Jumptown

I’ve been to a few dropzones and Jumptown is by far my favorite. Great place for tandems, students and fun jumpers. The staff is incredible! Very efficient, informative, comforting, safe and fun.

I’m not sure if Jumptown is the same company of people I had made my first jumps with or not. The airport and sky-​diving school was in Orange, MA, but this was back in the 90’s. Beginner students back then were jumping using static lines. They had radio helmets to listen to the instructor who was on the ground. The instructor had a one-​way radio guiding each student down telling them when to turn and when/​if they needed to spiral down. If the ground radio or helmet had failed the instructor would use a large arrow that was set on the ground. He would point the arrow to tell the student which way to head till the student got near landing. I’m leaving this two-​star review simply to get some attention. I got hurt on my last jump and I blame the school for the injury. In the five jumps I had made = staff members were switching the size of my parachute. Seems my weight range had put me in-​between two different size chutes so they’d either give me a larger chute or a smaller chute. For my five jumps I never knew what to expect when applying the brakes on landing! And I didn’t know at the time that they were giving me different sized parachutes! I noticed sometimes it was hard to pull the brakes down when I’d land and I’d come to a soft landing or it was easy to pull the brakes down and my landings were harder. I only caught onto to what was going on after my last jump! I happened to have been given the smaller-​sized main chute that day. I was also asked if I wanted to pull my own that day or not. I was like «WHAT»? I told them I wasn’t ready and settled for pulling a practice ring which I had to return after landing. I found it even hard to believe they were going to allow me to pull my own chute so soon? Anyway, when I went to pull down on the brakes that day the brakes went down right quick and I landed hard. My feet slipped out in front of me and I landed on my knuckles as a result with my arms at both sides. I fractured two bones in my left hand and dislocated the elbow. My knuckles were bloodied as well. What got me upset after was the fact not one staff member even asked me if I was all right! That’s how much they didn’t pay attention or cared! The ground instructor and those with him just walked away to quickly guide the next student that was coming down. Luckily my son was with me. He told me he had heard a popping sound when I landed. Of course I heard it too. My son helped me out of my flight suit and equipment then helped me get to the car while I held my arm in much pain. Not one staff member in the shack even noticed that I was hurt. I didn’t say anything to them. What could they do? I had signed a release waiver. My son drove me to the hospital never having even driven a manual transmission car before. +++ So take my advice. If you decide to take sky-​diving lessons bring someone with you and make DARN SURE the school CONSISTENTLY gives you the same size parachute or chances are you too will have difficulty getting the hang of landing with brake lines acting differently. You might end-​up getting hurt like I had, God forbid!

Great place to do a tandem, learn to skydive, be a fun jumper.
Super otter to 13.5 k
Huge landing area
Great rigger and packers
Great group of instructors
Plenty of packing area

Truly excellent. I was given this jump as a surprise bday present, but on my actual birthday the wind was too extreme. They gave us a rain check — we just called and the friendly staff made space for us the next day! I did not feel afraid at all — Joe, the instructor I jumped tandem with, was so nice and competent. All the instructors I met had been diving for a decade or more with 2,000+ jumps under their belts. After meeting them and having everything explained in the class I felt really ready and comfortable. The actual dive was amazing — my only complaint was that it went so fast! Will definitely be back, hopefully to learn to dive solo!

HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Jumptown staff makes your experience very comfortable and takes your preference into consideration. When I went here it was my first time jumping and I told my guy how nervous I was so he held back on the scary jokes. But they are constantly joking around to help you feel comfortable! You can also ask to do flips during the free fall or not at all if your nervous, they listen to YOU. Never a dull moment. I can’t wait to go back!!!

Jumptown’s staff is knowledgable, friendly & fun! I enjoyed every minute of my experience from the pre-​jump tandem class to the jump itself. I bought the video & stills package which are treasured reminders of my jump.

The Staff at JumpTown is as proffesional as it gets. I was soo soo scared to jump but have always wanted to i would not classify myself as an extreme sports enthusiast even. The day we jumped i was with a group of 11 others some first jump virgins others seasoned jumpers we had a beautiful day and an experience of a lifetime. Every member of staff at jumptown was extreamly curtious and thorough. I was matched up with Bry as my Tandem jump buddy he sensed how nervous i was and went above and beyond to ensure i had the experience of a lifetime. I cannot wait to jump again and rest assured it will absolutly be here. I wouldnt recommended anyone but these guys for your first jump. Thank you so much jumptown and especially thank you to Bry for helping make my dream become a reality.

I went here for my first jump and had a great time. They were very friendly. One must understand you might have to wait for the clouds to clear up so bring something to do for up to hours if it looks cloudy. It is pricey but I think worth it. I got the still shot and video package. Something I will keep forever. Worth the money and the drive.

The staff is great, friendly, confident, and competent. Made a GREAT birthday present for my father. Can’t wait to go back. Some websites have bad directions, they moved into a new building on the other side of the airport. Easy enough to find though. GET THE PICS/​MOVIES if you can afford it.

This was my first jump and it was incredible. Not only is the staff super friendly, but they are amazingly meticulous in their safety and professionalism habits. I went with two friends who have both jumped several times and it was by far their favorite jump. Everyone at Jumptown is like a big family and they make you feel like you’re part of it. It was absolutely amazing and I could not have had a better first jump experience. Big giant high-​5.

What a great place to jump. Great scenic views and a huge grass landing area. The super otter gets you to altitude fast and the people are great. The staff is professional and a great atmosphere.

When you take your little girl panties off and pull on the big boys (wait– does that sound pervy??) — this is where you go to jump tandem.
These guys are, hands down, the best. There’s a reason all the reviews have been stellar– they’re that good. Totally made myself and fellow virgin feel at ease even @ 13,500 ft.
***recommend– when you jump the first time and they tell you about the ‘buy your next jump today and it will be half-​price’ — BUY IT.
***AND, when they ask if you want to piull the rip cord– yes, you do.
Thanks Sean!!! (2 down– waaaay more to go)

I took my boyfriend skydiving for his birthday along with two of our friends. It was an intense experience to say the least. The four of us call ourselves «the ex presidents» now, like the Swayze-​led gang from Point Break. Anyway, back to the story. We get out to Jumptown, which is just a hanger with a few planes in the middle of Orange, Ma. We get a quick briefing on what we need to do when we jump tandem out of a plane, and it looks relatively simple. Even though we were scheduled for the morning, we had to wait a few hours to jump due to wind conditions, but were glad that the staff seemed really concerned about safety.
Eventually we get suited up and matched with our tandem jumper. At this point we realize that we are now in the realm of the adrenaline seeking junkies. The group of guys that we jumped with were straight of of Jack Ass, but hysterical to say the least. I got matched with a British guys who was particularly «bonkers». He basically made jokes about how we were going to die and tried to scare me on the way up in the plane. Luckily I didn’t buy into his BS, but he really pushed it, and I wondered how another first time jumper would have felt. Regardless, he and I ended up doing a triple somersault as we jumped out of the plane which was completely mind boggling and wonderful. I figured I might as well, I was jumping out of a plane anyway fer chrissakes.

Started skydiving at Jumptown and will finish at Jumptown. You won’t find a better experience anywhere in New England.

Awesome!
If you are ever in the mind to let fate decide whether you should live or die, stand on the edge of a small cargo plan while its 13,500ft in the air. And jump.
Even on a Sunday morning on October (one of the last weekends to go in the fall), this place was packed. They have tons of jump instructors and they are very accommodating. Go early because the time slots fill up. Be prepared to wait a while before you even board the plane. There’s paperwork/​waivers, safety classes, putting on the jumpsuit/​harness etc.
I would recommend going in the late spring or summer on a dry day. The air temperature at that elevation is considerably colder than ground temp and your face will freeze, not literally, but it will feel pretty cold.
The plan ride up to 13,500 feet was a bit bumpy and probably the most nerve racking part. After the free fall from the plane, it feels like you are floating in the air; it doesn’t feel like gravity is pulling you down. The release of the chute was slightly jerky but once it came out, it is actually relaxing.
If I could sum up the experience in one word it would be: exhilarating.

I’m a licensed skydiver (over 700 jumps) and I can strongly recommend Jumptown.

Last Saturday was the first time I have ever fallen out of a plane. It was both surreal and very real, and provided a small, yet focused, glimpse into a disturbed person’s mind as they take their own life. Despite what a lot of people say, it’s really not as scary as you think. All you have to do is make your way to the door and step outside. The rest, you virtually have little control of.
My jump instructor, Cam, was exactly the type of tandem partner I needed: no bullshit, no frills, no blowing hot air up my ass; just a bad ass mo-​fo of a jumper. While observing Newton’s first law, we barrel rolled and dove upwards of 180 mph, which was only proven by the rate of our descent indicated by the altimeter. Following the chute’s deployment (I pulled the cord), I was offered the reigns to which I gladly took control. Spinning into corkscrews, descending rapidly, we leveled out for a little bit before taking it in for a soft landing.
We said a quick good-​bye before I shared a moment with my friends. I promptly booked my next jump and can’t wait to fall in love with gravity again, tomorrow.

Yesterday I had my first jump ever. I’d been looking forward to this moment my entire life, ever since the idea came into my wee mind when I was 4, watching Agent Scarlett from G.I. Joe gracefully, and very animatedly (literally) floating down from the sky on the TV. That, and a serious, but not uncommon, preoccupation/​fascination with flying.
I went with three friends for a little birthday celebration and enjoyed the experience so thoroughly, I’m seriously considering becoming licensed. It felt so natural and even better than I’d imagined.
My tandem guy, Cam, was exceptionally professional, encouraging, laid-​back, and had my safety as his first priority. I didn’t have a single moment of fear or doubt or worry. And I had but a tiny taste of what, and why, these men and women do this for a living, and I get it.
It happened pretty quickly and I did my best to be «present» for every second, eyes open, looking around, remembering my posturing and keeping my wits about me. There is no comparable experience, I am pretty sure.
The wind pushing past you, feeling like the air is trying to both slow you down and pull you close; that first leap out of the plane, seeing the world below from 13,500 feet up; arching and keeping your limbs in proper positioning while taking in that first look at the gentle curve of the horizon; touching the air at 120mph and feeling like an animal of flight; parachuting down, with wings and delicate motion, taking in that incredible view of nearby towns, reservoirs, lakes, roads, farms; landing with incredible, gentle grace. Just, wow. I’m really in love.
Even just thinking about that jump, I feel an almost physiological tingle throughout my body; I’ve never had that kind of mind-​body connection triggered by just a thought/​memory. Oh man. I look up at the sky and it doesn’t feel quite so far away; that place I went to in my dreams became all the more real to me.
The staff at Jumptown were really sweet; it felt like a close-​knit family. Jumps were running a little behind due to some windy conditions, but sitting around all day, watching jumps and enjoying the sunshine was such a pleasant way to spend the time.
Whether seeking a thrill, going on a dare, facing down a fear, discovering a new passion, or jumping just because it’s something to do, this place is an excellent, established, comfortable place to do it.

I have been a skydiver for 15 years and have jumped all over New England. This is the only place to go to skydive.
The people are great, the scenery beautiful and the business is top notch.
Safety is number one at this première skydiving destination.

I came here as part of a bachelor party and had a terrific experience.
If it’s your first time skydiving, you will probably be tandem jumping — that’s when they strap you to a guy who knows what he’s doing so you can’t screw up too badly. My guy was named Cam, and he said he’s done about a thousand tandem jumps; I believe it, because he jumped about ten times that day alone.
Jumptown is a non-​profit organization that exists, as far as I can tell, strictly to pull in enough money that the people who work there can jump for free a whole lot. It’s a very professional organization, though. Everyone who worked there knew what they were doing and had great people skills; the whole operation runs like clockwork.
We were trained in the two things we had to know — the arch pose to take in free fall, and holding your legs up to let your tandem guy do the landing — and then stood around for a while as our group jumped in teams of three. (There were nine of us altogether; I was in the last group.) When our names were called we got into jump suits, helmets, goggles and harnesses; the harness holds something like 5 tons and I weight about 98 pounds, so I felt pretty safe about that. (Their weight limit is 235 pounds and you have to be 18.)
The flight up was pretty nerve-​wracking. It’s ten minutes of staring out the window watching the world get smaller and trying to remember why you’d been stupid enough to agree to this. The pros tried to keep it light, but I was having none of that. Screw you dudes, I’m falling out of a plane with some guy I just met. If this is a metaphor for marriage, you’re spending too much time in Vegas.
The two seconds in front of the door are the worst part, though. They’re smart enough to keep that time to a minimum — you’re there and then they just step out of the plane, so you don’t have too much time to think about it — but it was about the scariest two seconds of my life.
There were about ten seconds of mayhem once we hit the air. I’m not sure if it was because I’d screwed the arch up, because we fell into a cloud or because I’d told Cam I wanted to do a bunch of flips and he was just obliging me. It was wonderful, terrifying chaos. Then we settled down and I had about 30 more seconds of freefall when I was facing the right direction and everything. My brain had given up on being scared now — it’s so completely beyond your experience that the old «this is a bad idea» feeling goes out the window and (for me, at least) it was pure ecstasy. Oh, and coldness. It is cold up there.
I was allowed to pull my own ripcord but, like many in our group, I was having such a great time that I completely missed the cue and Cam pulled it for me. (This happens all the time.) The jerk when you stop in midair was another scary moment: even though you know it won’t happen, there’s a part of you that imagines the harness failing.
Then we had about five minutes of gently floating around. The Quabbin looks gorgeous from up there, and you can even see Boston. Cam showed me how to steer. If you pull one of the steering toggles hard, you spin around pretty fast (scary but awesome); if you pull them both down at once you just stop in midair and hang there (awesome and awesome).
The landing was remarkably smooth. When we were just about at the ground, Cam pulled both toggles at once and we just set our feet down. That was it. My boy Teradon fell over when he landed, ’cause he sucks. I’m a natural.
I was only falling for about six minutes total, and I loved every second of it. I would have turned around immediately and done it again if my wife hadn’t had just about enough stress for the day. I’d do it ten times a day if I could. It was even better than I thought it was gonna be, and I thought it was gonna be great.
The total cost was $ 205. You can get video and stills for an extra $ 110 — the video guy jumps with you to shoot you on the way down. I saw my friend’s video, and it was kinda what I expected it to be — he looked like an idiot. But hey, they had slow-​motion replay! They do a great job putting the video together — their video guys stay right with you.
The drive takes between 90 minutes and two hours from Boston. If you think tandem jumping sounds too wussy, they offer an «Accelerated Freefall» training program that costs $ 315 and includes 8 to 10 hours of instruction, after which you’ll jump with two instructors holding on to you, who will pull your ripcord if they have to and do whatever else they need to to make sure it goes smoothly. I’m too much of a chicken for that.
I felt like I was in great hands with these guys; they really know what they’re doing. $ 200 ain’t that bad for checking something off your «Stuff to do before I die» list. And it was wonderful. Remember this: nobody goes skydiving and, afterwards, says «I wish I hadn’t done that.» I can’t recommend it strongly enough.