Meet The Skydive Orange Team

TL;DR

Skydive Orange is dedicated to fostering a culture focused on the best safety practices, a strict adherence to industry standards, using state-of-the-art equipment, and prioritizing the well-being of every jumper. These attributes are just words on paper until they’re put into practice, which is why our staff is the best of the best. 

The Best of The Best 

We all know the importance of hiring good people, and at Skydive Orange, we’re masters in that. We believe that great people make great experiences, and that’s not something to cut corners on when it comes to a once-in-a-lifetime experience like skydiving. That’s why we have a team that embodies expertise, warmth, a true commitment to safety and a passion for sharing our sport with as many people as possible. From instructors and packers to riggers and manifest workers, every member of our team is here to ensure the best time possible for first-timers, solo skydiving students, experienced jumpers, and fellow staff members. 

Although all members of our team shine in the attributes mentioned above, here are some standout team members. 

Experience & Safety-Centric Attitudes

FRED MARTIN brings a wealth of experience to Skydive Orange as an AFF Instructor, Videographer, Safety and Training Advisor (S&TA), and board member. Since starting his skydiving journey in 2015, Fred has called several dropzones home before joining Skydive Orange in 2021.

Fred’s passion for sharing skydiving shines through in his multifaceted roles. Whether he’s guiding tandem students, mentoring solo skydiving students, or welcoming dropzone visitors and regulars, Fred’s enthusiasm creates a space that everyone wants to be in. His dedication to safety is unwavering, as he actively fosters a culture where safety and fun go hand in hand. 

Fred’s extensive involvement at Skydive Orange makes him a trusted and familiar face, ensuring every jumper feels supported and confident from their first interaction to their sunset load landing.

Expertise

MARIO RIPA holds multiple ratings, including Tandem Instructor, AFF Instructor, Senior Rigger, and a PRO Rating. A PRO rating is achieved when a skydiver demonstrates an incredible level of precision and accuracy when landing their parachute – it’s pretty prestigious. 

Mario’s skill level shines through when he briefs first-time tandem students by answering their questions without hesitation and assuring them about every step of the process. Being able to put people at ease in a new and potentially nerve-wracking situation is a special skill of Mario’s. 

The longevity and culture of skydiving relies heavily on retaining first-time students that have the desire to learn to skydive solo, and Mario has a great knack for sparking an interest in the sport when talking with people! 

Respect

WHITNEY STOTTS has been the heart of our manifest team since 2012, when she chose to turn a leap of faith into an entirely new career path. Alongside Mario, she is now one of our Operations Managers, making her role pivotal to every person on the dropzone. 

Whether she’s calming the jitters of a nervous first-timer, catching up with an experienced jumper, or coordinating with staff to ensure a seamless day, Whitney’s care and enthusiasm for the sport is evident in everything she does. She truly is a backbone in our community. 

Passion

MONICA NONCHEVA basically grew up on the dropzone. Fun fact: When Monica turned 18, she did her first tandem skydive with our very own Mario Ripa in 2012! Now an incredibly experienced skydiver – she flew in the outer ring of the 97-way Project 19 (INSPIRING!) – she is rated as an AFF Instructor and Senior Rigger. And, as our lead Videographer, she plays an integral role in the experience first-timers have at our dropzone. 

Above all, Monica is the President of Skydive Orange, which is an elected position, speaking to how beloved she is in our community.

Why Choose Skydive Orange? 

At Skydive Orange, we’re proud to be a club-run dropzone with a diverse community of skydivers, including some of the most talented and experienced jumpers in the world. 

We are dedicated to providing the best service for our members and first-timers, alike – we want everyone to feel like family the second they walk into the dropzone. Our adherence to safety standards is unmatched and our entire team loves coming to work and doing what they do best – skydive! A skydive isn’t just a jump from a plane, but rather a mindset of openness, accountability, respect, dedication and passion. 

Plus, we fly one of the best planes in the industry – a 22-seater Twin Otter! *wink wink* Ready to see what Skydive Orange is all about? Contact us or book your skydive today!