Name: Meredith "Hanger Banger" Goetz Fairfax, VA

A License Date: November 10, 2006

I have wanted to learn to skydive since I was in high school.� It took me over 15 years to finally get up the courage (and money) to accomplish this dream, but it has been well worth it.� Skydive Orange was the perfect place to learn. The instructors are all completely awesome, knowledgeable, patient, and safety is�top priority.� I can say from personal experience that this is not true of every skydiving location, so I'm thrilled that I learned at a placed that watched out for my personal safety and made sure I knew what I was doing before they let me go on my own.

I've given the instructors at Skydive Orange quite a few "Oh shit!" moments and more than a few episodes of shear panic.� I like to think that I've kept things interesting and everyone on their toes.� It's been a great ride so far, and I look forward to learning even more.� Skydiving is definitely the coolest sport I ever done, and I don't think anything will ever top it.

An extra special thanks to: Gigi, Mike F, Steve H, Hank, Nick, Kevin, Lambert, Dan O, Dan M, Paul, Shane, and Bob.� You all were instrumental in my successful completion of AFF, and were the most patient and understanding people I've ever met.� Thank you so much for your tough love instruction, extra time and explanations, and putting up with my type A personality. (Sorry if I left anyone out).�

Advice for other student skydivers

Be patient.� There are going to be many bad weather days or other issues that may keep you out of the sky, but that doesn't mean the day is wasted.� There are so many things you can learn during that time (packing, open canopy orientation, etc), and if you take advantage of that you're going to be way ahead of the game.� It's worth it.

Advice you wish you had been given:

I can't think of anything else I wish I had been told.� I got advice and learned something from everybody I came into contact with at Skydive Orange.� You can learn so much just by talking or watching other people, and there is always something new you can pick up.

What I don't like about Skydive Orange

I loved everything about Skydive Orange.� There's not a thing I would change, and nothing I can think of that would make it any better than it already is.� It is the perfect place to learn and the best place to have fun and continue diving.

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Webmaster's note:
Meredith is one of our favorite graduates, except she has the quirk of using these little square things - �. Too bad she only writes them, and doesn't actually talk like that. I'd have loved to hear what they sound like.

'Nother webmaster's note:
The following photo showing a few of our instructors in the background proves that when it comes to teaching skydivers, our instructors are outstanding in their field!