RAPA / JSPC(L) - Bad Lippspringe

This DZ is a real treasure. Detailed directions will follow the general body of the review.

The DZ is located on the edge of a military training area. It is surrounded by woodland, but don't worry. The actual landing area is massive. And if that's not enough room for you there is a 9 hole golf course and driving range bolted onto the side of the DZ (the 18 hole is in the woods).

The DZ operates an Islander. It gets to altitude quickly but, I was spoilt by learning on an Otter and the door on the Islander is small. 3 people can easily hang outside. 4 at a push. There is talk of the DZ getting a cessna caravan or grand caravan (I think it was a grand caravan?). Being new to the sport I don't have a clue about that airframe.

Prices: Military pay 17euros. It think its 20 euros for civilians. They do hop and pop tickets but I don't know the prices for that.

Gear rental is about 20euros for the day. Everything is in good condition and well maintained. They have Fury's and things like that but not sabres/safires/etc. It really is student gear you're hiring.

Staff: Relaxed efficiency is the best description. They will bend over backwards to help you. They run free coaching on some weekends. Which is progressive and very helpful. They are military but not 'in your face' about it.

Jumpers: Most of the people on the weekend are about 70:30, german:british, with a few dutch there as well. Everyone jumps together and are very friendly.

Facilities: There is a boarding pen for those on the next load. The manifest Hut is obvious and efficient in its calls. There is a shaded outdoor packing area and an indoor packing area. There is a practice mock up. There is a big ass swoop pond, complete with fish? It's big (80m long / 10m? wide). There is an inflatable mat that the accuracy people use. There is a bunk house. Toliets&showers. Judges rooms. Review rooms with vidoes, big screens etc. There is a bar for apres-dive. And there is a small snack bar. It sells coke and burgers. If you want cigarettes or more up-market food then the golf courses' club house is good (Just bring a polo shirt with you). The car park is medium size (50 cars), but people park their RVs on the grass in front of the car park.
There are plenty of picnic benches to hang out around and grassed areas to lay on. There is a low fence (3ft) to stop children and others from wondering onto the landing area and runways.

Overall the only bad point is the difficulty finding the place. That aside I think it's a jem, that not many people know about.

Location: The DZ is located next to the Bad Lippsringe golf club. My Tom tom had the DZ and Golf club shown, but couldn't figure out a route to it.

So... firstly make your way to Bad Lippsringe, which is 7km north of PADERBORN in the Northwest-Phalia 9sic) region. The easiest way to find it (my opinion) is to get to leave Paderborn on "Frankfurter Weg" heading towards Bad Lippspringe (7mins drive). The road will take you all the way into 'Bad Lip', which is linear in layout. This road runs right through it.

In the very centre of Bad Lip there is a small, yet promenant crossroads with traffic lights. It is identified by a shop with a yellow and green sign saying '24h platz' on th SE corner of the junction.

(If you see a supermarket on the right side of the road, with an orange and blue sign saying 'PLUS' you have passed through the cross road. Turn around).

At 'the' cross road make a left (north). You will now be driving up a slight incline and should pass a hospital/clinic on the right. There will be a flashing LED road awareness sign with a picture of a child smiling on it. Continue straight on into what can be described as a suburban area and you will come to a bridge.

Go over the small bridge (barely wide enough for two cars). Immediately after crossing the bridge there is a sharp left turn to take. At this point you will be able to see the DZ. Follow the left hand turn and it will take you past the golf course club house on your left. And then the driving range on your right. Follow the road around to a small 'round about' and contiune 150m to the DZ car park.

This DZ is very freindly and the staff have always got time for you what ever your experience. The service in the cafe is always good but the timings and menu could be improved. The facilities are very good but the ladies showers could do with improving. These 2 small nagatives will not keep me from jumping here again as the pro's are endless.

This DZ is both a military and civilian club ; unlike other such mixed clubs, the staff here are helpful and easygoing, they do not order people around in the usual military manner. It has a good mix of military jumpers and German civilians - always a good sign.

The club is more than a little difficult to find, but worth the searching among various military shooting ranges to find. It has only two drawbacks : firstly it is in a bowl plateau with a horseshoe of hils around it, which can lead to its being the only cloudy place for 50 miles around, with resultant frustrations of waiting ages for clearance to jump ; secondly the provision of food is a bit hit and miss, so you never know when you turn up if there is going to be tea/coffee/rolls available - it is a long drive to the nearest cafe. On the plus side, they have a good bar, and hold some fantastic parties.

The equipment for hire, the professionalism of the staff and the packing facilities are all of exceptional quality. If you get a bad 'spot' as you leave the aircraft it can be expensive on your canopy - the DZ is surrounded on 3 sides by forest . . .

Everyone is helpful no matter what your experience, they will answer your questions without making you feel small! :-) The atmosphere is lovely, the staff welcome new jumpers and make everyone feel at home.

The DZ has a large landing area (great if you are just starting!) and good facilities.

Thanks to RAPA and all the staff for making my introduction to skydiving so great! I am now addicted and am spending my whole student loan on jumping!

a fantastic place, great fun ,safe and offers static line tandem,aff ,video, ff coaching, crw coaching, skydive u, warp and cheap beer
cant lose !!!!