So You Wanna Be a Florida Flyer, Eh? Buckle Up, But Not Literally (Yet)
Florida: home to sunshine, questionable fashion choices (fanny packs, anyone?), and apparently, the undeniable urge to fling yourself out of a perfectly good airplane. But hey, no judgement here! Sunshine State skydiving sounds thrilling, exhilarating, and maybe a little bit terrifying (in the best way possible).
But before you channel your inner squirrel and take the plunge, there's a teensy, weensy detail to consider: age. Because let's face it, nobody wants a grumpy old skydiving instructor yelling, "Act your age!" while you're plummeting towards earth at 120 miles per hour.
So, how old do you have to be to skydive in Florida?
Hold onto your pool floats, kiddos, because the minimum age is 18. No ifs, ands, or buts (unless maybe it's about your weight, but we'll get to that later). This isn't a Disney ride where your parents can sign a permission slip. You gotta be a legal adult to experience the wind whipping through your (hopefully) very excited hair.
Why the Age Limit? Don't Rain on My Sunshine (or Freefall)
Look, skydiving is no walk in the park (unless that park happens to be located at the bottom of a very tall cliff, which sounds like a terrible idea). It takes a certain level of physical fitness and mental fortitude to jump out of a plane. Plus, there's a whole lot of safety stuff involved, and let's be honest, teenagers have enough trouble following directions while crossing the street, let alone strapped to a professional skydiver.
But hey, the good news is, if you're 18 or over, you're good to go! Get ready for an unforgettable experience that will make your next trip down the grocery store aisle seem positively pedestrian.
How To Get Ready For Your Florida Skydive
Alright, so you've cleared the age hurdle. Here's a quick checklist to make sure your skydiving adventure goes off without a hitch:
- Be in decent shape: Skydiving isn't a competitive sport, but you should be able to handle some physical exertion. Think jumping out of a plane, running a bit, and landing gracefully (hopefully).
- Get a doctor's okay: This one's important. Make sure your friendly neighborhood physician gives you the green light for skydiving, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
- Book your jump: There are tons of reputable skydiving companies in Florida. Do your research, pick one with a good safety record, and get ready to experience the thrill of a lifetime!
FAQ: Frequently Asked Skydiving Questions (Florida Edition)
How to choose a skydiving company? Do your research! Look for companies with a good safety record, experienced instructors, and excellent reviews.
How to prepare for my jump? Most companies will provide detailed instructions, but generally, wear comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and be prepared for an adrenaline rush!
How much does it cost to go skydiving in Florida? Prices vary depending on the company and the type of jump, but expect to pay somewhere in the ballpark of a few hundred dollars.
How safe is skydiving? Skydiving is a very safe activity when done with a reputable company and experienced instructors. However, as with any activity, there are inherent risks involved.
How long does a skydiving jump last? The actual freefall portion of the jump typically lasts around 60 seconds, but the entire experience, from take-off to landing, can take an hour or so.
