Are you looking to introduce dazzling gravitational acrobatics to your fitness program? Would you like to add the exhilaration of a tandem jump to your active vacation? You're in luck. Alabama's three skydiving drop zone locations can hook you up with the blue skies and air transportation you need to fulfill your craving for free fall.
Benefits
All three active drop zones in Alabama are located close to a full contingent of regional outdoor activities for the fitness-minded traveler. Emerald Coast Skydiving is near the hiking and bicycling trails, a golf course and fishing at the Gulf State Park. Skydive Alabama is right next to the camping, swimming and backpacking of William B. Bankhead National Forest. Skydive Opelika is close to the fishing and water sports opportunities offered at Martin Lake.
Features
Skydiving drop zones, or DZs, are generally populated by serious skydivers. As such, they tend to be well-equipped for the fitness traveler. New arrivals at a drop zone can expect to find a spot to set up a tent. It's not at all uncommon for the facilities to include dorm-style bunkhouses, showers, RV hookups and free Wi-Fi. Because facilities vary from DZ to DZ, be sure to check before you go.
Fitness
Each skydive may only last a few moments, but it's a serious sport that requires serious fitness. On-site gyms are rarely available, so opportunities are generally of the outdoors sort. Because the drop zones tend to be so close to Alabama's recreational areas, skydivers commonly organize impromptu group adventures. If there aren't trips in the planning process when you arrive, the DZ office will be able to point you in the direction of a great running route or bicycle path.
Events
Alabama's drop zones play host to events, nicknamed "boogies," that bring together skydivers from all over the state to celebrate the sport. Skydive Alabama's hometown boogie is in April, with additional boogies to celebrate Halloween, Memorial Day and the new year. Emerald Coast's boogie is in May. Skydive Opelika's boogie schedule is less organized, necessitating a phone call for event info.
Warning
While all three drop zones in Alabama are United States Parachute Association members, many regional DZs are not. The association's drop zones have taken a pledge: that they will follow basic safety requirements; that they will offer safe, standard first-jump training methods; and that they will use only association-rated skydiving instructors. Non-association drop zones may be just as careful as members in many cases, but their standards are not regulated.
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