How to Research a Drop Zone

Making a skydive for the first time is really exciting, if a little nerve-wracking. It’s really important that the skydiving center (also known as a drop zone) you choose is somewhere you feel comfortable and that’s convenient for you and your family and friends who wish to spectate.

Here, we explain how to research the best drop zone for you.

1) Find A USPA Member Drop Zone

Our first tip would be to find a drop zone that is a USPA member. The USPA is the United States Parachute Association, the governing body for skydiving in the USA.

The USPA oversees all skydiving activity in this country and is responsible for the rules that regulate our sport. USPA member drop zones are those which have been accredited by the USPA and which abide by those rules.

You can check if a drop zone is a USPA member by asking them for their member number. You can also use the drop zone locator provided by the USPA.

2) Find A Location That Suits You

The next thing to consider when looking for a drop zone is the location. There are USPA member drop zones across the US, which means you’ll be able to find one which is convenient for you and your spectating entourage.

Of course, this decision shouldn’t come down solely to the drop zone’s proximity to your home. You may choose to venture further afield to a drop zone that offers unique views or features more appealing to you. For example, many people travel to Ozarks Skydive Center because of our reputation as the country’s friendliest drop zone.

3) Check Out The Drop Zone’s Reviews

You’ll want to be sure that the drop zone you choose offers a great experience – especially if your tandem skydive is going to be a once in a lifetime event!

A great way to check this is to look at the reviews left by their previous customers. Check out platforms like TripAdvisor or take a look at social media to see what people are saying about the skydiving center.

4) Give The Drop Zone A Call

The experience you have at the drop zone will have a lot to do with the staff. You’ll want to find a drop zone with super friendly instructors who will make you feel comfortable and at ease.

It’s important to jump with people you see yourself getting along with, too. Some drop zones are quite businesslike in their approach (which some people like), while others have more of a club feel. You can get a good feel for the drop zone by giving them a call and speaking with a member of their staff, who should be able to answer any questions you have too.

5) Avoid Resellers, Book Direct

There are a number of skydive resellers in the US. These are companies which sell skydives but aren’t actually skydiving centers themselves.

They will offer to make your booking experience easier by handling it for you, and will charge a commission on top of the cost of your skydive to cover this. The reality is, booking a skydive is really easy and you will get a better deal if you book directly with a drop zone.

Skydiving in Missouri

If you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime, we’d love to skydive with you! If you have questions or would like to find out more about skydiving at Ozarks Skydive Center, get in touch and a member of our friendly team will be happy to help.