Vegas Thrills
People come to Las Vegas for excitement and skydiving is at the top of the list. Whether jumping from a plane or floating in a wind tunnel, you are guaranteed an exciting time.
Skydive Las Vegas, which bills itself as the ultimate Las Vegas adventure, is available to experts and novices alike. Skydive LV provides free shuttle service from the Las Vegas Strip to their location in Boulder and have been in business since 1993. The instructors are well-seasoned jumpers, licensed by the U.S. Parachute Association, so you know you will be in good hands. Once you arrive at the hanger, you receive training and prepare for the jump. Using their new 2009 PAC 750XL plane, you will ascend to 15,000 feet above sea level. During the ride and your jump, you will be able to see an amazing panoramic view of Lake Mead, the Colorado River, Hoover Dam, the Las Vegas Strip, Mt. Charleston, Red Rock Canyon and the Valley of Fire.
Parachuters jump in a buddy system in tandem with their instructor at a rate of about 120 to 140 mph in free fall, then the parachute opens and you descend toward the ground over a five to seven minute period. By using a buddy system, the jumper can experience the thrill of diving with the support and guidance of a seasoned professional.
Skydives are offered 7 days a week. Digital pictures or a DVD of the dive is available at a cost ranging from $69 to $159 depending on the format you choose. A single skydive is about $199. An assortment of wedding, engagement and other packages are also available.
Vegas Indoor Skydiving
Want to go skydiving without the danger? At Vegas Indoor Skydiving, you can float without the benefit of an airplane. This unique experience uses a vertical wind tunnel to lift you up and give you the sensation of skydiving while still indoors. Awesome is probably the best word for it, and even stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Jason Alexander have tried it.
There are some restrictions on using the service, such as weight vs height but the company can tell you if you qualify. Also, the minimum age is five and it is not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with back and spine injuries. If you are inebriated, you will not be allowed to do it. You are provided with goggles, gloves and a flight suit and groups are limited to five people. The price start at $74.99. Pictures are available at $15.00 each. It is open from 9:45 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Vegas Indoor Skydiving is located at 200 Convention Center Drive, just off the Strip.