So You Wanna Skydive in Oklahoma? Hold Your Horses (Unless They're Actually Racehorses, Then Let 'Em Run!)
Ever looked out a plane window and thought, "Man, I could totally do that without the metal tube?" Well, my friend, skydiving might be your jam! But before you chuck yourself out of a perfectly good airplane (don't worry, there's a perfectly good parachute involved), there's a little hurdle to jump over (pun intended).
How Old Do You Have To Be To Skydive In Oklahoma |
The Age Game: How Old Do You Gotta Be?
Now, Oklahoma isn't one of those states that cards you at the door of the airplane (although that would be a pretty cool ID check). The key player here is the United States Parachute Association (USPA), basically the skydiving rulebook. They've done their research and figured, hey, 18 seems like a good age to start plummeting towards the earth at 120 miles per hour. So, yeah, you gotta be at least 18 years old to skydive in Oklahoma (or anywhere else following USPA guidelines, which is pretty much everywhere).
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Why 18? Don't Rain on My Parade!
Look, skydiving is a blast, but it's also serious business. There's following instructions, handling the physical demands, and keeping a cool head under pressure (even if that pressure comes from being several thousand feet up in the air). The USPA figures 18 is a good benchmark for folks to be mentally and physically ready for the experience.
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But I Wanna Skydive Now!
Hey, we hear you! Eighteen might seem like a lifetime away, but that doesn't mean you can't get your sky fix. Here are some cool alternatives:
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- Indoor Skydiving: Ever heard of a wind tunnel? It's basically a giant vertical tube of wind that lets you experience the feeling of flying without the whole airplane thing. Some places even allow flyers as young as 3!
- Live Vicariously: Watch all the awesome skydiving videos you can find online. Just try not to drool on your keyboard.
- Tandem Skydiving Birthday Present: Let's face it, an 18th birthday with a tandem skydive is way cooler than a new blender (although a post-skydive smoothie might be nice). Just sayin'.
Alright, Alright, How Do I Actually Get Started When I'm Old Enough?
Glad you asked! Here are some quick FAQs to get you prepped for your future skydiving adventure:
How to Choose a Dropzone: Do your research! Look for USPA-member dropzones with good safety records and experienced instructors.
QuickTip: Pause to connect ideas in your mind.
How to Prepare for My First Jump: The dropzone will give you a thorough briefing, but generally, comfortable clothing and a sense of adventure are key!
How to Overcome My Pre-Jump Jitters: It's normal to be nervous! Breathe, talk to your instructor, and remember, they do this all the time (and they're strapped to you, so they're not going anywhere).
How Much Does it Cost? Prices vary depending on the dropzone and the type of jump, but expect to pay a few hundred dollars for a tandem skydive.
How Do I Look Cool While Skydiving? This one's easy: smile! Nothing says "I'm a skydiving badass" like a giant grin on your face (although a superhero cape might help too).
So there you have it! The age limit, the alternatives, and a few pointers to get you ready for your own Oklahoma skydiving adventure. Just remember, jumping out of a plane is an experience you'll never forget (unless you forget to breathe, but that's a whole other story). See you in the sky!