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Dropzone Database: North America: United States: California : Sky Dive Taft : Reviews

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(Review ID:5252)

5 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

fun, family, safety,

Rated by: shane930 on 2009-07-13 (user profile) (user reviews)

Review of: Sky Dive Taft
Pros: the people, the plane,the staff and the dzo!!
Cons: none

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My girlfriend and I enjoy the skydive taft experience so much that we have been driving 6 hours each way and passing 6 dropzones on the way for the last 3 years to jump with the people at taft. After our first time jumping at taft it didn't take long before we felt we were a part of a big and beautiful family that I must say is getting bigger by the day. The people at the dropzone reach put to everyone that shows up to jump it doesn't matter if they are first time tandems or experienced jumpers everyone is treated the same. Dave Crouch and the wonderful staff are very safety orientated and everyone is looking out for each other; gear checks and lots of communication between groups loading the plane and insuring proper separation on jump run. constant coaching from all the experienced jumpers, everyone is invested in everyone's safety at taft!! The pilot's are top noch aviators with over 16,000 flight hours between them. Captain Ron and Otter owner Mike Jackson insure safe flight operations and both are ex jumpers and I personally owe them a lot of gratitude for taking me in and convincing me to get my private pilot license and to get a plane so now the 6 hour drive has become a 2 hour flight! now we can go to Skydive Taft every week! Oh' I almost forgot, these people party like rock stars after the last load is down. Come to Taft and become part of this very special family. Thanks Skydive Taft!!!

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(Review ID:5195)

2 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

One of the most relaxed and friendly DZ you'll find.

Rated by: reyno_gr on 2009-06-22 (user profile) (user reviews)

Review of: Sky Dive Taft
Pros: Very helpful and friendly staff.
Cons: Taft (the town) has limited alternative recreation.

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A group of 15 of us flew from the UK to jump at Lake Elsinore, where we faced non stop cloud and limited jumping. One of the locals suggested driving to Taft (I'd never heard of it either) so we got in the cars and drove 3 hours to the DZ (its an hour and 45 minutes from LA).

The DZ is on the edge of a desert, with mountains to the south which seem to hold back all the crap weather. Whilst Periss, Elsinore and Arizona were 'clouded out'we jumped everyday (nearly two weeks) and without any weather holds.

Its fair to say the DZ is basic (by Periss and Elsinore standards) but it offers shaded packing areas, a pool, bunk house (showers etc), wireless internet and access to a large fridge. There is no 'gear shop', so lost freebags or other spares could result in a short delay whilst new ones are sourced (although the DZ has rigs for hire, so you need not sit on the ground whilst UPS do their thing).

There are two aircraft (a Twin Otter which requires 10 jumpers to make a load) and a Cessna 182 (for the quieter periods).

Taft (town) is not the liveliest place in the world (it appears to close at 9pm) with little to do if you chose not to jump. However, Bakersfield is only 30 minutes drive away and that offers everything Taft doesn't.

So what makes Skydive Taft worthy of a 5 star rating?.....The staff! Dave Chrouch (the DZ owner/manager)and his team are the friendliest and most accomadating bunch of people I've ever met on a DZ. Nothing was too much trouble, and there was no 'skygod' attitude from anyone. Packers, Pilot and Manifest staff ensured that the jumpers needs were met from hoop jumps to high altitiude loads (18k with oxygen).

Dave hosted a BBQ for everyone for the departing Brit group that found Taft a week before we did (they'd abandoned Periss too). He also joined us for a night out in the local Thai restaurant (which I recommend), whilst his son Alex packed tirelessly to keep the loads turning.

Would we go back? Definitely, in fact we're planning it already. Try and go as a group (that way you can negotiate with Dave for a lower jump rate). Enjoy the rock music from the Otters sound system on the climb to altitude, but don't EVER tune it to Country and Western (unless you want the Pilot to dump you out at 5 grand)!

Skydive Taft (and its staff) made our trip. Thanks guys; we hope to see you soon.

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(Review ID:4169)

10 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

Small hanger with big couches great people and a fun environment.

Rated by: Live2Dive666 on 2007-10-03 (user profile) (user reviews)

Review of: Sky Dive Taft
Pros: Professional. Laid Back. Frendly. Fun.
Cons: None I can fathom

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I did my first dive here and needless to say i was kind of nervous. I walked in not knowing what to expect and instantly i had people high fiving me on my first dive and instucting me on everything from emergency procedure to proper body position. I felt so comfortable and trusting with my trainers i felt very little nerves at the door 13,000 feet up.

My dive went great and ill never forget it. From that moment i was hooked forever.

Perhaps the best example of the people out at taft is an exerience my friend had on his AFF 4 dive. his dive went bad and both his instructors nearly went in pulling his chute for him. They barely knew this guy and they risked their lives for him. Point is. You arrive a stranger but as soon as your at the door your family. I'll dive many places for new experiences but taft will always be my home.

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(Review ID:4146)

13 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

Close to heaven

Rated by: Rickgarner2000 on 2007-09-19 (user profile) (user reviews)

Review of: Sky Dive Taft
Pros: Very professional
Cons: Not enough fresh coffee on the dropzone

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Went to 3 dropzones and checked them out.
The first one returned my money. I guess they don`t like to read negative comments in aviation news. The second one charged 100 dollar for the packing course and I learned that the rubber band is made to stretch.
A skydiver told me about Taft and I went to Skydive Taft.
Holy poo poo, what a difference!!
There was Melissa. She became and still is my coach. She taught me tracking and docking whith such ease and I made my A license. Daryn finished me off with my packing course. After packing my parachute he said I have to use it now.
What can I say? The sucker open up and Daryn didn`t even tell me that the rubberband are made to stretch and there is Alex, who is so nice he even gives you a laughter when you tell him a bad joke.They are all very nice and there is nobody with an attitude. You come with a lot of anger and grumpy and when the day is done you go home with a smile on your face. They open their arms and welcome you. What a dropzone! I found my home dropzone and I keep my promise not to tell everyone because they (we) would like to stay small and concealed.

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(Review ID:3689)

8 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

They have an Otter that plays music to altitude!

Rated by: tonka on 2007-03-28 (user profile) (user reviews)

Review of: Sky Dive Taft
Pros: Friendly people, awsome plane, and great facilities.
Cons: None

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Skydive Taft is a top notch facility with a professional staff, awesome jump plane, and great people to jump with. I recommend it to anyone whether they are a first time jumper, learning to skydive, or an experienced jumper. People are always willing to help you get liscensed, learn to pack, and become a better and safer skydiver. To top it all off you can hang out after the day is done and keep having fun.

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