Last Updated on January 31, 2024

First published in June 2012. Updated and republished after my latest skydive in January 2024.

The Thrill Of Skydiving

Have you ever dreamt about flying? About soaring through the clouds with nothing but the sky above and the ground below? Well, that’s exactly what skydiving is all about – an exhilarating free fall experience that will leave you breathless and wanting more.

Skydiving is a popular adventure sport that involves jumping out of a plane or helicopter at high altitudes and free falling through the air before deploying a parachute to safely land on the ground. It takes courage, determination and a sense of adventure to try out this extreme sport, but trust me, the feeling you get from skydiving is truly indescribable.

Why Skydive In Las Vegas?

Skydiving in Las Vegas offers a unique perspective of the city unlike any other. As you freefall from the plane, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the iconic Strip and surrounding desert landscape. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, Las Vegas boasts ideal weather conditions for skydiving. This means more opportunities to jump and enjoy clear views without worrying about weather disruptions. Plus, the mild desert climate makes for a comfortable experience, even in the summer months.

The Sense Of Achievement

Skydiving is not just about the thrill and the view, it’s also about challenging yourself and pushing your limits. It takes a lot of courage to jump out of a perfectly functioning aircraft, and overcoming that fear brings an immense sense of achievement. It’s a reminder that you are capable of doing anything you set your mind to.

Skydiving is an experience that you will never forget. The rush of emotions, the breathtaking scenery, and the sense of achievement all contribute to making it a truly unforgettable moment. It’s something that you can look back on for years to come and relive those moments in your mind.

Pushing Physical Limits

Skydiving is not just mentally challenging, it also requires physical strength and agility. The act of free falling through the air at high speeds requires your body to function in ways it may not be used to. This can improve your overall physical fitness and also give you a sense of accomplishment for pushing your body to its limits.

The Adrenaline Rush

The first few seconds after jumping out of a plane is an experience like no other. The rush of adrenaline coursing through your body as you plummet towards the earth at speeds up to 120 mph is both terrifying and exhilarating. It’s a feeling that can’t be replicated in any other activity and one that keeps skydivers coming back for more.

The Joy Of Flight

Skydiving is the closest thing to flying that humans can experience. As you soar through the air with nothing but the wind beneath you, it’s a feeling of pure joy and freedom. It’s an experience like no other, and one that will stay with you long after you’ve landed.

Overcoming Fear

For some people, the thought of skydiving is terrifying. But facing that fear and conquering it can be a life-changing experience. It teaches you to let go of your fears and embrace new challenges, which can translate into other areas of your life as well. Skydiving can give you a newfound confidence and courage that you never knew you had.

Appreciating The Beauty Of Nature

When you’re skydiving, you get a unique perspective on the world. You can see everything from a whole new angle and appreciate the beauty of our planet in a way that is not possible from the ground. The stunning views of landscapes, cities, and bodies of water can be awe-inspiring and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the world around us.

What To Know Before You Go Skydiving

Signing Waivers

I must confess, there’s a tug at my heartstrings every time I sign those waivers, knowing that I’m entrusting my life to chance.

Yet, if I didn’t have faith that things would turn out fine 99% of the time, I’d be rooted to the ground, missing out on countless experiences.

Safety Lesson

After a concise lesson on body positioning during the descent, you’ll find yourself aboard the perfectly functioning aircraft from which you’ll soon take a tandem leap. Safety is paramount and you’ll be reassured by the smoothness of each step towards your jump.

Always Look Back!

Just before my first tandem jump, my instructor reminded me that the first thing I would want to do after getting into position would be to look back at the plane flying away as I was falling from the sky. He was right; that is a phenomenal feeling. It isn’t a guarantee, as it depends how you fall out of the plane. I didn’t see this view on my second tandem jump.

Intense Wind

The wind was incredibly strong, making it difficult to catch your breath at times. However, that sensation quickly turned into exhilaration as we free fell through the air. If you feel like you cannot breathe during the initial few seconds of the fall, cheer and scream and you’ll immediately get relief.

Surprisingly, despite the intensity of the wind, it didn’t feel like we were descending as rapidly as we actually were (120 – 140 mph). Suddenly, with a gentle tug, the parachute was deployed, and it gracefully opened, filling with air.

I was taught how to maneuver the parachute and had the opportunity to spin in circles as we descended towards the ground. It was a smooth descent, offering a breathtaking view of the horizon and the stunning landscape of the Vegas area.

There’s Always A Second Parachute

I went skydiving with an old friend during my first jump and her experience was a little scarier; her first parachute did not want to open. According to her instructor: “Don’t worry, the second one always works.” And, it did.

I can’t even begin to imagine what was going through her mind between the time the instructor tried to open the first shoot and found success with the second.

Skydivers, including tandems, use two parachutes when they jump: a main parachute and a backup parachute, which is commonly referred to as a reserve parachute in the industry.

How Safe Is Skydiving?

According to the National Safety Council, a person is much more likely to be killed getting struck by lightning or stung by a bee. Statistically, skydiving much safer than activities like scuba diving and skiing.

However, it’s important to note that safety depends on following proper procedures and protocols, as well as being aware of risks and making informed decisions. Skydiving is an extreme sport and should be taken seriously, but with the right precautions, it can be a thrilling and safe experience.

How Longs Does A 15,000 Feet Skydive Take?

The parachute is activated at an altitude of 5,000 ft. During the thrilling freefall phase, you’ll cover a distance of 10,000 ft, typically lasting around 60 seconds. While in this exhilarating descent, you’ll experience a speed of approximately 120 mph.

Once the parachute is deployed, you’ll spend around 5-7 minutes under canopy, where you can take in the beautiful scenery and glide safely to the ground.

Does Skydiving Change Your Life?

Indeed, it does! Once the adrenaline rush subsides, it truly enhances the joy and appreciation we hold for life. It may sound cliché, but a skydiving adventure provides the motivation to embrace a life filled with thrilling experiences.

Following a skydive, you’ll possess the added confidence that you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to. You’ll also gain a newfound appreciation for the beauty of our planet and how small we truly are in this vast universe.

Choosing The Right Drop Zone

When it comes to choosing the right drop zone for your skydiving adventure in Las Vegas, there are several factors to consider. Safety should always be a top priority, so ensure that the drop zone has qualified instructors and follows all necessary safety protocols.

Additionally, look for a drop zone with breathtaking scenery to enhance your experience and make it even more memorable.

Lastly, research reviews and recommendations from previous jumpers to get an idea of their overall satisfaction and experience at the drop zone. This will help you make an informed decision and choose the right drop zone for your skydiving adventure.

Is There A Weight Limit To Skydive?

Skydiving is accessible to most active individuals, but there is generally a weight limit of 250 pounds. Additionally, for a tandem skydive, the student should have proportional height and weight. It is important to confirm these requirements with your chosen provider before booking your skydive adventure. Some providers may have different weight limits depending on the training their instructors have, so it’s essential to do your research beforehand.

Is Skydiving Scarier Than Roller Coasters?

I personally don’t think so. The moments leading up to jumping out of the plane might cause panic in some people, but when you’re actually free-falling, all I felt was pure excitement and joy. It’s almost like you completely forget how high up in the sky you are, and every single second feels absolutely magical.

What Is Scarier: Skydiving Or Bungee Jumping?

While I found skydiving more of a thrill, the scarier moments of bungee jumping are that your surroundings are much closer and you have a good idea of how fast you are falling. During skydiving, I felt the fall seemed slower without the points of reference. Also, in a tandem skydive, you’re with a professional instructor that gives you an extra sense of security. When you bungee jump, you are on your own.

Will Skydiving Make Me Puke?

While it is uncommon for most individuals to experience nausea, there are some helpful tips to prevent any unpleasant incidents during a jump. In case you find yourself prone to motion sickness, taking motion sickness tablets can alleviate discomfort. It is advisable to eat light and stay hydrated before skydiving, as nervousness may decrease appetite, but it is important to avoid feeling nauseous during the jump. Additionally, if you plan to jump in a place like Las Vegas, it is prudent not to arrive hungover, as it would increase the chances of an unpleasant experience. It is also mandatory that you have not consumed alcohol within several hours of your jump.

Do you have the guts to jump out of a perfectly good airplane? I recommend you try Nevada’s highest skydive, Skydive Las Vegas, as I did.

Indoor Skydiving

If you’re not quite ready to fall from the sky, you can also give indoor skydiving in Vegas a try.

Indoor skydiving provides a similar experience to traditional skydiving, but in a controlled environment. This is perfect for individuals who may have a fear of heights or are not physically able to participate in tandem skydiving. It also allows you to get a taste of the adrenaline rush without jumping out of an airplane. Additionally, indoor skydiving is a great option for those who want to experience skydiving in Las Vegas, but may not have the time or budget for a traditional jump.

What Should You Wear Skydiving?

When it comes to traditional skydiving, it is important to dress appropriately for the altitude and weather conditions. This typically includes comfortable clothes that you can move freely in, such as athletic wear or jumpsuits provided by the skydiving company. Closed-toe shoes are also a must to protect your feet during landing.

 

Have you ever been skydiving? Would you dare try skydiving in Vegas?

 

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