Texas is a skydiver's kind of state. Jam-packed with vibrant, extraordinary drop zone ("DZ") facilities, the state accommodates thrill-seeking tandem passengers and dyed-in-the-wool sport skydivers alike. Wherever your vacation takes you in the Lone Star State, you'll be able to add some dazzling freefalls to the mix.
Why Texas?
Texas is an outdoorsy adventurer's playground, scattered liberally with state and national parks, lakes and backcountry terrain. The state's drop zones are all within a short drive of plethora pursuits for the fitness-minded traveler. A jumper can hop on a morning load, then venture off to go horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, rock climbing--even jetskiing or ocean kayaking--if your DZ is one of the many near the coastline.
Finding A Safe DZ
While several of the DZs in Texas are members of the United States Parachute Association (USPA), almost as many are not. Because there is a difference in attitude toward safety practices, it's important to know whether the DZ you plan to visit is a member. USPA member DZs are required to follow the USPA's basic safety requirements. They have pledged to use USPA-required safety equipment, ensure they use USPA-rated skydiving instructors and offer standardized first-jump training methods. DZs without USPA membership may certainly hold safety standards that compare evenly to the USPA's, but they have opted out of mandatory regulation of those standards.
Texas Drop Zones
There are nine USPA-member drop zones in Texas: Ground Rush Skydiving Club (15 miles north of Beaumont), Mustang Island Skydiving (20 miles east of Corpus Christi), Skydive 35 (45 miles south of Dallas/Ft. Worth), Skydive Aggieland Inc. (70 miles northwest of Houston), Skydive Dallas (50 miles northeast of the city), Skydive Houston (25 miles northwest of the city), Skydive San Marcos (25 miles south of Austin), Skydive Spaceland (25 miles south of Houston) and Skydive Temple (35 miles north of Austin).
What To Expect
Adventurous travelers will be pleased to discover they'll always be able to set up a tent at a drop zone. Many of the bigger Texas DZs go far beyond the obligatory patch of grass, boasting dorm-style bunkhouses, laundry facilities, canteens, bonfire pits, swimming pools, showers, RV hookups and free wireless Internet. Amenities vary widely by location, so be sure what's available before deciding to visit.
Fitness Opportunities
It's generally easy to find workout opportunities on site--especially in an outdoors-oriented state such as Texas. After all, skydiving is a serious sport that requires a fit, flexible body and a calm, sound mind. Because on-site gym facilities are rarely available, fitness opportunities are generally of the outdoors variety.
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