Exploring Skydiving Options for Minors Near Chicago
Are you a young thrill-seeker in the Chicago area looking to experience the adrenaline rush of skydiving? Unfortunately, the majority of skydiving centers in the region require participants to be at least 18 years old. However, there are some alternatives available that may suit your needs.
Outdoor Skydiving Options
One option for minors is Skydive Chicago located in Ottawa, Illinois, which is about a 90-minute drive from downtown Chicago. This center offers tandem jumps for individuals aged 16 and older, provided they have a signed parental consent form. It's always advisable to check directly with the skydiving center for their specific policies and any additional requirements.
Another important note is that the US Parachute Association (USPA) has established certain age limits based on equipment safety standards. These standards mandate that participants must be at least 18 years old. However, until a few years ago, there were a couple of drop zones that allowed minors aged 16 and older to learn to skydive through various training methods.
For instance, I remember witnessing a 17-year-old girl starting her skydiving journey at a drop zone in Ohio. Nonetheless, the USPA now mandates that everyone must be 18 or older. During a discussion with Mike Wadkins, a regional director of the USPA, opinions were gathered on whether the option for 16- to 17-year-olds could be reinstated. Personally, I believe 14 is an acceptable age, but the presence of legal concerns often hinders these changes.
It's essential to be accompanied by a legal guardian when skydiving with minors. As for some states making it difficult for parents to sign waivers for their children, Illinois is one of them. I have visited Skydive Chicago multiple times and can confirm that they have never allowed anyone under 18 to skydive. The only place I know that taught 16 to 17-year-olds is Start Diving in Middletown, Ohio, about a 6-hour drive from Chicago.
Indoor Skydiving as an Alternative
For those who can't wait untilcertified age, or simply want to experience a similar thrill in a safer environment, indoor skydiving centers offer an excellent alternative. One such center is iFLY Chicago-Naperville. This center welcomes participants of all ages, from 3 to 103, to experience the sensation of skydiving in a controlled environment.
Indoor skydiving involves floating in what is called a vertical wind tunnel, creating the sensation of freefalling without the risks associated with open skydiving. These experiences are less intimidating and often less expensive, making them an ideal choice for those under 18.
Conclusion
The options for skydiving for minors near Chicago are limited, but not nonexistent. Tandem skydiving requires participants to be at least 18 years old, while indoor skydiving centers like iFLY Chicago-Naperville offer a safe and controlled environment for all ages. As for the future, while some changes could be on the horizon, for now, the waiting game continues.