How to Choose a Extreme Skysurfing Location

Now that you're ready to do some skysurfing, get busy and find somewhere to do it. It's easy because most regular parachuting operations are conducted in the same places, by the same folks. Such locations, or "drop zones," can be found across the United States and in numerous other countries. Here are some suggestions for finding the location that suits you.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a reputable drop zone. A drop zone is any designated landing area used by people who jump out of planes for fun. The USPA says whether a drop zone has received its seal of approval. That's important to know when choosing between sites. To get USPA approval, a DZ must comply with the organization's safety requirements, as verified by an organization official.

2. Use the USPA. The U.S. Parachute Association keeps a drop zone database online that is composed of its member skydiving enterprises in America and 22 other countries. These businesses have agreed to abide by the USPA's Basic Safety Requirements. Search the database by clicking a map or selecting from a menu of states and countries. USPA also gives details about its member DZs, such as whether they provide instructors on site.

3. See drop zones listed by the International Federation of Air Sports (FAI). The website of this venerable world air sports group, provides links to drop zones in the U.S., France and 10 other countries. FAI is the governing body for internationally recognized air sports, which include skysurfing.

4. Search Drop Zone online. This air sports enthusiast website maintains a large database of more than 700 drop zones around the world. It has a "drop zone locator" that lets you put in specific locations down to the zip code in order the find the absolute closest DZ (drop zone) to you. Or, search for a DZ by region, state or country. Drop Zone provides links to the DZ websites so you can get further information right away. Drop Zone also posts DZ reviews submitted by its members.

5. Check out the chat. Forums, chat rooms and bulletin boards for skysurfers are also good places to get information about the best--and worst--drop zones and training locations. Post the question and you'll get more replies than you can read in a month.

6. Ask around at skydiving clubs and organizations for information about air sports locations they recommend. All skydivers have experience with some drop zone somewhere. You can get first-hand reports about the safety and services provided. Word of mouth among skydivers means a lot, especially since they've lived to tell! Find clubs and organizations by searching online or looking through the phone book. Local libraries and sports outfitters may have connections, too.

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