Parachute Center

Place is a classic but it's a shame they've increased their rates to $25 a ticket. If you look on the website they have updated it. To add to this they don't offer bulk packages, at least that's what they said over the phone. Compared other local dropzones they will soon have steep competition. I hope the place stays in good shape.

cracker barrel employee

I slept in my van at DZ for over a month and completed just over 100 skydives. What an experience, Bill and Cathy are lovely people that provide great facilities and care to the jumpers.

The DZ has a great community vibe, with a large group of friendly locals who do their best to welcome fun jumpers visiting from other parts of the world.

I definitely recommend jumping here. The parachute center has got a lot of bad press lately but I found they were very safety oriented. As a fun jumper you should take the initiative to talk to other jumpers what they plan to do on the load and use your experience for getting into the landing pattern.

This is the first drop zone I was exposed to, bill is a great guy just do as he asks and you'll have no problems, he's a very experienced skydiver so he knows what he's talking about. I have to disagree with previous reviews, all off the staff were very friendly and made my introduction to skydiving a very good exerience, will be back for a longer stay for sure !!

I arrived an experienced jumper (over 1000 jumps), but had not jumped in 15 yrs, no logbook, gear or licence.
Bill asked me where I used to jump, then just said, "Once your out the door it's like riding a bike, take a 210 for the 1st jump"
Awesome, thanks Bill.
I ended up there for 3 months, bought all the gear and did camera for some tandems.
Really fun times around the firepit, living in the bunkhouse, great people from all over the world.
The jump prices still astound me, I was paying more in the 80s!

The main thing is...if you stay for more than a few days, work around the DZ or you will be told to leave. Always offer to help with anything, filming landings, airplane "hangerupers" Empty the garbage, clean the bathroom, always say "yes Bill" to whatever he says, jump every day and never break any of his rules...and you will stand a fair chance.

Bill is absolutely the most experienced skydiver, DZ operator, jump pilot, manifester etc that you will ever meet, so do as he says. He is also a nice guy, Cathy is super nice as well. How many times they brought amazing meals for everyone at the DZ, Turkey dinners with all the fixings, great bbq all beef dogs for lunches, really great DZ.

I highly recommend and look forward to going back.

Just be good, or for sure you are gone! Bill puts up with nothing

Thanks, I was banned for downwind landing. And added a record in my logbook.

So, I'm not complaining, I'm just saying that it could be done more friendly way.

Even when I come today, my question "which is load now" was answered by nasty guy "it's not her department" even if the "department" is one foot on the left.

Thanks, it's just terrible and ugly.

please delete

I started AFF training in Chicago, got transferred for work to Phoenix, and carried it over there. Finally after all the travel I requested to come back home to the bay area. I restarted my AFF and had to make the choice between Monterey and Lodi....lets just say I wish I had picked Monterey. What a horrible experience here. I went in, registered for my aff, received the most beat up student hand book and videos that resembled the start of an 80s porn flick, three in total, only two that worked. I've jumped in Santa Cruz...Amazing. Las Vegas...Amazing. Chicago...Amazing. Phoenix...Amazing. Lodi, what a joke.

The best part about Lodi were two parts, 1. I had to do a tandem since it had been longer than 30 days and I got to jump with Blain AKA Xbox, super awesome, and fun guy. 2. Hanging out at the campfire at night enjoying cigarettes with a bunch of seasoned skilled skydivers from around the world who were more than happy to help with any questions you had. Super good time. I went every weekend, watched the skilled jumpers do their landings to help learn (four hours total drive time for me each time I chose to do this). Even if the weather was bad I would make my way hoping that it would clear, and at least I could learn and ask questions so it wasnt always a loss. Blain was not able to be my aff instructor as he was on vacation...I should have waited until he came back. But I have been so passionate and excited about this that I decided to give it a go the following weekend. I checked into ifly early sunday morning to get in some tunnel time, then headed to Lodi, the weather finally cleared and they were able to get about 8 loads up. I sat at the landing zone and paid close attention to everyones landings.

Monday morning comes along, I wake up at 7 am, hit the shower, do some more studying and wait for class at 9 am with my lunch as instructed. As soon as Bill sees me he says "You know, we only have maybe a ten percent chance of jumping today. I said, thats fine, I did not drive all this way for nothing so I will still finish ground school and if needed I will come back next weekend to complete the course. He tried talking me out of it three times. While waiting in the class room area, who comes to be my AFF instructor?....Bill, which now makes sense why he tried talking me out of it, he did not want to do it. He started playing the old cam corder dvd on the big screen and going through everything and I asked if I could grab my notepad and pen from the bunk house, just so I could write down any pertinent questions I may have during the video that I could address at the end of the videos without interrupting anything. He tells me if I cant remember it in my head it must not be important and no. I politely said okay. My phone which was faced upside down on top of my MRE for lunch was next to the handbook and he threw everything to the side, I was not even on my phone.

Regardless of training I am still a father to two children and operate my own businesses in downtown San Francisco. I did not quite appreciate that. He should probably read what he wrote in the book and refresh his own memory such as fifteen and ten feet in level II positions, book says one thing, he says another. Exiting air craft, left foot 18 inches from the door vs 12 inches with what is said in the book. After going back and forth a little and I was extremely respectful, he called me not studious and disgusting. For the record, I have a degree in hotel and restaurant management and operate high end nightclubs and restaurants in SF, LV, Chicago, and Miami. Although I know the two are completely different, customer and guest service should be some sort of priority. 2nd to safety with skydiving I feel.

I drove home that day and decided I think I will never again skydive and just forget about it and find something else I love, but then I slept on it and realized that I will not allow some miserable old man to take something away from me that I enjoy so much. I also hope he realizes getting into heaven isn't just how you treat dogs, its also how you treat your fellow man. I almost feel sorry for him. Again, for the experienced skydivers, you cant go wrong, the prices are perfect, and you can get a lot in for a great price, I get it completely. For us newbies in the sport, this is not the place for us, or maybe it just wasnt for me because I had a man with some form of a mental disorder as an instructor. I really should have held out for a week.

Will I ever go back? Never! Id rather pay double for an instructor with patience to deal with someone new to the sport. I guess in that little bit of area hes the king of his domain, outside of it, which Im sure he doesnt venture far from, he is nothing more than a grumpy old man, with some extremely odd excentricities. I look forward to getting back up again, this time, with some one who know that it is in fact 2015, things have changed a lot since the 80s you know? Thanks for taking the time to read this novel. Blue Skies everyone!

I made my first jumps at a bandito drop zone and I was nearly killed. My friend insisted I go to Parachute Center in Lodi to see that this sport can be safe and fun. The year: 1981. My friend, Ron Ingram introduced me to Bill Dause and up I went in a Twin Beech. It was to be my first bomb out. He told me to sit in the door and face to the nose upon exit. Of course that blew me into a backward sommersault. I freaked out because I knew they were all watching me from the plane so I got stable real quick. It was an awesome experience and I landed right back at the hangar. That was my "initiation", and everyone welcomed me into the family. I have not jumped in 30 years. Life gets in the way, but I never lost my love for skydiving. This drop zone appears to have more services, but somethings are classic. Bill Dause, packing in the hangar, pitching a tent on the grass, getting 6 skydives a day if you want to. The biggest shock: Skydives are still 15 bucks!!! Bill was never about the money and you could always trust that he jumped in the planes he used so they were really well maintained and safe. Back then, he had a DC-3. So sad to hear it has gone to the big hangar in the sky. Over the years, I would ponder going back, wondering if I would still know anyone, would it be under different management, and can you ever go back and experience something without it being totally alien to you? Class and style never dies or gets old, and at Bill Dause's...he keeps doing what he does best. I still have two pre-paid tickets to altitude...I wonder if they will honor them for a real old friend and fan...

Amazing Dropzone for people with more then 50 dives and knowing what they do in the sky!!

15$ a jump? You are really a cheap ass if you prefer 5$ for 3 000 feets, but hey, you can log it as a jump so fair deal!

Basic rules of Lodi Parachute center:
- Be on Bill good side (the infamous owner (Inglorious if you are a Quentin fan))
- Check for your own safety
- Check people around you for their safety (no one love to see a diver do a pass by near you because you opened at 3000)
- Organize your own thing
- If you camp or stay at the DZ long enough that Bill reconize you, do what he say or go home

Nice weather, lots of loads, lots of jumpers, unbeatable price = If i'm around, I'll jump again!

I stayed at the Parachute center for 3 weeks and I'll definitely be back,hopefully for longer next time.I didn't know what to expect of the place after hearing a lot of negative things about the safety and that the owner was crazy.The owner Bill Dause is crazy but in the best sense of the word.He was nothing but welcoming and nice to me but I did see him kick out or "fire" as they call it there a few people off the dz but it was because they either did something really stupid or they were trying to argue with Bill.He's a busy man and doesn't have time for skygods so he'll just tell you to leave if you don't like the way he's running things.Fair enough I suppose,his dz-his rules.I was satisfied with the level of safety but it definitely had some rules I'm not used to like you don't have to wear helmets or seat belts and I'm not convinced by the one instructor for every level of the AFF course including level 1!I think that's a bit sketchy and I wouldn't recommend this place for students but for an experienced jumper who wants to bang out a load of jumps in a short amount of time,it's a perfect dz.

The facilities are pretty good.There's 2 packing hangars,one of which is massive with a big screen tv and comfy couches,the others a bit smaller but you can stay in one of the many permanent tents pitched inside and if that's full you can pitch one in the field outside.There's also a bunkhouse with 10 private rooms,a kitchen and common area with wifi access.It's is a bit dark and dirty but cheap with good discounts if you're staying long term like a lot of the people do.The dz seems to draw in an international crowd and there's always a few beers to be had after the last load.There's also a cafe on the airport with decent feed.If you get bored of the dz you have so many options to escape to like San Francisco,Yosemite or Lake Tahoe but if you're lazy like me there's a few half decent bars in Lodi town too.

Bill has 3 twin otters,a c-182 and even a king air which wasn't operational while I was there but he'll always have the otter running during the week and usually 2 or even 3 of them running at the weekend.The dz officially is closed at 3 on weekdays and 6 on weekends but he'll keep it going on later as long as it's busy.I was able to do 8 jumps a day when I tried and that was finishing at 3.

I've been to a lot of stateside dropzones like Eloy and z-hills which are amazing but I think I've found a new favorite.It's half the price to jump here than the usual rates and it has some quality jumpers and planes.For only 13 dollars to 13,000ft and 5 dollars to 3,000ft you'd be mad not to give this place a chance on your next skydiving binge!!

Just finished visit to this DZ. Gotta love the prices. There is a lot of experienced jumpers and a bunch of very friendly people. Bill was great and when he found out I was new offered to find some people for me to jump with. I've been to the big DZs like Eloy and Z Hills which may be a little better organized and a lot cleaner but they don't have the personality of this place and certainly not the killer prices that Bill offers. No question about it I will be returning.

Did find a couple of visiting jumpers to hang out with for the short time I was there. For the most part, these seem to be the only people I could find with any decent social skills. Staff are very rude and abrupt. "Big fish in a small pond" attitude.
The jump tickets are dirt cheap and if you can ignore the rude staff the loads turn quickly. I guess you get what you pay for.

Recently jumped here after about a year away from the sport, and brought my girlfriend along to do her first tandem. I'm new, about 30 jumps, so when I was told a recurrency jump would put me back $100, compared to $280 at other dz's, you can see why I chose to come here. Girlfriend's tandem was $100, cheapest anywhere.
I was expecting at least a half hour long ground school prior to my jump going over emergency procedures, safety, etc. But my coach, who was short with me but not unfriendly, was content with just going over a few quick things. In no time we were in the plane, and I had to ask all of the questions I had on the way up. I did fine and he signed off on my jump, but I must admit I thought the "ground school" was lacking. If you are not a confident skydiver I would not recommend coming here after much time away from the sport.
As for the tandem, my girlfriend enjoyed it. Her instructor did not explain much prior to the jump like at other dz's, but he answered all her questions and made her feel relaxed on the way up.
Safety here is very different than at other dropzones. Helmets are not required, nor seat belts on the way up. Bill the dzo was friendly enough, and answered all of my questions. If you are cool with him, he's cool with you. They also let you borrow a helmet, goggles and altimeter free of charge, which is nice. There is a $5 charge on all credit card purchases though which is super annoying. Other people there were friendly enough, I didn't have any problems. It's not the cleanest or prettiest place, but they are fast, efficient and know how to get the job done. Overall a positive experience, although I would not recommend it for new skydivers. If you want to jump here, you better know what you're doing.

While the Parachute Center is not known for it's great looks or amazing personality, it is the best DZ in the world to crank out a bunch of jumps. Lodi is half the price of most other DZs, and here's why. The Parachute Center is a no frills, well oiled, jumping machine. This isn't a USPA sanctioned drop zone, which is evident by the fact that most jumpers don't wear helmets or seat-belts on take-off. Despite that fact, this is one of the safer drop zones and you will frequently find a skygod correcting someone's risky behavior. The accommodations include concrete floored bathrooms, corrugated metal hangers, and a bunch of couches. While the construction isn't much to look at, it is kind of homey with a lot of nostalgia.

Bill, the owner, is behind the counter seven days a week and he ensures that everything is maintained day after day. He is infamous for "firing" employees, customers, and pets. Complaining, dangerous behavior, incompetence, poorly behaved pets... well pretty much anything that slows down his well oiled machine are cause for being "fired". Some employees may appear to be stressed, frustrated, or angry due to the high paced environment, hot weather, Bills propensity to fire people, and the inexperience of novice jumpers. But for the most part, the Parachute Center has a good cast of characters that are talented and EXTREMELY experienced.

On any given weekend day, the Parachute Center runs two planes simultaneously and can crank out an amazing 40+ plane loads of people (average DZs do 10-20 plane loads). On a weekday you will find one plane running and they will do half as many loads. BUT you can still do about the same number of jumps, just much more comfortably. The weather is really constant and usually consists of a steady mild breeze. So planes run all day until there aren't enough people for a full load, which usually happens in the late afternoon. The vibe is exactly what you would expect... all business. No music in the DZ. Just the cycling of the tandem instruction tape (all.day.long.), and an intercom calling out tandem numbers (or "load next").

Gear sales range from some basics (i.e. goggles, glasses, log books, etc.) to some apparel. The staff consists of experienced instructors, good videographers, and nationally known riggers. Wireless internet is available. Sleeping accommodations include a bunk house, a packing hanger, or you can camp on the lawn. A handful of employees live on site, which makes for nice low-key evening BBQs. The local area is riddled with taco trucks for some delicious well priced food. Overall, a great place to knock out some serious training or get an inexpensive tandem ride. You will not jump anywhere else in the world for less.

I recently stayed for a week at this DZ and it was an incredible time. I was able to get in over 50 jumps in 8 days thanks to the great organization and incredible prices. Buying the pack of 50 tickets is the way to go, you definitely can't beat $13 to 13k, although the Otter usually stopped a little over 12k, but at that price you really can't complain. $5 hop and pops from 3k is also a steal, and some of my favorite memories from this trip are from the Cessna loads. I was with a group of about 20 people and after the DZO, Bill Dause, saw how much we wanted to jump, he helped us get close to 20 loads out of the Cessna after the bulk of his business had already left. Much thanks also goes to the pilot, Randy, who flew some pretty long days just because he was happy to see us all having a good time. Even some of the locals stayed late for a couple more jumps.

The people here are definitely what makes Lodi tick. Without Bill, the DZ wouldn't be nearly as affordable, and certainly a lot less fun. That said, he's not a guy to mess around with; he wants to make sure you have a good time, but if you give him lip, or argue, he won't hesitate to ask you to leave. All the other guys are great too. The camera fliers were always up for a good time, and made our entire group feel right at home. The tandem instructors were a little more busy, but when they had time, and on the ride to altitude, they always made sure everyone was having a good time, especially the tandem students.

Aircraft were somewhat limited during the week, but on one weekend there were two Otters and a Cessna running non-stop to take care of all the fun-jumpers and tandems. Weekdays were generally limited to a King Air, with occasional Cessna loads if there was enough interest.

The hangar is a pretty big place, and there is plenty of room for even a weekend crowd, but I can't imagine how the DZ functions when they're doing 200+ tandems per day during the summer. I never had a problem finding a place to pack, and surprisingly the dogs do a great job of staying out of the way. A couple of complaints I saw on here prior to getting to Lodi were about the cleanliness of the hangar and bathrooms. I have to say that's all from wuffos; for any skydiver, the place is a palace with plenty of couches to stretch out on and a bathroom that gets washed daily. The dog hair is probably going to be an issue if you have allergies, but the air outside is fresh and there isn't much dog hair at all, even my rig never got any on it. Bill was kind enough to open the hangar up for my group at night and we all were able to sleep on couches, which may be old, but are clean and comfortable.

I can't say that it's the most pretty place to jump, but at altitude, prior to exit, the view of the mountains all the way to the Pacific is at least impressive. One night we had a group that did a high pull and I could see the Golden Gate Bridge which was particularly cool. The only thing to worry about for location is that if you decide to disregard the rules and choose to fly over the highway or grape vines below 1000', you can be in for a world of hurt. Altitude, wind, and geographical awareness are all paramount to a safe landing.

Overall, I've got to say this was a great DZ for a lot of relatively inexperienced (sub 200, some still on student status) to jump and learn with a very cool crowd. Two thumbs up!

I went to this place on Sunday, as surprise valentines gift from my boyfriend. (the best ever)

I had always wanted to try Sky diving and finally experienced it, let me tell you ..Absolutely Unforgettable, the adrenalin rush..AWESOME!!

forget bunji jumping, sky diving is the ish'

all-though the experience was great the service could be improved, as a first time jumper I had many questions and concerns, that were not all answered,

my guy (jumping partner) was a bit rude at first but once we got on the plane he made sure I was relaxed and ready for the jump, while up in the sky he cracked some jokes, and once we landed he shook my hand and all,

The only BIG negative thing I can say about this place is it could be much cleaner, I have to admit I was a lil grossed out when I walked into the waiting area, there was dog' hair everywhere, the couches were really dusty and dirty. But overall id definitely go back... SOON I HOPE!

If you are looking for a unforgettable experience and but don't want to go broke this is defiantly the place to go!!

I did my tandem there a few months back and didn't have any problems. It's definitely the cheapest place to jump around. Tandems are $100 with pics/video extra. It's a busy place so expect to be in and out pretty quick.

I did my AFF course there and it went well. The owner (Bill) has a lot of experience and does parts of the ground school. The only complaint is that the videos and books you use are probably from the 80's. However, the instructors go over everything the videos do and are very friendly. I think the overall feel of the place is friendly. Cool people, great dropzone.

I went here with friends who have jumped here before. I did my first tandem that day. I knew I was going to be hooked. I had such a fantastic time with the instructors I had, I feel comfortable to go there and get my AFF. I can't wait until spring.
There was only one person who seemed to not be in the mood to be there but circumstance the weekend before could be the cause. I still was able to make her smile at least.
Yes it looks as if no one has dusted in years but to me it added to the nostalgia to the place.
I loved everyone there and can't wait until spring when I go back for my next jump and to get started on my AFF.

I went to Lodi for the second time yesterday, we did six jumps. I had a blast. There is a lot of crap talked about this place, probably from people that heard this from someone who heard it from someone.

I guess for the swoopers out there, this isn't the place, Bill only allows 90s, but I saw some pretty hi performance landings with jumpers doing sharp 90s in rapid succession.

Its a bit far, 2 1/2 hours, but if you make 5 or more jumps in a day there, you'll make the gas money with their cheap prices.

The Beech 99 is fast to 13 grand, everyone was super chill.

One thing that kind made me scratch my head was how they put a tandem out first, followed by the fun jumpers then the rest of the tandems. One jump they stuck all the fun jumpers in the back and put out 4 tandem groups before us. I don't like coming down on top of tandems, so we adjusted our skydive to track away a little higher and it worked out well.

I will definitely be visiting Lodi again in the future. One thing everyone agreed upon was keep Bill happy and you will enjoy your experience.

Bill was really helpful and freindly. He obviously likes the sport.

The dz itself was well run, lots of loads and keen jumpers. Oh, yeah, and CHEAP jump prices.

The only issues were how dirty the main hanger was, specifically all the dust that had not been cleaned in months if not the entire year and one staff member who was quite rude. That being said he seemed to be rude to everyone who was not a student of tandem passenger.

Over all everyone was quite freindly and just liked to jump.

I took four tandems there, then did my AFF with Erika and Rob. Life changing! This place is awesome! It feels very comfortable as you enter with plenty of couches to lounge in, things to look at, and plenty of people to talk with.
I've had nothing but great experiences at this place and wouldn't recommend trusting many other DZs with referrals. Bill(The owner) is a very nice guy and will answer any questions you might have as he is just one of those friendly people. If you want to save money, and have an awesome experience go to this DZ! Why do you think people from all over the world come to jump here?!!

Be prepared to wait in a place that is dirty and has flys every where and the staff (except people you jump with) are very rude and never answers your questions they just send you in circles. and the bathrooms are gross!

I'm new to the sport, having only 2 jumps past the AFF course. I went with my wife early on a weekday morning and people could not have been nicer. Bill was the first person I ran into he showed me around and treated me like I actually had some idea about what I was doing. He passed me on to Chocolate Factory (dont ask me, I didnt get the story about his name,) an instructor who treated me pretty much the same way, assuming I was competent until I proved otherwise. He sort of chaperoned me around after the first jump and seemed genuinely interested in how I was doing despite the fact he had no obligation to me. Both Bill and Chocolate Factory asked me how my jumps went and offered advice for problems I had. Later that day Chocolate Factory took my wife on a tandem jump. She had a much better time than last week at another drop zone. I was hoping to get my wife interested in taking an AFF course and he really made her feel a lot more confident about the whole experience. Another jumper, James went along and was practicing video, he made a video for my wife that was much better than the one she got previously it cost half as much and was ready while we waited. Kathy at the main desk made sure everything ran smoothly. Overall we couldnt have had a better experience

I took a tandem there a couple months ago and must say I was surprised! I thought the staff would be very excited to help you out, but were very abrupt and abrasive. They sort of rush you along and although the jump was amazing, the staff did make you feel uncomfortable and create an awkward atmosphere not at all idea for beginning jumpers. Maybe it was just the day I went, maybe not. Either way I didn't feel welcome to come back there.