Paradive

I did an AFF course in this dropzone as it is the most known dropzone in Israel and I leave here.
The course itself went fine, however afterwards it is very hard and frustrating to wait an entire day for a single jump , especially when all the staff look at you like you are beneath them and it is OK that you wait the entire day.
Moreover, fun jumpers that already have a license are more than not welcomed.
They want only to make money and they don't really care about promoting this sport.

During May 2012 this dropzone even stopped offering canopies and gear for hiring for fun jumpers - not because they don't have but because they want to minimize the amount of fun jumpers.

However, if you are looking for a place to do a tandem jump - this is THE place for you.

TANDEM FACTORY BY DEFINITION

There is really not much to say about this drop zone. Paradive, Located in Habonim Beach in Israel, which is on the Mediterranean Sea, is likely one of the most beautiful Drop Zones in the world. The scenery is absolutely incredible, except this fact has gone completely to the heads of the entire Drop Zone and the staff. If you want to do a Tandem, this is definitely one of the most beautiful places to do it at. Too bad that once you get hooked, you’ll have to find some other place to go through a student progression.

They absolutely have no time for Fun Jumpers. Even if they did, their Landing Area is extremely small and borderline dangerous. The location is also very difficult to get to, it is not off of a main Highway, you have to exit and then double back for several kilometers, and, there really is no easy way to GPS this location except for going to Habonim Beach. Google Maps will lead you through a closed-down Dirt road.

As a fun Jumper, I offered to pay a tandem load (hey the views are breathtaking) but they also would not even hear of it, and they told me that with “150 jumps and a B-License, you are a beginner skydiver and dangerous in the sky, we didn’t train you, we can’t take responsibly” – I thought this description was a bit of an exaggeration, given the many other drop zones I’ve been to with fewer jumps who didn’t have a problem. All of this was just because they simply only want to drop tandems and camera men out of the sky.

This places defines the term, "Tandem Factory". The only way you are getting up is attached to someone. Completely rude over the phone, basically said not to bother coming unless it is tandem, it was fighting tooth and nail to get them to say ok. After showing up there ( since there is limited dropzones in Israel, only 2) it was a constant negotiation to get on a load. I brought my friend down there to do a tandem, of course they happily took payment from him immediately upon our arrival, and still said they would probably not have room for me on any load. It wasn't until he threatened to receive his money back that they let me finally jump. They act like USPA is some third world accreditation. This business, gives the stereotype to there own culture about being money hungry. Sad operation. Go to Sky Kef, not as pretty of a view but much more friendly staff.

I recently got my A license, and happened to be in Israel shortly after. Looking forward to jumping in the holy land, I called up paradive to ask them some questions. I was put in touch with Einav, the head instructor. After explaining that I would be in the country for a few weeks and was excited to jump, Einav had two things to tell me. First off was that everybody who jumps at paradive has to be a member of the Israeli parachute association, even though I am a member of the uspa. And secondly, and I quote, "It would be better if you didn't come, as you would only get in the way." Needless to say, I was pretty shocked by these comments. Einav explained that I wasn't welcome, as I would only be around for a few weeks and not a regular. Now I may not have much experience, but suffice it to say I have never been treated like this by any dropzone. My guess is that because I was only a fun jumper and wouldn't bring in much money, I wasn't worth the bother. Unfortunately it's attitude like this that is keeping the sport from flourishing in Israel. Don't bother calling, you're business is not wanted.

Paradive is my home DZ and I love the place. It is a comparatively small DZ with only two planes. However, the staff there are amazing and they frequently have Aff courses all year round.

The atmosphere there is the best I have seen so far and I love going back there whenever I can.

They take safety very seriously there and because of that the have very few accidents.

This is a fantastic DZ with views that put it in the very top listings of all DZ's worldwide, IMO. They do a lot of tandems, no doubt, but there is also a fairly deep group of experienced skydivers willing to share their knowledge.
Of course, Shlomo Pearl's loft is amazing, and the huge covered packing area, food court, covered picnic area, team rooms, etc are nice as well.
I did have a bit of an issue with the women at manifest; neither of them seemed to be able to handle pressure of what appeared to be a reasonably slow day on the DZ and both were surly and unwilling to do much but put names on the manifest sheet. Even a smile would go a long way.
Shlomo, Ori, Etai, Dan, and so many other folks there did a great job of helping me to feel welcome, they offered top-notch gear, good sized landing area, good food, fast climb to altitude, and exits over the ocean.
Safety is heavily emphasized here, helmets or frap hats required regardless of experience level. Expect gear checks from everyone around, and expect a very positive vibe from all the jump staff.
It's a good sized DZ, much bigger than I'd expected.

I visited Paradive for a day in December 2006; the staff were more than happy to help me out, set me up with gear, show me around, and arrange FS coaching for me. Here are some things to bear in mind:

* If you're hiring gear, they don't have very many throw-away rigs, mainly ripcord deployment, if this is an issue ring in advance see if they can help you out. Also, they will charge you extra for an altimeter, so you might as well take one if you have one. For packing, they are happy for non-Israeli-licenced packers to repack their hired mains, however they will ask you to be checked at various points and you can't do over your shoulder, it's all on hooks. It's NIS 25 (about £3 / $5.70) for a packjob, prices correct as of December 2006. It made more sense just to pay them. Or bring your own, if that's easier.

* If you want coaching, bear in mind it will cost you your ticket, your coach's ticket, AND THEN NIS 70 (Dec 2006) ... you get video as standard though, and they'll more likely than not put it on a DVD if you ask nicely.

* To get to the DZ you'll either need a car or public transport from Tel Aviv or Haifa (from TA it's the 921 bus which stops at Kibbutz Habonim - from there, you can either walk 30 mins or call the DZ and get a lift!) It's an obvious advantage to speak Hebrew, but if you don't (like me) no worries, they speak English, as do many Israelis.

* The DZ is smaller than most - but easy to land on. It's comparable to EmpuriaBrava in Spain, since winds hold steady almost all day, and the landing patterns are easy.

* There's a mistake on the write-up, you don't need USPA membership. I certainly don't have it, and they accepted my BPA without question.

* Planes in use - I'm not too sure, there was only one operational when I was there, a Cessna 212 someone told me (but I could be mistaken). suffice to say, turnaround was pretty good, and I wasnt hanging about much. I didnt have much to do with the facilities, but the toilets are clean and dry, there's a decent-looking small cafe, and the packing area seems big enough. No idea about showers, but I do know that if they take a liking to you, they'll sometimes offer to let you crash the night in the hangar, saves you finding a place to stay - this is apparently done more in the summer, with better weather and more people and all.

* They'll set you up a DZ account, you just put money on it and it lasts forever, you get a four digit number and a card to store there or take with you (your choice), so the next time you come back there's no hassle. Sorted.

I guess that's about all I can think of right now - it's a rocking little dropzone, well worth the travel to, but be aware that they dont operate 7 days a week, and jump prices vary depending on the day! Give them a call if you're unsure - the staff speak good English!

Blue Skies!

jumping all year long out of 2 caravans, FF and RW coaches and Load organizers, many young and expirianced jumpers, great atmosphere, great view (white sand, blue water) very welcoming DZ.

if you are looking to skydive in the center and north of Israel don't miss this sunny, friendly, highly profesional and safe DZ. the coaching is exellent although may be a bit overpriced.

I've been jumping at this DZ for almost three years while stationed in Israel, and I have nothing but possitive things to say. The staff is very good at what they do, and safety is numero uno. The landing area is a bit small compared to the state side DZ's I've jumped at but that only helps me become a better canopy pilot. The view is amazing with the Med on one side and the Holy Land on the other. During my time here I've brought several tandem students with me and they loved every minute of their experience and the videos they produce for the tandems are exellent. If your coming to Israel for business or pleasure bring your gear jump the the Holy Land.

I Have done there my aff course, along
with my girlfriend and two more friends,
and we all can tell you it's amazing place, the landscape is awesome and all the stuff are very nice people.
If you happen to visit the area don't skip over this dropzone. :-)