Wisconsin Skydiving Center

The only DZ I have been to, so read this keeping that in mind- that said, based on what I have read, it is a small DZ compared to some of the "major" ones, and it is a school as opposed to a membership/club organization. Thus, it offers excellent and experienced staff and instructors and thorough tandem training, debriefings, and AFF/ground school activities. This is the reason I chose this facility for my initial tandem and AFF-A license progression, even though it is a little farther of a drive.

It lacks certain things like bar or food served on site, shower area, air conditioning for summer, etc. but it has a nice indoor/outdoor facility, grilling, fridges for beer/water/gatorade, a clear nice landing area. It is also extremely kiddo and animal friendly- got to meet the DZO's 3 year old daughter while there (apparently the younger two had just been driven back home before we arrived but hope to meet them too sometime) and one of the newer pilots and his wife's adorable black lab. Being a mom and an animal lover, this appeals to me.

Alex, whom I spoke with on the phone several times prior to the day of the jump, was extremely thorough and answered all my questions and gave me good directions and information. She made me feel at home before I even stepped onto the DZ that day. When we arrived, the training was thorough, with a video, practicing arching, going over the exit sequence on a plane that was not in use, etc. There was a bit of iffy weather- about 15 minutes of hard rain- and then it was gorgeous again- weird, but this is WI after all.. Met Bo, Alex's husband (they co-own and run the DZ as well as being S&TAs, riggers, etc. and have quite a bit of experience between the two of them- they make a great team). Charlie and Bo both helped talk our group (me and a friend, and I believe 5-6 other tandem students) through the prep, then the loads started going up. Manifest was able to accommodate timing for everyone and put my friend and I together on a load. One of the women there (packer, jumper, and one of the people who catches your parachute when you land so it doesn't pick you back up-- it was really windy-- I don't know her "official job title" lol) lent me a second hair band (my hair is about three feet long lol) and advised me how to best do it up in a french braid and how to get the goggles under it.

Charlie helped us suit up and adjusted the harnesses, and we went over the exits on a simulated exit door and step built out by the landing area. Everyone seemed to work well together as a big family and had a very positive outlook and senses of humor.

While the first few loads went up, we hackysacked for a bit, chatted, and I also went over to the packing area for a bit- the guys were joking around and didn't hesitate to answer my questions and explain aspects of what they were doing (as I'll eventually need to learn to pack, I figure no better time to start than the present :)

I was advised that Bo would be my tandem instructor, and told him I would be in the AFF course so I wanted him to explain what he was doing and teach me some intro stuff while up there. It seems that many tandems are just done as a "ride" or "thrill" so I don't think it is standard practice to have the student do the steering or landing or anything like that but I am not sure. I know my friend, since it was his second time, was encouraged to do the new kind of exit/flips and such even though he was there mostly for the thrill and doesn't plan to do it regularly.

Like I said, I told Bo I would be in his AFF class this week (in three days!? insane..) so he showed my how to do turns w/ the toggles and stall, and then simulate the landing sequence a few times (though he actually did it when we landed)

I had nothing to do w/ the pull, I don't think I was even aware of the pull as far as when he did it (timing) although, from the video, twice, he signaled me with a finger. I have to ask him about that.

Honestly, he did sit down and video debrief with me, and we had a fairly long talk, it wasn't rushed at all, but it was so soon after that first jump that the questions are all coming into my mind now in the couple days after and when I re-watch the video. I am thinking the signals may have been something about altitude (since he was showing his wrist with the altimeter as he signaled) and/or about when it was time to pull)

I also honestly feel that had I been more aware, I could have done more- it was intense, lol. But I definitely understand now why they require a tandem prior to AFF (which I sorta questioned at first- now I know not to doubt the masters- I definitely ask a lot of questions, but some things I guess you just have to trust there is a reason for them, and I am sure if I asked them they would have told me why a tandem is required first- as is, some folks on DZ explained the concept which helped me understand as well).

I am actually considering a second tandem before the AFF level, but will see how the first jump course goes and how I feel, and also what Bo and Alex recommend after discussing it. I thought I was pretty aware-- I was more aware than I thought I'd be I guess-- but looking back, I was not anywhere near coherent lol, and it took me awhile to recover from the jolt between freefall and opening.

Once I had a few seconds to chill out under canopy then he gave me the toggles and had me play around with that like I said, but I was still reeling from freefall and my ears were in excruciating pain, so I think if I had asked and if I had been more aware I probably could have pulled and/or helped land, but on the other hand I do not know that for sure. I know that the experienced/licensed skydiver's experience differs from that of a first jump, but as far as those considering making a first jump/tandem here, hopefully this gives you a feel for how they do things. And for more experienced skydivers, hopefully this provides some basic info on the environment- low key, positive, family atmosphere (but also plenty of guys and gals with beers mulling about between 4:30 or 5 and 6 pm, when we all headed out to go our separate ways) So, it has a laid back, after last load beer kinda culture, but is NOT a big DZ where you will hang out all night and party- remember, the DZOs have three children under 4 years of age. That might dissuade some, but honestly for me, I couldn't ask for more- they understand where I am coming from as a parent, and I will feel comfortable bringing my son out on occasional days when I am there just to help out/observe/learn packing, or when I jump if I am with someone else who can be responsible for him. With the beautiful rural WI scenery, dogs, and positive, warm vibe, I think it will be great to bring him out on occasion, at least on days I am not jumping, we'll see about others. I had some questions/concerns about the meaning of a "family friendly" DZ or bringing a toddler, but knowing that there are already toddlers hanging out there and that is a built in part of this DZ culture is pretty unique from what I have read. (That said, they also have a nanny and means to bring the little ones back and forth, so they are surely not there all day every day, but enough to be an acknowledged part of the DZ atmosphere from what I gather)

As far as whether the tandem rigs (they are Racers) are equipped for student to pull, or whether they allow that on first tandems anyways, I am unsure, it was not mentioned and I did not mention it. I am unsure what their student rigs/gear is like (I saw it, but am not experienced enough to be able to explain what brand/style they were).

I had NO sense of altitude awareness- maybe I should have asked for an altimeter, but I am unsure if I would have been aware enough to check it anyways lol.. so essentially I think he read me well enough to know what I was and was not aware or capable of? But like I said, he did try to involve me with some hand signals in freefall, but I either didn't see them, or had no recollection of seeing them till I watched the video-- basically, if you go to Atmosphair for your first tandem, they put a lot of time and thought into preparing you, but let them know what your intentions are so they can accommodate the experience based on that.

My friend didn't get a video- I wasn't going to but decided last minute to get one- so glad I did. I don't recall my friend's tandem instructor's name, but he was happy with the experience. My video is awesome, high quality editing and I got to pick the music selections. Bo (TM/DZO) actually did the video while he did my tandem- it was a glove/wrist mount camera- I was surprised at how adept he was with it and how well it turned out.

I am really excited to spend more time at Atmosphair and to get started on the AFF course/jumps. This is the perfect DZ in my mind, based on my own experience and what I know (which as stated is not the same as a licensed jumper)- it's big enough to have up to date info and safety precautions, professionalism, and up to date, well maintained equipment, etc. as well as some things for sale, indoor packing area, safety simulators, etc. and yet small enough not to have as many concerns about safety regarding being a single female, concerns over alcohol or drug use getting out of hand, to be welcoming of pets and children, and has an awesome vibe.

Highly recommended!

I stumbled across this place by chance when I had to postpone an earlier skydive. This was the best thing that ever happened to me.

Starting at the beginning, the training session for the tandem jump was actually pretty fun. The owner Bo keeps things in perspective and really exploits that to his jumpers. He has a great outlook on jumping, and life and shares that mentality with you. After the training you get to hang out at the hanger and talk to the staff and other jumpers. It makes for a very personal and fun experience.

Getting to know the staff too was such a treat. All of them were super friendly and pretty funny too. (Charlie) It wasn't like an assembly line where you get geared up, debriefed, and jump by 3 different people. We talked to our tandem instructors and got to know them as people before you strapped yourself to them and jumped out of the airplane.

The planes are smaller since it is a smaller operation but I don't think this is a negative, in fact I think it is a positive thing because jumping out of it seems way cooler to me than just dropping out of the back bay of a huge aircraft. We actually had to climb out and hang outside for a few moments before you take the leap.

I don't really have to explain the fall but coming down was a great view over country Wisconsin, and you get to parachute yourself over a big river. Absolutely awesome and beautiful.

After our jumps we grilled out right at the hanger and had some beers and got to know everybody even better. You shouldn't just jump and leave, definitely make a day of your skydive and spend the whole day there. Bring a football or frisbee and just enjoy yourself.

Thanks again to Bo, Alex, Charlie, Howy, Tim, and all you other guys for the best 60 seconds of my life. Make it 120 seconds since I jumped again the same day.

Because of you guys and your love for this sport you have inspired me to continue jumping and I am now pursing my USPA-A license at AtmosphAir skydive. I will see you guys then. I can't stop thinking about the sky now.

Got my A lic last year and wanted to visit different DZ's around the area! My fiance, a longtime skydiver, and friend of Bo's has been wanting to take me there all season! Finally got a break from home and spent a wonderful day jumping with everyone at Atmosphair! A beautiful sunset load 5-way and the smile is still plastered on my face today! Wondeful people, great instructors a truly awsome place to spend the day! Thank you to all at Atmosphair for making my day there so special!

I love the feeling I get when I step out at this dropzone. Yor are immediately thought of as family and made to feel comfortable & safe in everyway. Bo, Alex, Mike, Howie, Charlie... they are your gods and goddess for flight. The video flyers are steller and make your experiece a memory for life. Watch out though, you'll be hooked and you'll be back. I've been 11 times now and everytime I go it gets better. Take the leap of faith and you'll grow wings! It's a wonderful thing to fly.

Howy, Paul and Bo are some great guys. Charlie is alright too. It is the experience of a lifetime. I can not praise this orginization enough. Just thinking about my experiences at Atmosphair puts a smile on my face. My first skydive (and second of two thus far) was with these people in the fall of '05. This is the first skydive everyone needs. Atmosphair is a skydiving school, NOT a club which translates into safe, successful and extremely worth every penny good times. I plan to get certified this coming summer through Atmosphair. As I mentioned earlier, the staff is incredible which makes the experience. I spoke with Bo for a while and with the others in the school group I was with from UWM. Instead of having distractions such as arcade games and the like social bonds, conversations, questions/answers and philosophies are shared. I'm not talking Descartes here either, I'm talking way of life stuff. The Atmosphair family is perhaps the most happy, content and charismatic bunch I have ever been around. I want a part of that.

this place is the shit, dawg. i an't never dun nothing like this yo. i be back next year, fo sho! dirt darts fo ever!!!

I came to Atmosphair not with a lot of personal experience with skydining or what to expect; plus I had a fear of heights to boot, but the staff made our party feel welcome and eased (mine anyway) our doubts and reservations about the whole process. I highly recommend Atmosphair to anyone that wants to feel like one of the family, if you will, and to get THE VERY BEST in their first jump experience!! I cant brag enough about the whole experience and am trying to organize more groups to take to Atmosphair so THEY can feel the freedom of freefall and to take their own memories of a once in a a lifetime opportunity!!

Atmosphair is a very small place, but within the walls lies what amounts to the best dz i have ever been to. Everybody there is happy to be there, they greet you with smiles on their face, and their main concern is that u have the most enjoyable and safe time possible when it comes to skydiving. I would recommend that anyone go there, if not for skydiving, but for the people you will meet there.

the people there where the best anyone could ask for! i will jump there again anytime!

I was just thrown on a load without asking to be put on one when I was there, and I jump a somewhat old rig. Its not dangerous but it is not the prettiest thing ever either. The guy who inspected my rig was forever making fun of me and my rig because of its appearance. I was not at all pleased with this dropzone.

I never thought I'd try skydiving....I happen to like terra firma under my feet, thank you. But when my dad (at 55 years) went on a whim and suggested I try it, I accepted. The staff at Atmosphair is so warm, friendly and hilarious that I immediately felt comfortable and safe. Their encouragement and knowledge was more than enough to motivate me to continue and get my license. Knowing that I'm jumping with people like Bo and Alex helps put my Mum's concerns at ease because of their experience and knowledge. Unlike some larger dropzones with the bars, computers and indoor waterparks, AtmosphAIR is a genuinely friendly and sincere dz where everyone is welcomed as family.

AtmosphAir is one of the best dropzones around. It may not have the huge turbine fleet of aircraft, the air-conditioned packing area, or the sushi bar on the airport. But, it does have skydivers that are friendly, safe, and knowledgeable. Also, alot of fun!!! The souped up 182's get you to 12,500 in 15-20 minutes, the wide open landing area allows a nice breeze into the hangar, and who needs food when you're skydiving (Subs and Pizza delivered daily). Bo, Alex, and the crew are terrific people. So if you want some fun, challenging skydiving in a NO POLITICS atmosphere, check out AtmosphAir!!