What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas but skydiving there is one adventure you will want to share with everyone. The rush of gambling can't compare to the sheer thrill of looking out of an airplane thousands of feet above the ground and taking that leap. Las Vegas has many great places to skydive both outdoors and indoors, whether you're a first-timer or seasoned vet.
Tandem Skydiving
For any first-time skydiver or someone who is not certified, tandem skydiving is the safest option available for you. During this jump, you are connected by a harness on the front of a certified instructor, who does literally everything for you, from controlling your angle of descent to deploying the parachute and guiding you to a safe landing in the drop zone. Training usually lasts between a half hour and two hours, depending on the company, and covers the basic skills of body position on the initial leap from the airplane, the proper body arch during the free fall and, in some cases, how to steer the parachute after deployment. The most popular locations in the Las Vegas area are Vegas Extreme Skydiving, Sin City Skydiving, Las Vegas Skydiving and Las Vegas Skydiving Center. Research reviews and references before choosing a company, as safety needs to be of the utmost importance with an activity like this.
Indoor Skydiving
If you don't have a head for heights but have always wanted to know what it's like to skydive, try indoor skydiving. Vegas Indoor Skydiving has a vertical wind tunnel surrounded by padded walls and a trampoline bottom that allows for a free-fall simulation like no other. It's cheaper, safer and less time-consuming than an actual skydive, so if you're in a rush for a rush, this may be the best option.
Skydiving Certification
Getting certified as a skydiver is a great decision for anyone looking to be an instructor or to jump on their own at a greatly reduced price. Most skydive companies in Vegas offer training programs and they usually fall under two categories: Accelerated Free Fall Progression (AFP) or Tandem Progression. The AFP is seven steps and slowly allows you to jump without help, though jump masters exit the plane with you for support and provide examples of body and parachute control. The Tandem Progression is an easier introduction to skydiving alone and gives the same guidance as the start of the AFP but you will be attached to a professional. When finished with the Tandem Progression, you are eligible to enter into step four of the AFP.
Scenic Views
One of the best draws of jumping in Las Vegas is the sheer beauty of the landscape below. The ascent in the plane is the equivalent of an aerial tour and the seven- to nine-minute parachute flight is the perfect way to survey the area's unbelievable landscape. Sights that can be seen from above are the Vegas Strip, Red Rock National Park, Mt. Charleston, Hoover Dam and the Colorado River.
Skydiving Facts
Most places jump from elevations ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 feet but, at either height, your free-fall speed will reach a terminal velocity ranging from 120 to 140 mph and lasts about a minute. There is normally a weight limit of 240 pounds for a tandem skydive, though it can vary depending on your weight's proportion to your height, so call before showing up if this could be an issue.
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