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Dropzone Database: North America: United States: California : Skydive Hollister : Reviews

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has contributed 17 reviews

Review Summary: Average Rating: Total Reviews: 17 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:5404)

7 of 17 people found the following review helpful: not the friendly or professional DZ that it was in the past Rated by: bigbear73 on 2009-10-03 (user profile) (user reviews) Review of: Skydive Hollister   Pros: nice weather...and that is all Cons: rude staff, misrepresented altitude claims

Professionalism   Vibe   Aircraft   Facilities   Services   Location

Let me first say that I have jumped here (amongst other places) on and off for the last 12 years. Prior to last August of 2008, I always had a wonderful experience. Since this place has changed owners some 14 months ago, it has gone downhill rapidly. It used to be a fun place with good people and now it is everything but that. Yes, the weather is nice but that does not make up for the unprofessional manner displayed by the staff. I was told I would get 15k for altitude, even says it on their website, however, we got 12.5k all weekend long in their "awesome new PAC". There was always an excuse...traffic, ATC, etc on why the pilot would climb to full altitude. I asked to speak with the NEW owner...WOW is all I can say. He was exceptionally rude and very immature...nothing like the last people that owned the place.
I also happened to be there on another weekend where it was advertised that they were going to have a NEW landing area, closer to the airport. It was 10x smaller (not a problem if you're accurate), but very uneven awkward ground. When I came back 2 weeks later, I found out that they had "lost" that landing area. After some digging around, turns out the owner was illegally using the land without permits. That didn't surprise me at.

Safety doesn't seem to play the role there that it used to...I watch countless AFF level 1's and 2's go up with 1 JM. I hear the staff telling people that "it's ok...the owner does those skydives and he knows what he is doing". I definitely wouldn't bring my family out there to learn.

But after all that has happened over the last 14 months, apparently the NEW owner is being sued by several people, including the last owner of the business. Word has it that it may fall back into the previous owner's hands which, in my humble opinion, would be the best thing for the place.

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(Review ID:5258)

0 of 4 people found the following review helpful: Blue Skies Rated by: digbeach on 2009-07-17 (user profile) (user reviews) Review of: Skydive Hollister   Pros: the views! dude Cons: none that I can list

Professionalism   Vibe   Aircraft   Facilities   Services   Location

I've dropped in to Hollister time & again and always had a great time and great jumps with these folks. After a jump in Lodi the previous weekend that was a total killjoy I headed on down to Hollister and had an absolute blast. Friendly, down-to-earth staff, nice aircraft, outstanding views at altitude all combined to make this place one of my favorites. Now if I could only get my hometown folks from the Ranch to come on out, I could turn 'em on to this place!

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(Review ID:4272)

5 of 12 people found the following review helpful: Great combo of fun jumpers/tandems - NOT a tandem factory. Rated by: mattphoenix on 2007-12-18 (user profile) (user reviews) Review of: Skydive Hollister   Pros: Overall excellent experience!!! Cons: Absolutely none...

Professionalism   Vibe   Aircraft   Facilities   Services   Location

After being frustrated with Monterey Bay Skydive (predominantly a tandem factory!) I decided to venture out into Hollister. My experience was like night and day. The staff actually gave me the impression that they wanted to be there. They answered all my questions and made me feel like I was welcomed. When I arrived and got manifested I was up in the King Air in less than 15 minutes! I finished my AFF levels 4 - 7 in Hollister in roughly 2 weeks. The views are amazing, you can actually see part of the Monterey bay on the ride up. The drop zone is huge. Great for AFF students. It was really the staff that made the place rock. Critter, Adam, Misty, Nate, Brian... they all made me feel welcomed and encouraged. From a business/weather/logistics/atmosphere standpoint Hollister is the place to jump in the central coast. Now I know why I got into skydiving!

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(Review ID:4060)

2 of 9 people found the following review helpful: Good people, good vibe, good landing area, good weather Rated by: SeanJuan on 2007-08-06 (user profile) (user reviews) Review of: Skydive Hollister   Pros: Cool people, nice weather all the time, HUGE landing area Cons: Everyone knows... those Damned van rides from the landing area

Professionalism   Vibe   Aircraft   Facilities   Services   Location

My home DZ is skydive monterey bay, and when it is fogged out or cloudy over there, i can always bet that its clear here in hollister. the people are cool (there are ALWAYS exceptions to the rule of course), the place has a small restaurant right next door (closes at 3pm though so get there quick if you're late), and the landing area is wide open with lots of outs. there is usually just the right touch of wind for great landings. like any dz, there are cliques and such... the only thing that sucks is the van/shuttle rides from the landing area. it takes like 10-15 mins and everyone's breath stinks (mine especially, but thats because of the annual garlic festival nearby) and they/I like to breathe on people with their/my mouth open. all in all, good place to jump; good fun. if you are in the area, hit it up.

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(Review ID:2997)

6 of 13 people found the following review helpful: This is the place to jump in N Cal. Rated by: superwoman8433 on 2006-04-21 (user profile) (user reviews) Review of: Skydive Hollister   Pros: The awesome staff, view, and cheap video Cons: can't really come up with any

Professionalism   Vibe   Aircraft   Facilities   Services   Location

My home dz is in Hawaii, but I had to come to Hollister to get the training I needed. I love the staff there and the fun jumpers. This is one DZ that offers equal treatment to tandems, AFF students, and fun jumpers. Adam and Kevin were the best instructors that a beginner could ask for. Both are totally laid back and PATIENT!! Ex. my first solo exit, out of the cessna, it took me two tries to let go and both of them stayed with me. AP, thanks for the awesome pictures. Will be back as soon as possible.

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(Review ID:2933)

4 of 11 people found the following review helpful: Just did my tandem there Rated by: georgerussia on 2006-03-21 (user profile) (user reviews) Review of: Skydive Hollister   Pros: Friendly people, good location, nice aircraft Cons: Landing area is 10 miles away

Professionalism   Vibe   Aircraft   Facilities   Services   Location

Just did my tandem jump there. Everything went quite fast - just in 15 minutes after I signed all the papers I was in plane. People there were really friendly, the weather was pretty good, so I was very implessed. Would also note that the location is very nice to drive from Silicon Valley.

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(Review ID:2606)

5 of 11 people found the following review helpful: Great location, beautiful view and wonderful people Rated by: Ayala on 2005-09-19 (user profile) (user reviews) Review of: Skydive Hollister   Pros: Friendly People Fast airplane that goes to 15000 Cons: Landing area is far from the airport

Professionalism   Vibe   Aircraft   Facilities   Services   Location

If the beathtaking view, great airplane going at 15000 very fast, good facilities good equipment for rent and nice infraestructure were not enough, they have just the best people ever!!!
I got the best introduction to the DZ by Raff and the other folks and after less than 2 hours hanging around I was felling as a family member!
I definetely will be back there at the first opportunity and indicate to everyone in the world!!!
They also shown a great sense of responsability regarding security and as beeing a foreigner I would not jump if I didn't get all documentation needed and has proved have some experince to them!
Again, great people!!!

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(Review ID:2131)

3 of 11 people found the following review helpful: Great for new comers and experienced jumpers Rated by: BDashe on 2005-05-27 (user profile) (user reviews) Review of: Skydive Hollister   Pros: Excellent staff, great atmosphere, great location Cons: cessna loads, 10-15 minute van rides from DZ

Professionalism   Vibe   Aircraft   Facilities   Services   Location

The staff is top notch and know what they are talking about. Very friendly to new comers and tandem students. The majority of the time it is crystal clear when other DZs are fogged in, can see halfmoon bay and the sierra nevadas while in freefall. Sunset loads here are AMAZING, i always make sure to get myself on it. The staff is always around and give great tips when just relaxing as the DZ bum. They have all been great mentors for me, and always remember who i am, even though ill be gone for 6 months at a time. Their coaches are great and have helped me tremendously. They really make me feel like they truly WANT me to be a great skydiver, and i always leave this place feeling highly motivated. I really love this DZ and the staff, I can't wait to get back to cali!!!!!

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(Review ID:2249)

3 of 9 people found the following review helpful: This is a turbine dz with a small dz flavor Rated by: D22369 on 2005-05-03 (user profile) (user reviews) Review of: Skydive Hollister   Pros: Awsome people!, great vibes Cons: Van ride from the landing area...

Professionalism   Vibe   Aircraft   Facilities   Services   Location

I had way too much fun when I went, I had people go out of their way to come up and introduce themselves to me and invite me on loads. the people are extremely friendly and welcome newcomers with open arms. the bunkhouses are first come first serve and are kept clean, (the shower does have hot water, you just have to know how to turn it on) the hotels and stores are just down the street not too far away. If you dont like big DZ's but would like to jump a turbine, this is definately the place to go.

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(Review ID:2189)

5 of 12 people found the following review helpful: The best Rated by: ASullivan on 2005-04-02 (user profile) (user reviews) Review of: Skydive Hollister   Pros: Best staff and the best view. Cons: The van ride

Professionalism   Vibe   Aircraft   Facilities   Services   Location

I just started doing my AFF jumps and the staff is killer. Raff, Cliff, and Adam are the best jump masters. The really work with you and give you a lot of pre jump insruction. Even if they are doing video or a tandem for the next load they never rush through your after jump briefing. They are making me into a killer skydiver.

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