Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Things You’ll Need:
- Airplane
- Parachute
- Training
Step1
Ensure you are medically able to skydive. Those who have heart conditions or frequent blackouts should probably consider a different form of recreation. Beyond this, you’ll be required to pass basic written, oral, and reaction-time tests before you’re allowed to jump. Remember also that there’s an age limit of 18 years, although 16-year-olds may jump with a parent’s written consent.
Step2
Determine how you will train. The simplest way to jump with minimal training is to do a tandem jump where you’re attached to an instructor that does all the work. If you want to jump on your own, you’ll have to complete either Static Line or Accelerated Free Fall training, both of which require hours of extensive preparation.
Step3
Pick a place to plunge. Now that you are medically fit and properly trained, you’ll probably want to actually do some skydiving. The place you’re looking for is called a Drop Zone or DZ for short. A list of DZs can be found on the Dropzone Database online, or you could try your local yellow pages, which typically include a listing as well. Whatever the case, make sure the drop zone is reputable and safe. If it’s not affiliated with the United States Parachute Association (USPA), pass and find another that is.
Step4
Skip that stuff and opt for an indoor skydiving stint. Inside a vertical wind tunnel, you will experience the feeling of flight with an instructor at your side. No training is required and the cost is significantly lower than that of traditional skydiving. Flips, tumbles, mid-air cartwheels, all are available for your weightless pleasure, and with absolutely no risk of landing on the interstate.
Novice 
