For recent skydiving graduates, there is often a no-man’s-land between the A license and getting on good dives. Skydive Spaceland-Houston has been turning that no-man’s land into free coaching central with its monthly Transitions events.
On or near the first weekend of each month, organizers and coaches collaborate to provide free small-group coaching tailored to a particular skill, such as dive and dock, linked exits, and tracking. Future events will include competitions as well.
“The goal is to provide new skydivers with a free coaching to improve their skills and safety, the chance to network with the organizers/coaches and other new skydivers, and have an awesome time doing it,” says Spaceland marketing director Christy West.
“This was such a great experience for a new jumper like myself,” says recent graduate Nicole Ortiz. “I learned so much and I look forward to more events like this to help make me a better skydiver.”
“Thank you for taking time out this weekend to help me be a better skydiver! I really appreciate it!” added Clark Shores.
The events are hosted by Skydive Spaceland and organizer Chuck Akers, and assisted by The Ratings Center and many instructors/coaches around the drop zone donating their time. They have become a celebration welcoming newly licensed jumpers into the ranks of the experienced while providing numerous sources of good information to improve skills and safety.
“Great event, Spaceland. We need more DZs to follow suit,” said videographer Rick DeShano.
The Transitions events are open to new jumpers from any drop zone, and they are focused on skydivers with 100 jumps or less. For more information and a schedule, see Skydive Spaceland-Houston on Facebook.