Skydive Mesquite

This dropzone makes everyone feel at home. Owners and Staff are amazing. Jumpers are one big family of fun. Short trip from the strip and stunning views. A must jump for tandems or fun.

Skydive Mesquite is a rad dropzone. The atmosphere is laid back, relaxed, and fun. There is a wide range of experience; new jumpers can get coach jumps, experienced jumpers can participate in freefly, wingsuit, belly, tracking jumps, etc.. We do it all!

During the winter months (Halloween to early May) there's a Caravan. The Halloween Boogie is a fun way to start off the Caravan Season. Bring a costume and some friends!

If you're planning on coming out for the weekend you have a few options for lodging in Mesquite. Town is a 5-10 minute drive from the airport. Las Vegas is about 90 miles but many of us make the drive every weekend.

Come jump with us!

I started coming to skydive Mesquite last June when I moved to Las Vegas. I came from a few home dropzones that always seemed to be teeming with the drama that seems pretty standard at most dropzones once you've been going long enough (staff and DZO don't get along, fun jumpers have cliques, etc.). I'd say one of Mesquites greatest qualities as a home dropzone is that is has none of that garbage. Brad is an awesome DZO, and pretty much everyone who goes there on a regular basis are friends. It's a place where you could easily show up alone, and find a load to join in about 5 minutes for almost any skill level you are looking for (unless you are looking for very advanced 4 way, i guess).

As far as I can tell there are only 3 cons. First, they only have a cessna from May until about October. During the winter months they get a caravan, but during the summer you would be hard pressed to get more than 4 jumps in a day. As the dropzone needs to pay its bills, tandems will usually take priority (which takes at least 2 of the 4 seats), though Brad will do his best to squeeze in some fun jumper loads if possible.

Second, the DZ often won't make it until sunset due to winds that pop up at about 2 pm (common in the summer) or lack of fun jumpers to fill slots. If you are really trying to pound out a bunch of jumps and get numbers up, you might be better served driving out to LA to Perris or Elsinore.

Finally, there usually seem to be more students or people with gear then gear to go around. I know this is also relatively common, but some of my friends without rigs have been there all day and only gotten 1 or 2 jumps in. If you have it, make sure your bring your own gear! If you don't, get some!

On the whole, if you are in the Vegas or St. George area and looking for a dropzone with a great vibe Mesquite is your best bet. Definitely my favorite home dropzone so far in terms of people/ Vibe.

In a jungle of companys offering the AFF course, Skydive Mesquite stood out as a honest company that seemed more focused on paying forward the passion for skydiving than beeing just profit driven.

Brad and Rocco were competent and dedicated instructorers that followed me through the course and got me up and flying the skies in no time.

I have already recommended Skydive Mesquite to others.

I have had the chance to visit four awesome dropzones so far and this one really is too. Got the privilege to be driven from Vegas to Mesquite by two locals, met tons of new very friendly skydivers and did my first jump in the US (yeah don't worry i brought beers along...)!
If you're looking for a very good time to jump or even just hang out with fellow skydivers, in a place where it's never about the profit but just about the fun... Skydive Mesquite is the only place available in the Las Vegas area!
Will definitely come back if I'm visiting again.

Fun Jumper friendly and close to Vegas. The Caravan is there for about 6 months out of the year and you always get good alt to dance with the sky! Good vibe and the DZO still love the sport!

I jump at Mesquite pretty regularly and really like the fun-jumper friendly atmosphere. The DZO loves the sport and cares about the jumpers and it really shows. There's a great crowd of regular local jumpers. Mesquite has a caravan part of the year: the large loads, good altitudes and quick turn times are really nice. The landing area is on the airport on top of a mesa and can be a little tight. Summers are hot, but hey...it's the desert. If you're in the Vegas area it's definitely worth stopping by for a jump or two!

I highly recommend Skydive Mesquite. People are great to work with. The view is amazing. I will go again and again and again!

I love skydive mesquite! It's a little bit of a drive but SO worth it! I love my skydiving family =) Thanks for everything, Brad!

I love Mesquite! I live in Vegas and happily travel the extra distance to jump here over the other vegas dropzones. The staff are helpful and happy and its a good vibe all around. Thanks Brad!

I went to Vegas on a vacation and as all normal people that go there I checked where to jump ;) After seeing all the reviews on dz.com and elsewhere the choice where to go was easy. I'm student jumper and I wanted to complete the jumps for the license. Brad and Joe are great instructors, Fonz other jumpers are helpful and friendly. It gets very busy on jump days, lots of tandems, lots of local jumpers and few tourist jumpers such as myself. I loved it there and I hope I'll jump there again.

Just out of Aff training...I have to say I'm glad I chose mesquite to become a skydiver..Brad,Joe,Fonz and all the rest are amazing. .They don't mess around with sacrificeing safety or teaching the wrong stuff.I'm working on my 13th jump and feel that I have been given all the tools necessary to become a skydiver. And pull out of any situation that's thrown at me..Ive already had 2 line twists and a weird landing. Thanks to Brad and Joe I have remembered my training And did great under those situations..

THANKS Mesquite. ...Highly recommended. ....

Let me start this by addressing the very minor cons to this DZ. The hangar is hot yes. But you will get over it! You are normally having such a great conversation or learning from Brad, Joe, Colin, Tommy or Alex that you aren't focused on the heat. Secondly, if you learn to land in Mesquite you can land at any DZ. That isn't to say that landing in Mesquite is all that difficult. Heck I learned how to do it!

Other than those two issues, this DZ has to be considered among the best in the western United States.

For a little background on myself, my girlfriend and I wanted to learn how to skydive so we looked up some reviews on this website and let me tell you what; The reviews on here were spot on!

We did one tandem in Las Vegas (waste of time & money) and then to learn how to skydive we came up to Mesquite. If you are looking for a Disneyland ride where you aren't in control of anything stay down in Las Vegas. If you want to learn how to skydive come up to Skydive Mesquite.

Even if you only want to do a tandem jump, I highly recommend coming up to Mesquite. Brad or Joe will be more than happy to take care of you and between the two of them they have close to 10,000 jumps combined. You will not find that kind of experience or knowledge at any of the DZ's in or around the Las Vegas area. Not only that, but these two men are willing to share all of their skydiving experiences to anyone that wants to learn.

In addition to this, most of the DZ's in Las Vegas use a hand held video camera for your skydiving video. Skydive Mesquite has a professional cameraman (you rock Alex and Colin) jump with you so you see all of your free fall and not just your face as you accelerate to over 120mph! Not only is the video better but it is cheaper than the video at the DZ's in Las Vegas by about $40.

That has to be the best thing about this DZ. You never feel like just another "credit card" when you come up here. There were many days when Brad wouldn't let us jump on AFF because of the winds. He could have easily sent people up in the plane but instead he sacrifices his own income to ensure everyone's safety!

Okay so I'm getting off track. I have just completed my AFF course in about 1 1/2 months and have made three fun jumps since then. The course was fantastic, amazing and worth every penny. The time and effort that is spent with each student is truly amazing. You recieve a comprehensive brief before each skydive you make in the AFF course. After your jump you will receive another brief about your performance in the air and how you can improve your skydiving. Brad and Joe never let you rest on your laurels. They are constantly providing you with constructive criticism which only makes you a better skydiver in the end.

This is my first introduction to the wonderful sport of skydiving and I feel so lucky that I was able to land in this DZ (a little pun intended) Whether you want to come up and do one tandem or you want to learn how to become a skydiver I guarantee you that there is no better/safer place to learn than right here.

Once again, I cannot stress this enough; if you want to learn how to skydive in Nevada there is no better place to go than Skydive Mesquite.

And one more thing, get ready to buy some beer if you lose your ripcord!

In and around the city of Las Vegas, one would think that all the dropzones would be hopping places to be. In truth, there is only ONE dropzone that takes care of fun jumpers, and that's Skydive Mesquite.

Whether you're there for VRW, or sport accuracy, Wingsuiting or CRW, the DZ staff has a member that is experienced in your chosen discipline.

As for Tandem students looking for a good time, you won't find a more experienced, knowledgable staff anywhere in Nevada. One of Skydive Mesquite's tandem masters was recently the featured instructor of the month in Parachutist magazine. The drop zone makes sure that everyone who comes for their first jump has the time of their lives.

The DZ gets quite warm in the summer, and can be uncomfortable at times when you're not at altitude. During most of the year, they fly a Grand Caravan bringing loads to 13,500 AGL, but for several weeks in the summer they only fly a 182.

Perhaps the most valuable attribute of the DZ though, is the owner. Brad Jesse is a veteran skydiver with a heart of gold and a brain rivalled by the library of congress. He cares much, much more about how much fun everyone is having, than how much money he's making. Last weekend, he sent the Caravan up with only 7 fun jumpers in it, just so we could get a sunset ride in. He is a veteran of competition, having competed in USPA nationals in 4way FS events. He gives of himself and jumps often, and his love for the sport really shows through in the management of the DZ.

If in Vegas, I can honestly say don't waste time going to another DZ... You'll be happy you picked this one.

I'm on my last AFF jump with Brad at Skydive Mesquite. My training has been a blast. Brad is an excellent teacher. He's very thorough in briefing before each jump and debriefing after the jump, and the little pop quizzes on all of the emergency procedures every time I come out has made me feel confident and prepared for anything. He's an easy guy to work with and I feel fortunate to have been able to train at Skydive Mesquite.

The summer heat in the hangar is the only thing that sucks, but its cooling down now and I'm looking forward to jumping these next few months.

Really enjoyed the Blue Skies Boogie. The registration fee was only $20 and that covered food and beer both nights, plus $17 jumps all weekend! Everyone was really nice. Brad the owner is really good about making out-of-town jumpers feel welcome.

One thing I didn't like is that there were no LO's during the boogie. And a couple of times I was left stranded and started asking around if anyone wanted to do a jump. I found out how clique Mesquite was really quick. Also, I didn't really enjoy the way they manifested. People were told repeatedly not to manifest until they were packed...??? Were they serious? Just give us a call, and let us worry about that. haha. And if the person doesn't make the call, oh well, they still pay for their slot. Problem solved.

For my first skydive experience. This place was amazing. The owner took me up and really let me feel like I had just enough control. I now return every month to get a healthy shot of Adrenaline through my system. Check out my website. www.chappstick.com for awesome pictures of me and my Air Force friends.

Update #4 (30 Sep 10)
So, if you've been reading my reviews you'll know that I moved to Colorado to join the AF Parachute team. This year alone I jumped in more places than many people will see in their entire lifetime. 12 states/18dz's 2 countries and its only september)
STILL TO THIS DAY, MESQUITE IS MY HOME DROPZONE.
I recently had a few days off from work and drove 13 hours just to jump in Mesquite. I did mostly coaching with some newer jumpers (no charge) and helped upgrade a Tandem candidate by playing student. I had the time of my life just hanging out there. The thing is, I didn't tell anyone I was coming because I wasn't sure I would be able to. Sure, I caught up with some old friends but I met LOTS of new jumpers and they were just as cool as the old ones.
That speaks volumes of the way Brad runs the place. He brings out the best in people, even the students take on that attitude. I get to jump out of some pretty cool aircraft with my current job but I honestly had a great time working with the jumpers from the C-182.
On Oct 23 The caravan arrives. I am going to be at mesquite as often as I can this winter. I hope you finally read this and check the place out for yourself. I'd bet that your review would be pretty similar to mine.

Update #3 (20 Feb 08)
Well, I am moving to Colorado and I jumped my last(1120th) jump in Mesquite as a Las Vegas resident.
To the previous reviewer. Brad took your advice and finally stopped giving written invitations to load the plane.
Last weekend was the first time he tried it out and it worked nicely. So next time you go to a busy weekend you can manifest and you'll get a call just like the rest of the DZ's.
Brad is the type of guy who will wait for people to finish packing before sending the load. I think he realized that that way worked when the DZ was smaller but it has grown to the point that it needs to move along.
Anyway, I'll miss the DZ and the family I am leaving behind. I'll see you all in a few months. Its time to find another Videot. Hopefully, there'll be some reliable ones.



Update #2 (7 march 07)
Well, since my last update I started working at the DZ. (Filming Tandems)What an incredible opportunity. The great thing is that Brad doesn't overwhlem me with work. If I want to work I can. I will never let someone who wants a vid of their 1st jump get turned away, but when there are other cam flyers we all take turns helping out. And that is great. The DZ is continiung to build and hopefully , Brad will be able to support a full time caravan.
At the moment, he has the caravan from October thru the end of April and hosts 6 boogies during that time, with large contingencies of skydivers coming in for each one, along with some extra aircraft.
The weather USUALLY cooperates but on a rare occasion a storm/cold weather helps us maintain our drinking club status.
Oh yea, and if you're in Nevada there STILL is no other place to jump anyway. At least the only Fun Jumping DZ is a great one. Come out to Mesquite and join the family. You won't be disappionted.

(UPDATE)
SD mesquite has since become my HOME DZ. When I originally wrote this review they were only in their 2nd season. SD mesquite has grown considerably and has become my #1 DZ by CHOICE. Brad is one helluva Guy all around and that stands out as a DZO as well.
The boogies have gotten bigger and more people have come by from further reaches of the U.S. and abroad. when you are in the Area this is a MUST for skydivers who like to jump at new,friendly places. you will enjoy it. I hope to see you there.

(original review)
I went to SD mesquite last year twice. I had a GREAT TIME. fun jumps from an otter for a cheap price.
This year I went back in and was very surprised when Sher remembered me.
That says something about the type of people who run the place!
They have a 182 for now but they charge by the foot. AWESOME PRICES, beautiful scenery, fun boogies, landing on airport as of this new season.
It's an all around GREAT DZ. My only hope is that they will open full time

I got my AFF at Skydance in Davis and this is only the third DZ I have been to. But, I have to say from my limited experience that this place is great.

The first time I went I wasn't really planning on jumping but just wanted to poke my head in.... I was jumping at 11k a half hour later. Brad is super nice but doesn't hold any punches if he sees something that needs to be corrected (which I agree with).

The LZ seemed very small my first time but after coming back with a little more experience it didn't seem that bad. This DZ is great and can't wait to get a chance to jump there again.

I imagined myself ascending Mt.Olympic as I drove up the mesa to the top on which the airport sits looking over the small town of Mesquite. Here the children of the sky would play and dance thousands of feet above the ground together during the Blue Sky Boogie.
Following the directions to the dropzone had been easy and now I was here, welcomed with open arms, big smiles and warm hearts. The plan was to get here early on the first day to get a feel for the vibe, to get my waiver and gear check and meet the local jumpers. They couldn't have made it any easier, everyone was so nice and helpful.
I was orientated on DZ policies and procedures, which made me feel good that safety is a priority and everyone is encouraged to keep it that way. With a large aerial of the area, landing zones and a number of outs I was confident and ready to get some altitude. First day, first load til the last day, last load, I jumped with some of the finest folks assembled anywhere on earth.
Packing was a little tight considering the amount of people there, but the extra carpets were rolled outside each day to give us plenty of room. After jumping the green light came on and the party shifted gears toward the birthday celebration and film festival. Food was provided for the first day and beer all weekend (I even threw in a case of green bottles for landing over the beer line), bringing a lunch any other time would be a good idea.
The Virgin River Hotel gives skydiver rates, has nice facilities and is no more that a mile away.
After days of play, as I drove away, I glanced in the rearview, smiling, knowing I'd be back someday.
BSBD! C-ya!!

It was so nice to see many of my friends and fellow jumpers at this years boogie. The weather did not cooperate very well, but I still had a chance to make some awesome skydives, including the flying "L" for the memorial jump...what an honor to be able to be a part of such a wonderful tradition. Brad, you have done a fantastic job with your DZ and work with the airport. Thanks again for the great boogie! JVC

USPA had not even mailed my A license yet but DZO was ok with my proficiency card and log book. He rightfully reviewed my logbook and the comments and up I went...my first time in a Caravan and 14,000! The scenery was awesome and the locals were pleasant. After my first jump Brad was helpful with a couple of tips on my approach which allowed for a picture perfect second jump.

I brought my little brother out for a Tandem and we both had a real nice visit there.

I would reccommend this place over DZ's closer to Vegas simply because the others were non-responsive to me as an up-jumper.

Skydive Mesquite is indeed the only dropzone to consider if you live or are visiting Las Vegas. The others are just tandem factories without a commitment to the sport.

Mesquite is different and is a real dropzone with lots of great people. The scenery from altitude is the best I have experienced thus far in the sport (although I'm sure some of the ocean side DZ's could compete). The DZ is in the small town of Mequite which host some of the most dramatic desert scenery (and golf courses) in country. From altitude you can see the edge of Lake Mead, The Virgin River Gorge, Lime Kiln Canyon, The Town of Mequite, and some of the coolest desert landscapes you will ever see (think the surface of Mars).

Mequite host a Grand Caravan from October-April(ish) that flies to 13AGL pretty quickly and does quite a few loads a day on the weekends and holidays. Brad, the DZO, host 3-4 boogies a year and I've only heard great things about them all. I've experienced one boogie thus far and it was cool. There are a variety of Free Flyers and Belly Flyers and I'm certain any visitor will have no problem finding someone to jump with. The DZ has a very open group of locals and is still small enough to ensure that everyone knows everyone, talks to everyone, and welcomes the newcomers.

No DZ is perfect, and the only downsides I see to Mesquite are that the landing area is kind of small, the facilities and packing area are not super nice or huge (when compared to some of the big DZ's)but they are adequate. Also the Summers are freaking hot (but the trade off there is that we're jumping comfortably all winter long)!

I usually jump at the parachute center in lodi, and wanted to take a friend up for a tandem while I was visiting her in vegas, and I wanted to do a couple of fun jumps myself. Skydive Mesquite is the ONLY DZ near las vegas that allows fun jumpers, and also appears to be the only one that will actually take you to 13,000ft for your jump. The staff was very friendly, and Brad got me on a load within a couple of minutes and I got 3 jumps in that day. My friend was extremely happy with her tandem experience as well. Simon, their rigger and one of their TIs, is awesome. If you ever need rigging services and you're in the las vegas area go look him up!

the only issue I had was that the packing area was too small for the number of up jumpers there... had to wait for others to finish packing so that I could start. That said, I will never skydive anywhere else near las vegas, it's mesquite or nothing!

Brad (the owner) was friendly and gave me confidence in the jump. Made sure I was fully prepared, before hucking me out of the plane..haha. Even after a long day, he took the time to go over exactly what went right and not so right for my first solo jump. This is someone who cares about what he does and about the his clientel.
If the place were twice the price and distance, I would choose Mesquite over Vegas Extreme Skydiving. No comparison!
This was probably the best place I've done business with in years.
I look forward to continuing my AFF course at Mesquite.
You also get a price break, which doesn't hurt.
Thanks for everything!