President George H.W. Bush (41st president) will soar with the U.S. Army's Golden Knights parachute team this Friday, June 12 during a tandem skydive to celebrate his 85th birthday.
This momentous occasion is sure to spark some interest in the increasingly popular sport of skydiving. Each year hundreds of thousands of Americans skydive (http://www.uspa.org/BecomeaSkydiver/tabid/54/Default.aspx); there was a total of 2.6 million skydives in 2008 (100,000 more than in 2007!).
Fortunately, everyday Americans don't need to be of the presidential persuasion to take to the skies and experience the life-affirming, life-changing thrills of skydiving. Nor do they need the Army. Skydiving is not as extreme or intimidating as it may seem. Just about anyone 18 years of age or older can make a jump after some comprehensive safety instruction.
If you're ready to join the ranks of former presidents taking the plunge, the U.S. Parachute Association (http://www.uspa.org/) (USPA) - America's skydiving authority - is here to make the first jump an awesome and unforgettable experience.
"If you've ever dreamed of skydiving, summer is the perfect time as the weather warms up and blue skies make for ideal jump days," said Ed Scott, Executive Director of USPA. "All it takes is a half hour of ground instruction to prepare for a tandem jump - the easiest and most popular way to experience skydiving for the first time." Tandem allows students to experience the thrill of freefall from 13,000 feet while securely harnessed to an experienced instructor.
Other first-jump methods, such as Accelerated Freefall (AFF), allow students to jump solo right away, experiencing the thrill of freefall with two instructors at their side -- not attached to them. AFF requires four to five hours of intense ground instruction. Just about anyone can earn a license in as few as 25 jumps. Some locations still offer the original first-jump method of static-line.
Selecting a skydiving school and drop zone is a cinch. As USPA is the nation's premier organization dedicated to the safe enjoyment of skydiving, first-time jumpers are encouraged to schedule a jump with one of 200+ USPA Group Member skydiving schools/centers located throughout the United States; conveniently located near most major cities and towns. Check out USPA's national Drop Zone Directory at
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