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.
