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Dropzone Database: North America: United States: Illinois : Archway Skydiving Center : Reviews

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has contributed 18 reviews

Review Summary: Average Rating: Total Reviews: 18 Write a Review Show: All Ratings 5 Star Rated 4 Star Rated 3 Star Rated 2 Star Rated 1 Star Rated Sort by: Newest First Highest Rating First Most Useful First Display: 10 25 50 100

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(Review ID:4833)

2 of 12 people found the following review helpful: Visited another great DZ Rated by: swhuffman96 on 2008-10-15 (user profile) (user reviews) Review of: Archway Skydiving Center   Pros: Great people, great airplane Cons: Location

Professionalism   Vibe   Aircraft   Facilities   Services   Location

I guess I'll be the only person reviewing this DZ in 2008. Weird.
I visited this DZ for the CASA boogie on 10/12. It was an amazing experience. People were quick to introduce themselves and talk about a dive/maneuver. I felt very welcome and was promptly given a spot in the middle of the area to pack. I was doing freeflying and there are a few there, but there were a lot of really good RW skydivers there. The place to be for RW, I would say.

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(Review ID:4222)

3 of 15 people found the following review helpful: The best training around Rated by: mmurph24 on 2007-11-05 (user profile) (user reviews) Review of: Archway Skydiving Center   Pros: Great atmosphere, happy people Cons: None

Professionalism   Vibe   Aircraft   Facilities   Services   Location

I went to Archway for a tandem on my 18th birthday last June. There were closer dropzones to our house in St. Louis, but we had always heard good things about Archway. "Good things" does not do Archway justice. I loved it so much that I went all the way through their static line course and got my license last week.

It would be impossible to ask for better training than you get at Archway. I worked with almost every instructor at some point in my static line progression, and evey single one was professional, friendly, and fun. The atmosphere is laid-back, and the regulars are approachable and excited to talk to students.

Archway is everything you could want and more. It's a phenomenal place to skydive.



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(Review ID:3662)

2 of 18 people found the following review helpful: Best in the Midwest - Hands Down Rated by: freeasabird on 2007-01-27 (user profile) (user reviews) Review of: Archway Skydiving Center   Pros: Friendly & skilled staff - Tons of fun! Cons: Absolutley Nothing

Professionalism   Vibe   Aircraft   Facilities   Services   Location

Been to all the big dropzones in the area and elsewhere. No place else compares to the atmosphere at Archway. Plus, great RW skill/organization, great freeflyer contingent, and comfortable and fast jumpship. My favorite place to jump!

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(Review ID:3364)

1 of 13 people found the following review helpful: wide open spaces and friendly faces Rated by: davebiscuit on 2006-08-28 (user profile) (user reviews) Review of: Archway Skydiving Center   Pros: great people, great dz Cons: none for me

Professionalism   Vibe   Aircraft   Facilities   Services   Location

The people are professional and friendly. the dropzone has plenty of landing and covered packing area. there is always someone eager to help and/or teach. As a student, i always felt safe and comfortable with my training. After student status, i found it easy to ask for advice from the many experienced skydivers. Best of all i have always have a great time out there. If your looking to begin skydiving or continue to have fun with it. In my opinion, this is the place to go

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(Review ID:3334)

3 of 16 people found the following review helpful: Awesome DZ Rated by: SSGJOHNSON on 2006-08-14 (user profile) (user reviews) Review of: Archway Skydiving Center   Pros: Awesome place for RW Cons: NONE

Professionalism   Vibe   Aircraft   Facilities   Services   Location

Ive jumped there on two different occasions and both where excellent. The aircraft if quick to alt. and both times the people where very friendly and willing to jump with you no matter what your jump numbers. If you want to get some big ways in this is the place to be.

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(Review ID:2709)

1 of 13 people found the following review helpful: Been twice Rated by: gregmoore200 on 2005-11-15 (user profile) (user reviews) Review of: Archway Skydiving Center   Pros: Very professional and thourough. Eager to teach. Cons: It is a little farther of a drive than I would like to make but that is my problem.

Professionalism   Vibe   Aircraft   Facilities   Services   Location

We arrived and were greeted several times by everyone around. We filled out our forms, watched the training video, went over a few things, and then spent the rest of the time with the instructor preparing for the jump. We went over everything on the ground, discussed it again on the ride up. We then left the airplane for what was the most amazing ride I have ever had. I spent the whole time "both times" concentrating on the maneuvers and the altimiter and listening to the instructor that I forgot to be nervous. I would recomend that if you have worries about being strapped to someone that is wreckless, this is the place for you. This was a very relaxing experience overall.

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(Review ID:877)

5 of 21 people found the following review helpful: That great Archway vibe Rated by: carrietoth on 2005-06-30 (user profile) (user reviews) Review of: Archway Skydiving Center   Pros: Great vibes, you never have to jump alone, wide open landing area, safety standards are set above what USPA recommends, Cons: None

Professionalism   Vibe   Aircraft   Facilities   Services   Location

I made my first skydive in 97 at Archway. The people and the vibe were so welcoming, I could not wait to get back the next weekend. Archway skydivers are like no others. You are accepted for who you are, no matter what kind of background you have.

This season has been great. We have gained many jumpers transplanted from other dz's, we have quite a few students graduating from AFF and SL programs. The staff remains happy despite all of the heat and hard work that they endure. The best part-at the end of the day we celebrate each other with the traditional Archway bbq, beverages, and bonfire. If it is too hot for a bonfire, we take the party to the Day's Inn hotel pool, where they welcome skydivers and even offer discounted rates. Bring an overnight bag. We always have a slot in the room for you :-)

If you are in the St. Louis metro area, please stop by and see why so many skydivers are making the switch and calling Archway their new home dz.

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(Review ID:2219)

2 of 15 people found the following review helpful: a very short visit was a blast. Rated by: yardhippie on 2005-04-19 (user profile) (user reviews) Review of: Archway Skydiving Center   Pros: Huge landing area, friendly people, fast plane. Cons: Nothing worth mentioning

Professionalism   Vibe   Aircraft   Facilities   Services   Location

I was in the ST Louis area for the weekend, and cant resist a turbine. So I picked Archway b/c of the other good reviews. Just under an hour drive east of downtown, and every easy to find. The people there were pleasant from the beginning. Its got that small dropzone feel with the big plane perks. The showed me around:landing area, food, packing ect., and introduced me to a few people, and I made a few jumps.
I definitely reccomend these folks if youre passing through or in the area!

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(Review ID:1947)

8 of 21 people found the following review helpful: One of the Most Friendly Dropzones You'll Ever Find Rated by: SuFantasma on 2004-11-24 (user profile) (user reviews) Review of: Archway Skydiving Center   Pros: Friendly DZO, Staff, Always Load Organizers Cons: None

Professionalism   Vibe   Aircraft   Facilities   Services   Location

I've been jumping at Archway Skydiving Center for the last nine months due to an extended assignment in Springfield IL. My Home DZ is Skydive Atlanta, but from the second I walked into the door everyone treated me like I've been a regular at the DZ.

Safety - That's always the first factor I consider. Archway is a first rate operation in all aspects, but they shine in SAFETY. At the same time, they are very subtle in their approach, yet firm. Management is always on top of safety issues (pin check, gear check, loading order, delay between groups, no-gos, name-it !)

Staff - This dropzone takes the Nobel Peace Prize. No cliques, period. From the first day I walked into the DZ the Staff included me in all the activities, whether skydiving or partaking on the after-hours activities. They are so friendly and group-oriented that I feel guilty jumping by myself (my own choice for canopy practice). A load organizer is always available, regardless of the discipline; and they do a fantastic job. This is the first time I've ever turned 21 points on a 6-way formation. Every skydive is turned into a postive experience by the staff. Archway should be writing the motivation section of the Instructor Rating Manual (IRM). Packers are friendly, professional and consistent.

Landing Area - This is the middle of Illinois, if you can manage to land on a tree you ought to play the lottery immediately after. Seriously folks, you can land anywhere and the staff will be there within 2 minutes to pick you up.

Aircraft - The Caravan is well maintained, clean and a pleasure to ride. In addition a C-182 is available for your hop-and-pop pleasure.

Facilities - Nice size hangar (not huge, but fits 50 skydivers easily). Very clean, well run. Clean bathrooms, well-equiped video room, 2 lounges and a the manifest ladies are just a pleasure to do business with.

And There is More - Never Met Lew Sanborn (D-1), this is the place to get to know the Gentleman and the legend. Want to try Accuracy? It's there. Want to Free-Fly, they are GOOOOOOD (not my thing, though)

Take the time to visit Jason and Anita (co-DZOs) and enjoy Archway.

Finally, NO I AM NOT PART OF THE STAFF AT ARCHWAY...

I am SuFantasma, and I approve this message :0)

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(Review ID:1913)

5 of 18 people found the following review helpful: Great Midsize dropzone with plenty of good people Rated by: kai2k1 on 2004-11-04 (user profile) (user reviews) Review of: Archway Skydiving Center   Pros: Nice wide open landing area, Load organizing, You never jump alone Cons: None

Professionalism   Vibe   Aircraft   Facilities   Services   Location

Archway is a Medium sized dropzone smack dab in the middle of corn country about 63 miles east of St. Louis. The vibe is awesome and you never have to jump alone unless you absolutely want to. I am proud to call Archway my new home DZ.



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