Every dropzone is a unique mixture of elements. The necessary basics of an aeroplane to go up in and a designated space to land on are various, and from there things only get more complex. For those lucky enough to own a parachute and be able to wander, the skydiving world has become that most modern of phenomena – beset by choice. Who to jump with and learn from can be enticing factors, as can the structure of how that gets done. The infrastructure of both the facility itself and the surrounding area can represent the difference for some. Most likely it is a subtle balance of all these things that wins the day. Flying or driving? Low key or pushing hard? Modest or fancy?
Spain has been a traditional Winter skydiving trip for much of Europe. Close enough to drive for the mainlanders and cheap enough to fly for everyone else, the holiday boogie options have settled into their current lineup across largely the same Christmas-to-NYE dates – offering slightly different versions of your escape to the sunshine. Connecting with as many people as possible is important for CYPRES, and this year we wanted to attend all three. Almost the full length of Spain lies between them, and each deliver a collection of qualities from which to select which might be the best for you.
With the skydiving situation at Skydive Algarve still complicated, things have consolidated into Skydive Spain’s long running holiday event being busy.
Jumps: When the full focus of a connected aviation fleet (Winglider) is applied, even hundreds of people cannot slow things down. It’s packed, and due care and attention is paid to this on an operational level. If you are full of energy you can get the numbers in.
Variety: With many quick aircraft (mainly the fairly unique Dornier G92s) and a lot of skydivers, support is needed in the form of many competent organisers. This is pretty well understood, so here you can find a long list of storied and influential international coaches across all disciplines.
Special Things: Regan Tetlow will probably be there jazzing everyone up and being full of energy.
The Empuriabrava team have been applying more time and effort to their sport community again across recent seasons, and it shows with the increased attendance and upgraded vibes over their holiday event.
Views: Skydiving can present you with a spectacular viewpoint from altitude no matter where you are, but it is hard to argue that flying low past the marina and climbing up over the Gulf of Roses is not one of the most agreeable on offer.
Experience: Skydive Empuriabrava has as locals some of the most experienced professional skydivers in the world, and this shows in the way that even when it gets busy everyone know exactly what they are doing, and things proceed smoothly without any stress or complication.
Special Things: If you are lucky, Bruno Brokken will play the piano.
While Skydive Castellón is not a big dropzone, it’s located well to serve the needs of the growing number of loyal visitors who seek to spend their time there. Each year their events get bigger and grow in reputation.
Vibes: Smaller operations generally foster a family atmosphere, and the community feel here is strong. This can often be the most important thing of all.
Options: Castellón de la Plana is a holiday town, so is full of fairly affordable choices of somewhere close to stay. There is a pretty good hotel over the road if you are feeling fancy, and many other options of all shapes and sizes if you are in the group.
Special Things: Land on the beach, any time you like.
Thanks again to everyone who we got to meet this time out, at any and all of these fine places to ignore to boring parts of Chirstmas and go skydiving instead. See you next year.
Tags: CYPRES, CYPRES Road Show
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