Archway Skydiving - 1-800-SKYDIVE (MO&IL), 1-800-283-JUMP (Nationwide)

tandem skydive, static line skydive, accelerated free fall, AFF

:: TESTIMONIALS::

"I would have to say that Archway is one of the friendliest Drop Zones I have ever encountered, free spirited and fun. Upon first arrival I felt like part of something, a feeling of comfort."
Clark Woods

"Archway is where I started and it will always be my home DZ. Everyone there is extremely friendly and helpful, and the dz has a great atmosphere with easy going jumpers willing to help anyone, whether they are regulars or showing up for the first time. I recommend anyone in the area to stop by... you won't be disappointed."
Tomas Prietro

"Archway is where it all began for me, and I have found no reason to go anywhere else. From day one, everyone there from staff to other jumpers, to the DZO have made me feel right at home. There's never a dull moment, even when it's too cold or cloudy to jump. Whether you are into RW or freeflying, there's always someone to jump with. There is too much good stuff to say about Archway, so if you're ever in the neighborhood, stop on by and we'll leave the light on for ya"
Joe Abeln
US Army Golden Knight

"As the president of the University of Illinois skydiving club, this is my home DZ as well as the club's home. There are several places much closer, but I'm more than willing to make the drive to Archway -- and I would never take students from the club anywhere else. The staff and skydivers are awesome. Friendly instructors, coaching, fast airplanes, great pilots, and farmland for miles if you land out."
Marc Mallette
Falling Illini

DRIVING DIRECTIONS :: AIRCRAFT :: EQUIPMENT :: FACILITIES :: STAFF

Archway Skydiving Centre opened for business in 1965. Originally owned and
operated by Dave Verner, Archway began it's long history of skydiving training in Sparta, Illinois. In the early 1990's, Archway moved to Vandalia, Illinois - just an hour east of St. Louis.

In May, 1999, Jason Mark and Anita Wuertz formed a new corporation, and
operates Archway Skydiving Center from Vandalia, Illinois and carries on with the Archway traditions.

We average over 12,000 skydives per year and more than 1,200 students per year make their first jump with us. Most of our instructors have over 1,000 jumps, some as much as 5,000. We are constantly updating our equipment and have the fastest turbine jump airplane in the area. Click on the links for more information regarding our airplanes and student gear.

Archway's history is rich with current world champions Kirk Verner and John Lemming from Arizona Airspeed getting their start and learning to skydive at Archway. In addition, freefall camera man, Sean Cappirecco from the Golden Knights began his skydiving career at Archway. Most recently, Joe Abeln, a graduate from Archway's training program was accepted with the Army's Golden Knights demonstration team.

One of the earliest episodes of MTV Road Rules was filmed here, with the cast making tandem skydives. Archway was the first to introduce square canopies for sport parachute jumping in the midwest. In addition, Archway was one of the first skydiving centers to use reserve equipment that mounted on your back, instead of the traditional military style "belly mount" reserve.

Much of the staff from the early days continues to skydive at Archway, along with many newer instructors. We are a proud group member of the United States Parachute Association (USPA), we adhere to their policies and safety guidelines, and all of our instructors are USPA rated.

Come check us out any weekend. We welcome spectators and will be happy to answer any questions that may arise. We believe that you'll find Archway most professional and friendly.

Archway Skydiving Center
RR 3 Box 602 * Vandalia, IL * 62471 * (618) 283-4973

FIRST JUMP :: GET A LICENSE :: UP JUMPERS :: ALL ABOUT US :: GIFT CERTIFICATES :: DIRECTIONS :: CONTACT US :: ONLINE STORE :: HOME

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