I've been jumping at "Blue Sky Ranch" in Gardiner NY based on several recommendations I got from the rec.skydiving newsgroup. I've been very happy with them-- excellent friendly instructors (Kim, Carol, Pete, Tom, Chris, Linda, Gino, Jim), great planes (2 twin otters), thorough instruction, safety consciousness, great videos (I've seen some of the samples).
The Ranch's jump-school phone number is (914) 255-4033, and the main drop- zone phone number is (914) 255-9538. Call and make reservation early: weekends get crowded. Weekdays are less crowded.
Home page: http://www.ranchskydive.com
To get to the Ranch on public transportation, you can take the Adirondack Trailways bus to New Paltz. From New York City's Port Authority to New Paltz is $16 for a 90 minute trip, with buses leaving NYC (gate 28 or 34) at 7am, 8:30am, and 10:00 am. "Stagecoach" cab company (in the New Paltz bus station) will take you the final 5 miles to the ranch for $11 (they know where it is). Adirondack trailways' info number is (800) 858-8555, and there are buses back from New Paltz to NYC every day at 3:25pm, 5:55 pm, 8:25pm, 11:25pm. Stagecoach cab company has two numbers: 914-255-1550 and 800-956-
Adirondack trailways' info number is (800) 858-8555, and there are buses back from New Paltz every day at 3:25pm, 5:55 pm, 8:25pm, and 11:25pm.
Enjoy!
--Mike
ps: if you have a web browser, there's a comprehensive parachute web page at http://www.afn.org/skydive/ which has directories of USPA affiliated drop zones (excerpt below) at http://www.aero.com/organizations/uspa/worusp02.htm and pictures and a rec.skydiving FAQ.
(as of Apr.'97, with some May 2000 revisions)
These skydiving enterprises are Group Members of the United States Parachute Association. Where applicable, they have pledged to follow USPA Basic Safety Requirements and Recommendations for student and advanced skydivers and to offer first-time courses taught by USPA-rated instructors.
Revised 2009 Mar 22; Mike Roam