Where Should I Skydive? 5 Tips for Choosing The Best Dropzone
General
Key Takeaways
When choosing the best dropzone, prioritize USPA Group Member dropzones like Skydive Carolina, which adhere to strict safety standards. Look for dropzones with turbine aircraft for faster climbs to higher altitudes, and check for welcoming facilities and culture. Ensure the dropzone has a positive vibe that feels right for you!
How to pick where to skydive can be intimidating, which is why we’re here to help! In this article, we break down five key attributes you should consider when determining where to go skydiving for the first time, and knowing how to answer the question: Where should I skydive next? Let’s get into it!
1. First Things First – Are They A USPA Group Member?
The United States Parachute Association (USPA) is the primary governing body for skydivers and skydiving centers in the US – they make sure we stay in check. The USPA enacts rigorous safety standards that Group Member dropzones are required to follow.
If a dropzone is not a USPA Group Member, they may still adhere to the USPA-set safety standards, but they’re not required to. Think of USPA as the eyes on the sky that hold dropzones accountable.
The rules put in place by the USPA are there to ensure that safety stays at the forefront of our culture and is first in every decision we make, which is why Skydive Carolina is a proud USPA Group Member dropzone.
2. What Aircraft Do They Fly?
Any airplane that has been modified to carry skydivers can be considered a jump plane! Weird, right? There are all sorts of popular skydiving aircraft, from 4-seaters like Cessna-182’s to twin turbine aircraft, like Twin Otters.
Pros of larger aircraft. Larger aircraft get to altitude quicker and are able to carry more passengers, which means you can ride in the airplane with your friends – and support (and/or laugh at) them when they’re scared to exit! Is a 10,000 ft skydive worth it? Absolutely … but the higher the better! At Skydive Carolina, we go to 13,500 feet.
Pros of smaller aircraft. Smaller jump planes offer a more intimate experience, as they have less people and take longer to climb up to altitude, giving you more time to soak in the surroundings (and work through the pre-jump jitters).
At Skydive Carolina we proudly operate a Supervan which holds 15 jumpers and gets to exit altitude in around 12 minutes!
3. What Are The Facilities Like?
Does the dropzone offer a spectator area for your friends and family who want to show support but not jump themselves? What about food options?
Although not directly jump-related, these are important questions to consider when choosing where to skydive! Dropzones are typically further away from cities (we want optimal open spaces when flying through the sky), so getting out to grab a bite or relax elsewhere isn’t always quick and easy.
Skydive Carolina has tons of chairs and picnic tables for those waiting for their turn to jump or just coming to support. We also have vending machines, and often host a food truck on the weekends.
4. Are The Vibes Immaculate?
Your gut will tell you if the dropzone you’re considering is A-Okay – trust it! Here are a few questions to consider when determining if a dropzone may be a good fit for you:
- Do they have a comprehensive website with a physical address?
- Do they answer the phone or respond when you contact them?
- When they do answer, are they helpful and kind?
- What’s their safety record?
For many, skydiving is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and it’s important to make your jump somewhere you feel comfortable. If a skydiving center isn’t welcoming from the giddyup, it’s not the place for you!
Where is the most beautiful place to skydive? Every skydive is beautiful if you feel comfortable. Stunning views are great, of course, but the true beauty lies in your confidence in the operation and the people who bring it to life.
5. Do They Offer Next Steps?
If you decide that skydiving is the best thing you’ve ever done (not shocked!) and want to pursue learning to skydive solo, consider whether that will be possible at the dropzone you want to book with. This isn’t required, of course – many people choose to skydive for the first time at tandem-only dropzones – but it’s something to keep in mind if you see yourself continuing with the sport.
Your criteria for where to learn to skydive should follow the same criteria as choosing a tandem dropzone: USPA membership, aircraft, facilities, vibes, and also community and events. At Skydive Carolina, we offer a comprehensive AFF training program and have a robust community of experienced jumpers. We host skydiving events, like boogies and skills camps, throughout the year to encourage progression within our fun jumper community.
To Sum It Up
When should you not go skydiving? When the dropzone doesn’t hit on the points mentioned above!
Deciding where to go skydiving is a personal choice, so don’t let anyone sway you. Consider if they prioritize safety through USPA Group membership, fly aircraft that fits your first jump expectations, have accommodating facilities, great vibes, and if they offer next steps to learn to skydive solo (if that’s something you may be into).
Where is the best place to skydive? Anywhere that puts safety first and has a sound operation.
Please reach out if you have any questions about Skydive Carolina or the skydiving industry as a whole – we consider ourselves experts. Book your jump with us today! We can’t wait to skydive with you!
