There are seventeen drop zones regulated by the United States Parachute Association (USPA) in California, making it some of the richest skydiving territory in the world. Whether you're looking to add some incredible freefall acrobatics to your fitness program or simply integrate an exhilarating tandem jump in an active vacation, you'll find blue skies and an airplane almost anywhere you look in the state.
Why California?
There are plenty of good reasons for California's prodigious collection of skydiving facilities, and---unsurprisingly---they match up well with the reasons a fitness-minded traveler would find one close by. Whether you're hiking Yosemite, surfing in Monterey Bay, bicycling the wine country or rock climbing around San Diego, there's a golden skydiving opportunity less than an hour away.
Finding A Safe DZ
Your search for a California drop zone should start at the DZ listing maintained by the United States Parachute Association (USPA). While seventeen drop zones in California are USPA members, some are not--and there is a difference.
USPA Group Member drop zones have taken a pledge to follow USPA's Basic Safety Requirements, to offer safe, standard first-jump training methods, to use only current USPA-rated skydiving instructors and to provide USPA-required safety equipment.
What To Expect
Skydiving drop zones are generally well-equipped for the fitness traveler, and those in California are no exception. A drop zone drop-in can almost always expect a nice spot to set up a tent, and it's not at all uncommon for drop zones to be equipped with dorm-style bunkhouses, shower facilities, RV hookups and wireless internet. Facilities and amenities vary widely from drop zone to drop zone, so check before you go.
Drop Zone Fitness
The sport of skydiving involves more than steely nerves--it also requires a high level of body awareness, flexibility, dexterity and muscular strength. While on-site gyms are rarely available, fitness is very much a part of the lifestyle.
Fitness opportunities at the drop zone are generally of the outdoors sort, so you'll have ample opportunity to enjoy the balmy California sun. The DZ office can point you in the direction of a great running route or bicycle path and, if you're lucky, you'll find an impromptu yoga class setting up on the packing mats.
Preparing For Your Jump
If you're planning your first skydive, you'll get much more out of it if you start to prepare before you hop on a California-bound plane. As soon as you make the decision to jump, start to integrate breath work into your fitness program. The ability to focus on the breath, stay calm and keep blood oxygen levels high can make a world of difference in your experience of the jump.
It's important to remember that breath work is key, whether this is your first or your thousandth jump. Many seasoned skydivers, such as skydiving expert Brian Germain, recommend a daily practice of yoga breathwork ("Pranayama") to support clearheaded, joyful skydiving.
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