Above the Poconos Skydivers

Here’s why we went to Above the Poconos Skydivers—and why we’ll go back…

With only 70-some jumps in my log book, I have to laugh at the fact that I’m considered an “experienced” jumper. When my boyfriend (who has the same number of jumps) and I went down to Florida from Maryland over Christmas, I am certain it was our confused, inexperienced looks that made Darlene and Don Kellner come over and say hi.

They were extremely kind and helpful. Darlene jumped with us and gave us some pointers that we put to use right away. From that day on, we have been better at flying together. That night, we all enjoyed dinner together at the DZ and learned a little about them and their DZ in Pennsylvania, Above the Poconos Skydivers. We knew that wanted to visit them back up north, but we just kept putting it off for one reason or another. Until last weekend, that is. And all I can say it that I can’t wait to go back!

The Kellner’s DZ is a two-and-a-half hour drive from where we live in Maryland, and it was definitely worth the ride. From the minute we walked in on a sunny Friday afternoon, we felt welcomed and were, in fact, treated like old friends and experienced jumpers.

We picked a perfect weather weekend, as there were a ton of tandems and many experienced jumpers. With two planes, two pilots (after one left, Darlene flew as did one of the other instructors—so really that’s four pilots), great packers, and VERY friendly people running the place (Taylor even gave me the hair tie off her wrist), we got in several jumps and learned a whole lot more. All of the other jumpers were very friendly and made us feel welcome, too.

The vibe at Above the Poconos is great—helpful, friendly, and fun. What my experience has taught me is that one of the best things about skydiving is the people that you’ll meet. There are top-notch folks at Above the Poconos, and it’s worth the trip.

Thanks, Don and Darlene and everyone else there. We will see you all soon!

Blue Skies,
Barb

For a while I thought I would be stuck in cat D forever. Their team of instructors helped me pass that category. The way their team could exactly figure out what my problem were amazing. I have been to three drop zones before that and I can say that this DZ is the best for students like me. I am going back there again soon.

This has been on my friend Brian and my bucket list for a long-time. After a year of talking about it we finally got up the nerve to schedule it. My mouth got dry and my hands would tremor every time I even thought about it. After much research I kept coming back to Above the Poconos Skydivers. Best safety record, total concern for safety above all else. No cutting corners and every review I read gushed about the experience. The day arrived and my friend and I made the drive. We were honest enough to admit we were terrified! The staff kept assuring us we would have the time of our lives. Everyone who worked at the facility seemed so happy and relaxed it becomes contagious. We watched the video and I was paired with Paul and my friend was paired with Christoph. Darlene and Brian were diving with us to film. Paul and Christoph oozed confidence and made us feel like we were in great hands. Dave was our pilot and probably could have flown the entire course blindfolded. As we approached the moment of truth Paul and Christoph checked, and rechecked, and rechecked again to ensure all the connections were in place and every safety measure was in place. When we dropped out the door the next 30 seconds cannot be described unless you have experienced it. It is something everyone should experience in their lives. I have felt differently every day since last Thursday when we jumped. It is a game changing, life altering moment when you go out the door. You take in the scenery, your place in it all, and the wonders of gravity at the same time.... LOL! I would do it again in a heartbeat. My throat is still sore from screaming Yeah! while falling face down at 125mph. Thanks Above the Poconos Skydivers for the experience of a lifetime! Sincerely, Pete

Before starting our A-license training program, I did an extensive research trying to find the best instructors in the area! I was very lucky to find "Above the Poconos" and our instructors Don and Darlene. Don is the world record holder for the most sports parachute jumps. His wife Darlene is one of the most experienced female skydivers in the world. Together, they run this small and cosy dropzone where safety is the top priority! All the stuff are very helpful and each student receives a lot of attention. The student chutes are of different sizes and there are all kinds of training equipment that you can use any time as much as you want between the classes! Our instructor Darlene even gave us her cell phone number and once we called her at 6:30 in the morning to check if the weather looks good for us to jump that morning!
All the reviews for "Above the Poconos" are great and I'm happy to be contributing another 5-star review after more than two months of jumping with these guys!!!
If you want to make your first tandem jump and/or go for advanced training, or simply looking for a good dropzone, you'll be very happy if you choose this one!

After doing some research, I found that this was the only skydiving center open all year round within 2hrs driving distance. Darlene and Don Kellner were extremely nice as well as the rest of the staff. I did my first tandem with Rob, my 2nd with Frank, and my 3rd with Tony. Each experience has been an amazing experience and I've learned a lot thus far. I plan on pursuing my A license now thanks to these guys. I highly recommend Above the Poconos for anyone. I can't wait to do my first solo there! See you guys soon!

-Alex

I went to this DZ to do a tandem and I was hooked! The teachers were great, the jump was awesome! I felt safe and was treated with respect and explained everything upfront. The prices were reasonable and so I went on to get my A license here, Darlene was my instructor and she was patient with me and kind through all my training. I have 51 jumps now and I would advise anyone to jump here especially in the Fall when all the leaves are changing colors.. I'm going there now! Blue Skies!

I have been jumping for a little over a year now and all I can say about Above the poconos skydiving are good things,the traing for students is top notch, I dont think that you will find better training anywhere else. To anyone looking to make there first Tamden jump that goes the same for there tandems, I dont think you will find better instructors anywhere. Don and Darlene are some of the nicest people I have met in a long time and I look foward to jumping with them for many years to come.

This dropzone opened on a day they were supposed to be closed so we could get our jump on! One hour was all it took to round up some of the nicest people i have met yet,informative, friendly,profesional.they really enjoy their job and that really makes your jump that much more enjoyable.I wish it was closer so i could jump there more often,i'll definitely recommend this DZ to anyone i come across!

Don and Darlene run a great DZ in Hazelton. They have 2 planes ready to take you to altitude that are fairly quick for Cessna's. The Airport is on top of a mountian so there are great views every where. While no camping is allowed on the airport Don and Darlene allow jumpers to stay in the clubhouse at their home.

The biggest drawbacks are that they fly a right hand pattern due to the airport layout and if the spot is long over the coal mines there are limited outs so you better be accurate.

We took our son to Above the Poconos HZLPA for his eighteenth birthday (tandem jump). Our son continued and took to his courses like a duck to water. I was so impressed with the staff that I decided to continue jumping myself (I recently turned 55). The you can do it, encouraging and sensitive attitude of the staff is tremendous. I highly recomend this DZ to a student of any age.

As I am new to skydiving I have to say that I feel very lucky in choosing Above the Poconos to receive my instruction. I will soon be making my A license graduation jump and could not commend the instructors and owners of this DZ enough.

As a Jumpmaster for the military (static line), I am highly impressed by their professionalism and patience. Even though I have had many questions which might be considered trivial by most, these people treat all inquires as very important.

In addition, the jumpers that utilize this DZ do not give you the feeling of being the FNG. Everyone is very willing to share their experinces, tips and techniques with you. If you are thinking of getting into this incredible sport and are near Hazleton, PA, this is where you want to be.