Tired of the City? Jump Out of an Airplane!

Share on Facebook posted 02-21-10 by Brian Caruso

The old saying goes: Why would you want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane? Simply…because it’s the best fucking experience ever.

Just think. It is a Friday afternoon and the clock just hit 1:30pm. Lunch is over and you still have three and a half hours to wait and “work” until that final bell signals the end of the week. You’re tired, you’re eyes hurt, you’re bored. You want something different, something exciting. Something that will jumpstart your life at any moment and spring enthusiasm into your entire body. Well I think jumping out of that perfectly good airplane will fix those requests. And for most urban-dwellers, getting out of the noisy, dirty city may just be what the doctor ordered. Especially if the prescription is falling 110+mph through clouds and air strapped to a highly trained skydive instructor telling you to keep your head back and body arched.

With skydive locations popping up all over the United States, it is easier than ever to escape your 9 – 5 day job and experience some intense adrenaline. This is why 30ninjas is going to supply you with some of the best airstrips surrounding the country’s most exciting cities: New York, Washington DC, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago. If this quick read doesn’t make you want to get up and go for a nice, breezy jump, then I would seriously consider your purpose here and what your life-long goals are. But for those eager to stick their toes out of that jetting aviation vehicle, here are just a few places to consider making that leap of faith.

New York, NY

It’s no surprise that the city that never sleeps is on our list, not because it is one of the most populated cities in the country, but it is within reach of a variety of great dropzones. For starters, Skydive Long Island in Calverton, NY is just a few public transit stops away from the great city. And with a jump elevation of 13,500ft, the top panorama is a beautiful landscape of both the Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. However it is on the more expensive side, charging first time jumpers $225. Another great location in the NYC vicinity is Skydive Jersey Shore featuring a full year of jumping opportunity. Not only do they serve the jumping public with summertime fun, but they also offer winter jumpers a chance to get in on the action with prices ranging from $195 – $215.

Washington D.C.

That’s right! Now even the politicians that run this country can unwind after a long day of signing bills and arguing over same-sex marriages. The Maryland and Virginia areas surrounding our beautiful capital offer numerous dropzones for any willing soul. Some of these locations include West Point Skydiving Adventures which bring tandem jumpers up to 13,000ft and charge only $239 for a group from 1 – 5 people. If your the one to lay that kind of cash on the table, have fun jumping with the Army crew. And just 90 minutes from the District of Columbia, you will find Skydive Orange, which is the closest location to DC with a 22 jumper plane.They offer a variety of discounts for students and military personnel while charging a whopping $255 for your first tandem jump.

San Francisco, CA

Northern California is home to A LOT of airport that offer skydiving opportunities. In fact, the World’s highest elevation jump of 18,000 ft is found right in San Francisco area at Skydive Monterey Bay and Bay Area Skydiving. Bay Area Skydiving is great for first timers and offers training programs, videos/stills, and a friendly staff. They are the closest dropzone to the city. Even though the 18,000ft jump costs an outstanding $385 (includes video and stills), their regular tandem jumps are surprisingly affordable ranging from $170 – $195. Skydive Monterey Bay also features some of the same luxuries while providing a cheaper ticket of $259 for the 18,000ft jump and regular tandems ranging $159 – $199.

Los Angeles, CA

Mostly known for the A-list celebrities, hand prints, and the giant HOLLYWOOD sign, Los Angeles may be off the radar to some as a skydive destination, but others know the truth. The area is flooded with dropzones and eager jumpers to take the fall. Lasky Diving is a big name to the area located right in the heart of Los Angeles and with great deals, everyday openings, and a great staff, it is no wonder why this is a highly acclaimed spot. Drive 45 minutes West of LA and you will hit Skydive Coastal California. Tandems start at $179 and of course they offer AFF certification with jump views of the amazing Pacific coast.

Chicago, IL

You want to skydive in the Midwest? Well there’s only one place to go, Skydive Chicago. Even though this may be a Spring to Fall kind of sport in Illinois, these city-goers know how to have a good time. Their annual Summerfest is a day-long celebration of music, food, people, and of course great jumping. They offer a bunch of different discounts and are near phenomenal camping and lodging options.

I do have to add that at most of these locations there is a maximum weight limit of 225 lb. for tandem jumps. This should not stop you from experiencing the whole airstrip scene though! Make a day of it. Go to the dropzone, watch parachuters land technical tricks and see people fall out of the sky like little ants. While you’re at it, do some sprints and pushups to hopefully get below that limit and push your limits to the edge. But remember to always be safe and have fun. But mostly have fun.