If you're looking for real adventure on your next Florida vacation, why not try skydiving? While I'll never understand why someone would want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane, those who try it are usually thrilled with the experience and ready to try it again.
First jumps are made in "tandem" with a qualified and experienced instructor. Jumping in tandem means that you are physically attached to the instructor by a harness. After a short (usually around 20-30 minutes) instruction, participants are "suited up" and hop aboard an aircraft that will carry them to 10,000 to 13,000 feet. Jumping together, the pair usually "free-falls" for 15 seconds to a minute at speeds up to 120 mph, then at about 5,000 feet the parachute opens and both of you glide to a specified drop zone.
Some skydiving locations offer video services for an additional cost; and, who wouldn't want a video of what may likely be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Besides, it will make a great video to show your grandchildren one day.
Some things to remember:
- Participants must be 18 years of age.
- Wear comfortable clothing — shorts and a t-shirt are good for very warm days, but long pants and a long-sleeved shirt should be worn on cooler days.
- Wear well-fitting sneakers or running shoes.
- Weight restrictions of less than 220 lbs. usually apply.
- Inclement weather may delay or cause cancellation of flights and jumps.
Whether you are an experienced skydiver or not, there are several reputable skydive locations in Florida that offer everything from "first jumps" to skydiving instruction and organized fun jumps for experienced skydivers.
- Jump Florida Skydiving Center - Lake Wales
- Skydive Air Adventures - Clewiston
- Skydive Amelia Island
- Skydive City in Zephyrhills
- Skydive Deland
- Skydive Florida Keys
- Skydive Jacksonville
- Skydive Miami
- Skydive Orlando
- Skydive Palm Beach
- Skydive Palatka
- Skydive Sebastian
- Skydive Space Center in Titusville
- Skydive Tallahassee in Quincy
- The Jumping Place in Jacksonville
Also, for those who would like to try the sensation of free-fall, but prefer to stay closer to the ground, there is an indoor skydiving experience located in Orlando. The vertical wind tunnel provides a realistic experience that is surprisingly easy to master... and safe.
