Start Skydiving

This was my first skydiving experience and I was in tandem with Brian. He is a great skydiver and got me safely back. We also did a couple of stunts(which I so bad wanted to do). I would def recommend this place (and Brain!) to anyone who is trying skydiving

This is the second time I jump and Start Skydiving is so much better organized, the layout was great and there are chairs, vending machines, games & an inside sitting area. The location was clean. I will be coming back here again!

I am a married 48 year old woman. I went on my first skydive in October 2013 with my younger brother. This was one of the best experiences I have ever had. The expert staff were friendly, upbeat and helpful. My brother and I have talked for hours about our experiences and smiles never left our faces. The photographers are the best. The quality of the photos and video are beyond words. Awesome! Our instructors added to the photos with their crazy antics. It made the time of viewing the photos that much more fun. My instructor, Gila, explained everything that he was going to do before we went on the plane. He made my jump more fun and enjoyable. The staff on the plane kept us entertained while we took the 15 minutes flight up. I'm sure to try to ease our nerves. It worked. I was out the door before I knew it. Then there was the RUSH of free fall. WhoooHoooo was all I could yell. It was affordable and worth every penny. I can't wait to do it again!

This was my first tandem skydiving experience, and the crew at Start Skydiving, especially the man/myth/legend, Lonnie Kirk, made it an unforgettable one. If, for whatever reason, you are reluctant to step out of a perfectly good aircraft at 11,000ft, I highly recommend paying to be strapped to Lonnie so he and his 20+ years of experience can do it for you.

I took the AFF A course at Start Skydiving. It was my first jump, and I couldn't have picked a better place to start! The training was amazing. The instructors ensured I was well informed, and prepared. The people around the DZ treat you like family. It's a calm atmosphere, and a hilarious one at that. It makes for a smooth transition from the ground to inside the plane when you know you're boarding with friends. The facilities are immaculate, and I appreciated such a large DZ my first time. I highly recommend this place. I couldn't have asked for a better experience, and can't wait to go back!

Top notch experience from start to finish, including encounters on the phone for questions prior to our jump day. I had Lonnie for my tandem jump and he was incredible! Great video by Raymond who was a lot of fun too. Start Skydiving, especially Lonnie, went above and beyond what they needed to do to make this an enjoyable experience. Because of this we will return. We had four in our party this time and will likely have more next go-around. Thanks guys!!!

October 4th 2013. It was the day I had the guts and decided to go skydiving. I had a really bad accident earlier this year. After my experience I decided to start a Bucket List. Skydiving was first on my list. My experience with Startskidiving was Incredible to say the least. I was really nervous but the vibe and the environment was so relaxed that it made me think I was maybe over thinking what I was about to do. I decided to Tandem Jump, my Instructor was Lonnie Kire and he was AMAZING!! My photographer was Melanie and she was the BOMB!. Both Lonnie and Melanie made this experience unforgettable. Melanie is full of energy and she will get you excited and ready. Lonnie is very funny and definitely relaxed me. I think over all the ride up in the plane was the scariest plane ride I have ever experienced, not because the plane was shaky or anything like that but it was the anticipation of what was about to happen. It did help that we had 3 students jump at 6 thousand feet. Lonnie made me look at the window to see what would happen. Well their jumps were successful and looked like a lot of fun. After that I was okay still a little nervous but okay. Once we got to our height, I was the second to jump out of the plane. It was a little scary but last minute I decided to relax and clear my mind and let (Lonnie) the expert to his job. I kind of panicked as soon as we jumped out. I was not expecting the air to be so restricted up there! I took a deep breath and couldn’t breathe. It literally took my breath away. My videographer, Melanie, captured the quite hilarious efforts of me trying to breath (I looked more like I was trying to pant, pant, blow, smile, blow) but it all worked out, especially when the chute opened and I was able to finally relax and enjoy the view. The whole time we were falling I was just trying to smile and relax. Once the chute opened Lonnie said "Welcome to my office" Oh how I Loved to hear those words! We were in the Air, chute open, and safe. The view up there was incredible!!! I will never ever forget this once in a lifetime experience! And I am definitely jumping again! I will let all my friends and family know how much I loved it and they need to try it. I can’t believe people do this for a living. Must be the best Job in the world! Thank you Lonnie and Melanie you two made my experience memorable! Thank you!!! :)

I went skydiving for the first time for my 22nd birthday. My boyfriend was so sweet and took me. The first thought that came to my mind when he told me where we were going was sheer panic - of course I thought about the chute not opening, my legs breaking, having a heart attack, etc. When we got there everyone was so nice and helpful. They put all of my worries aside and when it came time to meet with my instructor I was feeling excited. I was paired up with Lonnie, the best instructor I could have gotten. Right off the bat he was cracking jokes and making me feel like this really was going to be an insanely awesome experience. He explained everything to me clearly and focused on ensuring that I relaxed. My number one rule, he told me, was to look good. That's it. When we got up into the plane he had me do some breathing exercises and kept reminding me to just smile. My boyfriend bought the video and photography package and Brad documented my birthday experience. Everything was beyond perfect. Brad made me look like a pro in the video and the pictures are so much fun. Lonnie is making the greatest expressions in the pictures and my friends and family love them. Thank you so much Start Skydiving for the absolute best birthday experience I could ever ask for. My boyfriend and I can't wait to go back and jump again!!!

I had an incredible time doing my first tandem sky dive today. The instruction was effective and to the point. My instructor was Brian and he was very approachable and kept me confident about the jump the entire time. I would encourage anyone that is simply looking for a thrill or pursuing their USPA license to come here first. I used the online booking rebate for Wednesday and got the best price of the week. You will not be disappointed!

It was a blast. The facilities were very clean and with all the training classes going on, I knew I was in good hands. I believe everyone should do this at least once.

My first-time tandem experience was without a doubt, wonderful. I am absolutely petrified of height; 3 steps up onto a ladder and I begin to sway. But deciding to conquer some of my fears, I allowed my son to talk me into accompany him to give it a try! I must admit the first 60 seconds of free fall was something I was not quit prepared for. It literally took my breath away. My videographer, Tom Baker, captured the quite hilarious efforts of me trying to breath (I looked more like I was trying to pant, pant, blow) but it all worked out, especially when the chute opened and I was able to finally relax and enjoy the view. And Tom, the pictures/video you took will be treasured for many years! Thumbs up to you!
Enough can’t be said for my “tandem guy” Lonnie Kirk. You were by far the best!!! You kept me relaxed and I had the utmost trust in you. Without the confidence you exuded, I don’t think I could have made it to the “rock 1, rock 2, rock 3 and Fall!!” Your humor on the way down was just great, especially when you had to “free the girls” from a wayward strap! Never thought I’d be laughing and enjoying the pure exhilaration of a jump from a plane. Many have asked me if I would do it again? Yes! In a heartbeat. I will be back!!

Yesterday, Sept. 28, I experienced my first tandem jump. It was beyond awesome! I had been going to the Drop Zone off and on all summer. Just going to watch the skydivers, listen to cool music and be around fun loving people was satisfying to begin with, but after months of watching I got the itch to jump. A year ago I would never have thought that I would have done this, but watching how careful and safe the club is took away a good deal of my fear. I chose yesterday because it was the 22nd anniversary of the death of my brother. One of the bravest people I know. I wanted to take a sad day and make it a celebration of his life! I, also, have a son who is an Army Ranger who I have watched take many risks in his life. I wanted to honor both of these men in my life! My tandem instructor was Dan P. who I think God put right in my lap at the right moment. He took me under his wing from the moment we met and I can truly say I had very minimal fear. He talked me through all of the things I should expect to feel. He did a 10 point check of our gear and reassured me of how safe we were. He gave me directions on the way up that he said I would probably forget the moment I jumped out of the plane, but he said not to worry because he would be right there with me telling me what to do. He was right. I can never put into words what that moment felt like when we left the plane...it was a total mix of feelings, but Dan was right behind me giving me directions and helping me enjoy the experience, while also helping me feel amazingly safe! This will definitely not be my last jump! I highly recommend Start Skydiving and Dan P! He is the man!!! My tremendous thanks for a wonderful day!

I went skydiving on 9/11 with Lonnie Kirk- what a great first experience! Lonnie put me at ease and made the whole experience so much fun.
The whole jumping staff was exceptional. They had the perfect attitude of emphasizing safety while also calming and relaxing you reminding you that this was a fun activity.
Rob was an awesome photographer too- when I posted some of my pictures people were just amazed.

I went tandem skydiving for the first time this past Saturday 9/21 with Start Skydiving in Middletown, OH and had an amazing experience. My instructor was Lonnie Kirk, and he did a great job of keeping me calm and helping me truly enjoy my experience. He saw right off the bat that I was nervous and made sure to help me relax before the jump. Since I was so nervous, I really appreciated him thoroughly explaining what was going to happen, and what I needed to do when prompted by him (arch back, extend arms out, etc.). He kept it light, and his humor definitely helped me calm down a bit. I chose to purchase a video and he did a great job at taking a good video, and making sure that I had an awesome souvenir of this adventure. Once in the air he was nice enough to explain the procedure again, inform me of how much longer we would be flying before getting to the spot where we would be jumping out, and informing me of the height (altitude) where we were currently located. One last time I nervously asked what needed to be done (even though I knew... just needed some reassurance) and he finally just said Just Relax : ) !
The jump was great, I loved the freefalling. I felt safe the whole time. Once the free falling was over Lonnie did a great job making sure I continued to enjoy my experience. He welcomed me to “his office” (pretty awesome line, a bit jealous of his job!). The rest of the jump experience was pretty relaxing. The landing was a bit bumpy but that was the least of my worries! He congratulated me and made sure to help me get all the gear off.
Overall I was very satisfied with Start Skydiving, my experience, and my instructor. As a first time tandem skydiver I didn’t need anything to go wrong and Start Skydiving granted my wish- everything went well and exceeded my expectations. I did wait 4-5 hours, although I was prepared as Start Skydiving lets you know it will take anywhere from 1-6 hours to jump. I found the office staff to be very helpful – they reassured me my reservation was still valid even though I was running late, and gave me a status update on my jump time when I didn’t see it being scheduled. The orientation (signing forms and watching the video) was very efficient. They had a nice set up: corn hole game, lawn chairs, vending machines, restrooms, etc. My video was processed promptly and I had no problems with it.
Lonnie Kirk: Very friendly, personable, overall amazing personality for a skydiving instructor! Got me to the ground safe & sound and made sure I enjoyed my first time skydiving. Definitely sold me on tandem sky diving… I will be sure to return next year once the sunny weather comes back!

My husband gave me a tandem skydiving experience for my birthday and I was mortified! I though he was trying to kill me, I am terrified of heights and even cried when receiving the gift. Skydiving with Lonnie was amazing! It was so much fun! It was the most peaceful and calming thing I have ever done in my life! I did a back flip out of the plane and my smile never left my face! As we were landing, I was screaming:"I want to go again!". It has changed my perspective on life. I never thought I would be writing this, but I have already purchased another tandem skydiving adventure! I can't wait to jump again!

I was given the opportunity to skydive through a course offered at my university.

I was pretty nervous, especially when we got up in the plane. My instructor, Lonnie Kirk, was beyond AMAZING! He helped calm me down and made me feel completely comfortable. I am so glad I got Lonnie as my instructor, I don't think anyone else could have joked around and calm me down like he did. HUGE thanks to Lonnie for the experience!

This was an amazing experience and I am absolutely going to go skydiving again!

I have wanted to skydive for as long as I can remember, and I finally made it happen with the help of everyone at Start Skydiving. My son and I went together and had one of the best, most memorable days of our lives! The facility and staff were great. Lonnie Kirk was my tandem master, and he was so great at calming my nerves and introducing me to the thrill of skydiving. I always wanted to skydive just one time, but I would absolutely do it again!!

Thank you to Start Skydiving, Brian (instructor) and Melanie (videographer) for a spectacular first time experience! Professionals at their best and all around!

The DVD and still photo's turned out great!

The experience is simply unspeakable!

I'm slated to do this again wthin the next year, already prepaid so lookout sky here I come again soon!

I received this amazing birthday gift from my boyfriend in January but I kept on putting it on hold because of getting scared! I just now went (September 2013) and I would do it again in a heartbeat!!!! The preparation process of paperwork, registration, and introduction video was short and straight to the point. And the staff was really nice and friendly.
My instructor Lonnie Kirk and photographer Dave French were AMAZING and instantly made me feel calm, secure, and even more excited to jump! They really
made my adrenaline rush experience worthwhile and unforgettable!! You can truly tell that they love what they do!
I am also glad I ended up getting the video and pictures because I now have this incredible experience with me forever!

What an AMAZING time! Dan P. was my instructor and Gila was my camera man they were both great at their jobs! I was very happy they let me share their "office" for a little while! Thanks guys for making this one of the best times of my life! I'll be seeing you soon for another go!

When I first came up with my 2013 Just Do It List (http://ankurmans.com/the-just-do-it-list) I had no idea if I'd actually be doing a solo skydive this year. The only thing I knew back then was that if I ever had the money and the balls to do a solo skydive then there's a place called Middletown, OH where startskydiving.com helped people pursue their dream of flying in the air.

Sep 15th, 2013: I checked off Solo Skydive from my list. I successfully passed my AFF Category A jump.

A brief summary of the day:
Having arrived to their facility at 7:45 AM, I was asked to sign the 'death' waiver form and then got done with the payment procedure (they also gave me a student discount).
The First Jump Course was the next thing on schedule which lasted for 8 long hours. My instructor John Hart III was amazing and probably he'd rank as one of my favorite teachers, even though he taught me only for a day.

After having got all the lessons, safety emergency procedure and the most important thing 'Pull, Pull, Pull' into my head, I did my jump at around 5:45 PM later that day.

The jump was successful with the help of my main instructor John himself and my secondary instructor Rudder Harth (amazingly funny guy).

Here's how I'd rate them:

Professionalism - Impeccable
FJC Instruction - Impeccable
Gears - Perfect
Jumper safety - Never felt so safe before
The jump - Absofuckinlutely Awesome
Video Recording - I'd give a 4 star for this because somehow Alex, the videographer got too excited and forgot to take some good stills that I had posed for him 10000ft AGL.

Nonetheless, it was one of the most awesome experience of my life and I'm definitely getting my 'A' license if not soon but as soon as I save up the buck for it.

Great job guys. If you're reading this then, Thank you John, Rudder, Alex, you guys are awesome. A big thanks to the entire skydiving team for making this a memorable experience for me.

Regards,
Ankurman Shrestha

I have always wanted to go skydiving but it's like of hard to round up some friends who want to go with you. I finally found a friend that was adventurous enough to give it a try. My husband even agreed to go which was surprising because he usually has a panic attack at the thought of flying much less jumping. We were the last jump of the evening and the weather was perfect. Even though our tandem instructors had been jumping all day they were full of energy and were so fun to be around. It was clear they knew what they were doing and loved their job. Dan P. jumped with me and I wasn't even nervous with him in charge. I was just so excited. His fancy mustache was an added bonus. Lol. The minute we hit the ground I would have gone up and done it again. Loved it! I definitely will be back to do it again. Hopefully soon

I went for a tandem jump and got the best experience. They were so personal towards me and made me feel like the whole day was about me. They had the best excitement which in turns rubs off on everyone. I will definitely be returning.

My first jump was everything that I hoped it would be and more. The staff was friendly and made it so fun. Lonnie Kirk made the day........he made me feel very safe but made the experience a memorable one. Melanie was so engaging in the making of the video and I couldn't have been more pleased with the result. Thanks Lonnie and Melanie for a FUN day that I won't soon forget. I will be sure to see you again -- maybe on my 50th birthday next year!!!!

My boyfriend and I took our first jumps yesterday! We had the best time. From the moment we arrived, everything was smooth and streamlined.

I felt safe at all times and never once worried about what was going to happen.

Brian was my tandem guide and he was awesome. Very friendly, very safe and thorough! He gave me a FABUOLOUS first jump and I had complete confidence in him. He made the experience that much more fun and exciting.

My videographer Brad did a great job, too! Great pics and great video! Highgly recommend getting the pic and video package. You won't regret it!

We will be back for sure and we will recommend Start Skydiving to anyone who will listen!!

THANK YOU for an unforgettable day!