Several companies across Upstate New York offer the experience of a lifetime — starting roughly at $275
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Imagine peering down at the ground far below and then stepping out of the plane at 10,000 feet, freefalling toward Earth.
What a rush!
About 500,000 Americans feel the thrill of skydiving for the first time every year, according to the United States Parachute Association.
In general, beginning skydivers typically jump tandem, harnessed to an experienced instructor. Ground instruction takes 30 to 60 minutes. You can schedule the dive sooner and it’s the least expensive option. However, you’re not as independent. The instructor is in control of the parachute you share and it’s more like you’re along for the ride. You may be allowed to open the chute when the instructor says, but that’s not required if you feel more comfortable.
Instructor-assisted deployment involves several hours of training on the ground and on about the sixth jump, you can freefall. The parachute is yours to control.
Accelerated freefall sky diving requires the most training. Instructors jump with you and hold on during freefall and you open your own chute. This is the most expensive way to go skydiving.
The following facilities offer skydiving opportunities:
■ Rochester Skydivers
Perry-Warsaw Airport, 6522 State Route 20A, Perry,
https://rochesterskydivers.com
■ Western New York Skydiving
Pine Hill Airport, 4906 Pine Hill Road, Albion
■ Skydive The Falls
Windsor Shear Airport 1698 Braley Road, Youngstown
■ Skydive CNY
Whitsford’s Airport, 3027 Ditmar Road, Weedsport
■ Skydive Seneca Lake
Ovid Airport, 2562 Parish Road, Ovid
■ Skydive the Ranch
Gardiner Airport, 55 Sand Hill Road, Gardiner
■ Skydive Saratoga
Heber Airport, 288 Brownville Road, Gansevoort
■ Just Jump Skydiving
Lt. Warren Eaton Airport, 6390 State Highway 12, Norwich
Plan for an amazing experience. Thoroughly research the guide companies you’re interested in. Talk with a few to find the one that is best for you, which may not necessarily be the least expensive. Discuss any “hidden” fees to avoid unpleasant surprises later. Most companies start at around $275 for a tandem jump. Photography and videography are extra. But some start with very low rates and charge separately for the cost of the flight. Ask about group rates if you can enlist friends to come with you.
Follow all of the rules and general advice. The instructors offer these for your safety and comfort.
When researching skydiving companies, ask about the company’s USPA rating.
The USPA is a nonprofit membership organization in the industry. Participation in the USPA is voluntary. Consumers can report problems to the USPA so that those looking for a skydiving organization can see where various companies rank. The USPA site also lists their member organizations by location and amenities. Consumers can check company rating by registering for free at www.uspa.org.