Silicon Valley Skydiving — Attraction in Morgan Hill

Jump date: Saturday, January 9, 2021.

I would rate my end-to-end experience a 10 out of 10!! My oldest son just turned 18 and this was his celebration wish. Not wanting him to go alone, I went with him (and perhaps scored a few cool mom points!). I chose Skydive Hollister because I had my first (and only) skydive there back in 1996, and they're even better now! Every single staff member is very welcoming and adds to your excitement.

Booking online was seamless and I appreciated the email and text reminders. The location is in San Martin (very close to 101), and the takeoff and landing areas are on the same site, which is very convenient. We chose the 13,000 foot jump with photos and videos (which I highly recommend). The video captures so many details that you don’t have time to take in and the photo quality is outstanding. We received all files that evening, allowing us to share our experience with family and friends right away! Now I need to convert my 1996 VHS tape to have a side by side comparison lol.

After checking in, I expected to wait around for quite a while, as weather conditions change, etc., but was amazed when we were told we would take off in just 15 minutes! (we lucked out with a super clear sky with no wind) We met our tandem instructors (Pedro and Mark) who quickly calmed our nerves. I immediately felt at ease and knew they were extremely competent. Pedro (who has jumped over 2000 times, in 8 countries!!) gave me the rundown on everything to expect, with the caveat that if I didn’t do anything, not to worry…he would take care of everything and I could focus on having as much fun as possible.

If you’re nervous about following instructions or forgetting to make certain movements, rest assured that your tandem instructor will have your back (literally!) and you’re in the best hands.

Once we all boarded the plane, we quickly (and very smoothly) took off. The views were increasingly impressive as we climbed higher. We could see snow-capped mountains far in the distance on one side, and the stunning ocean on the other.

After reaching the desired altitude, everything proceeded very quickly. I found exiting the plane from a sitting position less intimidating than standing (as was the case 25 years ago). It’s quite surreal to look out and wait for the moment your instructor will “launch” you! Before you know it, you’re airborne and the 360 view is unbelievable. Hard to imagine that you can have an actual conversation while hurtling through the air (in a controlled manner of course!).

After the chute opens (we had 50 seconds of freefall), it is beyond peaceful gliding above the fields and gazing ahead at the ocean. It was quite a feeling after landing (very smoothly!) and watching my son come down next. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bigger ear to ear grin on his face! He’s already talking about going back, and although I didn’t think anything could top my first jump, after this incredible experience, I would love to come back soon (not waiting 25 more years)!!

Thank you Skydive Hollister for the best day ever and making my son’s birthday celebration one he’ll...

First of all, the location is pretty straightforward and if you follow Google Maps, you've nothing to worry about. Just remember to bring some snacks and water together with you, in case there's a long waiting time. There's a public restroom prepared with an allocated sitting area. Nothing fancy, but modest enough. The whole process took me about 1.75 hours from land to sky, which is neat for me as their website mentioned an expected required time of 3 hours. Don't forget to bring physical cash if you want to save on some cash. It'll be an extended hefty price if you don't find the experience worth it.

*Ranting: My tandem instructor (For the sake of his image), Ki was a little too passive. He is probably one of the most experienced instructors with (1000+ of jumps) but he is just too ignorant towards customers'requests. All I ask is to teach me something that I can bring home as a memory, but it was rejected with the word " Just trust me, and you will be fine, no need to ask more questions". Paraphrased. Well, I initially did trust but it gradually depreciated. Stop constantly demand your customers to place their life on you. My advice: Be more responsive and show some care for your customers paying $497 (Without tips) for this experience - That's including 18,000 feet, all the possible video & camera options. Other staff members were really friendly and polite, just you ruining a good jump. There's more to it, but I would not say more. Can't you just spare a minute explaining what's happening? 😔 Awful start for me, but I went with him anyway because I did not want to stir anything up. Peeps, know what's the worst part? Most (70%) of the videos and images captured would have his face and body inside. So, if you're in my case, request for a switch prior to boarding the plane.

*Returning back Pay attention to your instructors' vague briefing because you do not want to be clueless in the middle of the sky. That's all that you can have.

I jumped in November and if you did 18,000ft, wear thick folks! Because it's no joke up there. Customers are the only people without a helmet except for safety goggles, meaning to say, bring your neckwear or something to cover your face. I know, you would not be photogenic, but better comfy than suffering during free falling. There's no jumpsuit available even if you want to rent one. Make sure to bring your own pair of thermal gloves for extra warmth. This is provided but I would rather use my own. This is important, search for "Equalize your ears", nothing was mentioned in the briefing but fortunately for me, my underwater diving knowledge helped this time.

Last but not least, check your breath, otherwise a faint odor would present coming from your back. A silent gas would haunt you. And yes if you do tandem, you would be so close to your instructors thigh that you can feel the emitted heat.

Best of luck people, it's not the jump that I feared, it's the fear that arises from a diluted once in a lifetime opportunity due to human...

Me and some friends decided we should jump out of a perfectly good airplane for fun, and we were NOT disappointed!!

I chose to do the 18k drop, which is their highest. Going into this jump, I was terrified of heights, but I decided to face that fear head on, in the biggest way I could. My instructor was "The Kraken!" He was great! He soothed my nerves, and assured me that this was going to be fun and that I'd be fine. He also gave great instructions, and listened well. Great attitude and energy as well! I'd totally jump with him again!

I also chose to get their VIP picture and video package, which included another jumper with cameras jumping with us. I believe his name was Vitor. That dude was awesome too! The pictures and video I got were super! Lots of great stills, and some incredible video footage to show my kids and my friends!

I consider this jump to be one of the most, if not THE most, exhilarating and adrenaline inducing things I have ever done! Given my fear of heights, I thought it was going to be miserable. It was difficult dangling my feet out of the aircraft at 18,000 ft., but I'm so glad I pushed through that. And there was a moment after we had left the plane where I thought to myself "what in the world have I just done?" But that thought was replaced almost instantly by a total rush of excitement, and by the awe and splendor of looking at the ground far below and the beautiful horizons! The free fall was my favorite part, but I enjoyed the entire drop to the ground. When the chute opened, it felt like we were being pulled rapidly upward. The kraken let me steer the parachute a bit, so I got a sense of how it felt. That was pretty fun.

I never thought I would say this, but I would do this jump again in a heartbeat! I am definitely going to do it again someday, hopefully sooner than later. I may actually take a class so that I can do solo jumps. I loved it that much! And I think it really helped with my fear of heights, because I'm no longer dreading things like going up and tall buildings, or going up in a hot air balloon.

I would highly recommend this experience, especially jumping with Silicon Valley skydiving! Everyone was professional and friendly, and were all very excited about what they were doing. I will definitely be back!

(Pic is me and The Kraken just after leaving the plane...