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Parachute Center
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9 am - 3 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
169 reviews for Parachute Center
169 reviews in English
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Review from Lucia S.
Albany, CA
11/26/2011
I love this place and I love the staff!
My friends and I literally just showed up and the whole process was very smooth and surprisingly VERY fast. We probably got onto the plane in about 20 minutes or so.
The staff was so friendly and SO funny! They joked around with us a lot, but definitely assured us they knew what they were doing so we weren't antsy about it!
Not to mention, great prices! -
Review from Eve O.
Oakland, CA
2/6/2012
The name says it all: Parachute Center. That is exactly what this place is, it's so low key they didn't even bother coming up with a catchy business name. Just callin' it like it is. I got to throw myself out of a plane in honor of a friend's birthday, and lemme just say, my heart did not explode. My shoes did rip off of my feet and fly into the ether. I didn't pee mid flight!
Much to the appreciation of my tandem parachute dude. He was pretty great. There was not a moment on the flight up when he stopped talking to me to keep my mind off the whole jumping out of a plane part, and didn't leave any time for me to have second thoughts once the door opened. Just unceremoniously threw me out of the cockpit. Not his first rodeo.
On the way out of the airplane we actually turned so our backs were facing the ground... imagine how surreal it is not just jumping, but turning to see the plane fall away from you. I recommend it.
PS. We only caught 15 seconds of the safety video before they started loading the plane. (Like I said, no frills.) But you MUST watch it. If you find the picture of it on here you may notice that it is being taught by Rasputin. -
Review from Mayra L.
San Francisco, CA
11/15/2011
I was surprised (read: tricked) by a friend to go skydiving. I really had no idea where the hell we were going, I just went along for the ride.
After seeing that we had pulled up into a SKYDIVING center is said: "nonononononon" but succumbed to peer pressure when I was bullied into buying a ticket.
The next 10 mintues were a blur- I sat in front of a t.v and signed my life away, then was shoved into a zip up outfit that resembled those of my footie years and I was shoved on a truck and driven towards an awaiting plane. And then we were offff...
My heart thumping and strapped to this mid thirties man/child, I waited anxiously NOT to jump off the plane. My excuses were flying around my head- "im going to be sick", "i think im pregnant" "umm...i dont want to?"...
and then before I knew what was going on, I was free falling thousands of miles in the sky, watching in awe at what was happening beneath me. I was still scared as hell. but more shocked at a view I had never seen before. Then we floated for a while and with a thump landed on the ground...AMAZING.
My friends cheered, we all cheered and then thanked our instructors and went on our way.
Overall, I'm so glad I made this! It was one of the most awesome experiences of my life. Parachute Center has a great staff, they know how to calm down newbies like me, and all though the outer may seem otherwise, it really is a safe place to jump. -
Review from Juan A.
Fairfield, CA
2/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is amazing! everybody was very friendly and helpful. The price is very good and you don't have to wait for long before jumping. The whole experience was very good and I can't wait to go back to jump again.
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Review from April V.
San Carlos, CA
1/10/2012
The guy taking my picture jumped wearing flippy floppies.
That's so fuckin' cool! -
Review from Todd W.
Folsom, CA
1/29/2012
Looking for the cheapest place is probably not the best idea when you're talking about jumping out of an airplane. But this is exactly what I did and couldn't be happier with my choice. Took my daughter here for her 18th birthday. We had an absolute blast. Showed up right when they opened so there was no waiting. We were walking out to the plane within 15-20 minutes of arriving. The jumpmasters and photogs were super friendly and helpful. My only regret was not bringing more cash for a better tip. Now, the place is kind of a dump. But I could care less considering most of the other places I researched were twice as expensive. I highly recommend the Parachute Center to those needing to check that next item off their bucket list.....
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Review from Ryan M.
Belmont, CA
1/12/2012
Love this place!! You can't beat the price, for about $150 I jumped, got photos and tipped. This staff are all super laid back and nice and overall it was a very smooth and fun experience. Didn't have to make reservations at all, just showed up and within an hour I was airborne. For the price, friendly staff and overall ease, I will for sure be back!!
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Review from J H.
Sacramento, CA
Updated - 9/18/2011
********DO NOT GO HERE**************
HOLDS THE RECORD FOR FAA FINES REGARDING IMPROPER MAINTENANCE.
REFUELS WITH ENGINES & PASSENGERS ON.
SMELLS AND LOOKS SHADY.... IS SHADY
LIES ABOUT BEING APART OF A "VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION"
10 DEATHS SINCE 1985 OVER 60,000 JUMPS....
COMPARE TO PERRIS VALLEY IN SOCAL? LESS THAN 1 DEATH PER 100,000 jumps!
YOUR LIFE/SAFETY WORTH SAVING A COUPLE BUCKS?
WANNA KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS SHADY PLACE? READ ON!!
************************************************** ***
How is this place still getting business and even has 4.5 stars?
Last I checked, they lied about being apart of a professional group. They are filthy.... Oh and they don't maintain their planes. They were fined twice in the last couple years, totaling 1,000,000 dollars for not properly maintaining their planes. For the circumstances, THAT INCLUDES THE FAA RECORD 600+K FINE. Old planes that get a ton of wear. Old planes that you are on. It's not like they have hundreds of planes and you may get lucky.....
You wouldn't hire a person who lied about being in a professional group (EVEN A VOLUNTARY ONE... WHY LIE IF THEY ARENT REQUIRED TO BE IN IT??? SHADY FISHY), why trust a company that does that and was fined 1 million for not doing maintenance and looks/smells like dookie?
BTW, they do hot pits... that's refueling while the engines are running. You don't do that with your car. You definitely don't do that with a plane carrying 30, 40, 50 people. I drove a firetruck in the air force. Pilots do that for war time and emergency training/situations, and that is only when they have our firetrucks in waiting as backup.
No one has died yet? So what? There are lots of dangerous things you just don't do or at least are not supposed to do. Pointing a gun at someone. Driving drunk. Taking expired medication. Eating meat past the date. Sure I guess you have a good chance of being OK. Kids play with matches all the time, and usually nothing happens. Don't let yourself be the first to really have a problem.
Everyone has parachutes..... OK. Imagine an emergency situation. Everyone needs to get out of the plane in a minute and deploy their chutes extremely close to each other. That is difficult to do under normal conditions with professionals, without 2 (with novices strapped on) people sharing a chute, without the plane possibly nose diving or whatever.
Personally my life isn't worth saving a couple bucks to go somewhere like this. There is a dropzone that is closer anyways, DAVIS. I haven't been there, but it's closer to Sacramento. Oh yeah, I haven't heard anything about them getting a fine of 1,000,000 per not maintaining their planes that people's lives depend on.
http://blogs.esanjoaqu...
While there haven't been any major death accidents due to failure of maintenance..... there has been 10 deaths there since 1985 over the course of 60,000 jumps (funny the owner does not himself keep track of jump/death #'s). Compare that to Perris Valley Skydiving of Southern California, one of the world's largest drop zones, reports fewer than one death per 100,000 average.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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4/18/2011
Y are people still going here?
Seriously, is your life worth trying to save 50 bux by coming to the… Read more »
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Review from Raquel Y.
9/5/2011 1 photo
First of all, we all know this is skydiving. Yelpers shouldn't write reviews solely based on how they were feeling, do that in your own blog! Haha yelp isn't a diary. It is for reviews of the business and used to help other people decide if they think it is worth it to go there or another place. That's what I'll be doing for you guys, cuz I'm an awesome yelper! (but I guess yelp doesn't want to make me elite :( I'll still write a great review anyway.)
You're falling off a plane 13,000 ft above ground. Of course I'm gonna research the company I'm doing it at! Haha. There's 5 different locations in the bay area. Cloverdale, Santa Cruz, Davis, Byron, and Lodi. Overall, it looked like Cloverdale and Santa Cruz were the best, both having 5 stars because they not only skydive but also have a view from it. Davis, Byron, and Lodi all were in the middle of no where farther east from the bay, but the reason why I chose Lodi was because it was the cheapest out of all 5, half the price! And we had a group of 4 people!
1) Cloverdale, NorCal Skydiving: jump 199, vid&pics 129 = $328
2) Santa Cruz, Skydive Surf City: jump 249, vid&pics 119 = $368
3) Davis, Skydance Skydiving: jump 199 (for 13k, 1 min), vid&pics 106.18 - $20 discount for 3+ people = $285.18
4) Byron, Bay Area Skydiving: jump 195, vid&pics 125 - $10 discount for student = $310
5) Lodi, Parachute Center: jump 100, vid&pics 75 = $175 !!!!
I knew my parents wanted to treat everyone since the cousins were visiting, and that's 4 people, so I wanted the cheapest. But of course, money isn't everything.
1) Professional? The dirty old couches that looked like they were from Craigslist might not look like it, but everything was done professionally to me. They made us sign a waiver form, watch an instructional video, strapped us to the gear (no there are no suits), and taught us how to jump (like a banana) with arms crossed and how to land with legs up. My instructor was Robbie "The Kid" and he was soo awesome! He made me feel safe and have fun at the same time.
2) Safe? Yes, now I did do research about people saying that Parachute Center doesn't maintain their planes and that they're not under the USPA (US Parachute Association). I checked, no they are not. But my friends have all came here and were fine and even recommended it. There's hundreds of people that come here every day flying from the sky. No one has died. I think I got a tiny bruise on my arm from the strap but the experience outweighed the temporary scar that I didn't even notice. They're not in the USPA because they're not a corporation, and I don't think they have to be in it since they're doing such good business without it.
3) Picture and Video qualify? It depends on who you get. I had Dennis, and he was okay. [http://s3-media1.px.ye...] My sister had Zach and her video turned out awesome. My cousin had a lady and she held her hand and stayed close with her the whole time so she had good footage and close up pics! So it's all a gamble.
4) Overall? All 4 of us had fun, still alive, so I see no reason to come here and save over a hundred bucks with the same experience. Your instructor and photo person is all a gamble. I had a funny and cool instructor with an ok cameraman. My sister had a quiet instructor but a really good cameraman. I was glad I got Robbie and would ask for him if I went again! He pulled some funny jokes just to make us laugh rather than have our nerves up. I asked him "why do they call you The Kid?" "Because I don't act like an adult" hahah. We did spins in the sky and he even let me steer the parachute!!
It's a good place to go for first timers because it's so quick and honestly you don't need a great view your first time since you're so anxious about the jump itself. We got there 1pm and left at 2:45pm. It's that fast.
It was awesome. I do recommend this place. If you want to pay more for a more scenic view, go ahead. But don't doubt this place because of safety issues. It was professional, safe, and fun for me that I'd come back for an awesome $100 to spend :)
Btw, if you found my review helpful or awesome, please help me become elite and nominate me! Become a fan or at least vote if you think it was helpful, funny, and/or cool. Thanks so much and enjoy skydiving!! :) -
Review from Adelaida R.
Sacramento, CA
10/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
When we first pulled up I was a bit judgmental based off of its external appearance. It looked old and a bit run down.
I walked in expecting more thrill, more excitement, more something for my first experience. But in return all the instructors were busy doing their own thing and didn't pay much mind to the folks coming in to skydive. We payed our $100.00, watched an outdated video and then signed our lives away.
Shortly after that we met our instructors. I immediately picked up on the fact that my instructor was one of the only instructors to double check all of our straps which made me feel a bit more at ease. I also liked the fact that the entire time up he was constantly asking if i was okay and repeatedly going over the jumping technique with me.
I would definitely skydive again but I'm not too sure if I'll return to Parachute Center. -
Review from Jose O.
Alameda, CA
8/24/2011
Skydiving is an activity that all should strive to complete. The suspense and build-up around skydiving is harder to overcome than taking the step off the plane. When you finally touch ground and your heart settles down every thing looks different. I walked away saying "that wasn't bad".
I picked Parachute Center based only on its cost. $100 for 13,000 feet is hard to beat but it comes with some concerns. Things you don't want to address when you're taking such a large leap of faith. The center in which the training video and the parachutes are fitted doesn't inspire confidence. The couches look to have been rescued from a dumpster, the bathrooms were probably obtained from military barracks and the staff...is charming. Think Sean Penn in Fast Times at Ridgemount High.
I obviously survived without a single scratch on my body but I wouldn't return. The adrenalin rush and pure psychotic ignorance allowed me to ignore the red flags. I wouldn't trust Parachute Center to do it again. The facility appears to be in need of desperate updates and renovations.Listed in: Bucket List
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Review from Amber S.
Bay Area
9/17/2011 1 photo
Hell ya! Just scratched off the bucket list.
Time: Saturday at 10:30AM-12:40PM
Location: Out in the middle of nowhere land a little north of Lodi.
Place: Right off the freeway, huge open building with lost of people running around and lockers. I wasn't sure what to make of it even after reading the reviews. I walked all of the way towards the back and found the check-in desk and was helped by one of the ladies.
The drill: After checking in and paying we were given a form and told to watch the video and sign the waiver. After watching the gosh awful really old video and turning in the waiver you can go outside to watch the other jumpers or just hang out until your number is called to go suit up. When your number is called you make your way to another room where you are put into your harness, meet the instructor (if flying tandem) and you also meet the photographer that will be taking your shots. Before you know it you will be making your walk to the plane for a 20 minute ride up into the sky.
The thrill: You know when it is show time when the instructor starts strapping you to them self and briefing you on what you need to do and then you make your way to the open door and overlooking the ground beneath you.
The plunge: It's the best feeling ever, words can't describe it. All I can say is this is the place to do it and since I'm writing this review I'm still alive. It is very fast, 50 second to 60 second free fall and then a couple minutes of para-shooting.
Price: $100.00 for a 13,000 feet jump
$35.00 for still photos
$55.00 for a DVD.
Both for $75.00 a $10.00 discount.
If you are over 200lbs loose weight or weigh in and pay $1.00 a pound that you are over.
Best prices around. You can jump here twice for the same price as one jump somewhere else.
Notes: I don't care about the other reviews bitching that the couches were old or stained or that there were lines of lockers for their employees, they do a kick ass job here and that is what matters most. If you want a fancy place with jumpsuits and clean couches this is not the place. If you want down to earth people, a safe environment and a fun time then you have found it! -
Review from Angela Y.
9/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Skydiving? HELL YES!
The basics:
- $100 for a jump
- 13,000 feet
- Best feeling ever
My coworker wanted to go skydiving on her birthday so she picked Parachute Center in Lodi because it was cheap and some of our other coworkers had come here already (and lived to tell the tale)!
This place is off the 99 freeway near the airport. When you arrive, you'll see a large white sign with red text saying 'SKYDIVING'. The place looks a little jenky and not necessarily looks like the best of facilities - but don't let that fool you! Just walk in and sign up!
The main room is basically a huge locker room. Each of the instructors and cameramen have their own little space. There's couches everywhere and a huge TV in the middle. You'll want to go to the back left of the building and sign up there. They only take CASH and CREDIT CARD. NO CHECKS! It's $100 for the jump, $35 for still photos and $75 for both video and photos. I would recommend getting both especially if it's your first time. Video and photos come out quick right after you land as well. The staff is really great with that.
The wait isn't too long. If you get there earlier they have you up in the air after about an hour of signing your life away. There's a waiver form that you initial and sign through. It's really helpful because as you wait, you can see the people coming in on the parachutes. It gives a feeling of security which helped calm a lot of our group down. Once your number is called, then you get to get strapped up.
The people are super friendly and make you feel really safe. They strap you up snug and you get to meet your cameraman and tandem jumper. Both of mine - Tony (tandem) and Wendi (camera) - were AMAZING. I absolutely had the best time with those two. My friend Jackie also had two great people jumping with her. We all sat in the back of the plane, had the best time joking and laughing. I felt safe and also had a great time.
The jump - it's amazing. If you've never gone before, I seriously recommend it. It's one of those marks on anyone's bucket list. -
Review from Lisa A.
Hayward, CA
8/10/2011 3 photos
Holy Shit! I JUMPED OUT OF A PLANE!!!
I may be the wimpiest individual alive.. so based on that statement you might be wondering wtf were u doing at Parachute Center??
My girl was getting married and her psycho maid of honor (I love u Michelle) planned this as our bachlorette party kick-off. She paid for us all in advance so I couldn't back out!
They harnessed us all up, put us on a plane and I made amends with Jesus. I don't even like to fly! So by the time we reached 13,000 feet I was a hot jittery mess. I was the last one to jump, so I had the privilege of seeing everyone leap before me. Awesome. When it came time for me to take the crouching walk to the open door, I decided to tell my diving partner that I no longer wished to jump. LOL! He replied, "watch your head!" and jumped out of the plane. I was FALLING!!!! There really is no other way to describe that immediate feeling. Scariest thing I have EVER experienced BUT once we were positioned belly down, it was the most EXHILARATING feeling I have EVER felt! Totally worth it and when we made it to the ground I truly felt like a different person.
Okay, so I hate super long yelp reviews so I will end by saying that if this chick who doesn't even step foot into theme parks can do it, so can you! (cheese ball). PUT IT ON YOUR BUCKET LIST! -
Review from Jeffrey K.
Los Angeles, CA
8/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
As we rolled up to the Parachute Center we saw a painted sign that said SKYDIVING on it, pointing to a nearby parking lot. I was sure that today would be the last day I live on earth.
We had botched a skydiving attempt the day before because we had missed reservations at another place and we decided to come here and make sure that our trip up to Nor Cal was not going to be ruined. Parachute Center definitely made the weekend for us. The place looks extremely shady when coming in, but skydiving places are supposed to be away from areas with too much hustle and bustle.
The place is on a first come first serve basis, so I recommend coming early as this place opens from 9 to 3. We came exactly and 9 and there was already a line. We jumped at around 10:30. I have to say that the skydiving instructors were very helpful and informative. I decided not to get pictures or video, but my instructor Marcelo decided to bring a wrist camera just in case I changed my mind, and change my mind I did.
The plane ride up takes about 10 minutes or so and as you go up you can't help but get excited. I was so pumped and there really is no way to explain the jump. You need to do it for yourself. Suffice to say it was one of the best experiences ever. There was not much to see from the jump, which could explain the very reasonable $100 price tag.
I ended up getting the pictures for $25 and while I probably won't return here to jump again because I want to try jumping at other places, I really have to take Parachute Center for popping my skydiving cherry. I NEED MORE!! -
Review from Marie N.
8/8/2011 1 photo
This place is like an extremely well-oiled machine. I love how smoothly everything runs here.
Sunday was my first time ever skydiving and I absolutely LOVED it. I thought I would be much more nervous that I actually was, and I was shocked to find that once I was up in the plane looking out a clear door to the ground, I wasn't scared at all. The jump was actually my favorite part!
ENORMOUS thank yous to my awesome dive master, Blane (?), who shared some of the worst jokes in the world (LOL!) and made me feel completely relaxed about the whole procedure; and also my camera guy, "Ozone", who's personality was so enthusiastic and friendly, I didn't even have to think about smiling huge for the camera... it just came naturally! :)
I'd do it again in a heartbeat. -
Review from Jessica T.
Sacramento, CA
7/21/2011
Afraid of heights? Me too! Parachute Center is perfect for first-time jumpers with cold feet. Their instructors are friendly and put me at ease, despite my lifelong phobia of heights. My guy, "Chocolate Factory", was a real sweet talker. I noticed he would turn on the charm extra high when he could tell my anxiety was rising. Great technique! Before my jump, I was able to watch the planes take off and watch people parachuting down and landing. It was reassuring to see the process and know what to expect upon landing. The price is the best around and I would recommend Parachute Center to any of my friends.
Note to anyone who has concerns about this location:
I went skydiving as part of my goal to conquer my fear of heights (work in progress). As you can imagine, I diligently researched the skydiving locations in the area before choosing Parachute Center. You will see some reviews on here mentioning unfortunate accidents that have taken place here. Parachute Center is a world famous destination for experienced skydivers. The accidents that you hear about are the experienced skydivers, not the Average Joes or the new jumpers (think black diamond slopes vs. bunny slopes - much higher risk). This does not speak to Parachute Center's safety standards or what your own experience will be. For those who felt the service was less than steller, I think it is sickening that they are using these incidents to justify their petty complaints. -
Review from Robert P.
Sacramento, CA
10/18/2011
I researched all the skydiving offerings within a 50 mile radius and found this to be the most economical. I'm happy to say it delivered on that front and more.
Yes, the place is a little old, but it has been and continues to do the job. I never felt negativity at any point. The instructors were all super cool and nice, they did their job perfectly. The owner seemed like a nice reasonable guy, no complaints on that front either.
All around it was a great experience and for $100 it's more than worth it. -
Review from Amanda F.
Millbrae, CA
7/25/2011 1 photo
Thank you Robert and Larry!!!
Anxiety? Fear? Terror? What's that? Just jump.
It may be the feeling of absolute fear and shock as you are literally falling out of an airplane 13,000 ft in the air. Or, is it the 90 second free fall caught off guard by the sudden lurch of the parachute. Or could it be the 5 minute parachute ride wondering how is the landing going to work out. I thought maybe it was when my tandem instructor asked if I wanted to steer the parachute or cork screw in circles 11,000 feet in the air.
Well, my anxiety was all pushed aside when I finally fell out of the airplane with my tandem instructor and looked around at the amazing sight. I was flying!!!!! My instructor made it so fun and safe. I have never felt like that before. I cannot wait to do it again.
**The only thing that bummed me out was when we first arrived we were greeted by the most customer-scary man. He may have been the owner, not sure, but he was definitely in the orientation video made about 15 years ago. When you arrive: Take a deep breathe and just know the following as this is what the man did not explain to us:
1. You are going to jump now pick your photo package and pay:
-$100.00 for the jump 13,000 ft
-$35.00 for ~30 still photos
-$55.00 for video ~6 min
- $75.00 for both (pay with cash otherwise there is a $5.00 fee for credit cards)
2. Waiver and orientation session takes a few moments.
3. After you are in your harness, meet your personal videographer
4. You then you hop on a make shift shuttle and get on board a super tight airplane ( I liked it).
5. Once in you will get strapped to your instructor and jump. Yes. Jump. Or do what I did and just fall forward. You have no time to think or be afraid you just do it.
** If you are with a group it may be easier to pay individually as the customer scary man did not really like that. I think he wanted to get a $5.00 extra charge from each of us... Errrrr!!!
But no stars lost because the overall experience was out of this world. The instructors, videographers and everyone except the one guy were fun, friendly and very focused on making you feel like you just conquered the world. Thank you. -
Review from Evangelina B.
San Jose, CA
8/1/2011
Sometimes you just gotta be like Nike and JUST DO IT!
I've been wanting to go sky diving for a long time. My friend had recently did it for her first time and she came here. Her experience was a good one so we came together yesterday.
I LOVED IT! My tandem partner was SA ( pronounced "Essay") He was a cool Kat. I was not scared at all but more excited! It was like a roller coaster ride I wanted to do it again as soon as I landed!
For 100 bucks you can't beat that! I paid extra 35.00 to get my pictures. -
Review from Rachel G.
East Bay, CA
I finally did it...I went sky diving!!!
The price to risk my life...$100...to capture my last moments if the chute doesn't open $35 (picture), $55 (video ) $75 for both....the experience PRICELESS!!!
TIPS if you decide to go sky diving:
1. Where a bright shirt...the pictures will come out better.
2. If you do purchase the pictures...don't focus too much on the camera person, enjoy the fall.
3. If you are coming as a group. I suggest you travel together or coordinate a specific time to meet, because EVERYONE MUST be present to sign up. One missing person will put him/her out of sequence and will not be part of your group.
4. Women unless you want your boobs hanging out. Avoid wearing a low cut shirt.
5. Keep an eye on the calling log if you're the next team to go up, go to the bathroom. Cuz once the harness is placed on you...there's no going to the bathroom after that.
6. If you want to be the first one to jump. Be the last one on the plane to board. Ya I didn't know that. I was being nice trying to let my friends go on board first...crap that meant I would jump first.
7. This place is a little hard to find but it's behind the airport. Along the freeway, you will see signs that say sky diving.
8. Bring a cooler with Snacks, sandwiches, and drinks. It can be a long wait.
Those are my tips for you...as for my experience. I have mix emotions. This was one of my top 5 things on my bucket list and it wasn't as much of an adrenaline rush as I expected. Don't get me wrong it was a cool experience.
As for employees & the facility...it's not consistent and I was a little disappointed. The reason why I say this...there was 7 of us and after speaking to the other jumpers, 4 out of 7 of us was able to steer the parachute after the jump (I wasn't one of them...so sad). The offer was for 13,000 feet jump but we only went approx. 8,500 which I was very disappointed in. The only reason why I knew, we only went less than 9,000 feet was because I was watching the camera person in front of me looking at her tachometer (I think that's what you call it). Since I've been on a glider plane, I know how to read one. The jump happened and the chute came out so quickly. I didn't even have time to enjoy the free fall and that should be the best part. As for the camera person, it is a hit and miss...other people received 75 photos, some even got 200. I got 40 and a lot of them where so far away shots that I had to crop them myself. I feel the facility should be consistent if you're going to advertise 13,000 feet than you should take us that high. Whatever you provide one person the other should receive it too unless they don't want it (then I understand). I'm definitely going to do it again...just probably another facility.
BTW-There is NO REFUNDS only rain checks. So if you sign up and as you're waiting...the weather gets bad, then they will give you a rain check to jump in the future.
Must be 16 years of age to get a parents permission to jump.Listed in: Fulfilling a BUCKET LIST on a…
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Review from Ronn C.
Roseburg, OR
7/31/2011
This is an awesome place to jump at. I showed up there had my log book looked over and in about 8 minutes later I was scheduled for my first jump of the day. I got on two other loads that were and 8 and 7 way formation jumps.
The people there aren't "clicky". You show up and either meet or get introduced to people. Plan a jump and you're off to the plane to make your skydive. The airplane never stops they just fuel up and send it up again. The energy level there is incredible. I look forward to going back again soon. Thanks to everyone for a great few hours of skydiving on my way through Lodi. -
Review from Kim K.
San Gabriel, CA
7/1/2011 1 photo
Went skydiving last August...cost about $100 and I paid extra to have a DVD made. They interview you thruout the process and put those snippets into the DVD. And there's a song playing in the background.
You go there, pick your package, pay, get a number, watch a safety video, meet your tandem person, strap up, go on the plane, and then..JUMP!
One of my best experiences ever...I would do it again and again...but too bad I'd be risking my life each time. The freefall is the BEST.
My goggles didn't cover my face entirely, so the wind pushed one of my contacts out. Wear contacts if you normally wear glasses, so you can see the view from above. -
Review from Elysia S.
Alameda, CA
4/20/2011
THE BEST EXPERIENCE IN MY LIFE! I mean BEST!
Over the summer of 2010 my boyfriend's family and I really wanted to try something new & exciting and we knew this would be REALLY exciting!
Price - Tandem skydiving - $100. Still pictures - $35 (MUST GET, you'll laugh at yourself after you've looked over it) DVD - $55. Pictures & DVD - $75
Procedure - When you first go there you pay, sign papers, watch an educational video, and wait until your #'s are called. If you're w/ a group, you & your group will take pictures & get interviewed just in case you're interested in buying the DVD last minute. After you meet your tandem partner he will teach you how to jump out the plane and handle your free fall. After he/she has taught you that he/she connects you w/ the proper attire and off you go16,000 feet high up.
Skydiving - You have a camera-man following you everywhere you are. He/she will jump before you and take a picture/video of EVERY moment you have up in the sky. He/she will have you pose & do funny things. It's the fun & funniest part! Then your tandem partner will teach you how to handle the parachute and he/she will leave the flying to you the whole way down! My partner was pretty entertaining. He had a lot of humor in him and his British accent made it even funnier.
Landing - When it was close to landing my tandem partner took control. He asked me if I wanted to go over the freeway I said yeah and we did. It was pretty cool. For landing they have you put your legs up and your partner will his down to land both of you guys safely. The funny thing is I'm only 4'10" and my tandem partner was only 5'0" so I was a bit freaked for him to land us cause we were almost the same height. But we landed!
I believe this is one of those things someone should experience ONCE in their life. It's wonderful & beautiful up there. A bit relaxing actually but it all happens so fast. I plan on skydiving again but with a more scenic area. Not sure where yet but I know I will skydive again. -
Review from M S.
Sacramento, CA
9/30/2011
I'm Hooked On SKYDIVING!!! (Compliments of the Parachute Center)
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Review from Stephanie S.
Oakley, CA
3/27/2011 2 photos
I had always REALLY wanted to go skydiving, but didn't know where to go. My friend ToAsTy T (no, not his real name) had jumped with the Parachute Center and recommended I give them a try.
I jumped April 10, 2010. It was amazing! My tandem partner was great! The video guy was hilarious! From the moment I landed, I've been trying to convince friends to go with me. Unfortunately, I have very unadventurous friends and as much as I love each and every one of them... I'm thinking of trading them all in. -
Review from Diana B.
3/27/2011
Faced death twice here. And it was totally awesome...
Loved the entire experience. My tandem partner & camera guys were so awesome (better the 2nd time)
The spot itself is very chill- like your hanging out with your friends at their house...
Pretty entertaining throughout the whole process.
Love it! -
Review from Eeesorr V.
San Jose, CA
4/10/2011 1 photo
At first the location look very fishy looking. It didn't look legit as we thought it would be but why does that matter?! My boyfriend and I walked into the warehouse, paid $100 each and we also got the DVD package for $55 each. As we were signing our agreements and watching the video.. I can feel the butterfly's in my stomach. As we waited for our number we got in and met our instructor, we geared up and waited for the air plane.
- My instructor was Rich and the camera woman Stephanie and let me say Stephanie and rich are the best!! If you want a even more great time in the sky you'd chose them. Rich gave me instructions very well, he knew I was so nervous that my right leg would not stop shaking. By the time it was our que to go all i can see was how everything looked below me. Stephanie was on the side smiling and recording me the whole time from point A to point B. The jump was really fun and exciting something i would def. do again. In mid air i got to do some stunts but what caught my attention about how Rich really made the whole experience worth it was he spinned me in mid are like tinkerbell. I WISH STEPHANIE WOULD'VE CAUGHT THAT ON TAPE because i felt as if it was just so amazing spinning around in circles in the air!
- As for my boyfriend he had an instructor who was not really talkative. From his point of view sky diving in general is really fun and worth trying but as for his instructor it didn't really go well. he felt as if the instructor took him down way faster than i did. It was about 3 minute difference from when he landed. I totally forgot his name.
- I would also recommend wearing ear plugs if they approve because once you go down your ear is going to be ringing for a long period of time.
- I bought the DVD package but it wasn't capable to be saved on my laptop and i couldn't upload it on facebook. People said i have to convert it but i'm so lazy to. -
Review from Matthew D.
Fairfield, CA
10/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Insanely Fun! This place is great, friendly informative staff. the only problem i have is i had purchased the pics and video, but they gave me someone elses video and now I'm having problems getting my video from them... warning they push hard on selling the pics and video after the jump.
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Review from Umair G.
Austin, TX
4/23/2011
I couldn't believe I could sky dive for $100. I mean...I always thought it would cost 500-1k at least, but nope. Parachute Center - Tandem skydive (with an instructor) from 13k feet. That gives about 90 seconds free fall and ~5 minutes parachuting down. Both are equally AMAZING experiences as this was my first time.
The place is kinda ghetto, but the atmosphere of skydiving is there. The people were all really nice. My instructor was a really cool South African dude. He was funny and made the jump experience more fun. I got the pictures+video package as I wanted to see every moment of this since you only get one first jump. My cameraman was also a character. Think his name was Ozone. I think he got hit on the head right as we jumped too (lol) but he was awesome. Got every moment of my jump (the part where I closed my eyes, the part where I'm screaming like a girl, and some awesome FB pics). The vid he made was also edited really cool.
The view while not that great (Lodi) was still beautiful! The skydive part was intense, its hard to breathe with wind hitting your face, your ears are popping, and your head is trying to figure out which direction you are when your spinning around in circles! It goes by quick but its like nothing else in this world without question. Then once your parachute opens, time to enjoy the view. The instructor lets you steer the parachute too which was awesome. Made some awesome 360s. Landing was a breeze.
Totally worth it! For $175 bucks overall, I definitely want to this again. I don't know about all the safety stuff other people are posting about this place, but when I went there it was busy. Lot of people there, plane was full each time going up. Oh that reminds me the plane was soooo ghetto! Sitting inside I thought I was in one of those fighter jets from WW2 (not that I would know what those are like, but just from movies) lol -
Review from Kyle H.
Emeryville, CA
12/4/2010
Let me start off by saying that skydiving is an absolutely amazing experience, and it's something that everyone should try to do in his or her life at least once. Find a reputable drop zone, and have the time of your life.
Having said that, Parachute Center is NOT a reputable drop zone. The staff is rude, the pilots behave irresponsibly, and the FAA is in the process of levying $664,000 in fines for safety violations with regard to proper maintenance of their aircraft:
http://www.faa.gov/new...
Do go skydiving. Do not go here. Other places may be a little bit more expensive, but that extra money gets you properly maintained aircraft and responsible and respectful staff members. -
Review from Sriram G.
Santa Clara, CA
10/16/2011
5 stars for the price alone! Dirt cheap. Looks like everyone is very experienced and they love jumping out of planes. Don't let the bad ambience put you off - this place rocks!
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Review from Tyler S.
San Francisco, CA
11/13/2010
If you value your safety, don't goto this DZ.
http://www.faa.gov/new... -
Review from L V.
Union City, CA
5/6/2011 4 photos
THE BEST EXPERIENCE IN MY LIFE!!!! Cannot wait to go again!
Ive always said I will never willingly jump out of a plane. NEVER, no way jose, I'm too scared!!!!! But one brave day I said fu*k it! So the next day off we went. I came here with some family and my bf at the time(which didnt jump-LMAO but came for moral support).
It was $100 to jump tandem and $75 for a videographer(which I highly suggest for your first time). They give you some paper work to sign your life away while simultaneously watching an instructional video. It was so busy we waited for hours. But when our number was called we were buckled up and ready to go! Oddly enough with this stranger literally backpacked to my back, I felt safe. -
Review from Lynnette A.
San Francisco, CA
7/5/2011
Went skydiving for a friend's bday, I had like a one day notice and wasn't planning on jumping off a plane, but I said "why not?" lol people can die in a car, just walking, in your home, etc.... and looking up statistics, you're more likely to die riding in a car. but anyway...
It was pretty cheap, about $99 for 10,000 tandem dive. It was my first time. It's really in the boondocks. So we arrived there pretty early. It was in a little warehouse/ farm like place. There was a bunch of cute puppies around everywhere. When we arrived, it was cloudy. They weren't going to let us fly up there while there was no sun out so we waited a few hours for the sky to clear and it eventually did. We watched a video and signed a long liability contract stating that if anything were to happen or we end up dying, we can't go back suing them :)
We got strapped in and next thing, we took a little plane up. All the workers were guys and us girls could tell they were pretty excited they had girls strapped on them and sitting on their lap the whole time flying up 10,000 feet. i was waiting for the part id freak out, but couldnt get there. so it was our turn to jump and the free falling part was fun, i was screaming but i couldn't really hear myself. my stomach didn't fly up as anticipated (just like it does during a roller coaster). then the guy behind me opens up the parachute after a few seconds and next thing you know, i'm looking at nothing but farmland. I also ordered pics/ video and so there's another guy taking pics of us, etc... (btw, they ended up giving me someone else's pictures on a cd instead, but i didn't even bother going back or contacting them cause i was too busy). finally time for landing and of course, when i land, my shins rubbed on the ground like rug burn, my fault. nonetheless, it was a fun experience and not bad for $99 but next time i'll save skydiving for some place with a beautiful view like hawaii or new zealand :) -
Review from Emily T.
11/22/2010
So, it's quite a strange concept to pay someone to push you out of a plane. However, this was an awesome experience that I will probably never do again!
My friends and I decided one summer day that we needed to try skydiving. So we just did it. We drove out to Lodi to the middle of nowhere. Immediately, we saw a bathroom and decided to pee so that it wouldn't be a problem later on. People graffiti-ed on the bathroom stall, so we decided to leave our mark as well.
And then we proceeded in the building. All this time, little butterflies were building up in my stomach. However, the place is really cozy. There's cool art and photographs all over the walls. There's comfy, old couches that look like they've been around for a while. People were chilling around on the ground and in bean bag chairs. I felt completely comfortable there, even though I knew I was just moments from jumping to my could-be-death.
We signed a release form (pretty much stating that we wouldn't sue if we happened to incur any injuries from the jump). After paying the $100 and signing away my life, he gave us these mysterious little manila-colored envelopes with a number on it, stating specifically not to open it until we landed. Strange. Was it pixie dust or something? No idea.
I followed his directions and did not open the strange envelope. We were then escorted into a waiting room where all of the equipment was. Pretty legit! We suited up in the tandem gear and waited a little for the planes to be ready for us. In the meantime, we met our tandem-parachuting expert. The guys running the whole thing were super friendly and liked to strike up a conversation. At one point, we went outside to watch the group before us jump. I didn't even know where to look. The sky is so vast, and up there, the people were only specks. We got onto a truck that drove us over to the plane.
This was when it started getting real. I swear, the plane ride is the scariest part. It's not that the plane was shaky and unreliable, but just the fact that every second, we're going higher and higher. And higher.
And higher.
And that the way I was going up, was not going to be the same way I was going down. I was nervous, and a little scared. Luckily, I was not the first to depart. Others left first, simply disappearing from the door of the plane as if sucked out with a vacuum. And then it was my turn.
No time to resist and no chance to hesitate because once we got up, my tandem friend just jumped. The first few seconds were exhilarating, however chilly. You almost feel like you're not going anywhere, because the ground never seems to get closer. After a while, the chill of the air and the constant rush of air up my nostrils was starting to get to me. I was done with the excitement and ready to land. After about 2 minutes of free fall, the parachute went up and I had the most peaceful experience of my life.
Skydiving + Peaceful = ?
Yeah, doesn't seem to go together, but the rest of the journey was really nice. It was about 5 minutes of scenic falling, looking down at beautiful green.. farm land.
I was hoping skydiving would be more exciting. But no worries, because I'm already in search of my next big thrill!
By the way, the manila envelope was empty. It's a place to put money to tip your tandem skydiving buddy. Not quite as exciting as pixie dust... -
Review from lynners c.
Fremont, CA
8/26/2011 6 photos
A month before our plans to go skydiving on July 30th,2011 for my belated birthday celebration my heart started beating at 120 mph every single time I thought about jumping out of a perfectly good plane. For the past 8 years I've been telling myself that I will go skydiving before 12-12-12, before the world ends!! lol Skydiving has always been one of the craziest things I've been wanting to do, and the day has arrived!! I did my research online and stumbled upon parachute center's website. They have one of the best prices out there.
July came around and we woke up bright and early at 5am since we wanted to be one of the first groups to jump. The beginning of the week leading to the big jump I could not sleep at all thinking about all the possible things that can go wrong, but at the same time I was really excited! We finally arrived at parachute center and reality finally sets in!! It's finally happening!!ahh!!We were one of the first people waiting outside for the place to open. While we waited, we hung around the parking area, and seeing the airplane really made us nervous. We signed the papers and we ended up being the 2nd group to jump which was great because we got to see the first group jump/land. As we looked up at the sky looking for plane with the first group jumping out. All that we could see was a tiny white spec, and within a few minutes one spec after another kept popping up! We then realized that those were people jumping out! We thought to ourselves, o shyt that is freakn high!!! That definitely gave us a little scare. As we watched people land, our plane landed. It was our turn!!!!!! I followed my instructor Mike into the plane while my videographer/photographer, robert, took photos.
This whole experience was so surreal because by the time we started to take off and went higher and higher it felt like the whole situation was a dream. I wasn't scared anymore, and was just going along with it. Finally, 13,000 feet and the door opens..I saw my friend jumped first, then a few other certified sky divers, then my other friend,
and finally my turn!!! My instructor and I walked towards the door like a duck, and he gently pushes my head back and I crossed my arms....and OH BOY!! ahhhhh! I was so focused on following the instructions I was given, then next thing you know I was trying to figure out whether we were upside down or right side up!! I felt the 120mph wind pushing my cheeks and eyes apart. I was really concerned about my breathing, but surprisingly if you keep on smiling you can breathe through your teeth ( like how a pregnant lady breathes during labor) lol As we fell I was looking for my camera guy robert. When I saw him I just kept smiling and felt no fear at all.
Skydiving is one of the best experiences of my life, and I am so happy I finally went for it!!! If you are considering skydiving, then I say go for it!!Life is too short, and if anything happens (god forbid), then all I can say is when it's your time then its your time. Everyday we face danger at every corner, and skydiving is just another life experience that we should all try to conquer. The experience of free falling, steering the parachute, and landing is unforgettable and surreal.
Considering jumping a 2nd time!oh yea!!! :)
I have some great photos and videos that robert took! -
Review from r l.
Lodi, CA
Updated - 12/17/2010 13 photos
One of the reasons for my kids' visit this week, besides celebrating Christmas, was to redeem their Gift Certificates I had given them for their Birthday last year (See previous review...).
PRE-JUMP:
The building where the Parachute Center is housed is a converted large Quonset Hut that was probably a former small aircraft hangar. Two walls are lined with wood Closets that the Instructors use for their personal belongings; the interior is used sometimes for Parachute Packing before and after a jump; and there are an innumerable number of old, worn Sofas that are spaced throughout the building. You're going to purchase / redeem a Gift Certificate at the check-in counter / Gift Shop at the Southwest corner of the building.
Kathy and Kevin went up to the Parachute Center check-in area... Kathy downgraded her package from a DVD + Still Picture to just Still Pictures and passed on the savings to Kevin, who upgraded his package to Still Pictures. At the Gift Shop you can purchase T-Shirts, Wind Breakers, and other memorabilia related to Sky Diving if you want something to remember the experience by...
The next step in the Pre-Jump process is watching the "Safety" video, which is just a DVD of the owner (whom you just met...) explaining the Liability Waiver which you have to sign, the right posture before exiting the plane and the posture during the jump, and the landing procedure when and if you reach Terra Firma.
As a reminder...
Before exiting plane: Arms folded across chest.
During Jump: Reverse "C" or Banana posture.
During Landing: Legs Up!
AND, above all, listen to your Instructor!
Kathy met her Tandem Instructor, who was gray-haired and ruggedly handsome, said that her outfit which consisted of a gray-fur-lined coat, pretty tight designer Blue Jeans, and designer Leather Boots was not going to be enough for Sky-Diving. After she watched the safety Video, he took her to the back and found a Jump Suit that she could use for her jump. And they also found a Jump Suit for Kevin.
You'll be called out by your number assigned to you on that Jump to assemble and be loaded onto a Tractor Wagon that can seat all the participants for that particular Jump and then towed to the Plane.
THE (gulp) JUMP:
Even though the Ground Level temperature on the day of the Parachute Jump was 55 degrees... when the wind-chill effect was factored in the temperature during the jump dropped down to -10 degrees... that's TEN DEGREES BELOW ZERO folks! SUPER-SUPER COLD! Luckily, for my daughter, she was going to spend a few hours afterward at the Spa at Wine & Roses ( http://www.winerose.co... ). Afterwards, though, Kathy said that she could still feel the effects of the cold jump at Dinner - which was about eight hours later!
You will fly to an altitude of 13,000 feet, jump out with your Tandem Buddy, free-fall for a minute, and Parachute the rest of the way down for another five minutes. The landing consists of two types: A Running Landing or a Sliding Sit-Down-On-Your-Butt Landing - depending, I suppose, on the capability / size of your Instructor. My son, Kevin, landed running. Kathy, on the other hand landed sliding on her buttocks even though the Instructor was quite a bit larger than her 99-pound frame.
The Drop Zone (where the Parachutists land) is just short distance - 30 yards South-West, from the rear of the structure where Parachute Center is housed.
The Instructor, who also came from Las Vegas, who tandemed with my son said that the Parachute Center jumps are more satisfying in Lodi from a Sky Diving perspective than the one located in Las Vegas. He was also an instructor at the Las Vegas ( http://www.yelp.com/bi... ) Skydiving facility and says they only jump from 8,000 feet. I guess... the higher, the better?
POST-JUMP:
When I saw Kathy walking towards the Quonset Hut afterward, her demeanor which had been very Quiet and un-communicative during PRE-FLIGHT was now smiling and a little more talkative.... relief that she made it alive? Kevin, on the other hand was exuberant and boisterous - it's obvious Sky-Diving was a Guy thing.
Kevin & Kathy and the Videographer, who also jumped with them, met at the Video Production area near the entrance of the Quonset Hut to review the Video taken of them during their Jump. Since both of the kids only ordered Still Photographs, I presume individual frames were selected from the Video to produce a Picture CD.
Kevin & Kathy really didn't know the rate for Tipping for a Parachute Jump... but thought 15%, just like any other experience, was OK.
The ratings based upon my kids' reaction afterward....
Kevin: *****, a definite enthusiastic "Yes, I'd do it again!"
But, he added, "I'd come back during the Summer... IT WAS COLD!"
Kathy *** 1/2, a hesitant "Yeah, I guess..." when asked.
As for me... Would my kids' experience spur me on to try Sky-Diving? To jump out of a perfectly functional Plane? HECK NO!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/31/2009
Delivered the first of the Gift Certificates I bought this past weekend, for a voluntary leap out of… Read more »
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Review from Mae M.
Sacramento, CA
4/22/2011
I went today! 4/22/11
I didn't know what to expect because none of my friends had been skydiving before, but this place was fantastic. My instructor was Manny and my videographer was Thomas. Both guys were awesome and made the experience so fun!
I felt completely safe and was surprised at how many people were there. and they said that was actually a slow day for them. These guys know what they are doing. I'd go again in an instant! -
Review from Michelle Y.
San Francisco, CA
8/13/2010 1 Check-in Here
The Parachute Center Scam
Parachute Center told me I would get a MINIMUM of 30 pictures, but I barely got 1/3 of what was promised and I had to pay in full before jumping. Unfortunately, there is nothing in writing to prove their false promises and my photographer refuses to give me a refund. Essentially, you have no protection. Bring friends to take your picture instead or DO NOT GET MIKEY AS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER!!!
All I can do now is Yelp to warn others of this SCAM!
THE STORY:
(My photographer was Mikey)
Before I decided to purchase the "Digital Still Pictures" I asked the front desk how many pictures there would be. I was told, "It depends on the photographer, but there will be a MINIMUM of 30 pictures."
I felt reassured, especially since people on YELP say you get about 70+ photos! (I'm sure OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS do deliver that many photos, but NOT MIKEY!)
So, I paid, I jumped, and I went home excited to look through my pictures and share my skydiving experience.
To my surprise, when I opened the folder to see 13 pictures. The first 2...were of a man I don't even know and I was nowhere in the picture.
I called Mikey in hopes this was just a mistake and there were more pictures. He didn't pick up so I left a message. No answer, no call back. Next day, I call Parachute Center and they say I have to discuss with the photographer.
I finally get a hold of Mikey. There were no more pictures. Here's what Mikey had to say in his defense:
(1)"There's no guarantee of how many pictures I get. It depends on the photographer. Front desk never tells people a number."
(2)"I'm sorry, there is no minimum of pictures and my camera isn't the fastest camera in the world. My camera could have also been low on batteries." (He was using a basic digital camera.)
(3)"It's not like you didn't get any pictures. So, I'm not giving you a refund."
(4)"IF YOU WANT 30 PICTURES, I GUESS IT WOULDN'T HAVE MATTERED IF I TOOK 30 OF THE GROUND." (YES! He really did say that. I still can't believe this guy!)
(5)"If you want a refund, you will need to mail back the CD to me at Parachute Center and if I (Mikey) feel like it's not satisfactory THEN I will CONSIDER giving you a refund."
Obviously, I can't get a refund and there isn't anything I can do about my money, but I hope no one else GETS RIPPED OFF!
Especially when it comes to remembering an experience like skydiving!
The Rest of the Experience:
Skydiving experience: This was fun, which is also why I paid to do it. I'm sure it would have been fun anywhere else. Coming down there is not much of a view except the freeway and patches of land. In SF there's supposed to be more of a view.
Skydiving staff: My instructor while strapping me in was unsure what goes in what hole. But, his friendly persona and years of experience helped put me at ease. My friend's instructor though, didn't tell her the proper formation she needed to be in, which made her jumping experience more intense.
Front desk staff: They are not friendly at all. At McDonalds, the smiles are free. Here, even if you pay $100 you don't get one. They just want you paid out.
Learn from my MISTAKE and REMEMBER:
DO NO GET MIKEY AS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER!
Because you will barely have any photographs!Listed in: Caution!
