Skydive New England — Local services in Lebanon

This past Friday, on August 22nd, I went on my first 18K tandem jump. Being my second tandem experience, I knew that I had to increase the altitude and try something different. I'm so glad that I did! From the moment I arrived to check in, everyone at Skydive New England made me feel welcome and supported. The check in process was quick and easy. There was a brief weather delay for my jump, but I didn't mind at all. I loved relaxing in the shade at a picnic table, with a fantastic view of the caravan pilot taking off and landing, spotting other skydivers in the clouds as they made their way back safely to the landing area with their colorful parachutes and victorious smiles. When it was my turn, I was paired with Nathan, videographer extraordinaire, and Dylan, expert tandem instructor. We had the whole plane to ourselves as we climbed to 18,000 feet. It was amazing to see the mountainous landscape on the way up and the shadow of the plane along the shrinking treetops. It's truly a beautiful location that I knew I would appreciate just as much on the descent. Long before we opened the door to jump out, I knew that I was ready to come back for the AFF student program. On the way down, I kept thinking of a quotation from German aviation pioneer, Otto Lilienthal: "No one can realize how substantial the air is until he feels its supporting power beneath him. It inspires confidence at once." I had so much fun on the freefall, spiraling about, laughing, smiling, and experiencing this sensation similar to floating just above water. It wasn't unlike how I have felt in a Float/ R.E.S.T. (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy) pod. There was also a strong ozonic scent up there, which was very interesting to note. Once the parachute deployed, I could really take in the mountain tops, trees, and views of the lake that I was about to visit right afterwards. It was lovely. Our landing was perfect. My only complaint is that I had to leave, but I'll be back. I'm ready to get my license! :) I should also mention that I received my photo and video package right away along with a cute certificate of my accomplishment and a discount towards my next jump. If you're thinking about it, don't hesitate! The experience is something that you can carry with you every day. Thank you, Skydive New England, for a joyous memory! (Google is giving me trouble uploading photos at the moment... so you'll have to believe me,...

Update 2025: After 3 tandems with the instructors of SNE, I started asking how they became skydivers and learned that they have a student program on site! If you did a tandem jump and wonder what it would be like to learn to fly on your own, I cannot recommend SNE’s AFF program enough!

Do you have ptsd from sitting in school staring off into the abyss wishing you could be somewhere else? Well, this class is nothing like that. Day 1 was mostly spent on the ground and it’s the most fun I’ve ever had in a classroom! They often give teaching a humorous approach and they highly encourage you to engage and ask questions. Instructors are around and anyone that’s not about to go up in the sky is typically happy to talk at you.

Safety is obviously priority #1 and from day one until you’re licensed (and even after), you’ll go through emergency procedures. The first jump can be nerve wracking but thankfully the instructors are very patient and good at recognizing anxious students. They’ll remind you to laugh and have fun and give guidance on how to get past the infamous door-monster.

The community is very positive and always eager to welcome new people from all walks of life to share a common interest. I’m horrifically awkward and even I can find people who enthusiastically want to jump with me! So, if you want to know how it feels to fly a canopy during the sunset or want to be a part of a community that shares the joy of free fall, whatever the reason, SNE is the place to be.

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Tandem experiences All of the staff were awesome at Skydive New England but I have to give a special shout-out to Steve and Meaghan for an amazing first skydiving experience! They were friendly, patient, and encouraging throughout the day and I absolutely loved jumping with them. 100% would recommend this place to any first time skydivers!

I have since returned twice to Skydive New England and continuously had a great time! Shoutout to Joe and Steve for giving me valuable knowledge and guidance pertaining to the AFF program. I’m very grateful that they’re so enthusiastic to share what they know. Their passion for skydiving drives me to love it more too!

Went back for the 2024 season and got to jump with Tom this time. He is an absolute treasure of a person! I’m continually wowed by the knowledge and kindness of the staff....

I booked a tandem skydive on July 26 2023. My second jump so far. As soon as I got to the place the lady that checked me in was very professional. After I was check in I went in and watch a video. As soon the video ended they called me to get my harness. My instructor Rich Bailey was very professional and very kind. Rich made sure I was correctly secured in the harness and answered any questions I had. Rich made me feel safe and welcome. We then boarded the plane. While the plane was in the air Rich made sure my harness and his harness was correctly secured. Rich answered any questions I had. Rich went over what to expect once we were getting ready to jump over and over again. Once it was our turn to jump I actually got the first tandem of the day he and I went to the door. Before we jump he told me what to expect. We jumped out the plane and us free falling for 60 minutes was in my opinion was the best going 150 miles per hour. Once Rich pulled the parachute the view was great from 14000 feet in the air. While we were in the air we went over what to expect when we are landing. Overall the whole experience at skydive New England was great and magical. From all the amazing people that work there and my amazing instructor Rich Bailey I definitely loved and would recommend going to skydive New England if you ever wanted to go skydiving. Rich Bailey thank you for allowing me to jump with you and the lady that asked if she could jump with us. You were very professional kind and you were a great instructor. I definitely would recommend jumping with Rich Bailey or any of the instructors at SkyDive New England. Definitely was a great choice to go skydiving on my birthday. Thank you Rich Bailey and Skydive New England for the greatest...