Western New York Skydiving

I had an amazing time this past Sunday at WNY Skydiving!! My first Tandem skydive, and it was literally THE BEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE IN MY LIFE!! Not scary at all...absolutely no feeling of falling like you get on some roller coasters and other "drop" rides. The staff were all super friendly and answered every single question I had....and I ask A TON of questions!

My instructor, Josh, was super funny, very experienced in the sport, made me feel incredibly safe, and was overall just a really nice guy! He made sure I knew exactly what would be happening in the plane and how it would feel once we jumped out. After practicing the signals on the ground and in the plane(one hooked up to each other), he was awesome enough to allow me to pull the parachute release during freefall! I DID IT and was really proud of myself. It helped me to know that I would DEFINITELY be able to do it alone once I get there in my training. Of course he would have pulled it if I hadn't, but he allowed me to try and I'm super grateful for that. I was also able to help steer the parachute and do turns(which are sooo fun)!! The landing was very smooth and completely comfortable.

I went with a group of 10 and the first thing each person said after landing was "That was AMAZING!" or "I want to go again, RIGHT NOW! I loved it so much that I plan to go back and work on getting my A license! Overall we had a great experience. After watching a short video and filling out our paperwork, the first set of two were in the plane in under 20 minutes(including the time it took to get geared up). We had no interruptions between the sets of two going up, jumping tandem, and getting the next set of two ready to go! They were very efficient, didn't rush us, but also didn't waste time on anything that was unnecessary to our safety.

I would definitely recommend WNY Skydiving if you plan to make your first Tandem or are simply looking for a great drop zone to jump at! Super excited to see my video and still photos!!! Thanks so very much to WNY Skydiving for getting me addicted to this freaking awesome sport!!!

I made my first jump a few days ago at WNY Skydiving. It was easy to locate and they got us started as soon as we got there. We were quickly and efficiently trained. The trainer was friendly and open to questions. As soon as we were done we got suited up and were ready to jump! I dont remember the names of the two guys who were tandem jumping with my friend and I but they made me feel very calm and safe and the jump was an amazing experience! All of the facilities were well maintained, there was a nice runway. The only super random thing that I would have liked as an option is to have a photo package that involved a separate jumper with a camera so the photos weren't so close to see my awkward looking facial expressions.

I had made a few Tandem Skydives before while on vacation and really had a blast. I decided to take a friend who was visiting Buffalo and I wasn't sure where to go. I went to Google to search for places near Buffalo. After finding out safety history and making phone calls I found WNY Skydiving. I spoke with Tim (the Owner) let me tell you this guy is awesome. He has a strong passion and energy for Skydiving the "right & Safe way".

On the day of the Skydive we were told to be there early for briefing/ instruction before the skydive. I was a little unsure where to go but the Staff were all very friendly and explained what and with who we needed to meet. Training was clear and it was off to Skydive. They had a good time in the plane on the way up to altitude and they kept me loose and excited. I was the first out. Once the Door opened we looked for the spot and Tim told me to lean my head back and focus on my arc!

It was amazing! I recommend it to everyone there is nothing like it. The freefall was great and under the canopy was even more fun. I got to grab the Toggles with Tim's help and control our turns. We had a soft and smooth flare at the end and landed just great!

Fast Forward I enjoyed Tim & his staff soo much that I went back and did my ground school and AFF with WNY Skydiving! I earned my A License and now have my B License. Tim and others have continued to look out for my safety and helped me choose the right gear for my needs not my wallet. There have been days where weather was not good for jumping and they kept positive spirits before calling weather hold. I am glad we didn't jump in bad weather as another dropzone in Buffalo did and they had a major accident. I am glad that WNY Skydiving takes safety to the highest level.

Their whole operation is professional and I love going back. For first timers I highly recommend the video and still photographs they were well worth it and my buddy was bummed he didn't get a video after watching mine.

Go visit WNY Skydiving they have an excellent staff and will take care of you!

I was convinced to try skydiving by a friend of mine earlier in the summer. To say I was nervous when I showed up for my first tandem was an understatement. When I arrived, I met with the owner (Tim) and when through the normal paperwork etc. Tim's excitement and confidence quickly rubbed off on me, and I was at ease and ready to make the jump. Tim took me through the entire system, and showed me where and how we would exit the aircraft. Tim's confidence and excitement about taking me for my first skydive was contagious. I too, began to feel comfortable and excited about what we were about to do. The skydive was by far the most amazing experience of my life. Seeing how much I enjoyed it, on the way down Tim suggested I come back and learn how to jump on my own. I initially brushed him off and said there was no way I could afford another hobby. I think Tim knew I'd be back. Sure enough, within a month I came back and made my second tandem with Bob. Since then I have started the AFF course and have made a total of 5 jumps, with Tim, Bob and Jason. Tim and Bob in particular are amazing at putting students at ease, and teaching them to be confident in themselves and what they are doing. I was shocked to read the review that is below mine. I have spent a total of 2-3 weeks hanging out at the drop zone with the entire crew at WNY Skydiving, and have gotten to know their staff and many of their fun jumpers. The staff is not only competent, but extremely experienced with skydiving. If you are considering making your first skydive, or even taking the AFF course, I highly recommend WNY Skydiving. Show up early and plan on spending the entire day at the drop zone. Even if the weather isn't cooperating, the DZ is a fun environment for all, and being on "weather-hold" can be a great part of the experience too. Unfortunately, this is Western NY, and the weather can be unpredictable. But, the nice thing about WNY Skydiving is that the second the skies clear and the pilot and instructor give the OK, you will soon be having the experience of your life. - Teddy

We at WNYSkydiving are governed by the FAA and are not able to skydive in solid cloud conditions (FAR 105). As happens in western New York (and the rest of the world) clouds move in and out. This not something that we have any control over and unfortunately, weather in Buffalo, NY is unpredictable at best every day. Throughout the morning, we were able to take several students up but as the day wore on clouds began moving in. When we reached Laura and her friend’s place in our rotation (last in the morning group because she was late for her scheduled class), the clouds had moved in making jumping impossible.

We were asked several times by Laura to take up her and her friend into illegal airspace. We refused, not only on the grounds that it was illegal but also because it would have jeopardized their safety. While we realize this put a monkey wrench in your day, our staff has by far the best safety record in the area because we refuse to compromise on safety issues. Please contact us if you have any questions about our safety protocol here at WNYSkydiving.

Thanks.

Tim Allen
DZO
WNYSkydiving.com
716-597-7393

I never considered skydiving to be a lifetime sport, I thought it was just something to try once and then move on. I wanted to make one solo jump and be happy with that, so I started looking for drop zones near me. After calling several DZ's I decided to make a tandem jump at WNY, even though it was not the closest place. I talked with Tim (the Owner) and immediately could tell he was passionate about his sport and also very safety oriented. After jump 1 at WNY I was hooked, and came back again and again that summer to graduate the student program. Everyone at WNY were so helpful and supporting while I was a newbie, and still are today now that I'm licensed. Though their aircraft are small and the weather isn't always perfect, all the staff and fun jumpers make WNY a great place to jump and learn about the greatest sport in the world.

1) The girls in charge of scheduling was more concerned with ordering pizza and buying pumpkins to throw from planes then actually getting flights off the ground.

2) There was a plane that was not running. According to the staff, this was because they had just got a new plane and had been using it more. The old plane hadn't been started for week. The battery was dead and kept dying. After 4 hours it finally took off. This is something that could have been easily dealt with before the day before.

3) Tim was rude pretty much the whole day. In fact, he said that they would come right back as soon as the weather improved. They left to throw pumpkins from planes as the skies were the clearest they had been since it started raining.

4) I understand that they are at the whims of the weather like the rest of us. However, they use this as a justification to keep your money. Sadly, this really seems to impact their customer service as they really do not seem to give a shit.

5) I partially take that last part back. I watched Tim ask his instructors if they are willing to finally take Laura and her friend up for a jump. After about 7 minutes of "no I won't do jumps that short" or "its too cold." I definitely give props to Bob. Everyone that jumped with him had a blast. If you do end up going to here, jump with Bob. Also, Bob lands on his feet so be ready.

6) They kept asking if we want to reschedule, we kept saying no. The jump would've gone off at least 3 hours earlier rather than at 6 pm. It really seems like they try to discourage you from jumping when it is an inconvenience.

In conclusion, check out some other reviews and places before dedicating yourself to this business. If you do decide to go, pay the day of because you won't get your money back and you will have to force them to take you up.

P.S. There was a small foot platform on their strut that they had to keep kicking into place before they finally took it off. This following an incident they laughed about earlier in the summer when a piece of equipment fell off the plane. I think that should be enough said.

I have wanted to skydive for quite some time. I was given a tandem jump for a birthday present and went to WNY Skydiving. The staff is great and make you feel like a friend rather than a customer from day 1. Tim is a true professional and clearly knows his stuff. After exiting the plane on the first tandem jump I was hooked and have since become a student in the AFF program. Once a student the staff really helps you feel part of their skydiving family. I could not imagine being an AFF studen, getting the same experience , or importantly having the same level of comfort at any other dropzone.....now can we hurry the hell up and fast forward to spring...I have a class A license with my name on it!

Went for my first tandem jump. Everyone was positive and sociable. Tim was awesome and the whole experience was incredible. Wish i could freefall longer!

Definetly recommend!

Went through AFF there and it was a total blast. The staff and DZO all really love their jobs and it sends an amazing energy to everyone that is there. I would recommend WNY Skydiving to anyone and everone. Just a side note, thier skydiving video's are the best I've ever seen, just fun to watch.

I went to this dropzone to do a fun jump because I had a little time while visiting with friends. I met the owner and asked a few questions which were answered with a smile. I waivered and they sent up some tandems, then the owner got on his gear and did a fun sit fly jump with me! We talked for a little and I left feeling great and thinking this is why I jump! Thanks Tim!