Steve Smith: Super Approachable & Fun To Jump With

I think one of the most useful things to me as I was getting the license was having a variety of coaches and instructors.  Getting a license at the same DZ I think can give a certain level of comfort.  Getting a little out of that zone is important to grasping a wider understanding of the sport.  Some people fly certain ways.  I’ve seen a few things done differently.  For example, whether to try to salvage a severe line twist with the slider up.  Some more conservative instructors have said to try to kick it out before reaching decision altitude, while (most) others have said to simply get rid of it early and save the altitude.

The daily EPs I think also instill a level of confidence and a chance to get your head in the game each day, so to speak.  I know they are tedious to the instructors but I rate them highly at least for the first 10 to 15 jumps or so.

I think also the sooner students get off the radio the better.  Something I learned early on was that having someone to tell me when to flare was causing me to be reactive rather than proactive in my flight.  For the first couple it’s helpful as you learn how to do a pattern and when to flare.  For me personally I would have flared the first time much earlier than I ought to have, so the radio is certainly good to have.  I’m sure the instructors have much more experience with a wide range of students, but that’s just my experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting my license at Orange, and look forward to many jumps to come as I develop my skill in the sport.  All the instructors and coaches have been super approachable and fun to jump with, and even the few jumps since getting my license it has been easy to find someone with which to jump.