I'm happy to call Michael Wadkins my new mentor. I have been through some tough and informative schools over the years (Special Forces Q Course, and Special Forces UWO [SCUBA] come to mind) Michael's course ranks up there with those experiences that were both challenging and rewarding. I never knew how much better skydiver I could be until Michael took me to the limits of my ability then taught me some more. By far Michael is top in his game! Blue skies Michael! SteveO

Michael recently conducted an AFF pre-course and course at our DZ. I was greatly impressed not only by Michael's teaching skill and enthusiasm, but by how much the teaching methodology and techniques have improved since I went through the course several years ago. I think getting an AFF rating is earier than it used to be. Not because the evals are easier, but because the course directors are doing a much better job of preparing the candidates. I would highly recomend Michael to any DZ that needs new AFF instructors!

I just recieved my AFF Instructor's rating after attending Mike's AFF pre cousre and his AFF course at Skydive Twin Cities. I cannot begin to describe what a great job he did! Not only was he professional, knowledgeable, and experienced, but he gave me the tools that I needed to become a successful AFF instructor. Now when I step into the doorway of the aircraft I'm confident that I can handle the siuation and give the student what they need to learn. It was a pleasure working with Mike, he is truly a great mentor!

I recently attended an AFF instructor course taught by Michael Wadkins in June of 2008. After hearing many horror stories of past AFF course directors and courses I was a little hesitant to invest the time and money to become a AFF instructor. However, the drive to become a AFF instructor and the opportunity to give back to the sport influenced me to pursue my rating. I initially took Mikes precourse followed by three weeks of practice dives then the course itself. Mikes professional attitude and knowledge of skydiving, along with his excellent teaching skills, made taking the AFF course and receiving my AFF Instructor rating one of the highlights of my nine years in skydiving. Since obtaining my AFF rating I have also received my IAD rating through Mike. Most importantly I have made a true friend. Thanks Mike

I took the Coach Course with Mike this past weekend. I'm a college student, so I have had the opportunity to be taught by an array of instructors, some good and some bad. Mike is by far the best instructor I have had for any discipline. His enthusiasm is contagious and he has a nack for instilling confidence while fostering the learning process. He makes learning a blast and helped to ease some of my nervousness by making me crack up in the plane on the ride up for my eval jumps. I came into the coach course not knowing what to expect of myself, and finished believing that I am capable of being a coach! I feel like my goal of becoming a better skydiver by getting my coach rating will definetely be fulfilled. I learned so much. If we want to be the best, we need to be taught by the best, and that's Mike! I can't thank you enough!!!:) Emilee

At my job, I continually take classes for career development and to stay on top of new products. I have seen dozens of instructors in my lifetime, and Mike Wadkins leaves them all in the dust. His knowledge of skydiving, professionalism, and ability to instruct are second only to his enthusiasm for it. I cannot stress enough the value of Mike's instruction. He practices what he preaches. Without the guidance and instruction that Mike provided during his AFF Pre-Course, there is no way that I could have been prepared to earn my AFF rating. The course is tough - as it should be - but Mike is extremely objective and more than fair in his courses. This is coming from someone who did not earn a rating the first time I took the course. He never lets you forget why you must work hard to earn this rating: if you earn it, it means that he would feel safe having his own daughter learn to skydive under your instruction. Mike works with you to improve your flying and instructing skills throughout the course. I am a better skydiver for having taken a course under Mike Wadkins. If you are planning on getting an instructional rating, plan on getting it from Mike Wadkins. Thanks for working so hard with me, Mike!

I just completed the coach course with Mike Wadkins this past weekend along with Nichole and John. It was the most professionally rewarding learning and skydiving that I have done since entering the sport. Within 3 days I put his techniques into practice with students and saw an immediate difference in their skills. He is my first choice and first recommendation for any level of skydiving instruction! I'll definitely be back for AFF. Thanks for the tools Mike.

This past weekend I had the pleasure of taking the Coach's class from Mike. It was by far one of the coolest things I've done since I started skydiving. You can tell Mike loves what he's doing and wants to make sure his students are the best they can be. I hope to take more classes from him soon.

I just completed the Coach Course with Mike this past weekend and learned so much! Taking this course from a professional like Mike who had a genuine love for the sport made the experience priceless. The tools and knowledge that I acquired during his course will not only allow me to be a better skydiver but will also allow me to share my love of the sport with others that are new to it. I definitely recommend this and any course that Mike teaches, and I hope to take another one in the near future!

Xcelskydiving and Mike Wadkins are top-notch in the world of skydiving instruction and ratings. I personally recommend Xcelskydiving. Mike is dedicated to your learning and success. You couldn't ask for a more personable, pleasant and knowledgable Course Director.