to say thank you.. You guys have a great staff and have got me hooked which brings me to my first question.. I wish to become a licensed skydiver ..So do you have an AFF class that i could attend? And also is it to late in the season to start the AFF class if you have it? thanks again and i hope to hear back from you soon.. Ryan P. 9-09-07 I just wanted to tell you that my friend, Krysten, and I had SUCH a wonderful experience skydiving for our first time. Willie C was a great instructor with great energy (and nice eyes haha). It was so fabulous I can't even express it in words. The video and still shot were amazing, I couldn't have asked for anything more. Thank you so very much. Stephanie T. 9-09-07 My friend Casie & I took our first jump on Sept. 1 and we had a GREAT time!!!!!!!! I would like to thank all the staff for helping to make our first jump a great one. We are already talking about our next jump. I am hooked now!! Thanks for every thing. See you guys soon. Ryan S. 8-08-07 I just wanted to thank everyone I met on Saturday for making it such an amazing experience. Everyone had such great personalities. If I lived closer, I'd be taking every class I could, to make it so I could jump as often as possible. Truly, thank you for everything. Dana L. 8-07-07 Jersey Skydive Staff- I am writing to thank you for the most AMAZING experience of my life. The day we were scheduled to jump (for the first time) ended up being full of bad weather, so we were postponed until the following weekend. I was a nervous wreck until I met Jonathon (my instructor).
THANK YOU SO MUCH. Lesley W.
M. 8-05-07 Hello my name is Victor B., a 48 year old that works very close to the airport. I have watched them sky dive for years and always told myself that I wanted to try this. Well on Sunday, 8/5/07, the dream became a reality. I have to say the people there are great and the guy, Joe who took me on my first jump My wife and my one daughter, (Courtney) were the only people in the family that thought Well I had to wait a long time but it was worth it. I would like to thank Jersey Shore Sky Diving and Joe for the opportunity of a life time. Victor M. B. 3RD ID, 3/7- A Company 6-06-07 Thank you so much for providing an excellent venue to experience my amazing first jump! The staff and facilities are top notch. I plan to come back with more people! Steven S 6-06-07 I just have to tell you how great your staff is! I did my first jump with Jonathan, who was wonderful....so wonderful that I came back and made a second jump the same day an hour later, again with Jonathan. He was super, and I was hooked. I came back and looked into taking the CFT course. Mike was very upfront and honest when telling me that, at 43 and 185 pounds, I was a little "older" and "heavier" than most people learning how to skydive because he didn't want me to get discouraged if it took me longer or I didn't do as well. I appreciated his openness and honesty, but decided to try anyway. As long as it stays fun for me, I really don't care how long it takes for "older, heavier" me to learn. I did take my CFT ground class with Willie. He was knowledgeable and thorough and although he was serious, he made the class fun as well. He was very careful with his explanations and gave plenty of opportunity for participation, feedback, and questioning. He's quite an instructor! I've spoken to him a few times and he is just so enthusiatic and helpful. I did my first CFT tandem with Joe D. and discovered that he was the father of one of my son's classmates! He was thorough in his instruction and patiently answered my questions and corrected me as needed. I "flunked" my first jump (missed the pull at 5,500), but still had a great time. Joe D. was very professional and honest, but encouraging, in the debriefing. As a teacher myself, I appreciate a great instructor. Matt, the young man who works out at the manifest building, is another example of a friendly, enthusiastic, professional employee. Toddus (I'm not sure I spelled that right!), your Lithuanian rigger, introduced himself and was welcoming and friendly as well. Even the young pilot (whose name I have not yet learned) is friendly and welcoming. WHAT A GREAT PLACE YOU HAVE, DUE TO YOUR FRIENDLY, HELPFUL, ENTHUSIASTIC STAFF. However, as fun and enthusiastic as they are, safety is always a priority, which is comforting. I enjoy having fun, but want to know I\'m being safe as well. If anyone had told me I'd even try SKYDIVING at my age, I'd have said they were crazy. I don't know if I'll ever learn to dive solo, but I do know I'm having fun learning whatever I can. Thanks to all of you (especially Mike, Jonathan, Joe D., Willie, Toddus, and Matt) for being so patient and welcoming! I wouldn't want to skydive anywhere else! Kathy L.
6-6-07
9th wedding anniversary…buy my husband a nice shirt…go out for a nice dinner… or set a date to jump from a plane at 10,000 feet in the air? How about option number 3! I have never felt sooooo alive!! My tandem jump was the most amazing and exciting thing I have ever experienced…and to be honest, I can’t wait to do it again, and again and again!! Thanks Jon for the great camera job, for making me laugh, and of course for making sure I landed safely on the ground. And thank you Nuclear George for giving Ryan your card…it made for the best anniversary present ever. It is going to be really hard to top it next year! Until next time, Theresa T.
4-21-07
Jon Made my first tandem jump extremely enjoyable. I went with the intentions of this being a once in a lifetime experience, and left planning my first tandem training course toward my aff program. I am hooked for life. Brian O. 2006
10-02-06
Hi!! I just wanted to tell you that my jump yesterday was FREAKIN’ AWESOME and Robson – for him to carry someone my size…. God Bless Him LOLOLOLOL!! It was an AMAZING experience and I will definitely be back to do it again!! You are right Robson – it is addicting!!! Worth saving my money for!!! Thank You Guys Again!!! It was incredible and I’m looking forward to getting the video!!! Patti T. 7-21-06
Hi Guys - I came up with a group of about 8-9 first time jumpers last Saturday, and I just wanted to thank you all - we all had such an amazing, and intense and fun thrill-seeking experience.. The rush of adrenaline and natural high is unlike anything else in the world .. I think you have officially gotten just about all of us hooked on flying (a very good thing) and you will definately see us again soon. So thank you for returning all of us to the ground safely, and a very special and personal thanks to ROBSON (my tandem jumper, and coolest guy ever) - awesome accent, awesome film job on the handi-cam, which i cant stop re-watching, sorry about brazil in the world cup bro, and thanks again dude, I/we had the wildest time ever!! I dont wanna sit at a desk anymore, I wanna jump 10 times a day like you guys!!! thank you all! TJ Dudek 7-04-06
Hello to All at skydive; What an amazing first jump :) :) !!!Sun., July 3rd. From the moment we arrived, my husband, Mande and myself; everyone began to make my Birthday present a happening. Jump out of an airplane at 10,000 feet, normal for everyone, right? Ok,normal for anyone who wants the experience of a life time and to soar like a bird. A special Thanx to Robson, my tandem partner for keeping everyone happy, laughing, kidding around and most of all, me safe. During the "pre-jump training" Robson infuses you with everything you need to know; hold the straps, feet bent back, laugh, breath, head to shoulder, smile, banana remember banana, breath, look at the canopy, be happy, go in circles, have fun, feet up and out to land, smile, breath, baby steps on your knees, his foot goes out of the door first, yes, out of the cockpit door and yours on the platform, mmmmm okay. Well, easy up to the foot on the platform....The climb, view and chatter from the plane, beautiful. You're all lined up, sitting on the floor, waiting for 10,000. Keith, great guy, another skydiver is to jump first (I wish him a thousand more jumps). We're here, Robson has me safely strapped, buckled, connected to him and his harness, checked once and then again. Remember breath, the cockpit door opens and this wall of cold air meets your face AND panic, fear and surprise at yourself for being there and then a strong hand on your shoulder and a voice- my foots out, yours next on the platform- what,me put my foot out there, are you nuts- a smile-are you ready- okay let's fly !!!!!!! Heart pounding exhilaration, 100 mph wind makes a crooked smile on anyone, the thrill of the free fall and then the colorful canopy opens and you're flying like a bird, soaring in circles, laughing, screaming into the wind, free, floating, seeing the world from the top down and loving every incredible moment. Landing was a hoot, a bit windy, a little tumble and mother earth. What an awesome experience made possible by a group of people who love to skydive and to share the extraordinary experience with all of their students. Make sure you get the hand held video. What a hoot to watch it over again and again. Thanx to everyone at Skydive for hanging out with us. Thanx again to Robson from your pal Susan, 'Clear and present Danger'. 5-12-06
what to say. I am amazed now, when people tell me they don't want to jump out of a plane... That does not compute. How could someone NOT want to do this????
I can't believe I waited 7 years! I came close once, but due to 7 dirty martinis and
a pool game at 3am, Francis and I felt it would have been an unpleasant experience.... But it finally happened last weekend, on a perfect, sunny, Saturday morning. Thanks Francis for turning me on to this life transforming activity.
THANK YOU Robson my tandem bud and Jonathan for filming... and the rest of the NJ Skydive Jersey Shore crew that made my first jump so... beyond words.
I felt really comfortable... merci! & peace to ya'll Verushka, JC
So, you want to jump out an airplane this Sunday. Are you crazy?" was the subject line of the email I got from my friend who told me about Skydive Jersey Shore . Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine what an experience this would be. I went up with Joe D'Afflisio as my Tandem and Videographer Kevin Purdy. They were incredible. Watching them operate made my first skydiving experience even more enjoyable. It's safe to say that making the dive has changed my life. I truly feel like there is nothing that I can't accomplish after having done that. Having visual images of the experience helps me relive the experience and share it with my family and friends. Thank you SJS! Yours truly,
Armen J. M. Hi gang,
Just wanted to send out a big thanks for such a great morning, Saturday. It was wonderful to have all my family there, and it was wonderful to have such a nice staff as all of you to make all of our 1st Jumps GREAT! It is something I want to do again. Sunday a group of us went to Six Flags, after a few headache inducing roller coaster rides, I announced take me back to the Jump school I would do that 10 more times today rather then ride on one more long lined headbeating roller coaster! Anyway, After the Jump I never did get to thank Mike for a great Jump, I was too excited and had to tell everyone how great it was, so Thanks Mike! We all were in very good hands. Thank you all again for making my year after surgery celebration something I will remember for the rest of my lifetime. Respectfully,
Alicia C. To all at Skydive Jersey Shore, I had a fabulous time this past Saturday!!! I finally fulfilled my 10-year-old promise to myself Maura C.
Dumont, NJ After three failed attempts (due to bad weather conditions) myself and 10 of my friends finally got the experience of a lifetime. It was worth the wait. The confidence of the staff at Skydive Jersey Shore made the jump smooth and fun. What an experience!! Skydiving far exceeded our expectations. We cant wait to jump again soon. This is most definitely something everyone should experience at least once in their lives. Thanks again to all our friends at Skydive Jersey Shore, and a HOOWAH!! to my friend Willie. Kurt S.
Hi everyone at skydive jersey shore! i was there this past saturday, august 7 with a bunch of friends for our first (of what i now plan to be many) skydives. from the moment i bounced onto your property (I was the birthday girl who wouldn't stop jumping around), i knew i was in for the experience of a lifetime, and you certainly did not disappoint! even the few hours of clouds we had to wait out could not put a damper on the day - the jump was worth every minute of wait! Special thanks to mike for teaching us to banana, to willie for the entertainment, to cheryl for piloting that mean little cessna, and to lynne for keeping the whole day moving. and an extra special thanks to robson, my tandem buddy, for making sure my shoes were tied, taking me on a ride that puts roller coasters to shame, and getting me safely back to earth. the 100mph winds from free fall have forced a smile on to my face that i'm still wearing today. we will be back!!! Thanks Again,
Lynne Wallington, NJ Just this weekend we surprised a friend with skydiving as her birthday present. We had such fun hanging out, waiting for the weather to clear up. The staff was so pleasant and all of the jumpers in our group had a fabulous time. I can\'t wait to jump next time. Thanks! Marie Hi everyone, My first jump story begins last December when my two nieces, Michelle and Stephanie, asked for skydiving lessons for Christmas. Their mother (my sister) thought they were crazy. I made an innocent comment that I always wanted to try skydiving but never pursued it. We started to do some research on the internet and found Skydive NJ Shore. It took seven months to coordinate schedules but we finally made it on July 29th. Michelle and Stephanie both brought friends so the five of us arrived around 2:30 pm. together with my sister and Stephanie's friend's mother. A combination of excitement, determination and panic sets in during the plane ride. Being 40+ years old, I wasn't even sure that I would be brave enough to actually dive. My instructor, Joe D., made me feel extremely comfortable. He explained everything completely. By the time the door of the plane opened and I was looking down 12,000 feet, I couldn't wait to start the freefall. It was awesome. For the first second, you can't really believe you are in the air. After that initial shock, you feel like a bird soaring. I felt invincible. It is the most incredible feeling. I never wanted it to end. Obviously, I was relieved when the parachute opened. It was very peaceful floating toward the ground. Joe D. pointed out the sights. He even let me steer for a while. Even the landing was great. It amazed me that they could find the landing field from that high up. Thanks to Joe D. and all who made my first jump the most incredible experience of my life. Diane W. Roselle Park , NJ Skydive Jersey Shore Staff, Just wanted to let you know that I had a wonderful time last Wednesday, July 21. There were six of us (5 taking our first dive). It was something that I'll never forget. I was the only one that was nervous. The plane was a little small. Actually it was very, very small. I was going tandem with Kevin and Jonathan was the video man. They were so calm and were kidding around with me and I realized this is just another day at the office for these guys. By the time we got to 10,000 feet, I was so excited that I couldn't wait to jump. It was absolutely the most awesome experience I could imagine. The thrill of free falling is not something you could explain. It's one of those things you have to experience for yourself. I just had the best time. I have been showing off the still pictures and everyone comments on how much fun it looks like I'm having and how relaxed I looked. Well, I was relaxed and I did enjoy the ride. It was not only thrilling, but absolutely beautiful once the shoot opened. I am hooked and looking forward to my next time. This was a birthday gift for myself and my twins (19 years old) and they made me promise that we'll do it again next year. I don't think I can wait that long. Anyway, thank you again and I'm looking forward to seeing our videos. Jane L.
Oradell, New Jersey Dear Skydive Jersey Shore Staff,
I recently made my first tandem jump May 8th for the Jumping Blue Beans... I loved it! Sincerely (a Big Fan),
Kelly A. Hi Mike
It was awesome! I really cant wait to do it again. But next time i would like to get classes or whatever so i can jump alone. So what do i have to do for that? Anyway, had a great time Jamie My first jump was amazing. Nothing but blues skies and a natural high.
My landing was priceless thanks to kevin and I now have found my home away from home. Hey I just wanted to thank everyone at
Skydive Jersey Shore for helping
get my first jump on sun, August 10 and it was amazing. We drove all the way from Brooklyn and you
guys gave great directions.
Then we had to wait out the rain and clouds for a little while but it was definitely worth it. I was the last jumper and I went with Kevin. It was right at sunset and there was an awesome orange sun in the background, I couldn't have asked for better conditions. I also got the video along with it and I can't wait to get it in the mail so I can show all my friends. I can't wait to go again. Thanks again Mike Urbanovich I just wanted to say thank you for a great time yesterday. My
whole group had an amazing time. I was afraid of one thing
before my first jump, getting hooked and wanted to do it again
and again... well that fear came true. I'm hooked and can't
wait to do it again now.
I've attached just some of my pictures from the skydive to
show you I just couldn't stop smiling... and yes that is my
tongue hanging out in one of them. : )
Adam Bedor
I
went skydiving for the first time with my friend zafaradonda with
you guys. We had the best time EVER!!! it was sooo scary before we
jumped but when we were in the air, we had a great time.
Thanx buddy! Well, it was about 3 months ago when my friend Thomas had invited me and a bunch of our friends to go skydiving, we all agreed that it would be a great experience and decided we would do it as a group; but somehow it didn't hit me that I would be jumping out of a plane until that morning. Well, it was Sunday, May 19th, we were driving from Brooklyn, NY to New Jersey when I got a phone call from my father offering me large amount of money if I turned my car around and came back home but I declined. I've always wanted to skydive. When the 11 of us arrived at Skydive Jersey Shore we were all really nervous but everyone at Skydive NJ made us feel really comfortable. They have a great staff there. Once I was suited up, I met my jumping instructor Kevin, who was very nice and funny, he definitely made me feel very comfortable and a lot less nervous about jumping. His sense of humor totally took my mind off the fact that I was jumping out of an airplane. Thank You,
Jaclyn Pagnotta of Brooklyn NY It was May 13th, my birthday. It
was a gift from my husband. The weather in the morning was cloudy
and there was a possibility of not jumping. I was so upset. We
came back around 1:30 and the skies were clear. Now I was
starting to get nervous. With the help of Audra, Jason, and Danny,
I quickly calmed down. I was fine until we opened the plane door
and it was time to jump. Thanks to Danny, it was all caught on
tape. I had more fun than ever before.
Jason had me doing spins and made me feel so comfortable, I was never scared. I could never, in a million years, put the experience into words. You have to try it for yourself. I would like to thank everyone for a great experience and you will definitely see me again. I have watched the video several times and I still get the goose bumps. Thanks again,
Maureen Ables Hey Guys,
I just wanted to add my first jump story to the list on behalf of myself and my co-workers who also made their first jump this week. Thanks for a great day of skydiving. Personal thanks go out to our jumpmasters Mike and Robson for keeping everyone cool and enthusiastic. To anyone reading this story who is considering a skydive, believe me it is the best $ you will ever spend. I had made several parachute jumps back in 1991, but never got a chance to freefall. I thought that the freefall would be one full minute of the same anxiety and apprehension that I felt during my first parachute jumps. Even though the guys told me on more than one occasion during the class, that the fun literally starts as soon as you leave the plane, I didn't fully buy that story. I can now say with complete confidence, that freefall was exactly what the guys promised. Pure unadulterated fun from the moment you leave the plane! I also think that enthusiasm plays a huge part in the experience. I've been to more than one jump school, and I know from experience that the sheer love of the sport and a real desire to share this secret with the students goes a long, long way. Everyone at Skydive Jersey Shore I met that day exhibited real professionalism and a genuine desire to make sure the fun of skydiving rubs off on the student. Terrific job guys. As a final thought, if you decide to make a skydive, definitely spend the additional $ on the video. Danny, the job you did with that film footage is incredible. Every single person who has seen my tape can't believe what a great job you did! Hope to be jumping again with you guys real, real soon!! Blue Skies, Drew Parise Well, after waiting around for 8 hours on a Sunday for the winds to die down, and going home to wait for the next day, I finally got to jump on Monday May 1st, and it will be the most memorable day of my life. I had 1 second of fear, which Danny kindly captured for me on film, and then I flew. I have tried about ten times to describe the feeling that I had during free fall, but I don't think I can ever describe it fully. I think the only way for me to be able to explain it, is to do it again, and then again and again till I find the right words to describe it, and I think I will. I would like to thank EVERYONE at Skydive Jersey shore for many things. For keeping me company while I waited to jump on Sunday, even if none of us did. For making me feel at home while I was there. And most of all, for giving me the most Amazing experience of my entire life. I felt completely safe putting my life in the hands of Robson. And also to Danny, for putting this amazing moment on film for me to remember always. See you all again, I'm positive of that. Betsy Holbrook Sorry the weather didn't cooperate with us on Sunday, but it sounds like you felt it was worth the wait! Blue Skies,
The Staff at Skydive Jersey Shore Since I was a kid I've wanted to
make a skydive (just one and if I lived through it, never again.)
So I started looking around for a place until I found Skydive
Lebanon Maine. I lived in Massachusetts at the time. I made the
appointment and went up for the weekend.
My first jump was a static line, I didn't know I could do a tandem and freefall the first time. I went through my class. Then the time came for me and my friends to jump. I was pretty scared, but I never thought I would die, I knew it. I was third to jump in my group (from a cessna 182, which holds 3 students). I watched my friends jump, that was pretty intense. The jump master put me in the door and said "GO" and I went. I wasn't hooked right away. To me it was like tasting soup, I needed to taste it again to be sure. It was my third jump that hooked me and even then I wasn't sure. I bought my first parachute saying " I don't think I'll use it much" That was 11 years and 6,000 jumps ago, I haven't looked back once since. Mike Harger |