CROSS SKYDIVING OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

The season for New Year’s resolutions (AKA bucket list season) is quickly approaching – woo! Is skydiving a bucket list item you have? We hope so! Going skydiving definitely needs to be included on your personal “things to do before you die” list, and we’re here to tell you exactly why. Keep reading to find out how to ensure this coming year is the year you earn a big, fat check mark on the docket for doing a bucket list skydive. 

STEP 1: WRITE IT DOWN (yes, really)

Bucket list skydiving only works if there’s a bucket list and skydiving is included on it! We live in the age of technology, so if whipping out a pen and paper intimidates you, the “notes” app on your phone will do just fine. We suggest writing down a list of activities you’d like to accomplish in the coming year. Sometimes, being able to tangibly see something can make it seem less overwhelming or unachievable. Once “Go skydiving (and love it)” is put in black and white, let’s move to the next step. 

STEP 2: FIND A PLACE

As you begin the search for the perfect place to complete your skydive, you’ll realize just how vast the skydiving community is. There are three things we suggest taking a look at before booking your tandem skydive. 

1. Are they a USPA Group Member Dropzone?
The United States Parachute Association (USPA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are the primary governing bodies of skydiving operations. If a dropzone is a member of the USPA, it means its operations follow the rules, regulations, and recommendations of the USPA. 

Skydive Orange is a proud USPA Group Member Dropzone. We strictly uphold USPA standards, from the maintenance of our gear and our Basic Safety Requirements (BSRs), to the qualifications our instructors hold and the teaching methods they instill in the next generation of skydivers. Jumping at a USPA Group Member Dropzone ensures that safety will be placed at the forefront in every aspect of your skydive. 

2. Are they nice?
Okay, okay, we know this seems like a gimme question. But really, feel out the vibes! Dropzones should be willing and able to answer any questions with validating reassurance that mitigates any apprehension you may have about taking the big leap. 

3. Are the reviews consistent?
Notice we didn’t say, “Are the reviews good?” THAT should be a given. But, are they consistently good? 

We know restaurants and dropzones are not the same thing (obviously). But, would you go to a restaurant that had reviews ranging from 5 stars to 1 star or one that had 5 stars and the occasional 4-star review? Consistency in all aspects of skydiving is KEY to providing a functional, happy, and safe operation for every person in the dropzone. 

STEP 3: BOOK IT!

List in hand, the dropzone of your wildest dreams booking page is staring you in the face, SEND IT! This is a huge threshold to cross. The majority of people will say they want to skydive but always make excuses as to why they can’t find the time – like, come on dude, the same excuse only works so many times. The monetary and emotional commitment to a specific time and date makes it REAL, and then the countdown to your skydive bucket list checkmark can begin! 

STEP 4: REMEMBER IT IN COLOR

We 100,000% recommend getting a video package for your first skydive. Ya know how you can re-try the same photo on the ground until you get the perfect picture or even wait until ~golden hour~ to get an influencer-quality photo? Skydiving is inherently more of a “live in the moment” activity and therefore gives you one shot to get the best shot. 

We’ve seen our fair share of non-video-buyers-remorse from first-time jumpers, but we’ve never seen someone regret purchasing a photo or video package. 

STEP 5: HAVE THE BEST TIME OF YOUR LIFE

Skydiving bucket list ideas include taking the leap with friends, writing something like “Hi Mom!” on your palms, or advancing in the sport as a solo skydiver after your tandem skydive. Going skydiving might be an awesome once-in-a-lifetime experience, or you may catch the skydiving bug and feel the immediate need to get back in the sky. 

And, since the holidays are just around the corner, presenting someone with the opportunity to skydive through a gift certificate will make you the ultimate gift-giver. We can’t wait to have you!