Here is what some students from our aff courses in Spain have had to say about their skydiving holiday with us. All references can be verified. Number of jumps expressed are total for AFF and Solo jumps once qualified.

Neil Carrick :: AFF Course Graduate 2007 .

Before coming to the Freefall University I was a bit nervous about the whole thing I've done seven static line jumps in the UK but had no freefall experience. The night before I left home I hardly slept a wink but deep down I was still up-for-it even though I was leaving my wife and three children for a week. Once we got staring training I started to relax into it a bit. Levels 1, 2 and 3 were nerve-wracking but Uli and Paula instill a lot of confidence, especially when you see the footage of them letting go for the first time, absolutely awesome!! That's when I started to think that I really could become a skydiver. LEvels 4, 5, 6 and 7 were when I really started to enjoy it. My most enjoyable jump was Level 7, rolling out a plane at 13000 feet is cool!! The whole experience is awesome. Flying through the air at 110-120 mph, shaking hands with Uli. This is the stuff of dreams! My whole advice to anyone thinking of becoming a skydiver is to go for it! All the staff and instructors are cool and will help with anything. Thanks to all the staff specially to Uli, Paula, Robert (the dodgy dutchy) and everyone else who I met. Hopefully I'll be back in the summer. That's if watching the video doesn't finally convince my wife that I am crazy!! Blue skies

Patrick Wake. AFF Graduate 2007. , 3 day holiday AFF completed.

I only had 3 days to spare to do the AFF course and i got it done ! The Freefall University is one of the best Dropzones I've seen from profesionalism to cleaninless. The massive landing area is brilliant for those who are learning and everyone was very friendly and glad to give advice for any question we had. The fact we finished our course in one day was amazing and the videos we got at the end were brilliant, Cheers Andy.

Stuart Child , AFF Graduate 2007. 3 day holiday AFF completed.

The Freefall University in Spain, it was a great idea to get our AFF there. I was qualified in two days , which was very good. The instructors at the University are well experienced, friendly and good to have a laugh with. I am sure I will be coming back to the Freefall University over and over again. Thanks for the fun.

Mark Bishop. AFF Graduate 2007. 8 levels in 3 days.


To anyone who, like I was, is currently trying but failing to progress though RAPS, I would hightly recommend AFF and the Freefall University. The cost of the course is very reasonable and when you consider that you got your own personal instructor its actually really good value. This allows the instructor to concentrate on your own specific challenges and potential problems with progession. My instructor Ulli really put me at ease and, as a result, this improved my self-confidence and ability to relax in freefall.

Ultimately, coming to the FFU as someone who had previously struggled with RAPS for about 18 months, I flew through the course with no problems in the sapce of 3 days. If I can do it, so could you.

Paul Ryan AFF Courses graduate 2007 . 15 jumps in 5 days.

This was for me an Excellent course and a great place to skydive. Everybody just gels there. I worked with Paula and Ulli (instructors) and found them great to learn with. If you want to do an AFF course then do it at Freefall University, you won't go wrong. A big "irish" cheers to everyone I met and made friends with. See you soon.

Will Smith , FFU AFF courses in spain Graduate , 2006 . 18 skydives in one week.

I did the skydiving course because I dont want to have any regrets when im old. THe dropzone had a great mix of professionalism and a nice relaxed atmosphere. IT was nice to have the swimming pool and the restaraunt together. The hard part about skydiving is deciding to come and making the decision to do the first jump. Its easy though after that ..maybe the excellent instructors?? Soon they are not your instructors , they are your good friends.. everybody is really friendly. Maybe thats why almost everybody here returns to jump again and again....

One thing you will never learn is to be as cool as Ulli , Paula , Pedro and the rest of the staff.. they are ace.. The best jumps for me were my first solo., first jump when my instructor didnt hold me and my first unstable ...lots of best jumps !!

Mike McLelland , FFU AFF Graduate , 2006 . 25 skydives in one week.

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 " .

Nick Corry, FFU AFF Graduate , 2006 . 27 skydives in one week.

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.

Mikey Harris , FFU AFF Course graduate . 2006 . 25 Skydives in one week!

My first jump from a plane was in 2003 with the University of Portsmouth Skydiving Club. I completed 4 static line jumps in total that year but on the last, hurt my ankle quite badly and decided to stop for a while… 2 Years later (2005) I decided that I was going to do AFF in the UK and booked it. I managed to get to level 6 but was made to feel that I wasn’t good enough to be a skydiver as I could not seem to get the whole turning thing so, I basically gave up.

This was exactly 1 year ago. A couple of months ago I decided to myself that I was good enough to be a skydiver but just wasn’t given the support that I needed, so I called David at the FFU and booked a course for July. As soon as I booked it, I also booked 40 minutes in Milton Keynes wind tunnel to make sure that I had a good preparation for the course (purely because last year I was a very slow learner and I had to repeat quite a few levels). After 40 minutes in the wind tunnel I knew there and then that I was good enough to be a skydiver. Exactly one week later, I would be in Spain jumping for real!

Finally, the day came - 8th July 2006! I was up at 2am to get to the airport for my flight at 6am. I was greeted at Madrid airport by the lovely Aimee who drove me straight to the DZ. Once there, I immediately met my instructor, Luci. We started ground school straight away without hesitation. I completed my 1st jump at around 8pm the very same day. After knowing how bad I was last year, it was understandable that I had a few nerves before getting into the plane. On my previous AFF attempt, my nerves whilst in the plane and climbing to altitude were always completely shot and would feel physically sick. This time however, it was totally different. As soon as I got on the plane and we took off, my nerves just disappeared and I felt an overwhelming sense of euphoria flow through my entire body. I couldn’t believe it – Surely I couldn’t be excited when all previous attempts left me with a feeling of dread? Surely not? But I was, I was excited! My heart was obviously pounding quite fast but it was a nice feeling. This confidence, I believe came from a mixture of 2 sources. Firstly; the time in the wind tunnel made me completely believe that I was able to stay stable and turn when I wanted i.e. I COULD skydive!! – Second; Luci, my instructor, never at any point made me feel inadequate and was always very positive about my progression. I managed to complete the course in less than 2 days which, in my opinion is a complete credit to Luci.



By the end of the week I had managed to complete 25 skydives, including 1 Formation Skydiving (FS) coaching jump with Luci. Thank you so much Luci, you really are a star! Credit must also go to all of the instructors that were present at the time including Paula, Ulli, Tim, Pedro and Carlos. All of which gave me fantastic advice. I will be back for some more Ocana action in September/October to finish of my FS1 course with Luci. I am now totally hooked and I know that skydiving will now be a very large part in my life for a very long time to come!! Thank you everyone for a wonderful andmemorable time. It really was the best week of my life!!

Link to Mikeys AFF Course Skydiving video . This was made by Mikey from footage on his AFF DVD which is standard in our AFF courses.

.

Laetitia Sterling , FFU AFF Course graduate . 2006 .

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 Sterling Adventures

John Poole ,
AFF Graduate , FFU Ocana , 2006

I bet I am not the first person to watch an action film or extreme sports channel and say “wow, I would love to do that”. Well, after far too many years I finally picked up the phone, paid my money, took my choice and went skydiving at the Freefall University. Simply the best thing I have ever done. Period. Everything was taken care of for me. Flights, hotel, transfers, the lot. All I had to do was turn up and get my head around jumping out of a plane. This was made a good bit easier by Andy my instructor. He knew when to push me and when to ease off. After level 2 I could hardly walk let alone talk. Tired? I never knew the meaning of the word until that morning. Needless to say I cracked 5 levels that day. Andy was a great judge of character and made the different levels and tasks safe but fun for me. Just so you know, level 4, when your instructor comes off you and round in front of you is unreal. Exiting a plane in a forward roll on level 7 watching your horizon change from earth-sky-plane-sky-earth is something I will not forget! The people at the DropZone are really friendly. The FFU and local Spanish staff are friendly and will always stop to help and give you a gear check. Nothing is too much trouble. I met a lot of great, like-minded people at the FFU, I am already planning a return trip and hope to jump with them once I have my next qualification. You only get one life, make the most of it. If you are reading this then you are considering skydiving. Stop considering, make the call.

Robert Fone, AFF Graduate FFU Ocaña 2006.

Thoughts on the course, about time I got round to that... Superb. Everyone on the DZ... the FFU instructors, the guys from the spainish school, the other students and more experienced skydivers, the manifest, the guys packing, the pilots, and of course the resident bus driving Sylvan, are all incredibly friendly and helpful. The instructors especially helped you feel relaxed, I always had complete confidence in Luci and she made the experience a lot of fun. The atmosphere at the DZ is very laid back, it doesn't take long to sit back in to the pace. The only exception, for me, was the rate that Luci had me manifested for my levels! If you're the kinda student that needs motivating to keep you progressing (can be tempting to sit back and chill for the afternoon) then Luci's the instructor for you! The course itself... the ground school is intense. I found myself thinking I couldn't possibly be taking it all in... but the following morning I had a chat with Jenn on the phone and without even thinking about it ran her through the plan for a jump, from exit to touch down, including the drills and emergency procedures... when I finished I stopped and said "bloody hell, I obviously do remember it all then!". Its amazing that we can absorb so much information, but its also a credit to the course and instructors. To anyone heading out there... it will seem repetitive and a strain on the brain at times... but there's a good reason for that! It works! There is no doubt at all that the very first jump you make is a totally fear filled experience. You don't even know it at the time, but after a few more jumps when you start getting more comfortable with it all, and more aware... you realise just how you felt on jump 1. The rush is incredible. And the really great part is that there are milestones all along where you get a similar rush, but each is a bit different. For me, the best jumps were L1, my L3 repeat, my L7 repeat, and the first solo... and whichever level it was that Luci came round the front for the first time, the one where I have a massive grin on the video!! I would recommend the experience to anyone that wants to be a skydiver, it WILL get you hooked, and you'll enjoy the whole experience. Ocana is a great place to learn and I don't think you'll find better instructors than those at FFU. For me one of the biggest things that persuaded me that this was a good place to go was the number of repeat visits. I will absolutely definitely be heading back! I hope people find my "review" useful. Sure I'll see some of you out there soon..

Louise Wainwright. AFF Course graduate , FFU Ocana . 8 jumps in 3 days!

I found the course really amazing. Uli was the most fantastic instructor, couldn't have asked for more!! Come out here to join my brother and was interested on doing a tandem. The addiction took over and I ended up doing ground school and Level 1-7 in two days.
I ould not hesitate in recommending Ulli and Freefall University to anyone!! It has been the most amazing two days ever!!! Thank you to Ulli and everyone else at the Freefall University. I will definitely be back soon!!!

Kevin Knapp. May 2006, AFF Courses in Spain Graduate 2006 , 20 jumps , 6 days

Always wanted to and never had the time in the army.
Now What can i say... Excelent, great, fantastic, brilliant, superb...I love it!!!
Nothing was too much trouble. All the staff were very polite and helpful. I would like to say thank you to everybody, all the staff including the packers who always got my rig ready when needed.
Uli my instructor helped me so much and did more for me in days than the UK did in months!! Thanks Uli!! I would recomend the Freefall University to anyone. I loved it. I will be back and all I can say is a big thank you to everyone for all their help. It was a pleasure to come here and as stated I will be back. Special thnks to Paula and Samantha who always sorted any problems.
If you want to learn to skydive then the Freefall University is the place to come and learn. All I can say is thank you!!!

Joseph Forrest. 2006 AFF Course Graduate , 19 Jumps in 6 days.

I wanted to do it from young age, 10-11, when my father was doing a charity jump. I didn't do a jump till I was 21, my aff stage, but could not afford to carry on. Sorted out and here I am.
Skydiving is one of the best things I've done. It was great to be away for a week and learn this fantastic sport in the sun. The ground school and preparation for 1st jump really gives you the confidence to jump out of a perfectly good plane. Of course I was nervous but that's all part of the rush. Once you are in freefall the nervs go and there is no better feeling.

My instructor was Ulli, who was fantastic and got me through the course in just over a day, though all instructors are good and friendly making the Freefall University a great place to learn. Just get out here and do it.

Michael Hughes , 2006 , FFU Ocaña , 20 jumps in 7 days

I decided to become a skydiver cause it's cool man!! I wanted to skydive since doing some static line jumps a couple of years ago. I loved it. My first jumps were a bit skethy but from nmber 3 onwards loved it. Number 7 was the best.The weather is ace, the people are ace and the skydiving is ace.



Awesome just do it!


.

Anton Conlon , FFU Ocaña AFF Graduate . 22 jumps in 7 days. 2006

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!
.

Neil Malcolm , FFU Ocaña AFF Graduate . 20 jumps in 7 days. 2006

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!
.

Lee Armstrong , FFU Ocaña AFF Graduate . 16 jumps in 7 days. 2006

I 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.
.

Nick Selmes , FFU Ocaña AFF Graduate . 20 jumps in 6 days. 2006

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!!!!!!!
.

David Wallis , FFU Ocaña AFF Graduate . 20 jumps in 6 days. 2006

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_
.

Kieron White , FFU Ocaña AFF Graduate . 15 jumps in 6 days. 2006

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

Christine Knowles , Freefall University Ocaña AFF Graduate , 15 jumps in 6 days. 2006.

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

Sylvan Butt , Freefall University Ocaña, AFF Graduate, 50 jumps in three weeks, 2006.

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..

Lee Armstrong , Freefall University Ocaña, AFF Graduate, 12 jumps in five days ,2006.

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!

Thomas Urbanski , Freefall University Ocaña, AFF Graduate, 20 jumps in nine days 2006.

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!!!!
.

Stephen Jefferson, Freefall University Ocaña, AFF Graduate, 20 jumps in seven days, 2006.

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.

Richard Houghton, Freefall University Ocaña, AFF Graduate, 20 jumps in seven days, 2006.

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".

Paul Wainright , Freefall University Ocaña , AFF Graduate , 20 jumps in seven days 2006.

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.

Kate Jackson , Freefall University Ocaña , AFF Graduate , 20 jumps in seven days , 2006.

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?

James Mundy , Freefall University Ocaña , AFF Graduate , 23 jumps in six days
2006

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!

Matthew Powell , Freefall University Ocaña , AFF Graduate , 24 jumps in six days
2006

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!

Damien Duffy , FFU Ocaña AFF Graduate 18 Jumps in six days . 2006.

When I decided to go with the Freefall University I was choosing from a range of companies. I was confident by the time I arrived I had made the right choice and looking back im certain I did.

Im glad to have met the people I did on this weeklong skydiving adventure. My insrtuctorr was very helpful and thorough and I am grateful to him as I am to everybody else who helped me get through my course and qualify as a skydiver. The packers the pilots and everybody else running the centre .. thank you! Now if you dont mind i think ill go and chuck myself out of a plane one last time !

Joe Aldridge , FFU Ocaña AFF graduate . 15 jumps in six days. 2006




Everyone here is very relaxed and helpful. From skydiving to showing you around to anything you want to do really. The vibe on the dropzone is great and everbody had a great sense of humour. My Instructor Tim was great, very patient and gave me great confidence with my skydiving. That being said all the Uni instructors are great. The only question is when can i jump next ? Wahoo!!!

Maria Richardson from Ireland. AFF Graduate FFU Ocaña , 2006 16 jumps in six days.

After doing a tandem jump in the UK last October – I decided that I had continue throwing myself out of airplanes at every given opportunity. It was luck of the draw really that we chose the Freefall University, but I am very glad we did.

On arrival at the dropzone – one of the first sights to greet me was that of two of the cutest dogs ever – Dolly and Jelly playing about on the airfield. As an animal nut I took this as a good omen.

We had a very thorough ground school with Ulli Bulli (don’t believe what they say about Germans having no sense of humour!) Paula – who one day I hope to fly like – got all our paperwork sorted and introduced us to the rest of the crew, what a great bunch of people!

The next day we started jumping. I thought the tandem was good – wrong – not a patch on flying solo. What a great sport, what a great place to learn, great instructors and packers who kept us alive – and not forgetting the Trojan little Pilatus Porter that bravely hoisted our fat arses aloft with great stamina!! Aranjuez was a lovely place with very friendly people – but beware vegetarians – the walls in most of the restaurants are made of meat. It’s like having dinner in Jeffrey Dahmer’s basement with Hannibal Lecter!!! Can’t wait for the next jump y no puedo esperar para volver al Ocana!! ( I cant wait to return to Ocaña .

Gareth Couldrey, AFF Gradute FFU Ocaña ,
December 2005 , 19 jumps in 6 days.
I’ve been into fairly extreme things for a long while – foreign countries, tattooing, very fast bikes, intense sports & competition – nothing without excess, but these were becoming a bit mundane. Then I read a Times article entitled “things to do in a weekend”, in the list was the Free Fall University & dreams of new adrenaline high’s came flooding in. Other commitments prohibited taking on this challenge immediately but 4 months later what started as a normal week at work went something like this:  Monday am, reach project milestone, pm get in touch with David. Tuesday am, agree length of trip & details, pm Book trip, following Sunday find own way from Madrid airport to Aranjuez & book into Hostel. Sleep. Wake up Monday & the fun started. That first day was filled with the basics – drills, equipment, protocols, set sequences of actions (look locate cutaway reserve – you’ll get used to that one!) with the possibility of jumping that afternoon.

Over the next 2 days all 8 levels of the AFF course were complete and what started off as far too much to cram in to one free fall could soon be done by 8 or 9k ft, leaving plenty of time to play. Its difficult to describe the emotions of a jump but it went something like this: 10 minute call, kit up (heart beat kicks a bit), air of calm & concentration descends on the hangar, walk out to the plane & run through drills (heart kicks a bit more), enter plane & get comfortable, plane taxis, takes off & rises through 6k ft (same air of calm, another kick) run through drills again. At around 9k ft begin final kit checks & obligatory hand shakes (it may sound funny, but these little things make a student feel part of the family), heart rate goes up another notch. Just when you think things cant get better the pilot shouts “2 minutes”, shouts “exit”, the door opens, the air rushes in & F**K ME adrenaline-o-meter goes off the scale and continues to rise as one by one the jumpers simply disappear from the door, then its your turn. Here’s a serious bit - If I had 1 % of doubt in the abilities of the staff, do you think I’d have jumped out a plane with them? – I didn’t hesitate. The first 3 or 4 jumps were a blur of drills, instructors, bashing Andy’s hand (sorry, mate) but after that it all starts to gel. The first time you free fall unassisted is surreal, and a little rough around the edges & likewise under canopy – look down at your feet and then nothing until the ground around 4k ft below. Landings, either with or without the instructors guidance, are as soft as stepping off a curb. Then its big grin time as you walk back to the hangar, debrief, re-brief & do it all again. The last jump of my trip couldn’t have been more perfect – clear day & sun-setting, jump, stabilise, rotate to face the sun & drop to earth at around 150mph watching the sun set over the Spanish horizon & pull at 5k ft (honest), then keep on watching the sun disappear when under canopy.

Just writing this has put that glazed look in my eyes & great memories - I cannot wait to jump again. Mr Gregory – its all your fault! So – if your reading this, you are on the verge of an awesome experience – just get on with it, go out there & meet David, 2 Andy’s (Swiss Andy is a big softy really), Paula, Ulli, Louis et al. The guys at the drop zone could not have been more welcoming, the atmosphere is relaxed & friendly. When can I start BASE jumping ?
.

Mark Reese , FFU Ocaña , AFF Graduate , 14 jumps in 6 days.
December 2005
It was great to combine a trip abroad with the course! You are placed in an environment with no distractions and also with like minded students helping you focus on getting the job done. The social scene in Aranjuez was great. It give the perfect setting for chilling out after a days jumping out of a plane at 13,500ft.

.

Adam Wilson , FFU Ocaña Graduate December 2005. 18 jumps in 7 days
I originally started skydiving on the RAPS course in the UK but because of the weather etc I decided that an AFF course was the way forward. The freefall university looked a fun place to learn. My instructor, Andy Gregory, was brilliant. He was very relaxed and coached through each and every level of the AFF course and because of this I didnt have to repeat any of the levels. All of the instructors here are very experienced but more importantly they all work together professionally (and socially!) and create a big family atmosphere which is welcoming and student friendly. I have really enjoyed my time here at the DZ. I have made lots of new friends and look forward to running into them at various DZ's around the world. As for this DZ - in the immortal words of Big Arnold....I'll be back!

Katie Wilson , AFF Graduate, FFU Ocaña , November 2005 15 jumps in 6 days.
I am so pleased I did this AFF course, not only was it an amazing experience but it has built up my confidence in myself. Naturally I was very nervous at the beginning but the teaching from the instructors on each level helped you to conquer those feelings. I was so pleased to have one on one instruction from Andy Guler. Not only is he highly experienced but he's funny and makes you feel at ease. Always remember to arch, legs, relax and smile!! For me, it wasnt until level 5 that I got the hand of it and really started to enjoy the flying. Clowning around in the sky doing front and back loops, turns, tracking, etc is so much fun. I still havent quite got the hand of landings and spent some time wiping dust off my butt, but I guess that will come with time. Practice makes perfect. I'm pleased I chose to do the AFF course with the freefall University and in Spain. Everyone is so helpful and friendly and I even got the chance to learn a bit of spanish. Ive made some great friends along the way and look forward to meeting up with them at different dropzones around the world. For me this is the start of an exciting new challenge. For those of you considering doing it, go for it. If you can conquer jumping out of a plane at 13,000ft then you can pretty much conquer anything.

Brian Wilson, FFU Ocaña , AFF Graduate November 2005.

I was a bit nervous before I arrived but was met at the airport by Ulli and Paula and taken straight to the cheers bar to meet current students and the instructors. Everyone makes you feel welcome and its very easy to settle in. I would highly recommend Andy Guler as an instructor. Very Patient and makes you feel very relaxed on the ground and in the air. If you have ever thought about doing this but keep putting it off for whatever reason, I suggest you get on with it because your missing out on the time of your life.

Stuart James Abel, Scotland. AFF Gradute FFU Ocaña,
30 jumps in 6 days! November 2005

I did not really know what to expect when I came out here and was quite surprised just how much you have to do for your first jump. And just how quick it seemed an amazing sensory overload. Andy, my instructor pointed out that the secret to skydiving is to completely relax. He could not be closer to the truth!!! On the second AFF jump you will be more orientated due to the familiarity of hurtling toward the earth + safe in the knowledge that you are perfectly monitored by the instructors + should you make an error, they will quickly act on your behalf, as the jumps progress, so does the girth of the permanent smile on your face! Learning to arch properly could be an advantage prior to coming out. This can be done on any flat surface, such a bed, simply lie on your belly and thrust your pelvis into the floor, head up, arms outstretched and raise your chest upward. After the first day I was felling muscles I never knew I had!!! The course is very well structured and there is never a problem getting on the next load, the instructors are very relaxed and explain thinks clearly, concisely and are reassuring. All the instructors were very experienced, open individuals who go out of they way to make you feel relaxed and welcome (they are also a great laugh). One warning!!!! I May have is that you must be prepared to spend more on jumps that you may intend prior to coming out. Skydiving is truly addictive!!! There is so much to do and learn when you are up there and it is overwhelming!!! The one teacher one student is also a great bonus, they know exactly how you are progressing and any “twcars”(???) that may be needed. I would have no hesitation in recommending Freefall University and Aranjuez as a fantastic place to learn to skydive, the place is amazing and my instructor was top notch, it will not be long before I am back!!! 30 jumps is not enough!!!
.

Tim Founds , AFF Graduate FFU Ocaña , 30 jumps in 13 days.
November 2005
Just do it!! Cant think of anything to say that isn’t a cliché, as soon as you are in the plane on the way up you are entered into a different world! My primary instructor was (Bristol) Andy, who I cant recommend him highly enough, very very professional and fun. Others I jumped ( once qualified ) with were (Swiss) Andy, Carlos and Christian, all excellent... sunset 2+3 ways ….were f*:king cool!!! So, stop thinking about doing it and get yourself there!!!

Lee Wood, AFF Graduate , FFU Ocaña November 2005 .
15 jumps in 5 Days.
I had wanted to do this for ages and knew I would love it!I just didn’t realise that id love it quite so much. The course has been serionsly exciting and tons of fun. The calmness and professionalism of the instructors helps to quickly sooth the nerves and fears when they naturally surface. Then you relax and enjoy the jumps. This has been a fantastic experience and FFU Ocana was definitely the right choice. I will be taking the formation skydiving course next.

Chris Handley, AFF Graduate FFU Ocaña October 2005
18 jumps in 6 days.

When we originally looked at booking a skydiving holiday in Spain, we had to decide between two centres in Madrid. I am 110% confident we made the right choice, from start to finish all staff at the FFU were friendly and helpful (especially David, who arranging everything for us). We arrived in Aranjuez on friday night, and were immediately met by Louis who showed us round and introduced us to the current students. Next day was ground school, which really helps any nerves you may have, it’s very informative and Andy instills so much confidence in the equipment they use and procedures in place. I flew (literally) through all 7 levels and qualified in 2 days, I hate writing cliché’s but if you have got as far as reading this, don’t hesitate, ring David and get it booked, I promise you will not regret it. Aranjuez is a good place to stay, there are lots of decent place’s to eat and many more bars. It’s also dirt cheap !! The help doesn’t stop when you leave either, David has already contacted the CCI at my local UK dropzone ( Hibaldstow ) who is expecting me at the weekend for my next fix!! Stop reading and pick up the phone!!!!!!!!!

“Skydivers don’t knock on death’s door…….they ring the door bell and run off…….it really pi**es him off” !!!

Stephen Freestone , FFU Ocaña , AFF Graduate , October 2005 FFU Ocaña

If you are seriously thinking about taking this course, do it! If you are in two minds about taking the course, do it! If you have just stumbled across this website, just do it anyway!
Great experience, there is nothing like freefalling through the sky! The instructors are great fun. Ulli is a laid back instructor, makes you feel safe and relaxed. Swiss Andy and british Andy are too cool for school. If you are worried about coming out here by yourself you wont be by the end of the first day. You will meet some great people and the nightlife is FANTASTIC! All in all a great experience and holiday, DO IT!!!!!

Grahame Bourke , FFU Ocaña AFF Graduate. October 2005. 10 jumps in 6 days.
First of all I'd like to say a big thank you to Andy for getting me through my AFF. Also if you're thinking of giving this a go alone but don't think you'll get along with anyone then you couldn't be more wrong. After failing to flare on my first jump (Wally) I endeared myself to my peers almost immediately, who then preceded to take the mick for most of the week, as my landings were leaving much to be desired. Not to be put off by this I continued (falling over) on virtually every landing all the way to Level 6.  My first stand up landing was an absolute joy. Now I thought that this skydiving stuff was early nights and no booze.  A myth quickly dispelled by meeting in the local bar ( Cheers ) at 9pm on the first night and then rolling in after midnight drunk as a Lord.  Then it's up at 8 for yet more skydiving. (repeat for rest of week) I made quite a few friends the week I was there and we're all planning another venture out sometime early next year to catch up and fun jump. Going to try and get a few more solo´s done now I'm back in the UK so I don't get rusty. See you all again around March/April. 

Chris Baker, FFU Graduate Ocaña,
October. 20 jumps in seven days.

The instructors were great and I would definatley reccomend the dropzone. Good DZ, good people .As for what i felt in freefall , words cant describe it. The experience is unquestionable. My best jump was level seven. Next course for me is freeflying. It is without doubt the start of the rest of my life .......i'll be seeing and jumping with you all again very soon....cheers.
.

Vita Jeanne Jensen from Denmark , FFU AFF Graduate , October 2005. 10 jumps in 5 Days.

I decided to the the course after doing a tandem. Since then I could not help saying the word freefall without smiling. My best jump was level 6. The atmosphere was great on the dropzone and Ulli was very sensitive catering to my needs. The landing areas was big and soft for my not so good landing.





.

David Christopher Lee, FFU Ocaña Graduate, 14 jumps in 6 days.

The course was excellent. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere at the dopzone made it really easy to learn. The instructors were friendly and experienced. There was no pressure and everybody could learn at their own pace which was great. Aranjuez was great too if you like a few beers and some nightlife.


.

Robin Seiger, FFU AFF Recertification Student . September 2005.
Formation skydiving student. October 2005. 30 jumps in 10 days.

Every drop zone and school has its own rhythm, energy and atmosphere. I found FFU has a cool rhythm, great energy and a friendly atmosphere. I originally began my AFF in the UK, (weather was a problem) so I went to the USA and did it there, it was fantastic, friendly and fun. I couldn’t imagine there being anywhere better. I then discovered the Freefall University – and my life has never been the same I now consider it my home DZ.  The staff and regulars are encouraging (which is great when you are learning, and we never stop learning) friendly, professional and approachable, at any time.

I recently called David to get some advice and he could not have been more helpful, (well obviously he could have if he had he had offered to pay for my next 100 jumps in addition to a return airfare to Madrid – but I digress).  I have seen both ends of the student experience ,and I can honestly says I would unhesitatingly recommend the Freefall University. As a first timer you will be nervous (or if you are like me very nervous) you need to jump frequently, gain knowledge, experience and with those three qualities comes confidence. More confidence = more experience = more knowledge = more JUMPS!!!

We all learn in different ways and at different speeds, no matter what your learning curve, you will find the right instructor to work with you.  There are very few experiences in life which exceed your expectations, and for me Freefall University was one of those experiences, which is why I went back within four weeks of my first visit, and following a week jumping in the States with friends, plan to be back over New Year. If you’ve every thought about learning to skydive, you’ve found the right place. Now stop talking and start jumping.

Blue skies, Soft landing and Happy Daze!

Adam Conduct , UK , FFU Freefly beginner Student , October 2005

I turned up at the DZ having never had any FF coaching before and not quite knowing what to expect. Louis, with ease, puts your mind at rest and quickly gets you into the swing of things with excellent briefs and obvious expertise from the off. Day 1 I spent learning to backfly, this was a bizarre experience as it was the first time ever, on purpose anyway, that I had spent any prolonged period on my back. It seemed that I just couldn't get out of the habit of sticking my legs out, this resulted in doing 360's at break neck speed. A couple of sols later this skill came a lot more naturally.. Swiftly Louis moved me along to try and get into a sit position, it was amazing how much confidence you get by having constant tips and advice. It didn't just stop at the jumping as well but catered right down the equipment aspects, very informative. I was very impressed at how the coaching was tailored to meet your very own requirements, it was not just a matter of getting up in the air and being shown a video of you jump afterwards. I was now at the point of getting vertical, time and time again, just for a couple of seconds I was there, vertical then, wam, back onto my back as all stability in the sit position goes. The smile after FF jumps was akin to going back to AFF just for the sheer thrill. Louis will make it work for you, his enthusiasm is obvious, never doubt his motives, FreeFlyers are the future and you will become one of them..

Chris Sargant, Formation Skydiving graduate and former AFF student. October 2005

I was very happy with my second holiday with the Freefall University. I loved Ocaña and Aranjuez ( what a nice city). Please thank everyone in Manifest for their helpfull and freindly manner, and thanks to you for your help in organising what has been another fantastic week. Thanks also to Daniel for the fabulous FS training. I'm now right out of annual leave (and money!), but I hope to see you all again next spring!

Tomascz Cieslar, Poland , FFU Ocaña AFF Graduate. September 2005 25 jumps in 6 days.

AFF course in Spain with Freefall University? Absoloutley! The people that I met were great and the atmosphere on Drop Zone and in Aranjuez in the evenings was just wonderful. I'd recommend 'DZ' Ocana in Spain to everybody that wants to taste some amazing thrills based in the beautiful scenery of central Spain. I am already booked in for my second holiday!

Thomas Knowles, AFF Graduate FFU Ocaña October 2005
21 jumps in 6 Days.
I'd like to thank every one at the Freefall University for helping me have one of the best times in my life, especially Sisi who trained me up. After the level 4 jump i wasn't sure if i was going to carry on but i'm glad sisi kicked my arse into gear and got me back up again. This has definately been a life changing experience and my weekends will never be the same now as soon as the weather gets better over here i'll be at the closest drop zone and up there.

I want to continue my progression with you in Ocaña next year by doing the next course in line ( formation skydiving )and I have caught the bug in a big way and would love to be one of your instructors one day! I know thats going to cost alot but it will all be worth it. If you have any info to help with that it would be a great help. David once again thanks for getting me over there to do this and the photo's and videos are priceless they are all over my office and so many people I know want to start it up now they have seen someone they know doing it, so you will have have an influx of people with me next time. Thanks again to you and everyone there.

Tom
.

Richard Little , from the Isle of Man ,FFU Ocaña AFF Graduate Ocaña . September 2005 , 8 jumps in 4 days.

I Arrived at Madrid airport, got into my hire car and left to find the dropzone. Managed to get instantly lost and ended up in Madrid city centre. I managed to get onto the right motorway and met everyone in Aranjuez, straight out for food and beers. The next day I started the AFF course, my first couple of jumps were hard but during the jump you automatically go through what you have learned in ground school, you realise that with a main and reserve canopy, a Cypress and two instructors flying with you, you are a lot safer than you would be if you were doing something like burning round the TT course on a bike for example.

Soon I was totally loving it, after 7 jumps I was qualified to jump solo and loved every second of it. I was suprised at how steep the learning curve was, within 2 or 3 days you can go from ground school and nervous, shakey exits onto hanging off the wing and naked 'rodeo' exits!! How much fun is that! It must have been pretty weird for the other passengers to share the plane with 3 guys wearing nothing but a sock. I cant wait to go back out there.

I went with a friend but dont worry about going out there on your own, I made loads of new friends whilst I was out there and am looking forward to meeting up with you all again, busting some new moves out in Avalon and continuing on with the extreme street walking. (watch out stringfellos, I have the Girkin card!)

The night life is great, great food, cold beer and loads of "balconies" to explore. You get an amazing feeling of self achievement from doing this course, I fully recomend it to anyone out there. Just go ahead and book yourself in and worry about it when your on your way out there, I guarentee you wont regret it! If you do hire a car, I do recomend bringing a couple of CD's with you,flamenco FM drives you mad after a while. (Thanks for the CD girls)

Blue Skies, Fast(Soft) landings
Richard

Su Knight, from Bournemouth FFU AFF Graduate Ocaña .
September 2005 , 8 jumps in 4 days.

Two daunting challenges faced me as I headed for the airport. The first one was the fact that I was going on holiday on my own and the second was - you guessed it - Skydiving. I’d already done a tandem and the first level of the AFF back in the UK. Both were sponsored and I’d been meaning to do the whole course for the past year. My motivation was to jump out of the plane on my own - I saw someone do it in my tandem jump and I really wanted to do that myself.

When I finally arrived I was made to feel very welcome by Tim and Andy my instructors. The atmosphere at the drop zone was really great, and everyone introduced themselves. We all went out for dinner that evening - me and about 10 guys. It was so tough being the only girl in the group, but I gritted my teeth and tried to enjoy all the attention I was receiving. Wow, it’s a real change from working in an office full of ladies! I was so nervous when it was time to do my first jump. But once I was out of the plane, I thought - well there’s no going back I might as well enjoy it. It was awesome! This skydive coincided on the exact same date as my previous level one, the year before back in England. The temperature here was a lot warmer!I went on to do a few more jumps, enjoying each one - until level 6...

… This one was a disaster for me. I found myself spinning out of control and was trying so hard to stop myself, but it was no good. I was so tense and I lost it for a bit. I lost consciousness of the altitude that I was rapidly losing and was extremely shocked when the parachute was opened by Andy and I looked at the altimeter at a reading of 4,000ft.

I was so angry at myself, and wanted to give up there and then, but Andy was great. We had a break for lunch and when we returned, our debrief was really good - what Andy said in that not only helped me in successfully completing my next skydive and going on to Graduate from FFU, but I believe it will also help me in other areas of life when I feel it’s time to give up when the going gets tough.

I went on to do one solo skydive - and it was great. I’d achieved what I’d set out to do. There was lots to celebrate that evening . The atmosphere was great all week with new people turning up each day. I really enjoyed the evenings, going for meals with the guys and then hitting the bars and clubs. We all had a passion for the same thing - blue skies and soft landings. I have made some really good friends and will be back for more jumps - in fact I was so tempted not to leave.

David White , FFU Ocaña AFF Graduate
September 2005, 15 jumps in 6 days.

Skydiving seems to come naturally to some people, but not to me. Completing the course was one of the toughest psychological challenges I’ve taken which has made my success much more significant. It took me a few retakes to get there but my instructor was superb and the course built my self-confidence with each step so that my first solo jump was no worry at all. I really grasped the extent of what we were doing one day in the plane while we were climbing through 10,000 feet on the way to a drop. I looked north out of the aircraft window and saw a jet airliner flying lower than us on its approach to Madrid airport and thought of some of the people on it who would be nervous of their forthcoming landing whereas we were still climbing in order to jump out of our plane.

There’s no way to explain the thrill of skydiving – you just have to do it. I love the excitement of the freefall but there’s also the contrast of the (relative) calm of the descent under the canopy. One jump I was hanging there when an eagle soared past – I felt as if I could fly with it.

Like most people there , I travelled on my own and wondered how things would go socially. I needn’t have been concerned as there’s a great spirit amongst the students and the instructors so we were always out together in Aranjuez at night – most of them much later than me! I’ll definitely be back to the Freefall University soon to do more consolidation jumps. I want to go on learning and enjoying the thrill of skydiving now that within myself I have found new limits.

Ian Newlands, FFU Ocaña AFF and FS1 Graduate ,
September 2005. 55 jumps in two weeks.


Freefall university is so good I decided to stay for another week! I was a little nervous to start with, but now I've done over 50 jumps in two weeks, and all I can think about is when I can next get time off work to come back. There have been a couple of days when wind and rain have stopped jumping for a few hours, but that's great compared to the UK. I was made to feel very welcome when I arrived and the atmosphere at the dropzone is very friendly. The nightlife in Arunjuez is very good, and people meet up in the evening for a meal and a couple of drinks. If you're lucky enough to have Andy as your instructor, be prepared for his strange sense of humour, like when he said "ok, we're just going to roll out of the plane this time" (I didn't realise he was joking until we got back onto the ground!).

If you're thinking about going to freefall University, but you're not sure about going by yourself, do it! I was apprehensive about going alone, but I've made lots of friends since I've been here, and I've had the most enjoyable holiday I can remember.

I should warn you that you will probably spend more money than you intend to. If you're anything like me, once you've started jumping by yourself, you'll want to do as many as you can. I also did the introduction to formation skydiving course so that I can jump with other people.

Kevan Hawkins from Bristol , FFU AFF Graduate
13 Jumps in 5 days, September 2005
I ARRIVED IN THE FFU OCANA WITH THE WORDS OF MY MATES STILL RINGING IN MY EARS " HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND COMPLETLY " WELL FOR THE FIRST DAY AND A HALF I THOUGHT THAT I HAD DONE JUST THAT, BUT WITH THE ENCORAGEMENT AND THE PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE OF MY INSTRUCTOR ANDY I CARRIED ON WITH THE COURSE, WHICH DEEP DOWN I KNEW I WANTED TO DO OR WHY HAD I COME ALL THIS WAY, BUT THE FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN WAS PUTTING DOUBT IN MY MIND. YOU COULD NOT HAVE FOUND A MORE NERVIOUS PERSON BY THE TIME OF THE JUMPS, BUT AGAIN WITH THE HELP OF ANDY I CARRIED ON AND COMPETED THE COURSE. SPEAKING AS SOMEONE WHO HAS NEVER DONE ANYTHING REMOTELY LIKE THIS BEFORE THE SENSE OF ACHIEVEMENT AT THIS POINT WAS FANTASTIC. SKYDIVING IS NOT LIKE ANYTHING ELSE, THE BUZZ THE THRILL CANNOT BE DISCRIBED IN A FEW WORDS, IT NEEDS TO BE EXPERIENCED TO BE BELIEVED. SO IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT IT, DON'T JUST THINK,DO IT!!!! I KNOW THAT I AM ON MY WAY BACK IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS.

Nathan Lance , AFF Graduate, FFU Ocaña Spain
August 2005, 22 jumps in 7 days.

There are two types of people who will read this; those who have skydived, and those who haven't. To those who HAVE, nothing needs to be said. To those who HAVEN'T, what are you waiting for?! Do it, and do it now, you will absolutely not regret it. Skydiving is off the scale. And with Freefall university in particular it's not just the skydiving that does it, it's the experience as a whole - both on and off the dropzone.

I could rant on for ages about the whole thing, but you're just going to have to do it for yourself, that's the only way you'll ever know and understand what I and the other people on this page are talking about. If you think you're smiling and excited when you read some of the comments here, wait until you've just landed your graduation jump!

Richard Bieda, AFF Graduate, FFU Ocaña Spain
September 2005, 20 jumps in 6 days.

What a way to lose that 9-5 grind!! If you ever considered doing something like this then follow through... it bloody fantastic. Skydiving is the only way to feel right on the edge, but completely safe at the same time.  Once you learn to relax (arch and relax, arch and relax) it almost becomes natural to throw yourself from a plane a couple of miles in to the sky!! The tuition is spot on, the instructors laid back and understanding.  After a few jumps you realise why they say, 'just relax'. Life at night is pretty wild and Life on the DZ is beautifully simple - Take a swim, rig up, jump, enjoy, repeat as required, and doing the course at the Freefall University is the best way to get started - two weeks ago I had never jumped out of a plane in my life, now for a weekend fix its just a case of rocking up to any DZ and renting a rig. (Tomorrow I’m off to Hinton for a spot of Sunday jumping)!! I can't believe I used to play golf on the weekends....

David Brewin, AFF Graduate FFU Ocaña Spain
September 2005, 14 jumps in five days.

I did a tandem with the red devils and decided AFF was for me! I felt nervous the day we arrived but got straight into ground school with whos manner allowed me feel very relaxed. My jumps at fist were interesting, especially my fifth , I started to Spin in freefall, but there was my instructor who quickly helpmed me to regain control. This knocked my confidence a bit , but having revied the video I felt keen to move on.

This week has been the most challenging and rewarding I have ever experienced. The ups and downs of learning a new skill and the top class instruction has given me something that I just thought I could not do!

Top marks for a brilliant week guys, I will be back to Ocaña/ Aranjuez to see you again.

Do it ! Step into the Blue room, but remember arch and relax...and I will add enjoy!!

David Brewin

Andrew Ciarelli Parenzi , AFF Graduate FFU Ocaña September 2005. 15 jumps in 5 days.

Thank you very much for the wonderful time I had on the AFF course. Everyone were very friendly and supportive and I had a great and succesful time.I am very much looking forward to coming to see you all again soon. Hopefully bringing some more people too if I convince them.I wish you all the very best mate and see you soon, Andy C-P

Daniel Wall, From Ireland, AFF Graduate FFU Ocaña Spain
September 2005. 28 jumps in eight days.

I originally tried the AFF programme in Texel Holland but for a number of reasons was not able to complete to complete my course. The Freefall University was reccomended to me by one of Davids students. I finished my course in three days and would reccomend anybody considering to do AFF to train here. I stayed in Aranjuez which is a lovely city with lots of bars and restaraunts to choose from . My girlfriend also accompanied me and preferred the location to Madrid with everything being very central in the city. A special thanks to my instructors for getting me through the AFF course so quickly..awesome instruction and to Andy for teaching me how to pack my own parachute ( which i jumped ).. I will be back!

Phil McGaw . AFF Graduate FFU Ocaña Spain
September 2005. 20 jumps , 6 days.

When I first set out to Madrid, there was thunder and lightning at London Heathrow, my flight was delayed for 2 hours due to "technical difficulties", and the thought that "This isn't meant to be" did cross my mind once or twice. However on arriving at the dropzone in Ocana the next morning, and feeling the buzz of excitement and anticipation from the other AFF students, hearing the enthusiasm from the instructors for the sport who literally live and breathe skydiving, it was suddenly contagious to not shut up about jumping!

The first jump came around pretty quickly, and for me personnally, I was more concerned with what I needed to do in order to pass the first level of the AFF course rather than the nerves of throwing myself out of a perfectly good aeroplane. Thankfully, the first jump went very well, and then the pace of the course really took off, doing a further two jumps that day, and four on the next which meant I completed the AFF course in 2 days(intense, but really satsifying). I could now start jumping solo and get my consoladation jumps in, which made skydiving a simply immense expereince in my mind. I completed the week doing twenty jumps, including my CATEGORY-8, and even managed to get myself on one of the sunset jumps which was one of my most treasured moments in the air, doing somersaults and tracking through the sky while the sun was setting, turned the sky into a mixture of orange and dark blue is something that you just have to experience. I met some great people during the week I was in Spain, and will be keeping in touch with them as much as I can, especially Ian 'Ironman' Newland, who in all honesty is a complete nutter, but a good laugh if you get the opportunity to jump with him. As for me now, I'm going to try practicing the things I've learnt and some advanced manuerves in the wind tunnel in Milton Keynes, and I think another trip out to Ocana isn't too far away either. Thanks to David and all the instructors at Ocana, and the staff who work at the airfield. It was a great expereience I'll never forget and try to repeat always.

Cheers
Phil McGaw

Andy Telfer . AFF Graduate FFU Ocaña Spain
September 2005. 25 jumps , 6 days.

Absoloutely f*!king hoofing! definitely the best 6 days fun in my life! And that was down to my A1 instructor ! The whole course was spot on and although we had great fun, he was always totally proffessional and made sure everything was safe and smooth. During the skydives I felt totally relaxed, calm and loving every minute.

My best jump was level six when I did a front looping exit, its was a mad experience and I was screaming with pleasure, and quickly followed up by signalling for me to a back loop !! what a blast !!. On my graduation day I was up until 5.30am in Aranjuez and then managed a few hours kip then getting up to the DZ for a days jumping. This is the life for me...

In the words of Ben Stiller in starsky & Hutch " DO IT !! "

.

Michael Lall . From London AFF Graduate FFU Ocaña Spain
August 2005. 21 jumps , 8 days.

Mike Williams . AFF Graduate FFU Ocaña Spain
August 2005. 27 jumps , 6 days.

If you're reading this trying to decide whether to skydive or not...do it. It is the single most amazing experience you will ever have.

I'll be honest though. It wasn't my idea to come skydiving. My mate Dean said "would you do it?" at approximately 2am after loads of alcohol in front of a group of attractive women...there was only one answer I could give (yeah, yeah I'm so weak!). What I didn't appreciate was the affect this sport could have on my life.

The instruction is fantastic, both in it's structure (with video analysis of every jump) and it's quality. I was lucky enough to be trained by Tim and Andy, who both helped me progress quickly so that I managed to qualify in 6 jumps, but the focus was always on ensuring I had as much fun as possible. ( My remaining AFF jump ended up being a formation skydiving coached dive ) . All the instructors are great and they always seem to know exactly what to say to make you improve.

The key for me was getting over the "Fu*k me I can't believe I'm jumping out of a plane" factor to find a calm focus that helped me relax...at 125mph this is not as simple as it seems. However this is one of the key things about skydiving. You have to overcome what Andy calls "The Ancient Fear" we have inside all of us as human beings, that falling to earth is a time to panic. Once you've overcome this you find that you can control yourself in the air far more than you ever imagined...and once you've mastered this there is a real sense of self confidence that you can do anything (must confess it didn't help my Spanish though!).

The location of the Freefall University is another of it's great strengths.The City of Aranjuez is easy to find, close to the Airport and a great place to stay, with loads of places to eat and lots of bars to get hideously drunk in. In fact, like many of the skydivers we kept returning to Avalon which it would appear is fast becoming a centre for Anglo-Spanish relations...

When you go to the Freefall University University, you'll also find that you meet a great bunch of fellow skydivers. I felt really lucky with the people I learnt with and if you're thinking about going, look at the daily updates on this website...everyone really does have as much fun as it looks!! My one piece of advice to anyone who goes skydiving with the freefall university is to read the manual...in particular the "AFF Common procedures at the Freefall University"...Following qualification "Sell your car, house, boat and divorce your spouse so you can buy gear".

This sport is amazingly addictive and the freefall university is the perfect place to get your fix...I'm going back next week!

Mike

Jill Nason from Ireland. AFF Graduate FFU Ocaña Spain
August 2005. 21 jumps , 6 days.

I have always loved adventure and and like to do things that are a bit different. I tried a tandem and decided skydiving was for me. My tandem instructor at home recomended I go to Spain , given the prospect of qualifying in a few days. Two years later I decided to do it. I researched the Freefall University and was impressed. When i contacted David I found him very helpful and informative and so enthusiastic about skydiving it was impossible to say no to the trip of a lifetime.

When I arrived in Spain Andy , one of the instructors collected me personally. I spent the whole car journey trying to figure out where he was from , turns out its Switzerland.. wait untill ( for the girls ) you see him in his Swiss Team jumpsuit! I went to the dropzone first where more instructors and students and Tim ( whom i later nicknamed hulk hogan .. send me some pics of him in his bandana ! ) I also met the other students who were obviously loving the course.

That night as most nights was spent with all the students , formation skydivers and what not eating and drinking in Aranjuez . The atmosphere there was great.

Myself and Laura were training together and we were a bit behind Dean and Mike ..we did our best to keep up with the " men " on the course. My instructor Daniel was absoloutley brilliant ! He was so encouraging and reassuring. I made my way through the course taking my time between jumps. I had to repeat two levels. It was without a doubt worth the time and the energy. When i completed level seven i was ecstatic!

Nothing describes your first solo... it was just out of this world! The freedom you have just falling through the air having nobody with you. Its the best feeling i have ever experienced. Its a must do !!!

Coming to a place like the Freefall University is defintatley the best way to do the course. Everybody is on the same wavelenght , so enthusiastic . Everybody has the same passion to succeed and enyoy. Everybody got on great. Everybody encourages each other ..and then theres helping people celebrate when they pass there AFF course ( kindly allowing them to buy a round of drinks that night !! ) . I will be back and will have friends with me ..they have to experience it !

I made some great friends here and Mikes already planning a reunion..and he only left yesterday !! That will probably be in the Uk, but we might manage one in Ireland also. Bassically get your ass over there .. you wont regret it.

By the way a special word to the Pilot, shes French but got great English and is a great laugh when out for the evening. She pretty nuts , but a great pilot and great friend!

Laura Cullen from Ireland. AFF Graduate FFU Ocaña Spain
August 2005. 20 jumps , 6 days.

Skydiving was one of those things I had always wanted to do. It was something i didnt want to live life without experiencing. So for my birthday I did a tandem skydive at the Irish Parachute Club in Offally. I loved it , the Freefall was amazing, I ended up doing a second tandem! When a friend suggested we go the FFU it sounded like an adventure and I just couldnt say no! When we finally arrived in Sunny Spain we met all tge team who were very friendly and such good fun!

My Instructor Tim and the team were all great people and it was such craic to learn with all the other students also. The atmosphere was simply great.

After a late night in Aranjuez the day I arrived I did the ground school the next day. When it came to the first jump I was quite scared. At one point on the way up I thought about not doing it, but the instructors were so encouraging and I jumped and I have never been so proud of myself.

I flew through the rest of the levels and what a feeling it was to graduate. My first solo was fantastic and an experience I will never forget. I left the plane and words cant describe the feeling. I went on to complete twelve more solos.

Aranjuez is a beautifull city , this is where the students and staff ate in the evening and where i stayed ( Infantes which is simple but very adequate ). I enjoyed this part of the holiday also. Sharing each others experiences and swopping stories. This down to our common interest.

I am really going to miss the FFU and the people I met. I wish I could skydive everyday. I will be back for certain and would reccomend the the FFU to everybody. For me it has been the trip of a lifetime ... a truly amazing adventure.

You gotta try it..its a " deadly buzz " !

Steve Caddywould
August 2005. 35 jumps , 13 days.

For a couple of years now I have had this nagging in the back of my mind .. I wanted to skydive. Early this year I completed three static line jumps in the UK and even though the weather caused a lot of delays the seed was sown.

I choose the AFF course because of the high pass rate and I chose Spain because of the great weather ( no delays). The Freefall University was the obvious choice.

After the initial email to David Cowman the wheels were in motion and its been a smooth ride throughout.

The instructors are all great blokes and they all hail from different backgrounds providing a broad mix of experience and first class instruction.

Since I arrived at the dropzone I have been treated like one of the gang and it was this helped me to complete the AFF in the minimum amount of jumps. After graduating I have wanted to jump more and more and the team is always on hand to offer a bit of free advice.

Aranjuez itself has a great night life with everyone staying there including the instructors and every night has been a continuation of the day. I will definatley be back!

Stephen.

Andy Nicklin , FFU Ocaña AFF Graduate
August 2005. 37 jumps , 13 days.

After some static line jumps and a tandem skydive I wanted to do AFF for some time. Upon convincing some mates to join me I looked around for some places to do it!

I chose the Freefall University because from even the initial enquiry their approach was one both friendly and professional. For the two months prior to arrival constant contact was kept ensuring we had all our needs met prior to arrival.

Spain has fantastic weather and maximum time is Spent jumping. Allowing three weeks to come to Spain we combined this as a holiday for a bit of relaxation and did not anticipate completing the AFF course in 3 days. This has however allowed more time to continue jumping.

I personally was somewhat apprehensive of my first jump. My fears were set at ease by the professional approach yet relaxed atmosphere of the the training.

All of the instructors are extremely experienced and their enthusiasm is inefectious. Their various backgrounds ensure that they are knowladgeable in every aspect of the sport. Including competing at the highest level of the sport.

Upon completion of the AFF course I have been building towards undertaking the formation skydiving (FS1 ) course. The atmosphere at the dropzone is one that makes you feel part of the team. No question was too stupid and I would reccomend the Freefall University to skydivers at all levels. Both AFF and team formation skydiving training were at a high standard from what I could see. And for those whose friends dont want to do a full course bring them over for a tandem .

Gareth Tennant , FFU Ocaña AFF Graduate
August 2005. 33 jumps , 14 days.

I started the AFF course feeling very apprehensive . We built up to the first jump with a ground school and although the instructors were very reassuring and professional i was nervous as we took off the next morning.

As I left the aircraft my nerves turned to excitement. Since that first jump I have not stopeed, everytime I am on the ground I want to be back in the air. I completed the AFF in 9 jumps ( 1 repeat ) and went on to do 20.

The FFU Spain is an excellent place to skydive due to the weather and the instructors. The staff are all very friendly. Im sure i will be back here in the near future to jump more.

Gareth
.

Dean Smith , FFU Ocaña AFF Graduate
August 2005. 23 jumps , 6 days.

The first question I was asked when I arrived was why skydiving ? Well I did three static line jumps some years ago with my father who was an instructor in the UK. I left the sport and after a period of travel settled on skiing.

I kept thinking about doing an AFF course but never found anyone that would do it with me. Then I met a guy at work , Mike , who was also up for it. So I started researching where to go. We could have jumped in the UK at a dropzone 20 minutes away but I found the Freefall University in Ocaña , near Madrid. What drew me to them was the professionalism , the opportunity for epic weather and it worked out less expensive than doing it in the UK.

I have to tell you its been amazing! ( I have written this whilst still here ). The weather is perfect ..not a cloud in the sky! The accomodation is great and isnt expensive ( Hotel Infantes Aranjuez ) in the city. Aranjuez is buzzing with nightlife and great food...oh yeah and beer!! All the instructors here are TOP NOTCH ..calming , knowledgable and great fun.. simply put they cant do enough for you. David was extremely helpful in booking and my instructor Andy is a serious dude. He has filled me with complete confidence and I feel I have made a true friend. , Christy and Tim all helped me along the way also.

On level one I was very nervous but Andy and Christy kept me stable. What a rush after I exited the aircraft!! I landed my canopy with a soft touch down and was filled with a total Euphoria!

I then did level 2 and 3. I had to repeat level 3 due to not extending my legs enough. I did level four and then level five. I did a great back flip in freefall ..what a feeling.

Today I did level seven and graduated to jump solo! I am now a skydiver! I did a tumble exit from 13,000 feet. in a ball for five seconds and then arched became stable and tracked across the sky with Andy! Tracking is when you travel across the sky like a bullet which was fuc**** amazing. I landed on target to a soft landing!!

You have to come out and do this!! A big thank you to everyone at the dropzone.all a great bunch. To Andy ..thank you for helping me to experience the closest you will ever feel to God!

Pick up the phone and talk to David and come to the Freefall University. I did, im hooked and will be doing whatever it takes to come back as often as possible.

Updated to add:
I have now found my week has come to an end......I have had the BEST time skydiving with the Freefall University. I managed to squeeze in 23 jumps and made some great new buddies. Warning this sport is highly addictive and nothing else comes close in my opinion. Get yourselves over here and give it a go i guarantee you will not be disappointed.
So what next? Well i shall be aiming for MY FS1 which allows me to freefall with my friends...Cool!!!And a canopy control course so that one day i can become a kick ass swooper!!!!

Blue skies and soft landings.

Dean

Blue Skies and Soft Landings
Dean

Brett Shepherd , FFU Ocaña AFF Graduate
August 2005. 16 jumps , 6 days.

I had been maintaining an interest in an AFF course since i attended a RAPS course two years ago. I found the static line fun but progression was slow, even if all your jumps were successful.

I first looked at doing an AFF course in Florida but the flights alone would have cost nearly as much as the course itself! The added problem of time and travel meant i looked a bit closer to home whilst combining the course with a holiday. I found the Freefall University.

All the non skydiving matters were taken care of by David Flights , accomodation and and car hire. Confirmations etc. were forwarded by email. He also phoned regularily in advance to make sure that we had recieved everything we needed.

Once I landed in Madrid it was only a short journey south to Aranjuez. The hotel ( Infantes ) was simple but more than adequate. Aranjuez itselfy is very pleasant and its got many restaraunts and bars some of which stay open much later.. probably more than you would want them to!! The small town of Ocaña is closer to the dropzone, we avoided this, the few extra kilometres are well worth it.

Of course the real reason for being there was the skydiving. Arriving on day one i was straight into ground school with my instructor who used his vast experience to ensure that all Ii needed to know came across in a clear and concise manner. Having had previous experience., albeit 2 years prior. My instructor was able to identify when I already understood a lesson fully, and was flexible enough to move on. That meant i was able to jump on the first day.

For Level one i jumped with and Christo. It was clear that their main interest was safety but also that I completed the level successsfully. They had a friendly , reassurring approach with a lot of banter that eased my anxiety.
aff skydiving course florida
The course continued in the same way and by the end of the week i had passed my AFF and completed eight consolidation jumps. Im sure i would have completed more solos had it not been for strong wind on occassion.

The camaradrie was something that I noticed straight away at the Freefall University. I had heard that at some dropzones that they could be rather " cliquey ". At Ocaña I was made to feel very welcome not only from the instructors but from experienced skydivers who rather than look at the AFF students as the new guys respected us for getting involved in their sport. This extended beyond the dropzone with the staff and students socailising in the bars of Aranjuez. One word of warning though , if you smoke will nick your fags!

Coming to Spain and qualifying as a skydiver has been one of the best decisions i ever made. Combining a spanish holiday with the thrill of flying your body has to beat a week sitting on the beach - if your hard enough!

Im already planing my return in October!

Brett

Ania Kempista, FFU AFF Graduate
June 2005

Initially, I didn’t come to the FFU to skydive. My boyfriend was going through the AFF course and I decided to tag along and watch. However, the atmosphere at the drop zone is infectious and you just want to be a part of it somehow. On the second day I decided to do a tandem, and when I was finally suited up to do it, I thought my legs would crumple before reaching the plane—I was terrified. In the end, the experience was absolutely amazing, and although my fear didn’t relent, the excitement was so powerful I did another tandem on the following day. Before I left FFU I promised myself to come back to do the course, and six weeks later I did. I was not the easiest student—during my first jump I could not get out of the plane. I had to repeat three different levels of the course and each plane-ride was a real effort in controlling my fear. However, I tried very hard and once I was out of that plane I felt like nothing else I’ve ever done compared.When I finished my level seven I seriously could not believe I’ve done it, and I was over the moon.I hold so much respect for the instructors at FFU, because when you take the AFF course you are surrounded by a truly cohesive team of experts.Tim, my instructor, was fantastic—always providing constructive feedback. He was positive and patient even when I was frustrated with myself.Marcus, my first tandem instructor, convinced me to go up the first time and I could not wipe the smile off my face for the rest of the week. Tony let me steer the parachute during my second tandem to give me a taste of the real thing. Also, each time you go up on your first set of jumps, you’re flying with your instructor and a secondary and therefore meet most of the team. Lucy was the one who helped me to get myself together and take that first jump. Danny’s smiling face on the plane is enough to make you grin even when you’re completely petrified of that door opening at 13,000 feet. And all the other people at the DZ that so freely share their expertise and help you through the course.I think that FFU has an exceptional team and a great course—not just for true novices like me, but also for people already passionate about the sport. I can’t wait to go back

David O´Regan , Ireland , 10 Jumps in 3 days June 2005.
AFF graduate of the Freefall University.

WOW ! What can I say , this has been the best holiday experience of my life... mostly down to the wonderful people I´ve met over the last few days, students and staff alike. Everyone was so helpful and willing to lend their support without hesitation. Id like to give a special thanks to both my instructors Lucy and Marcus. I could not have expected it to go any smoother.

I still cant believe how much i have learnt in such a short period of time. Its a great confidence boost. If your even considering an AFF course this is the place to come. Granted I have nothing to compare it to, but i cant imagine a school being as welcoming and professional as this.

Also thanks Lamorna for all your help and information you gave me before I arrived. You made the trip effortless.

Nick Smith , UK , 13 Jumps in 8 days June 2005.
AFF graduate of the Freefall University.

Where do i start with what has been the most unnatural, intense and pressurized experience of my life, i know this will sound cliché but i feel different, i feel more relaxed, capable and confident than I used to, i certainly look at the sky in a totally different way.

When you're going though ground school you can't wait to get up there and jump, but believe me when your up there the last thing you want to do is jump, but you do, and when you do you'll know what it was that drove you to do this crazy thing. Whether it's the adrenalin, the challenge or something else, all the fear and anxiety you'll feel leaves you faster then you fall to the ground. For almost a minute this will be the closest you'll ever come to unaided flight, to be a bird, to be a plane, yes you got it, to be superman/superstone, this truly is your licence to fly.

I can't imagine jumping with a more friendly, relaxed and knowledgeable bunch than the guys I found at freefall university. Everyone was very cool, instructors, divers and students alike, the whole place felt open and inviting.

My only problem now is how am i supposed to go back to a day job! I will return.

Karen Donaldson , UK , 23 Jumps in 7 days May 2005.
AFF graduate of the Freefall University.

My impression of the Freefall University is one of friendliness. Safety is obvious and taken seriously and everybody is happy to give advice, which was great for me as i was learning.

I had a fantastic instructor who made me feel very comfortable and calmed my nerves. I felt ok on " the way up " but my stomach went when they opened the door! I got into position and the next thing I knew I was freefalling. When I opened my parachute i wasnt sure where I was but my instructor was on the radio to " talk me down "!

With the help of the instructors i got better and by level six i was having lots of fun doing somersaults. I completed the AFF and consols and did some other solo jumps during my stay.

Many thanks to all at the Freefall University . I have had a fantastic time and hope to see everybody again soon for the formation skydiving course.

Jamie Salvage , UK, 19 Jumps in 7 days May 2005.
AFF graduate of the Freefall University.
Jumping out of a plane is not a natural act but with Marcus and Ulli i felt 100% safe at all times. Everybody should be made do AFF !

The instructors and other staff of the Freefall University all have a passion for skydiving which is highly infectious and now im hooked ! I will be back in a few weeks to do some more solo jumping and and perhaps take the formation skydiving course.

I cant reccomend the place enough.. Many thanks to David and the gang for making me very welcome..

Cliff Harvey , UK, 1 Jump1 in 1 day ( Intro to skydiving ) . May 2005

You dont need courage to skydive,, no really you dont !! Courage comes with the training you recieve. Your belief in yourself and your instructor gives you the courage to step out of a plane at 13,000ft. If you have ever thought of skydiving but dissmissed it because its something only action heros do...seriously think again.

You can do it and not only that youll love it .. I did.

Jon Peaple , UK, 20 Jumps in 9 days. May 2005
Freefall University , AFF , Graduate.

Doing this aff course is one of the best decisions i have ever made. It has opened my eyes to a whole new world of opportunities and challenges. I would be lying if I said I found the course easy. It has been a roller coaster ride of fear, adrenalin and an overwhelming sense of fun and achievement. It is the challenge of the course that makes it so rewarding and fulfilling, when ultimately you finish aff and suddenly you are free to skydive on your own. I’m sure that I would not have got through the course if it were not for the professionalism, kindness, tolerance and good humour of my instructors. I am very grateful to them and everyone else at Freefall University, Lamorna and Dave. Undoubtably the most intense and rewarding 10 days of my life. I will be back…when I have managed to save some more pennies!

Thanks again! Oh yes, if you are thinking about doing AFF, don’t hesitate. It really will change your life.

Simon Glover, UK, 20 Jumps in 9 days. May 2005
Freefall University , AFF , Graduate.

The last nine days here in FFU for me have been amazing! The first day here was full of information, which is all good. My instructor covered every aspect of skydiving and what to do which made me feel very safe. The AFF jumps were great, going from never jumping out of an airplane to being able ot double front flip out and control 360 turns and flips just four days later. It’s wicked! Especially the solo jumps! Thanks to everyone at Freefall University for a wicked nine days!

Mick McGinnity , Ireland, 50 Jumps over three holidays, latest one April 2005.
Freefall University AFF Graduate.

Yes you could, sit by the pool all day getting lobster red being served Sangria...or you could go to the FFU and skydive. Now , no normal person wouldnt be frightened at the prospect of throwing themselves out of a perfectly working aircraft. I found myself making up Diety´s and praying to them , the ´God of everything is going to be all right and the ´Prophet of Safe Landings ´. But be assured safery is second to none and then its all fun, fun , fun !

The instructors are brilliant , making sure you are comfortable with everything before doing anything and your gauranteed to meet people from all walks of life , in groups or here on their own. And all there for one thing...to skydive.... Its also reassuring to meet people in the same " boat " ( or plane ) as you and I have made many good mates.

Another worry I had was that all the experienced jumpers and staff would be bravado charged , radicle , " cant put me in a cage man assholes" . Everybody however was , pardon the pun, down to earth and when the sun does go down theres plenty of fun to be had with outdoor music, bars and BBQ´s.

Dont take my word for it , I am writing this on my third holiday back since learning and will not be my last ( Im already booked in for July ).

Skydiving has no rival and the FFU is the perfect place to start. So forget about sun sand and Sangria.

Go where the sky and the ground is the limit!

Mick from Dublin.

Jo Cox, United Kingdon, 12 Jumps 4 days , April 2005.
Freefall University AFF Graduate