Interview With Tandem Skydive Instructor Nuno Ramalho!

Thursday, June 13, 2019

What’s your name and where are you from?

My name is Nuno Filipe Ramalho and I’m from Estremoz in Portugal.

When did you start working for Skydive Algarve?
I started working for Skydive Algarve initially in 2015.

How and when did you get into skydiving?

I started my skydive training with the AFF course back in 2010.

Explain a bit about your progression to becoming an instructor?

When I first started working on a dropzone I started off as ground crew, I then progressed onto becoming a packer. During this time I continued jumping and progressing with my own skydive career. I then went on to get my instructor rating and following this my Tandem Instructor rating. It’s been a fast and continuous progression and I’m so happy to be where I am right now.

What’s a typical day like at Skydive Algarve for you?
I wake up and make my way over to the DZ. I have a coffee at Skycafé, at the airfield with my fellow instructors and colleagues. Throughout the day I make around 6-8 jumps which can include a variety of tandem jumps, AFF instructor jumps, camera flying, FS or FF coaching and fun jumping. At the end of the day I’ll have a beer and then head home!

How many jumps do you have?
I have a total of 1817 to date!

What’s one of your most memorable skydives?
The jumps that are the most memorable to me are the times I share the sky with my friends. It’s an amazing way to bond with your mates, doing something that we’re so passionate about and connecting in the sky!

What do you like about being an instructor at Skydive Algarve?

The variety! There is a lot of variety here. We never get bored that’s for sure. No two days are ever the same!

What do you do outside of skydiving in your free time?
Outside of skydiving I love to keep fit and active by running. I also of course need to rest so I really appreciate my well earned sleep at the end of a long day. Every now and then I like to let me hair down and enjoy a good party with friends.

What makes Skydive Algarve such a special dropzone for tandems and students?
For tandems it’s definitely the view which is simply stunning!

For students it’s got to be our awesome team of staff and instructors and, of course the weather!

Try to describe skydiving to a non skydiver.
Nah, that’s impossible. You’ll just have to try it!

Leave us with a life lesson from Nuno.
If we stop learning, it’s over! Everyday we should learn something new.

What’s something you’re proud of in your skydiving career?

I’m proud of my progression in the sport- when I started in 2010, I never imagined that I would have progressed at the rate I have and achieved all that I’ve now achieved in the sport!