10 Best Places to Skydive in the US: Are You Ready to Fly?
Skydiving is rapidly becoming a very popular sport that has taken shape from just a one-time excitement experience into a weekend activity. Skydiving for the first time is life-changing as it gives you the very first opportunity to see nature at its peak. The exciting feeling you get when you see the beauty of this world from 10,000 feet makes you allow you to have another perspective view and be awe about the planet we live in.
When next you’re looking for a weekend activity that will guarantee you fun, adventure, and excitement, then you should consider going for a skydive. Your first jump will give you an exhilarating feeling. Then this feeling turns into a mixture and peacefulness and awe when you’re taking miles of the sceneries. There are many great places you can go skydiving in the US and in this article, we’ve listed the best places to skydive in the US.
Who Can Skydive?
Skydiving is a risky sport that is not suitable for everyone, but with the right safety measures and an experienced instructor it is possible to skydive much more easily, enjoyably and safely, even if you are inexperienced.
Even the most experienced skydivers had help when they made their first jump, so, except for people with health conditions that make it inadvisable or very young children, virtually anyone can do skydiving.
- Adults without health problems. Any adult person without relevant health problems, especially without heart problems, can skydive. Even if you have no experience in parachute jumping, all you need is to have a suitable professional by your side who will take care of everything during your first jumps. If you then want to learn to jump on your own, you can do it after several jumps as long as your instructor checks that you know how to handle the parachute correctly.
- It is not recommended that very young children jump with a parachute as the experience is dangerous and can trigger heart problems that may have gone unnoticed during the first years of their life. However, from the age of 12 onwards there should be no problem for them to parachute accompanied by an experienced teacher. It is inadvisable for children to jump alone, and it is not permitted in many regions of the United States.
- Elderly people. Although it may seem that skydiving is not suitable for older people, the truth is that there should be no impediment for them to enjoy a parachute jump, as long as they do not have heart problems. The mere fact of having an advanced age does not mean that you cannot enjoy this type of activity.
Remember that it is NOT advisable for people with a history of heart problems such as arrhythmias or heart attacks to make parachute jumps, since the shock of the jump can trigger these problems, and it is not possible to provide medical assistance to these people during the fall, which can last several minutes.
Here’s Our Selection Of The Best Places To Skydive In The Us
Waialua – Hawaii
Only a few places can compete with Skydive in Hawaii when it comes to the life-changing thrill of freefall. The place is characterized by white sand beaches, blue waters, and lush forests. Skydive Hawaii has jumped from 14,000, 18,000, and 20,000. This gives you a great experience with remarkable scenery that gives you that bird’s-eye view.
We recommend this place when you’re skydiving for the very first time. With USPA Licensed instructors, you’re sure of experiencing a secure and safe first-time skydiving. The instructor will guide you all through when you sail through the sky at only 120 miles per hour as you enjoy the stunning views even as you descend gently to the ground level. Experienced skydivers can also look out to Pacific Skydiving who is just around the corner as another great option.
What’s great about it? – Amazing landscapes, tropical location, excellent resorts.
Companies available: Skydive Hawaii, Pacific Skydiving Honolulu.
Wasilla – Alaska
Wasilla is the 6th largest city in Alaska located in the Mat-Su Valley and one of the coolest places you can along with Alaska’s road system. This is a great destination to have a freefall as you’ll be wowed with the scenery of the city. Prepare to see the rugged snowy mountain, ice-blue glaciers, magnificent Denali, and all the wild beauty Alaska has to offer.
You may also have the opportunity to see a reindeer reared on a nearby farm. Skydiving across Wasilla allows you to have a perfect view of nature at its best. There are other places of interest you can visit including the Alaska Museum of transportation and industry, Nancy lakes recreation area, and the Wasilla farmer’s market where you can get the freshest fruits.
What’s great about it? – Great recreation areas, amazing scenery, wonderful reception
Companies available: Alaska Skydive Center, AK Paramotor.
Longmont – Colorado
There are countless things you can do in Longmont which of course includes having an awesome skydiving experience. The place is just 35 miles from Denver and about 15 miles south of Loveland. You do not lack beautiful views when skydiving here, as you’ll have a good view of the Rocky Mountains, the green farmlands that surround the city, Long’s Peak, and the Rocky Mountain National Park.
It is advisable to go skydiving in Longmont during summer as you’ll experience chilly air at 12,000+ feet. This could even go worse during winter. Sports jumper will find Longmont fascinating. You can visit some beautiful hiking trails like Rabbit mountain open space and Heil valley ranch when you’re not jumping. If you have spare time, you can also have a taste of Longmont’s craft beer, spirits, and ciders.
What’s great about it? – Sweet breweries, hiking trails, beautiful site attractions.
Companies available: Mile-Hi Skydiving Center, Inc, Skydiving Gear Rental and Sales
Monterey – California
There are many places to explore in California as the state hosts some of the best places you can skydive to have a unique experience. One of the most exciting places is located at Monterey Bay. Soaring high allows you have an impressive view of the Pacific Ocean, the Salinas Valley, Santa Cruz, the beauty of the Monterey Bay, and as far as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
As you cruise through the air, you may have a glimpse of the Monterey Bay Aquarium where many marine animals are being cared for. The Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area at the east side of Monterey Bay is available for more fun in case you still have enough time left. You could also visit some seafood restaurants around for some nice sea dishes.
What’s great about it? – Impressive ocean view, tasty seafood restaurants, recreation area.
Companies available: Skydive Monterey Bay, Skydiving Near Monterey
Anchorage – Alaska
Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska that is known for its cultural sites. One of them is the Alaska Native Heritage Center where you get to see traditional crafts being displayed and different indigenous cultural presentations. From Anchorage, you could easily get to some nearby mountains and wilderness which includes Kenai, Chugach, and Talkeetna. Anchorage is a great skydiving location as it gives you a different view of the beauty of Alaska.
At over 20,000 feet of your flight, you have the opportunity of sighting Mount Denali, the tallest mountain in America. Another scenery sight that could melt your heart is the view of some porpoises and whales that are sometimes revealed through the crystal-clear blue waters of the Gulf of Alaska. You can also try other activities like fishing, hiking, dining, or some crafts.
What’s great about it? – Nice wildlife, Amazing landscapes, friendly weather.
Companies available: Alaska Skydive Center, Anchorage Bridge Center
Zion National Park, Utah
As the first national park in Utah, Zion holds a very significant place in the state’s culture and history. This national park is a place where you can enjoy different outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, horseback riding, and skydiving. It is also the perfect destination to enjoy the fresh air and sunny skies while camping with friends and family.
While skydiving, you enjoy the amazing view of the whole national pack while leading to the forest trails along the Virgin River. There are numerous hiking options you can choose from with the most popular trails located in Zion Canyon. While visiting the park, we advise that you prepare for the heat and protect yourself with sunglasses, sunscreen, protective clothing, and a hat.
What’s great about it? – Amusement park, Fascinating history, great cultural heritage.
Companies available: Skydive Zion, Skydive Utah
Northern California – California
Northern California is famously known as the home of the Golden Gate Bridge. The Bay area in San Francisco and the Pacific coastline. There are endless things you can do in Northern California with such diverse terrain. In this lovely city, you’ll have the opportunity to see the beautiful beaches, rushing rivers, picturesque vineyards, and soaring mountains.
This also makes it a good location for skydiving and outdoor activities. Another scene to behold is the spectacular sight of Burney Falls at 129 feet. You can also take a walk through the Redwood Parks which has some of the tallest trees in the world. Skydiving over Northern California will also allow you to have a better view of the scenic parkway and the tide pools where you can have a glimpse of several marine animals.
What’s great about it? – Amusement park, Fascinating history, great cultural heritage.
Companies available: Skydive California
Charlotte – North Carolina
Charlotte is one of the major cities of North Carolina. It is also a commercial hub where people from different places come for visits either for business purposes and other activities. The city is also the home of the Levine Museum of the New South where you get to explore post-Civil War histories. It is also one of the best places to visit as the locals are friendly and very receptive.
You will love it here if you will like to skydive on the beach as you will be able to have a clear view of the Intracoastal waterways. Just a few minutes away from Fort Bragg, you will find camper hookups and some full-service bars and restaurants where you’ll be treated to a good meal.
What’s great about it? – Great meals, friendly locals, full-service bars.
Companies available: Skydive Paraclete, Piedmont Skydiving
Seattle – Washington
If you’re feeling bored in Seattle and you wish to spend some time doing fun activities. Then skydiving in this beautiful city is a great choice. Seattle is a city surrounded by mountains, evergreen forests, and water. It also contains a lot of acres of parkland. It is also a great destination for business as great tech industries such as Amazon and Microsoft have their headquarters in the largest city in Washington.
Skydive Snohomish affords visitors to have a nice view of the bounty of snow-covered peaks. You can also get yourself busy with some backyard games while you wait for your skydiving instructor to lead the way for you. However, if you’re visiting for the first time, you should hold sufficient cash as things can be a little bit expensive in the area.
What’s great about it? – Large tech hub, beautiful city scene.
Companies available: Skydive Snohomish, Skydive Kapowsin
Poconos Mountains – Pennsylvania
The Pocono Mountains consist of lakes, valleys, and forested peaks located in Pennsylvania. The Delaware Water Gap provides great river beaches and recreation facilities. When skydiving, be sure to look out and see the Lake Wallenpaupack to the north, the Wyoming Valley to the west, and the Lehigh Valley to the south.
During Fall when the colors of the trees spread out beneath, skydiving in the Pocono Mountains will also allow you to enjoy the views of the Manhattan Skyline. There are resorts with ski runs and water parks where you can also have a great time skiing. Since the city is about 75 miles from NYC, you can have access to state-of-the-art hotel facilities where you can relax after an adventurous day.
What’s great about it? – Whitewater rafting, forested peaks, great waterways.
Companies available: Sky’s the Limit
How To Get Ready For Skydiving?
Before you set out for a skydiving experience, it is important that you adequately prepare for the experience you’re about to have, here are some tips that can help you get ready for skydiving even if it is your first time.
- Choose a certified school to make your tandem jump safely. Tandem jumping is very safe if performed under the safety regulations of the air federation, so be sure to choose certified jump schools with excellent qualifications.
- Start with Tandem Jumping. The tandem jump is the one that is performed hooked to an instructor. It is the best option for those who want to skydive for the first time. No previous experience or courses are necessary, just come and enjoy! In the tandem jump you will be able to relax and make the most of the feeling of pure adrenaline that skydiving provokes since the instructor will be responsible for all the maneuvers.
- Pay attention to the instructions before the jump. Before boarding the plane to jump from hundreds of meters of altitude, you will probably go through a short briefing with your tandem instructor where they will tell you about the exit, the free fall, the opening and the landing, explaining you the body position to adopt for each of these moments.
- Wear appropriate clothing. Come to jump in comfortable and sporty clothes that allow the free movement of your body. For your feet, it is advisable to use sneakers. In winter it is advisable to wear polar fleece and gloves, especially in colder areas like Alaska.
Are You Ready For The Best Experience Of Your Life? Enjoy Your Skydiving!
If you’re wondering about how it will feel to have an adventure of your life fueled by a great level of adrenaline, then you don’t need to worry again. With skydiving, you’re certain to have an experience you’ve never had before.
From the time of the first jump up till when you land back on the ground, you will always want to have this experience over and over again. All you need to get ready even for your first skydive has been provided already in this article. You also have access to the best places where you can skydive in the US.
The skydiving locations are not only available to locals, as they are also perfect locations for both tourists and visitors. Even if you’re on a business visit, having a skydive session wouldn’t be a bad way to cool off your head. The places we’ve recommended have all the facilities to ensure that you’re well taken care of.
Also Read: Most Famous Bridges in the US: Do You Know Them All?
