Posted by Brian Long
19/09/2011 9:38 PM

I just completed my A-License static-line skydiving course at Ramblers Toogoolawah and am overwhelmed by the entire experience. The staff of Ramblers can be described by six words: friendly, organized, professional, dedicated, patient and extremely experienced. The adventure got off to a great start with Rebecca at the front desk. She booked my course and answered my many questions and innumerable follow up phone calls. She was friendly, helpful and always patient. The course began with Wade our instructor giving us a full day on theory and practise to drill into us the equipment and procedures for making skydiving safe and fun. “Belgy” took over my training on day two and mentored me for my remaining static line course. He accompanied and videoed all of my jumps. After each jump I was given a detailed debrief on what I did right and what needed improvement and was always encouraging and helpful. It is only after you have had a few jumps and see these guys in action as teachers and mentors that you begin to fully appreciate how professional and dedicated they really are. Of course there is all the behind the scenes activities to support the skydiving – you do not notice it because it runs so smoothly. Rodney and Rebecca do a brilliant job organizing and monitoring all the loads and even guiding students in for their landing. Nothing is missed with Rodney and Makka there overseeing everything – even your jumps and landings are monitored from the ground by these guys and other instructors. Because I was camping at the drop zone I got to experience the camaraderie of the Ramblers staff and felt honoured when asked to join in with their relaxation after a day’s jumping. I was treated as though I was part of the family right from the start. And the thing you soon realize after staying there for a few days is that Ramblers is a family. Even during the busy weekends the atmosphere remains friendly, warm and relaxed. Saturday night the canteen ladies cook up a hearty home cooked dinner and are there throughout the weekend for sandwiches, hamburgers, coffee and motherly advice and humour.
After I completed my A-License my daughter began pestering me about skydiving and even though she is only 16 I felt so comfortable with the Instructors and the atmosphere at Ramblers that I signed her up as well for an A-License static-line course. Wade started her off with the theory as well as supervising her first 4 or 5 jumps but was called off to do other AFF training when things got very busy. She was not left alone but was incredibly privileged to have Makka and Rodney personally step in to take over her training. Other outstanding instructors like Phil were always there to provide advice and humour. Even the Pilot Roger livened up the flights and evenings with his unique and brilliant wit and humour.
I now know an excellent way to spend my weekends with my family and hope I get a chance to spend many more of them skydiving at Ramblers.
Thanks guys!!
Brian Long