Who We Are…
At Southwest Skydive LLC, we’re proud to be a family of local professional USPA skydivers, FAA-certified commercial jump pilots, and passionate aviation enthusiasts! Our mission is to ensure that your first skydiving experience exceeds every expectation, just as ours did!
Our team is fueled by an incredible passion for the exhilarating sport of skydiving, paired with an unwavering commitment to safety. Each of our certified instructors comes with vast experience—boasting thousands of jumps across the globe. We utilize the UPT Sigma Tandem parachute systems, which are recognized as the industry leader in tandem skydiving equipment. Additionally, our FAA-certified parachute packers guarantee the highest standards of maintenance for your peace of mind.
We truly appreciate that you’ve chosen to spend your valuable time and hard-earned money with us, and we are thrilled to share this adventure with you. See you in the sky!
History of Skydiving in the El Paso Area
Skydiving in El Paso has a rich tapestry woven into its history, dating back to the late 1970s. Picture this: the backdrop of Santa Teresa, NM, at the Dona Ana County International Jetport, where it all began. Enter Bob Kern, a Vietnam veteran with a Special Forces pedigree, bringing along a trusty trunk full of Army surplus parachutes. It was here that the legendary Skydive El Paso took flight, becoming the first permanent dropzone in Southern New Mexico. Skydivers from across the Southwest flocked to Bob's operation, eager to participate in the exhilarating events he hosted.
Sadly, the skies darkened when Bob passed away in 2016, marking the end of an era and the closure of El Paso Skydive. But the spirit of adventure wasn’t completely gone. From 2019 until late 2024, two new skydiving operations soared at the Jetport, allowing local jumpers to perfect their craft and achieve professional soaring credentials.
When the last of those operations dimmed their lights, the community felt a void where excitement once thrived. And that’s when Southwest Skydive emerged, reigniting the passion for skydiving in our vibrant region. Here’s to the thrill-seekers and the stories yet to be written in the skies above El Paso!
