Your Questions Answered

Interested in learning more about the sport of skydiving? Want to now what it’s like to freefall at 120mph? Can’t decide whether you should take the leap or not?

We’ve got you covered! Check out our collection of skydiving articles written just for you! Let our experienced skydiving staff answer some of your burning questions, ease your mind, and help you make informed decisions about planning your upcoming skydive.

Have a topic or question you’d like us to address? Contact us with your idea, we’d love to help!

all | General

  • Oct 26

    How And When Did Skydiving Start

    For wingless creatures, we humans sure are fascinated with the idea of flight. And we're also quite preoccupied with pushing the limits and enjoying ourselves while doing it! Enter skydiving - a no-experience necessary, super-awesome-epic way to fly through the skies! Bonus: it's crazy fun and we can do it over and over again if we so choose! While skydiving...

  • Sep 25

    How Fast Do You Fall When Skydiving Tandem?

    Everyone knows that when you skydive, you are jumping out of a plane and falling through the sky toward the ground. But exactly how fast do you fall when skydiving? When you make a tandem skydive, you fall at about 120 mph on average, but the skydiving speed depends on a few things. Check it - Terminal Velocity Since you...

  • Sep 25

    Does Skydiving Feel Like Falling?

    We get asked a lot, "what does skydiving feel like?" When people imagine going skydiving, they are often picturing themselves falling through the sky with that roller-coaster feeling in their belly. Despite literally plummeting through the sky toward Earth, there is none of that sensation you would expect. Why is that, and what does skydiving actually feel like? Does Skydiving...

  • Aug 19

    Can You Go Skydiving and Scuba on the Same Day?

    If you're trying to have the most adventurous 24 hours ever, you might be interested in scuba diving and flying (and jumping out of that perfectly good plane!) all in the same day. It's a cool idea - and also a potentially very dangerous one. There are lots of skydiving rules and recommendations that cover a multitude of topics you...

  • Jul 31

    Can Skydiving Be Therapeutic?

    Have you been feeling a bit tense lately, and want to do something mega to take the edge off of those everyday stressors? Or maybe you've been feeling kind of low and need a boost of empowerment? We suggest giving skydiving therapy a shot. Skydiving therapy? Yup, that's right! It might sound crazy to skydive for mental health, but jumping...

  • Jun 29

    How old do you have to be to skydive in New York?

    No matter where you skydive, there is a skydiving age limit ... and, for the most part, in the US you'll find that the skydiving age is the same across the board. Here in New York at Skydive Long Island, we have the same legal age to skydive as most dropzones around the country: 18 years old. We know that...

  • Apr 21

    What Are The Skydiving Requirements & Rules?

    Though it might appear like skydivers are a bunch of adrenaline-seekers looking for a thrill, there are strict skydiving rules and regulations that we are required to follow. Skydiving requirements range from weather regulations to age and weight requirements. Adhering to rules like these helps us all to stay safe, which makes doing what we love so much more enjoyable...

  • Apr 06

    2022 CORONAVIRUS UPDATE, PRECAUTIONS & PROTOCOL

    Like many businesses, Skydive Long Island has strategies and procedures in place to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus. Skydive Long Island will strive to follow federal, state, and local guidance on how to conduct our business with respect to limiting the spread of Covid-19. We value the health and safety of every student and team member. Skydive Long Island is...

  • Mar 21

    Benefits of Adrenaline from Skydiving

    The human body is nothing short of amazing. When called upon, our bodies are capable of operating at a much higher level than when we are at rest. This is called our fight or flight response - a reactive state that we developed over time to preserve our safety and to ensure our success. Although we no longer need to...

  • Feb 28

    Skydiving Weddings & Proposals: What You Need To Know

    Asking someone to spend the rest of their life with you is a big deal. Setting the stage for a meaningful and memorable proposal is key, and creating an event that is spectacular and original that will make for a great story for years to come will score big-time brownie points. Nothing checks all the boxes like a skydiving engagement!...

  • Jan 31

    Skydiving: What You Don’t Know

    How much do you really know about skydiving? If you've never done it before, chances are you're coming up short on your skydiving facts. You probably think it's cool, and you're definitely right about that. You might think jumping out of a plane is something everybody should do at least once, and we certainly agree with you there. What else...

  • Dec 13

    Skydiving vs. Indoor Skydiving in New York

    We'd better start with an admission: The "vs." up there isn't a thing we really feel. In fact, all of us at Skydive Long Island would very happily replace it with an all-caps AND. Skydiving and indoor skydiving are close cousins, sure, but they are very different experiences. While human flight is a cornerstone of both skydiving from a plane...

  • Aug 23

    Can You Skydive Through Clouds?

    Of those that peer upwards with eyes trained to the sky, most have contemplated just what those big fluffy clouds would feel like. Pillowy soft? Thick and spongy? Or just a puff of gentle cool mist? The debate is still open. But, now that a skydive is on the books, you think it could be the perfect time to find...

  • Jul 21

    Skydiving Facts That May Surprise You

    People's general perception of what skydiving involves is quite dramatic. Skydiving is an intense, thrilling experience that can very much change your life for the better. It is also an exciting way to tell stories, and as such is often used in the media we consume in overblown and often completely fictional ways. That's not to say that it isn't...

  • Feb 25

    The Perfect Skydiving Road Trip From New Jersey

    Are you looking for the perfect day trip from New Jersey that will quite literally change your point of view? What could be better than traveling a few hours for the adventure of a lifetime? Skydive Long Island is about three hours from New Jersey and worth a day trip for the scenery and unique experience of tandem skydiving from...

  • Feb 19

    Why Do People Skydive

    The aspiration to capitalize on the life we've got-to take moments great and small and imbue them with meaning-resonates generationally. This pressing purpose is why you're just as likely to see a fresh-faced 18 year old outfitted in the heavy-duty hardware of a skydiving harness as you are to see the visage of a venerable elder peeking behind the clear-plastic...

  • Nov 16

    Why Skydivers Love Skydiving at Night

    The wonders of skydiving are never ending. Perhaps that's why the sport attracts so many different people who create and enjoy such unique experiences such as skydiving at night. There are many things skydivers love about this sport, so let's explore why skydivers love skydiving at night! What Is Night Skydiving Night skydiving is just that - skydiving at night....

  • Jun 15

    SKYDIVE LONG ISLAND SUPPORTS GAY RIGHTS AND THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY

    Long Island, NY - Today (June 15th, 2020), is a historic day for members of the LGBTQ community! The Supreme Court has ruled federal job protections to gay, lesbian, and transgender workers. We fully support this ruling. We fully support this ruling. This ruling stems from the 2010 dismissal of Donald Zarda from Altitude Express dba Skydive Long Island. The...

  • Jun 12

    COVID-19 Update

    Reopening June 24th, 2020 In accordance with Governor Cuomo's executive order, Skydive Long Island is currently closed for operations. We are currently taking tandem skydiving reservations online for the summer. It is our sincere hope that we will be able to open for operations soon; however, we will continue to abide by any government mandated orders regarding our business operations....

  • May 27

    When Does Skydiving Season Open?

    If you've been cooped up indoors during the coronavirus quarantine, it's likely you've been daydreaming about all the things you'd like to do once the quarantine is over - we're no different! We've built our lives around skydiving and this has been a challenging period for us all. We're ready to get back in the sky! So, what have we...

  • Mar 11

    The Experience of a Lifetime

    Perhaps, on this day, it happens as sunlight peeks through the blinds of your bedroom window or the tone of your alarm nudges you awake. Either way, as your eyelids open, though still a little groggy and heavy with sleep, the realization is almost instantaneous-today is the day. The reservation was made well in advance, but until now, it almost...

  • Feb 10

    The Difference Between Paragliding and Skydiving

    Dangling underneath some carefully sewn together fabric and flying about in the sky is an amazing thing that we get to do. In a relatively short span of years human beings have gone from staring up at birds and wondering by what magic they can do that, to deciphering the science of flight to the point we have portable magical...

  • Jan 27

    Skydiving and BASE Jumping – What’s the Difference?

    Without having already learned the differences, it is easy to forgive someone for thinking that jumping out of an aircraft or off the top of a big cliff or tall building is the same thing. It looks the same, right? Put on a backpack containing a parachute, jump, open parachute and then land. While BASE jumping and skydiving are indeed...

  • Nov 24

    New Tech Leads to a Better Skydiving Experience

    At the end of 2018, the Long Island Skydiving management team got together to review the year with one thought in mind: How do we get better? While 2018 was successful, it wasn't as smooth as we had hoped. There were friction points within the customer experience that was making the operation less efficient and as a result, was making...

  • Nov 08

    Winter Skydiving: Here’s What To Wear

    Cold outside? Yeah, we know. If that leads you to the question of whether or not you can you go skydiving in winter, you're definitely one of us! The answer is yes, you can -- you just have to be a little more prepared than you would if you were jumping in the sultry summertime. If you know what to...

  • Oct 06

    Skydiving vs. Indoor Skydiving in New York

    We'd better start with an admission: The "vs." up there isn't a thing we really feel. In fact, all of us at Skydive Long Island would very happily replace it with an all-caps AND. Skydiving and indoor skydiving are close cousins, sure, but they are very different experiences. While human flight is a cornerstone of both skydiving from a plane...

  • Sep 19

    Skydiving: Best Gift Idea for Thrill Seekers

    We're about to blow your flippin' mind. Ready? Here goes: Tandem skydiving isn't just the most inspiring adventure you can have. It's also the most inspiring gift you can give! A tandem skydiving gift certificate is one of the best of all the gift ideas for thrill seekers (and beyond!). Not only is it one of the ultimate among adrenaline...

  • Sep 12

    Can You Wear Glasses or Contacts Skydiving? (And Other Important Skydiving Information)

    You're going skydiving for the first time! You have questions! Honestly, if you didn't have any skydiving-related questions on the way to stepping into a plane for the first time, we'd be pretty worried about you. After all, a skydiving aircraft isn't something you should walk into (or out of) with your intellectual eyes closed. Right? Great! Let's set 'em...

  • Aug 29

    Why Skydiving near New York is So Amazing!

    When visiting New York City (especially for the first time), there's no shortage of things to do between visiting Central Park, going to Times Square, Broadway and anything and everything you could possibly desire. But what if we told you there's something else to consider... SKYDIVING! That's right, there's skydiving near NYC. And it's completely worth your time, because the...

  • Aug 06

    Top 10 Adventures in Long Island NY

    The Long Island Rail Road which began services in the early 1800's began to reshape New York's landscape making island commutes accessible. Thus, cities began to multiply and Long Island became a summer refuge, bringing a host of many people and attractions. Today, there are an incredible amount of attractions. However, here we explore the top 10 Adventures in Long...

  • Aug 06

    5 Things You Thought You Knew About Skydiving, But Are Wrong

    Hollywood is certainly to blame for lots of the myths about skydiving that still make the rounds. (The round parachutes, that is! Ha! Get it? Get it?! Not funny? Okay.) After all, movies still haven't figured out how long freefall takes -- and they get the lingo all wrong (example: we never, ever, ever refer to our "chute") -- and,...

  • Aug 05

    Closest Skydiving to NYC

    People on the fence about skydiving have a million excuses - it's too far, too expensive, too dangerous. At Skydive Long Island we've heard them all and frequently address several, but today's lesson is that we aren't far at all. If you thought that skydiving in New Jersey was your most convenient bet, we have some news: it ain't. In...

  • Apr 19

    What is a Halo Jump?

    So - what is a HALO jump? In short, it is a high altitude skydiving jump - and as such, it is special! This type of jump is typically used by the military to deliver people and equipment into hard-to-reach corners of a combat zone, unsuited to regular aircraft landings. The parachutes used are considerably more flexible, so jumpers insert...

  • Apr 09

    Skydiving Does Not Discriminate

    Looking for a crowd that doesn't discriminate and revels in an atmosphere of pure acceptance? Consider your local dropzone. Skydivers are one big happy family. Nothing matters but getting into the sky and letting the cares of the world drop away. Skydiving has a definite vibe - and that vibe is all about welcome and inclusiveness. 1. Skydiving Does Not...

  • Mar 18

    Skydiving vs Bungee Jumping

    Skydiving vs bungee jumping - which is better? We know your fourth-grade teacher talked a lot about how there are no dumb questions. But ya know what? It's a dumb question. Skydiving and bungee jumping are both awesome sports in their own right, and totally, completely, entirely, 100%, unmistakably different. If you're an adventurous soul, you owe it to yourself...

  • Nov 23

    Skydiving Dogs

    What's even cooler than an amazing dog? An amazing skydiving dog! We've been thinking about skydiving dogs lately, inspired by a few fun videos we've run across, and wanted to pontificate a bit on four-legged flying. There might be a few facts in here that are new to you, so "puppare" for a giggle or two! Skydiving Dogs on the...

  • Jul 18

    The Physics of Skydiving

    If you took the class, you probably have some pretty dull memories of learning physics in school. For most students, physics could easily take the title for Biggest Snoozefest of My High School Career. That's a damn shame, honestly, because it could easily qualify as The Most Interesting Subject To Try To Wrap Your Head Around, Evarrrr. In what we...

  • Jun 18

    Burning Man Skydive

    So maybe you've done your first tandem jump with Skydive Long Island, and you want MORE. You've also incidentially scored a golden ticket to the Burning Man event in Nevada, and now you're asking yourself: Can I do a Burning Man skydive? Well, if you've done your homework and know anything about the event at all, you know that anything...

  • May 30

    Is Skydiving a Sport?

    Is skydiving a sport? Oh very much so yes. There's no bones to make about it: Skydiving is popular. Tens of thousands of curious first-timers make their first skydive every year, and a growing number of those land from that first jump adamant to make their second as soon as possible. Hundreds go on to successfully earn their solo skydiving...

  • Apr 06

    What Is Skydiving?

    So - what is skydiving? If you don't know what you're looking at, it's easy to shout the wrong thing ("Look! It's a skydiver!") whenever you see a human form toodling around in the sky under a fabric apparatus. If you want to vault over into the ranks of the savvy though, read on and we'll give you insight into...

  • Apr 02

    Skydiving Birthdays – and Other Events to Celebrate with a Skydive

    Some people throw parties. Others kick it up a notch and go the extra mile to mark the special occasion by making it truly memorable - like with a skydiving birthday party. Because nothing clocks in on the "memorable" scale quite like commemorating with a skydive! Here are the top five party times that lend themselves to jumping out of...

  • Mar 29

    Why Do Skydivers Wear Helmets?

    Check out any photo of skydivers and it's likely you'll see guys and girls with multi-coloured jumpsuits, big smiles on their faces and, more often than not, a skydiving helmet. But why is it that, when they could be feeling the wind in their hair, many skydivers opt instead to cover their noggin with a big old helmet? Allow us...

  • Feb 15

    Skydiving for Kids

    Maybe skydiving was your first love. Or perhaps you discovered the sport after your kids were born. Either way - as they grow older, start to walk and talk and jump off things, you are quietly asking yourself: is skydiving for kids? Can I involve them, take them to the dropzone and share my passion with them? And if yes...

  • Jan 29

    Skydiving Exits: Backflips and so much more

    This is it. You're doing it. Nothing can stop you now. You're going SKYDIVING. And there's only one thing you want to know: Can I do any fun skydiving exits out of the plane? Maybe a backflip or a spin out the door? After all, you're already making that leap (pun totally intended), so you want to jam pack every...

  • Dec 27

    Why Skydiving Is Not a Crazy Thing To Do

    "Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because...

  • Dec 07

    Best experience gifts for couples

    One of our favorite things to celebrate at Skydive Long Island is love. We've watched innumerable proposals here at our beautiful little dropzone--and we watch plenty of couples celebrate honeymoons, anniversaries and...well...Thursdays here with us. That's no surprise, as the experience of skydiving artfully summarizes the most wonderful things about being in a relationship: making a leap of faith and...

  • Nov 27

    Skydiving Facts That May Surprise You

    We love a good surprise. Don't you? If you're just as fond of a toe-curling "aha" moment, we have just the stuff you'll love: fun skydiving facts that will dazzle your friends at dinner parties. Without further ado, let's (sky) dive right in! Surprise #1: A skydive and a water dive have a lot in common. If you've ever gone...

  • Nov 11

    Why Can’t I Jump My GoPro?

    You and your GoPro are the very best of friends. You have an undying partnership that revolves around announcing your heroic exploits to the world at large--after all, if there's no video, it didn't happen. It's stuck to the side of your motorcycle while you careen around the canyons. It's on your dashboard for every road trip. It sits at...

  • Oct 19

    Five Questions Every First Time Jumper Should Be Asking

    If you're thinking about skydiving for the first time, we'll bet there are a lot of thoughts going through your head! What will it feel like? How long will it last? Is it addictive? Your first jump is so exciting. From the run up to the jump itself right through the whole experience and even as you look back on...

  • Oct 10

    Do People Pass Out, Pee Their Pants, Scream or Puke Skydiving?

    Maybe you frame the risks of skydiving a little differently than the average bear. When most people are chewing their fingernails at the thought of physical injury (or worse), maybe you've checked out the safety statistics on skydiving and you're way more worried about--well--some other stuff you've heard about. Maybe you don't even bat an eye at the thought of...

  • Sep 13

    Tandem Skydiving: How to Mentally & Physically Prepare for Your First Jump

    If you're the straight-A-student type, you never walk into a new situation without feeling prepared. We understand! There's no doubt about it: Tandem skydiving is better when you approach it with a sense of personal readiness. Here's a hot tip for your cheat sheet, too: When you understand that a tandem skydive is an opportunity to put your best foot...

  • Sep 01

    The 3 Phases of Skydiving: Freefall, Parachute Opening & Landing

    Skydiving isn't just about falling out of planes. It's an adventure. When you sign up to jump with us at Skydive Long Island, you'll be taken for quite a ride. Every skydive has three distinct phases: freefall, parachute opening and landing. Each stage will be unique, ranging from the adrenaline-pumping freefall to the peaceful canopy ride. Some people tend to...

  • Aug 14

    5 Reasons Why You Should Jump Out of Perfectly Good Airplanes

    If we had a nickel for every time someone asked, "why would you jump from a perfectly good airplane," we'd own at least 50 Gatsby-sized mansions on Long Island. This is one of those jokes that skydiving critics have used so often that it has become a cultural norm to think the act of skydiving is an act of absurdity....

  • Aug 07

    Parachuting vs. Skydiving: What’s the Difference?

    Parachuting? Skydiving? They're nearly interchangeable terms. After all, the sport's major organization in America is called the "United States Parachute Association," not the "United States Skydiving Association." (Their one-liner mission statement: "The United States Parachute Association [USPA] is a voluntary non-profit membership organization of individuals who enjoy and support the sport of skydiving." As flippity-floppity as the two terms may...

  • Jul 25

    Understanding the Skydive Refund Policy

    We understand that you may have a last-minute change of plans and need to reschedule. If this happens, we'll do our best to accommodate you. We highly recommend that you make reservations ahead of time. It ensures that we'll be able to get you on a load that day, which is especially critical on busy weekend as we're often booked...

  • Jul 20

    Couples Skydiving: Gifts, Proposals & Weddings

    We know you're curious: Do couples skydive together? We're here to tell you heck yes! We think that shared sky is the glue that binds the strongest relationships on the planet, and we couldn't be more delighted by the time we spend in the sky with our loved ones. Today, we're going to celebrate love and freefall by answering your...

  • Jun 22

    What’s the Skydiving Age Limit

    Across the world there are a variety of age restrictions for skydiving, but for Skydive Long Island and the rest of the U.S., the minimum age to skydive is 18. But what if you're a bit older -- is there a maximum age limit? Nope! You can skydive with us as long as you're in good health. In fact, some...

  • Jun 04

    Skydiving Goggles: What You Should Know

    Skydiving goggles aren't given a lot of thought, but they are a super important part of your skydiving kit. They keep your eyes protected as you fall through the air and make it possible for you to take in the amazing views all around! Here's everything you need to know about your skydiving goggles: Why do we wear skydiving goggles?...

  • May 30

    Why Skydiving is Addicting

    Skydiving. It's unlike anything you've experienced before. That feeling you get when you jump from the airplane, the rush of freefall, the peacefulness of the parachute ride... it can be totally addictive! As you prepare for your first jump, here are just a few of the reasons we're pretty sure you'll be back for more... 1. You'll be walking on...

  • May 25

    Can You Skydive Pregnant?

    Not surprisingly, when you ask your doctor if you can skydive while pregnant, they'll tell you no. Doctors, by their very nature, are conservative; therefore, it's a precious few who will recommend that their bump-sporting patients take on a high-risk sport. Mostly, this is a hedged bet: no doctor wants to deem an activity as "safe" and then wear the...

  • Apr 24

    Tandem Skydiving? What To Expect

    Tandem skydiving is a great way to experience skydiving for the first time. After a short brief, you'll be taken up by one of our highly experienced tandem skydiving instructors, who will be responsible for the operation of the equipment. This means you're able to take in the sights and sounds, without having to learn to skydive yourself. Here, we'll...

  • Apr 10

    What You Don’t Know About Your Skydiving Instructor

    When you meet your tandem skydiving instructor for the first time, they'll be a mystery to you. First off, the chances are good that you've never met a professional skydiver before. (Who does that with their lives, anyway?!) You probably have no idea what kind of education and professional training stands in the background of such an unusual career. (A...

  • Mar 28

    How to Get Over a Fear of Skydiving

    Have you ever considered skydiving but felt held back by a fear? Perhaps it's a general fear of skydiving itself. Maybe you're afraid of heights or of flying and that's what holds you back. Whatever your fear, be assured that you're not alone. Did you know that many people who skydive just once and those who skydive thousands of times...

  • Mar 21

    Skydiving: What You Don’t Expect

    Anyone who's ever thought about trying skydiving for themselves likely has some ideas of how it might feel. Perhaps you know someone else who's tried it, or you've done your research by reading blog posts like this one. Often, those ideas include a sense of what it might be like to jump from the airplane - exhilarating, loud, windy, exciting!...

  • Feb 21

    Skydiving Safety Facts | How to Stay Safe When Skydiving

    Skydiving safety has improved with advances in technology and training. In 2015, the United States Parachute Association recorded its lowest fatality rate in history at just 0.006 fatalities per 1,000 jumps. For tandem skydiving specifically, the fatality rate was 0.002 per 1,000 jumps. Skydiving injuries are more common, though still statistically very unlikely at just 0.55 injuries per 1,000 jumps....

  • Jan 27

    Bucket List Skydiving Top 5

    Every time you jump out of a plane, it's special. That's one of the reasons we love this sport, after all! Even so: there are some skydives that are dripping with super-duper-extra-awesome sauce. There are five kinds of jumps that are pretty much universally hailed as the best skydives you can do and naturally on every skydiver's bucket list. Whether...

  • Jan 16

    5 Cool Pieces of Skydiving Gear You Didn’t Know About

    Skydiving has evolved a lot over the years. Today, we have loads of cool gear which help to keep us safer and to achieve more in our jumps. Here, we look at 5 cool pieces of skydiving gear you didn't know about... 1. Skydiving altimeter The skydiving altimeter is an essential piece of kit. Worn on the hand or wrist,...

  • Dec 20

    Skydiving Deals – Why You Shouldn’t Just Book the Cheapest

    Skydiving Deals & Why You Shouldn't Just Book the Cheapest Most skydives now start the same way: with a Google search. At Skydive Long Island, many of our tandem skydiving customers find us via searches such as 'skydiving NYC or 'skydiving near me'. But once you start browsing, another search may appeal - 'skydiving best price'. This is an easy...

  • Dec 14

    The Best Experience Gifts In NYC

    Start spreading the news, dear reader: The very best experience gift you can give in the whole of NYC --indeed, the world-- isn't in the Big Apple, but over it. We're talking, of course, about a tandem skydive...which rises to dizzying heights above the rest of the gifting options in this festive season or any other occasion this fair planet...

  • Nov 28

    What Skydiving Feels Like

    Everything you think you know about what skydiving feels like is probably wrong. It's true! It might be surprising, though--since you likely feel as though you have a few experiential references to draw on. These references, however--like roller coasters, bungee jumping, and standing on the edges of high places--don't really have a lot in common with a skydive. Of course,...

  • Nov 15

    When Will a Skydive Be Canceled?

    Skydiving weather conditions can make or break your big day... In our books, there is no bigger bummer than the cancellation of a skydive when the weather conditions for skydiving aren't agreeable. Especially if you've spent a lot of time daydreaming about it; being nervous about it; imagining the pictures; researching the equipment and the dropzone...you want to just get...

  • Oct 31

    3 Reasons Skydiving Will Change Your Life

    Unless you're going full Talented Mister Ripley, there's only one way to change a life: to change its component parts. You replace one unhealthy way of being with a healthy way that fits in the same place, then repeat the process until everything is brand-new. Right? Skydiving is a great tool for a busy "lifestyle mechanic" to work through this...

  • Oct 25

    How Do Skydiving Parachutes Work?

    There's very little chance you've ever seen an image of a skydiver under more than one parachute. By that figuring, it might be easy to assume that there's only one parachute involved on a skydive. Would you be surprised to know that there are two? To non- (and new) skydivers, the use of (and differences between) the two parachutes might...

  • Sep 28

    Are Skydiving Videos Worth The Money?

    You wouldn't get married without a wedding photographer. The very idea seems absurd! To go through one of the biggest days of your life without some form of record of the day would be such a shame. The same is true for skydiving. This is one of the most exciting things you'll do in your life and believe us, you'll...

  • Sep 21

    Skydiving Near Me

    Oh, ho, ho: the ways Google can mess with you when you're picking a dropzone. Go 'head 'n' try it: Google "skydiving near me" and see what you get. Looking at some results? Cool. Now: tell me how many of those results are actual skydiving dropzones. Turns out, most of them aren't. Baffled? Not surprising. There are some tricksters out...

  • Aug 29

    Skydive South Shore Becomes Skydive Long Island

    Skydive Long Island has been the finest skydiving location for Long Island jumpers since 1986. Founded by Ray Maynard, the center was home to a fantastic community of skydivers who loved to jump and loved to welcome new jumpers too. In 2015, the owners of Skydive Long Island made the difficult decision to close down their operation. The brand of...

  • Aug 16

    Why Skydiving Is Awesome

    Skydiving is awesome because Point Break totally doesn't work as a stage play. Skydiving is awesome because jumping out of a plane is not very interesting when it's parked in the hangar. Skydiving is awesome because it's only appropriate to sing Danger Zone to yourself at top volume when you're in freefall and you're the only one who can hear...

  • Jul 15

    Why is There a Weight Limit in Tandem Skydiving?

    Weight limits in skydiving?! C'mon now. Isn't this all about freedom and flying through the air with the greatest of ease? Hang on for a second. Tandem skydiving weight limits might seem frivolous. In truth, they're anything but. Because we care immensely about your comfort and safety, Skydive Long Island diligently enforces those weight limits. After you check out these...

  • Jul 14

    Does Skydiving Feel Like a Roller Coaster?

    Most first-time tandem skydivers are pretty sure they know what the feeling of skydiving is like before they try it: like a roller coaster, of course! See the thing is...it's not. Not at all. Not the least bit. Not even a smidgen. So, what does it feel like to skydive? Let's break it down, shall we? 1. There's No "Drop."...

  • Jul 12

    Skydiving: It’s Natural To Feel Scared

    How Scary Is Skydiving? If it's your first time skydiving, one thing is for sure: If you're not feeling a little scared before you jump out of a high-flying plane, something is very wrong. It's natural to be a little--even a lot--freaked-out! There's one thing we need to get straight right away: If you have a fear of skydiving, you're...

  • Jun 28

    Why Does Skydiving Cost So Much?

    Is skydiving expensive? Yes. However, the price is minimal when considering the amazing experience. We promise that you'll leave thinking it was well worth it! For this week's blog post, we thought it would be a good idea to share why the price of skydiving is so high. How Much Does Skydiving Cost? Here at Skydive Long Island, the price...

  • May 25

    How Dangerous is Tandem Skydiving?

    At Skydive Long Island, we love offering first time tandem skydives over Long Island. An ideal choice for first-timers, tandem skydiving allows you to enjoy the incredible rush of freefall without extensive training or prior qualifications (thanks to an experienced instructor who is with you every step of the way). If you are considering tandem skydiving or have already booked...

  • May 15

    Is Skydiving Worth It?

    Skydiving is a hugely popular sport here in the US. According to the US Parachute Association, there are 3 million skydives made each year by experienced skydivers who jump as a hobby, and by tandem skydivers and first timers. Why Do People Skydive? Why people skydive is a difficult question to answer if the person asking hasn't jumped. It's hard...

  • Apr 30

    Is Skydiving a Responsible Thing For Me To Do?

    If you've been invited to join a friend to make a tandem skydive, there's a good chance you may pause and wonder if this is a responsible thing for you to do. We encourage this line of thinking because frankly, skydiving isn't for everyone. This isn't a roller coaster ride. Skydiving is an activity that involves risk that can harm...

  • Apr 08

    Skydiving Long Island: Why Choose Us!

    Skydiving Long Island Is a Great Idea - Jumping at Skydive Long Island is the Best Idea! NYC is what New York is famous for, but there's so much outdoor fun to be had just beyond in the city in the state of NY. Skydive Long Island is the premier skydiving Long Island destination, a tandem skydiving specialist and the...

  • Mar 04

    The Top 10 Skydiving World Records

    Setting a skydiving world record always brings a major challenge. We list the top 10 World Record Skydives in the history of the sport. Click each header to watch the video of the record! World Team 400-Way February 8, 2006 Undeniably, the most impressive record in history. The coordination involved in having 400 of the world's best big way skydivers...

  • Mar 04

    What To Look For When Selecting a DZ

    There are lots of drop zones in the United States who offer skydiving, but no two drop zones are the same! There isn't a manual out there telling you what to look for.... so we're here to share some insider knowledge! USPA Group Member The USPA is the United States Parachute Association. Drop zones pay an annual fee to be...

  • Mar 04

    Tips To Improve Your Skydiving Experience

    Thinking of making a skydive? We offer some valuable tips to help our guests get the most enjoyment from their skydiving experience! Not All DZs Are The Same Before deciding on where to skydive, do your homework! We are amazed by how many people choose the skydiving center offering the cheapest deal. Deals are good (we offer them from time...

  • Mar 03

    Is Skydiving Risky?

    Why would anyone want to jump from a perfectly good airplane? If a skydiver was given a dollar for every time they heard that... they'd be rich. It's hard for people to get their heads around this concept. Most skydivers find it difficult to explain the 'why' for this so called madness, but here's the answer... FREEDOM. Remember what it...

  • Feb 24

    The Rewards of Skydiving

    Life is full of risk. Is skydiving a necessary risk? It depends who you ask, but millions of people around the world will tell you it is. To us, the rewards outweigh the risks. We won't trivialize the risk of skydiving - it's real and people do injure themselves by partaking in the activity. There are no guarantees in this...

  • Jan 12

    Top 10 Reasons To Skydive

    Why would you skydive out of a perfectly good plane? Good question! To answer this age old question... we provide you with the top ten reasons.... Top 10 Reasons to Skydive at Skydive Long Island 1. It's the most fun you can have with your clothes on (that's what people say, don't shoot the messenger). 2. The view - you've...

  • Dec 11

    The World’s Most Beautiful Skydiving Destinations

    This week we ask the question: if you could skydive anywhere in the world, where would it be? With opportunities to make a jump in just about every corner of the globe, the options are overwhelming. However, there are a few places whose beauty is best appreciated from 13,000 feet. Check out our list of The World's Most Beautiful Skydiving...

  • Jul 05

    Top 5 Things To Do on Long Island

    1. Skydive Long Island It's our list, so we're obviously biased but is there anything more adventurous than skydiving? We thought you'd agree! See Long Island from above at 120mph! 2. Sailacat Miles from nowhere, wind in your face, sun beating down on your shoulders! This is FREEDOM! Learn to sail and escape the hustle and bustle with the good...

  • Feb 09

    The Best Skydiving Videos of 2014

    We've scoured the interwebs (it was raining on Saturday) and watched countless skydiving videos from all over the world! We've created our list of the best skydiving videos of 2014.... enjoy! 1. The Burj Khalifa Jump - Two dudes jumping off of the highest building in the world in wingsuits... EPIC! 2. How To Skydive - if the music doesn't...

  • Aug 26

    Understanding Skydiving Terms

    There are a lot of terms in the skydiving lexicon that are used so frequently that we often forget that those on the outside of the sport don't know what they mean. We clear up any potential confusion: AFF - An acronym for Accelerated Free Fall. Accelerated Free Fall is one of the more common training procedures used to become...

  • Aug 15

    Top 5 Skydiving Movies

    There have been some great movies that showcase skydiving - some are fantastic and some terrible (see Cutaway) movies. This list represents the mose influential skydiving movies of all time! 1. Point Break (1991) The heyday of skydiving was definitely in the early 90s. ESPN featured skysurfing on the X-Games, the World Free Fall Convention began in 1990 and Point...

  • Jun 27

    Instructor Profile: Erika Dufort

    If you've jumped at Skydive Long Island in the last couple of years, there's a good chance that you've either chatted with or jumped with Erika Dufort. Erika is the woman who makes everything possible and runs the show at Skydive Long Island. As a tandem skydiving instructor and the person who handles the day to day operations, Erika is...

  • Jun 30

    Tips for Skydiving in Cold Weather

    Ahhhh - the chill is in the air.....back to school, crisp mornings, the early sunsets.....that's right. It's that time of year again. While it can be comforting to not be sweating all day, when we are not jumping - the weather is perfect. A nice warm sweater does the trick. But how cold is it at altitude for your first...

  • Jun 15

    Falling vs Flying

    So, you've done your AFF/AFP levels, you were maintained in a small area of the sky thanks to your instructor(s) and did a few turns and such. From there - you had the sky all to yourself while you did your solo's and then worked a little bit with a coach. You have all of the fundamentals now to make...

  • May 30

    Let’s Talk About Tracking

    This is a very important topic - so I'd like to break it down into pieces - and then tie it all in together again in the end. It is an extremely important topic in this sport - yet one that is often done incorrectly and/or neglected, yet has so many moving parts to it - that it warrants a...

  • May 15

    Arrive Alive – 10 Tips To Keep You Alive

    Below is a piece that was not originally mine - but I couldn't have said it better myself. It is riddled with knowledge so I felt obligated to pass it on....I'd added in my own two cents here and there - so hopefully you have some good take-aways from this. Skydiving is a sport where you never stop learning. Even...

  • May 01

    Balancing Skydiving and Life

    There is a reason that people who crave that rush of adrenaline that skydiving and other extreme activities brings are called adrenaline "junkies". After a while, it becomes like an addiction. How many times have you smiled and nodded politely after hearing about someone's first time skydiving as they excitedly rambled on about it? You know it's the only thing...

  • Apr 15

    Let’s Talk about Patterns

    What is a Pattern and Why Do We Have Them? The primary reason for a pattern is so that everyone in the pattern knows what everyone else is doing. If you see someone flying opposite landing direction, they are flying downwind, and will soon be turning base. You can fly above them or downwind of them without risk of collision....

  • Apr 01

    Having Fun as a Couple: Skydiving Together

    Having Fun as a Couple: Skydiving Together OK, well not as a couple per se', but as a team of "two". Two-ways are a great way to start weaning yourself into the fun of skydiving after you completed all of your AFF solo's. You did a bunch of solo's, but now what? Pick a partner and start having some two-way...

  • Mar 15

    Skydiving with an Action Camera

    Skydiving is such an exhilarating experience, wouldn't you want to capture it on video so you can relive it whenever you want? For many tandem students, your jump is a once and a lifetime experience. Between the adrenaline - emotions - excitement you are feeling, chances are you will look back at your video for some time to come trying...

  • Mar 01

    What is Jump Run?

    Jump Run has always been a little pet peeve of mine. Not the "term" or "function of it" per se', just the lack of explanation of it. We're all on the plane ride up, talking, laughing, discussing our dives - but how many of us actually look out the window and pay attention to the way the plane is flying?...

  • Feb 15

    Buying Your First Rig: What To Know

    Every first jump course there is a student that just completed their training tandems, does their first level 1, and then starts scouring the dropzone sites looking for their own gear. This itch to have their own gear only gets enhanced further once they finish their levels and have to pay for gear rental. Trust us when we tell you,...

  • Feb 01

    Learning To FreeFly

    If one wants to truly strive to become an excellent freeflyer, honesty is the key. If one cannot be honest with one's own skills or another skydiver's skills, digression and possibly disaster are the results. If there are individuals teaching freeflying who are not truly proficient, but who claim to be, the progress of a student is marginalized. When we...

  • Jan 15

    Skydiving Fun Facts

    Skydiving Fun Facts 1. Captain Kittinger recorded the highest skydive from a height of almost 102,800 feet, in 1960. Kittinger descended for almost 85,000 feet freefalling at a speed of 715 mph, before deploying his parachute. Update: In the desert surrounding Roswell, N.M., on Sunday, Baumgartner broke Kittinger's world record for the highest and fastest free fall. UPDATE: Felix Baumgartner...

  • Jan 02

    The History of Skydiving

    While the use of parachutes dates all the way back to 1100 in China, the activity we call "skydiving" can be most directly linked to France in the late 18th century. Skydiving has come a long way from the beginning of parachuting, which dates all the way back to 10th century China. The activity we know today is more closely...

A special thanks to Erika for taking special care of my loved ones and to Nick for introducing me to "his world". What an experience. Epic! THANK YOU BOTH!!

» Yessenia

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