Dates:
1st Bigway Camp – 23 May to 25 May 2019
2nd Bigway Camp – 27 May to 29 May 2019
Record Attempts – 31 May to 3 Jun 2019
P3 Registration
P3 INVITATION
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions |
Answers |
Link |
Are you Travel Ready? |
Don’t leave it till the last minute – check you have all in order to travel now! | Advice for Travelers |
| Is my Passport Expiry date important? | Yes! Your Passport expiry date will need to be 6mths after you enter the USA. If your passport is due to expire in less than 6mths, get this sorted now otherwise you will not be able to enter the USA. | |
| Do I need a Visa? | Yes. Australians are eligible for the ESTA Visa Waiver Program – you can apply online. Cost is US$14.00. ESTA is good for 2 years for multiple entries of up to 90 days each visit. Print out your ESTA approval and carry with you when you travel. | ESTA |
| Can I arrange my visa at the airport? | No. USA Rules have changed. ‘Real-time’ ESTA approvals are no longer available. | |
| Do I need Travel Insurance? | This is a MUST! The DZ will want your insurance details BEFORE you start jumping. Check the Product Disclosure Statement to ensure Parachute / Skydiving is not excluded under dangerous activities. Check Covermore or QBE as Travel Insurance Options – IMPORTANT: Read the product disclosure statement carefully! Don’t presume if someone tells you an insurance company covers skydiving – ensure you read this to confirm! | |
| Are Vaccinations for Travel to the USA required? | No | |
| Can I carry my normal medications? | Google this question and check the DFAT Smart Traveler site. Some common medications in Australia – like Codeine – aren’t allowed in the US. Sudafed often requires a US address on your ID. Best take enough medication with you for all scenarios. | |
| What is the US International Airport closest to the DZ? | LAX – LA International Airport | |
| Should I get Gear Insurance? | A good option. The APF offer gear insurance | APF Insurance |
| How much luggage space will I have for the flight over? | Most international carriers allow 2 bags of varying weight BUT be careful if you have internal flights before or after the event – they may sting you for extra luggage. Check your flight ticket(s) | |
| If luggage space is tight, can I take my rig as carry on? | I wouldn’t recommend it. Some airlines do and others don’t and typically it will depend on the check in person on the day. I would not risk it and miss your flight. | |
| How many checked in bags would you recommend? | Two bags is a good fit. Your Gear bag with Rig and the other for personal items. If you need more space, pay in advance for additional luggage. It will be worth the peace of mind on the day. | |
| But I carry light, can’t I take one bag and save money? | Yes of course. You could save space by purchasing toiletries and other personal items when you are in the USA. | |
| If luggage weight is tight, can I wear my weight belt onto the plane? | NO! Don’t carry lead on the plane. Greg Jack has had it confiscated by Homeland Security as it could be used as a weapon. The DZ promises ample lead to be available at Square One to Rent / Purchase. | |
| When should I book my flight home? | June 4th at the earliest. Everyone is encouraged/expected to stay all day on June 3rd that includes our end of event party. | |
| What about a holiday in the States? | Yes, yes, yes! It is always popular for team members to travel after the event for a week or two. Many end up in Las Vegas for a few days, or touring the Grand Canyon, the coastline of California, fly to NY, etc. If you have the time, I would recommend a holiday after the event! | |
| What about attending the P3 Events prior to the Aussie Bigway Camps? | Yes! You will learn a lot, meet and jump with others from around the world, get to jump in the real world of skydiving from Skyvans and Twin Otters using oxygen. If you can, you should! It’s loads of fun! In May P3 offer 100way camp, 100way Event and their invitational Spring Fling Event | P3 Events |
How do I get from the airport to the DZ? |
There are a few options. Public transport is not straight forward but can be done. | Search Options |
| How long is the drive to the DZ? | Google maps states roughly 2hrs however travel time to the DZ is VERY traffic dependant and could take up to 4hrs. Allow plenty of extra time if driving anywhere near peak hour times. | Link to google map |
| What about a hire car? | There are various hire car company options. You could hire a car for the duration of the event; possibly share the cost with others who are arriving at the airport the same day. | |
| Is there a shuttle bus option? | Yes. Share a shuttle bus with your team mates arriving into LAX the same time. Typically you can hitch a ride with others when at the DZ to get around to nearby places to purchase food or to eat out. | Link to Google search |
| What do I need in order to drive or hire a car in the States? | A full Australia drivers licence. | |
| Should I include rental car insurance? | It is recommended. | |
Should I register now with P3? |
YES! It will assist Aussie Bigways to confirm numbers and that you are attending
DEPOSIT — $650, broken down as follows: — CAMP 1: $180 — CAMP 2: $195 — RECORD ATTEMPT CAMP 3: $275
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P3 Registration |
| Do I need to pay the deposit now? | Not necessarily. Deposits are not withdrawn when registering with P3 using a credit card. | |
| If no deposits are taken now, how do I pay? | Payment will be required in full when you arrive at the DZ manifest before the camp starts. You can nominate to pay using US Cash, Credit Card, Travelers Checks or US Check. | |
| How much is the cost of the full event? | US$2,895.00
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| What are the dates of the event? | 23rd May to 3rd June 2019 | |
| What do you get for your buck? | Awesome jumps with top international P3 Coaches and your team mates, videos and pictures, Event party, Event Tshirt, Commemorative Patches & Helmet Stickers to name a few… and chances at a new Australian Largest Freefall Formation Record! | |
| How many jumps is this? | 44 Jumps – approx. 50% of the jumps will be made from 16,500 – 19,000 feet AGL using oxygen | |
| How is that broken down? | — CAMP 1: $810 for 13 jumps
— CAMP 2: $860 for 13 jumps — RECORD ATTEMPT CAMP 3: $1225 for 18 jumps
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| How can I pay for the event prior to arriving? | Contact Jen or Brenda to arrange the payment; either by credit card, bank transfer or US Check | Email Jen / Brenda |
| What if I can’t make it and have to pull out? Can I get a refund? | Cancellation & Refund Policy: If you cannot honor your commitment to this event and you cancel after April 20th, a $250 USD registration fee will be retained as a late cancellation penalty, and the remainder of your deposit / monies on account will be refunded to you. | |
| I am an awesome flyer with loads of bigway experience jumping Skyvans and Twin Otters. Can I come for the last 4 days of the record attempts only as I have limited time? | Possibly. All such queries are approved by Dan BC. Send an email to Dan Via Greg Jack. | Email Greg |
What are the options for Accommodation? |
Camping IS FREE in an allocated area near the memorial garden. Bring your tent. No powered sites. | |
| Bunkhouse is US$15 per night. Book a bed by emailing Brenda at manifest | More Info | |
| RV sites are US$30 per night. Slots are limited. | Email Brenda | |
| IHOP House is roughly US$20 – $40 per night depending on numbers sharing the house. Aussie jumper, Marcus Bourget, is managing the IHOP House for our event. Email Brenda at the DZ manifest to book your bed. | More Info | |
| What about accommodation off the DZ? | Yes, there are various options for motel accommodation. Check the link. Also an option could be an Airbnb room or shared house. | More Info |
| Can I deliver parcels to the DZ in advance to pick up when I arrive? | Yes. The address to send parcels: Skydive Perris, 2091 Goetz Rd, Perris CA 92570. Ensure your name is on the package. Please DO NOT ship too early. Manifest does not have room to store packages for an extended time. | |
What do I need to bring for skydiving? |
All your usual gear including Rig, Helmet, Aldible Alit, Wrist Alti, Jumpsuits for all Slots, Sleeves, Weight Belt and weights (if luggage weight allows), Gloves, Head Scuff, Thermals, Shoes… | |
| Where do I go when I arrive at the DZ? | Manifest to finalise your registration and payment, waiver, and for your gear to be checked before jumping. | |
| Do I need to bring my logbook? | Yes for those new to jumping at Perris, which is most of us! You will need the logbook pages signed by another licenced jumper, or at least the last few pages. If you have an electronic logbook, write out some pages from the last few jumps and have them signed, and show along with your electronic logbook. | |
| When is the first day of jumping? | May 23rd. Please be registered, waivered, gear checked and ready to jump at this time. Please make your travel arrangements accordingly. | |
| What is the meet time on 23rd May? | 8am. Start times for subsequent days will be announced at the end of the preceding day. | |
| What day should I arrive? | I would recommend arriving at least two days early to get settled, to manage any jet lag and to have a jump or two to get yourself acquainted with the DZ. For example you could arrive on the 21st May, get settled in your accommodation, buy rations of food, check in with manifest, gear checks and go to bed at the normal time that night. 22nd May have a jump or two and meet and greet your team mates as they arrive. Then you are fresh as a daisy for jumping on the 23rd May. | |
| Where do we meet? | Follow everyone else… | |
| Are there packers? | Yes. Arrange a packer as soon as you arrive. Have someone point out who they are when you arrive. Payment will be required in USD Cash along with a tip. Packing is $7 or $8 per pack depending on size of canopy. Tip amount is not clear but most people tend to round up reasonably generously at the end of the day. | |
| What is the elevation of the DZ? | Approx. 1500 feet above sea level. Expect faster landings if your home DZ is at lower altitudes. | |
| What size canopy should I bring? | Whatever you are comfortable flying and landing at this altitude in a bigway format. Can you make it back from a long spot or land anywhere you want safely in a busy landing area? | |
| What about my reserve repack date? | The DZ will honour the Australian 12mth reserve packing cycle. You must have a riggers seal on the reserve pin. Check before you leave to ensure your reserve is in date! | |
| Will I need my APF Membership Card? | Yes, bring this along when you sign in at manifest | |
| Do I need to become a USPA Member? | Yes. Check the options for a USPA membership. You can apply online for a 3mth temporary membership for US$30. Applying online in advance will save time at manifest on the day! | Link to USPA Membership |
| Are any days off planned? | Yes. 26th May and 30th May. However these are weather days and the schedule may change for the days off to optimise our jumping during good weather days. | |
| What will I do on my days off? | There are lots of options. LA has fun parks, famous beaches and shop till you drop outlet malls. You will want to include clothes washing and restocking your food and energy so you are ready for another 3 – 4 days of jumping | |
What about the facilities at the DZ? |
As an overview there is a café, gear shop, rigging loft, bar with delicious and inexpensive margarita jugs to share with your friends, a pool, ample packing areas, 12 foot wind tunnel. | |
| Is there food available on the DZ? | Yes, there is a cafe onsite to purchase food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. However with 150+ jumpers they are going to be busy. Personally I would re comment purchasing a small cooler and purchasing some food and drinks at the local store so you aren’t left thirsty or hungry on a busy day.Buying provisions: Winco is 7 minutes from the DZ, and is excellent with a good variety, it is fresh and cheap. | |
| When do I tip? | This is quite a subject that you best read about and ask those that have traveled to the USA | Info on tipping |
| Is there a gear shop on the DZ? | Yes. Square One. Check their website. You might like to order items online in advance to ensure you get what you require. | Square One Website |
| How about gear maintenance – is there facilities for jumpsuit / rig / helmet repairs? | Yes. Visit The Loft – their room is onsite to the right as you walk onto the DZ from the general parking area | |
| I hear there is a tunnel at the DZ – is this true? | Yes, there is a 12 foot tunnel as you drive into the DZ. | Perris Indoor Skydiving Website |
| Can I arrange tunnel time with an experienced coach at Perris | Yes. Grace Katz is going to be coordinating all the tunnel activity. Stay tuned, more information will be released soon as to available coaches. | |
| What are two rules given by Dan BC for jumping at Perris? | 1) Don’t be Dangerous. 2) Don’t be that guy / girl | |
| Will there be weights to hire or to purchase at the DZ? | Yes. Square One Gear Shop will have 1kg weights for hire. Remember to bring your weight belt. | |
| Can I wear my Go Pro when jumping? | No. Please remove your Go Pro from your helmet before jumping Bigways at Perris. | |
| Should I bring my thermals? | Yes! It can be cold sitting near the door at 20,000 feet! | |
| What is the weather like in Perris Valley this time of year? | Unpredictable, much like Sydney’s spring weather. Or Melbourne’s four-seasons-in-one-day. Come prepared – bring something warm just in case. | |
| I hear the DZ has a pool. Should I bring my swimmers? | Yes! A swim then off to the bar is a good way to relax after jumping on hot days. Plus handy to have your swimmers on party day/night, unless you want to swim in your clothes. That however will work too… | |
What is our release time? |
After jumping and our party the night of the 3rd June. | |
| When is our Party night? | The night that we secure the record. And/or the night of the 3rd June, our last jumping day after the event debrief. | |
| Will there be free booze at the party? | YES!!!! The margaritas are always a hit! | |
| What is the official release time for the Event? | This event concludes on June 3rd after the event debrief | |
| When should I book my flight home? | June 4th at the earliest. Everyone is encouraged/expected to stay all day on June 3rd. | |
| What about a holiday in the States? | Yes, yes, yes! It is always popular for team members to travel after the event for a week or two. Many end up in Los Vegas for a few days, or touring the Grand Canyon, the coast of California, fly to NY, etc. If you have the time, I would recommend a holiday post the event! | |
| What happens if I don’t make all of my jumps at the event? | A portion of your jumps will be refunded. Some amount will be kept for the organisational costs of the event. | |
| How do I get a copy of my jumps and event pictures. | Skydiving Photography will add footage to their website. After the event, Skydiving Photography will email a link for you to download all videos and footage of the event. | Skydive Photography Website |