Skydiving has evolved significantly since the first parachute was designed back in the 1480s. Today, sport skydiving exists as a hobby, participated in by thousands of skydivers across the globe, and tandem skydiving appears on most people’s bucket lists.

Here are ten key moments in skydiving history that brought us to where we are today.

1483: Leonardo Da Vinci and the World’s First Parachute

Leonardo Da Vinci (Leo to his friends) was an incredibly talented artist with an eye for detail. But even more than that, he was an exceptional scientist and engineer.

His intricate study of the world around him led him to create great works of art. It also led him to theorize much about the human anatomy, architecture, sculpture, music, engineering, geology, hydraulics and the military arts.

He took a keen interest in flight and sketched a conical parachute design in 1483, which is recognized as the first parachute. An accompanying note read: “If a man is provided with a length of gummed linen cloth with a length of 12 yards on each side and 12 yards high, he can jump from any great height whatsoever without injury.”

In the year 2,000, Adrian Nicholas became the first man to jump with the Da Vinci parachute, proving that it was, in fact, the first working parachute ever designed.

1911: The World’s First ‘Skydiver.

It was sometime between Da Vinci’s sketch and the first skydive as we know it today (though some scripture suggests parachute descents were made in China in the interim). Credit for the first modern skydive is split between Grant Morten and Albert Berry, with controversy rife to this day over who actually jumped first.

Morten was reportedly the first skydiver when he jumped from a Wright Model B airplane over Venice Beach, California using a folded silk parachute. It has been argued that he was actually beaten to it by Berry, a US Army Captain, who jumped in March 1912. Records aren’t clear, meaning we’ll probably never know – but suffice to say, the first skydive was made sometime around 1911-1912!

1914-1945: Skydiving and the Military

Much of skydiving’s development from that point on can be attributed to the use of parachutes in the World Wars. During this time, it was widely recognized that parachutes served a great purpose as a life saving device. It was first proposed by American General Billy Mitchell that parachute troops be used in 1917, with the Italian military credited with the first combat jump in 1918.

In 1933, the Soviets staged the first mass parachute drop when they dropped 62 parachutists from three bombers. They greatly expanded their parachute units and in 1936 dropped 1,800. Parachute regiments became commonplace in World War II, and many armies still retain their parachuting arms to this day.

With parachutes used so much in war, their development was accelerated. When the war ended, the parachutes became available for non-military use, helping to bring parachuting to the masses.

1946: USPA (United States Parachute Association) founded

The USPA is the governing body for the sport of skydiving in the USA. The USPA provides guidance and sets rules in place to keep the sport safe, and oversees its ongoing progression. Today, the USPA is a huge part of skydiving in this country and is the body which awards instructor ratings and skydiving qualifications.

The USPA was founded in 1946, in Mineola, New York, as the National Parachute Jumpers-Riggers, Incorporated. At the time, it represented around 100 members. It was renamed the Parachute Club of America in 1957 and renamed itself again to the United States Parachute Association in 1967. Its inception was an important point in skydiving as it marked the recognition of skydiving as a sport and hobby.

The 1960s: First Ram-Air Parachute Design

The first parachutes were round in shape. This meant they could pivot on their centre, but controlling their speed, direction, and glide ratio was pretty much impossible.

This led to the invention of the first ram-air parachute design by Domina Jalbert in the 1960s. Jalbert was a kite maker, who recognised that the kite shape was much more efficient as a wing. This is because the ram-air (or parafoil) design allows air in through the front ‘cells’ and then retains that air, forming a rigid wing that can be controlled by its pilot much more effectively than round parachutes ever could.

Today, the vast majority of skydivers use ram-air parachutes, with which they perform high-performance ‘swoop’ landings as well as being able to adjust their speed and descent.

1964: First Vertical Wind Tunnel Flight

Skydiving wind tunnels are what we call vertical wind tunnels (VWT). These differ from traditional horizontal wind tunnels which are used to test the aerodynamics of planes or cars.

The first person to fly in a vertical wind tunnel did so in 1964 in Ohio. It was a flight that started a new era for indoor body flight. The first wind tunnel intended for people to fly in was built in 1978 by John St Germain who wanted his children to experience freefall in what he considered being a safer environment.

Since then, indoor skydiving has progressed significantly. Dozens of wind tunnels now exist in the world and many of those are intended solely for the use of skydivers and those who want to experience body flight. Skyventure at Skydive Perris was one of the first wind tunnels for skydivers and remains one of the only wind tunnels situated on a skydiving drop zone. You can find out more about our wind tunnel here.

1978: The Three Ring Release System

The three-ring release system was invented by Bill Booth and patented in 1978 as a means of attaching (and detaching) a canopy from its harness.

It is accepted by skydivers that their main parachute doesn’t always work. This is why modern skydivers jump with a spare, or reserve parachute. But in order to use their reserve, skydivers must first detach the malfunctioning main canopy.

Prior to the invention of the three-ring release system, this detachment was done using capewells, which were cumbersome and could malfunction themselves. The three ring system makes cutting away the malfunctioning parachute much quicker and easier; this is because the design of the system means the mechanical advantage is multiplied by each ring in the series, allowing for the force needed to cut away to be greatly reduced.

The 3-ring is widely recognised as one of the greatest safety innovations in the history of skydiving.

1982: AFF Gets Approved by the USPA

Traditionally, skydiving students learned to skydive solo via static line, which meant that their initial jumps did not include any freefall time. Although there are positives to this method, the downfall was that their eventual introduction to freefalling was a bit rocky. The solution to this was allowing instructors and students to jump out solo, but alongside one another. If a student was unable to nail the freefall alone, it was common for an instructor to jump out with them while holding onto their harness. This is essentially what a modern-day Accelerated Freefall (AFF) jump is!

The issue arose because people were doing this despite the Basic Safety Requirements (BSRs) of the USPA. In 1970, Paul Poppenhager was granted a waiver to the BSRs and was permitted to use freefall as a way to train solo skydiving students at his dropzone.

Today, AFF is the primary method of teaching solo skydivers. It is the most comprehensive and efficient way to train new jumpers. And yes, it’s approved by the USPA. Thanks, Paul!

1980s: Tandem Skydiving Receives Sport Status

Tandem skydiving is a type of skydiving where the ‘student’ jumps from a plane attached to a qualified instructor, sharing one set of parachuting equipment between them. These days, tandem skydiving is the most popular way to experience the first jump – but it’s not always been that way!

In the early 80s, tandem skydiving was still in ‘experimental’ status. This means it was being tested but had yet to be classified as a full sport. The FAA (Federation Aviation Administration) waived the experimental status, opening the door for tandem skydiving to grow in popularity.

1989: Invention of the Cypres AAD

As skydiving has progressed, there have been significant improvements in the safety of the sport. The invention of the Cypres AAD is recognized as one of the most important of these safety innovations.

An AAD, or automatic activation device, is a small device which monitors air pressure and speed. It automatically opens the reserve parachute if it finds it is still falling at freefall speeds by a given altitude. This means that it will ensure the skydiver has a parachute over their heads even if they are knocked unconscious or lose altitude awareness during their descent.

Prior to the invention of the CYPRES, there were a number of AADs on the market but none were considered reliable. Today, the majority of skydivers use AADs, primarily from CYPRES and its rival company Vigil.

1991: Point Break Brings Skydiving to the Masses

Point Break was a film first released in 1991 and later remade in 2016. Its storyline revolved around an FBI agent who goes undercover to catch a gang of surfers who might be bank robbers.

In a plot similar to that of the later film, Cutaway, the main protagonist finds himself drawn into the adrenaline-fuelled lifestyle of the criminals he has been sent to catch. The group persuades the lead character, played by Keanu Reeves, to ‘jump from a perfectly good airplane’ in a scene which shows the skydivers talking to one another mid jump and having an awesome time!

Point Break was one of the first major box office hits to show skydiving, bringing the sport to the masses (although its viability as a true representation of skydiving is questionable!).

2006: 400-Way Formation Skydiving World Record

On February 8, 2006, 400 skydivers crushed the world record for formation skydiving in Udon Thani, Thailand. This is arguably one of the most important moments in skydiving history, because of the sheer amount of inspiration it spread across the skydiving community.

Records of this nature pose questions like: What else is possible? Can we go even bigger and better? And, how did they achieve something so incredible? This accomplishment wildly inspirational for avid skydivers and novices, alike. Inspiration in the sport is integral for growth, which brings us to the next two notable moments in skydiving history…

2012: Felix Baumgartner Shatters The Sound Barrier

In 2012, Felix Baumgartner was the first person to break the sound barrier in freefall. He jumped from 38,969.4 meters above the earth, meaning his fall from the stratosphere was 24 miles above the earth. We would like to express our deepest condolences to Felix’s loved ones, as he passed away in 2025. Long live the legend!

2014: Alan Eustace Does The Highest Freefall

Alan Eustace holds the record for world highest freefall. He fell from a height of 135,890 feet in 2014. He also shattered records for maximum vertical speed with a drogue (822mph!) and distance of fall with a drogue.

Are you Ready to Skydive?

Skydiving is an amazing experience and one which has evolved over more than 500 years. Each year, approximately 500,000 people in the US try skydiving for the first time. Today, more than 10 million men and women throughout the country can say they’ve made at least one skydive.

If you’re ready to join them, book your tandem skydive today. If you’ve got any questions, our team is here to help – contact us!

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In Summary
Choosing the right skydiving canopy depends on your experience, currency, goals, and exit weight. Size, wingloading, and canopy type all affect performance and safety, making it important to understand your options. Canopy courses are strongly recommended — especially when changing wings — and at Skydive Perris, you can demo or purchase canopies on-site.

There’s something so exciting about investing in your very own skydiving canopy. It’s more than a piece of gear – it’s your wing, your ride back to Earth, your partner in the sky! Choosing the best skydiving canopy is as intimidating as it is thrilling, so it’s totally normal to have questions. That’s why we’re here! 

This guide will break down everything from the significance of parachute size and what to look for when buying a canopy, to answering the question, “How long does a skydiving canopy last?” The decision on what to buy and when to buy it is more personal and strategic than many may think! Let’s dive in. 

Note: This article discusses main parachutes and is not referring to reserve parachutes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing A Canopy 

There are a few major factors that can help to determine the best parachute for you: 

• How many jumps do you have? 
• How current are you (and how current do you plan on being throughout your time in the sport)? 
• What are your goals in the sport when it comes to canopy flight? 
• What is your exit weight? 
• How much training do you have? 
• What canopy/ies have you previously jumped? 
• How much time have you spent in the sport? 

Each of these factors go into play when choosing a canopy. 

Why does jump number matter? 

Someone with 10 skydives isn’t going to be placed on a high-performance wing! Someone with hundreds, or thousands, of skydives may have this as an option. That being said, if someone has hundreds of skydives but often falls out of currency, the jump number is in some ways, trumped.  Although jump number doesn’t necessarily directly correlate to skill level, it’s definitely a factor. 

What is currency? 

How current you are refers to how often you skydive! Are you skydiving once per month, or 10+ times per month? Choosing a more forgiving and docile wing is better for those who often become uncurrent. Although, to maintain a high standard of safety-mindedness for yourself and others, currency should be of top priority. 

What goals are we talking about?

eEach canopy has different characteristics – some have a really great recovery arc, while others don’t, and some are incredibly responsive, while others are less twitchy. If there’s a specific canopy-focused discipline you’d like to go into, the class of canopy you buy may directly represent this. 

What is your exit weight? 

Exit weight refers to your body weight plus the weight of your skydiving gear – it’s how much you weigh when you exit the airplane (which is the same weight you’ll be under your parachute)! 

How much training do you have? 

Have you taken a canopy course or trained with a canopy coach? Understanding the flight dynamics of your current canopy can help you understand what you may be looking for in a new wing. 

What have you previously jumped? 

If you’ve only ever jumped semi-elliptical canopies, and you’re looking to downsize, it would be recommended that you transition to a smaller semi-elliptical canopy, rather than changing sizes and platforms. Consider what your experience level is on certain types of canopies! 

How long have you been skydiving? 

This one is a bit controversial, as everyone is different. Some people may do hundreds of jumps in their first year jumping, while others may do 50. That being said, time in the sport plays a part in understanding certain canopy flight foundations. Simply put, the longer you’re around something (in this case, the skydiving world), the more you know about it! 

Does The Size of A Parachute Matter?

The size of a skydive canopy matters … a LOT. A higher wingloading (AKA, a smaller wing) is less forgiving, as the canopy is more responsive, whereas a lower wingloading is more docile and has a slower rate of descent. 

The skydiving canopy size chart by the USPA (United States Parachute Association) provides skydivers with recommendations of canopy sizes based on jump number and exit weight. Like we mentioned above, there are other factors that go into play when determining the right canopy for you – such as currency – but this chart provides a great basis. 

What is wingloading? 

Wingloading is the ratio of a skydiver’s exit weight to the surface area of the parachute. In the US, we calculate wingloading by dividing the skydiver’s exit weight in pounds by the canopy’s surface area in square feet. 

Does someone with more jumps have a small wingloading? 

Downsizing – the act progressively using smaller parachutes as experience, jump numbers, and time in the sport increases – is not synonymous with higher jump numbers. What we mean is: Skydivers with more experience have the opportunity to downsize, but they don’t have to. Upsizing or maintaining your current wingloading is cool! 

Does The Class of Parachute Matter? 

Yes, the style (or class) of canopy matters! Parachutes are designed for different purposes, such as CRW work, accuracy, or high-performance landings (AKA, swoops). Each canopy has specificity to its design (that’s why there are so many on the market!) that affects the lift, pitch (or dive), yaw, openings, roll, and so much more. 

What is considered a high-performance canopy? 

Any canopy sized at 150 (square feet, that is) or smaller is considered high-performance across the industry and by the USPA. According to the USPA, any canopy can be considered high-performance based on the wingloading, regardless of parachute size. 

What is the difference between a 9-cell and 7-cell canopy? 

Two cells, hehe! Seven-cell canopies have fewer cells, ribs, and lines, and generally pack a bit smaller. Nine-cell canopies are known for having higher flare power and for gliding a bit further when coming in for landing, and canopies with 7 cells are great for flying in deep brakes and sinking in – woo-hoo skydiving canopy control and accuracy! Deciding between a 7-cell canopy and a 9-cell canopy is simply personal preference. 

When Should You Take A Canopy Course? 

Anytime that you have the opportunity to indulge in a canopy course, DO IT. At a bare minimum, experienced skydivers should be taking canopy courses for their USPA B License (as this achievement places a high concentration on canopy skills and knowledge) and every time they change wings. Even if you’re upsizing? Yep! Receiving instruction on how to effectively and safely fly your parachute is paramount. Whether you’re downsizing, upsizing, or changing platforms, a canopy course is a smart move. 

At Skydive Perris, we have a gear store on-site where you can demo canopies and buy gently used ones! 

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If you’re looking for a world-class skydiving experience near San Diego – welcome to Skydive Perris! Our dropzone has been serving Southern California for over 40 years and is the destination for Hollywood’s most famous stars who seek life’s greatest adventure (just as you do!).

Skydive Perris is the training home to some of the world’s greatest skydiving athletes and military elite forces as well as a large community of skydiving hobbyists who venture to us from not just San Diego and Los Angeles, but throughout the entire world!

Despite the accolades we’ve received through 40+ years of operation, what we’re most well-known for is our passion for skydiving, reputation for customer service and our safety culture. This is the ultimate reason why first-time skydivers and licensed skydivers make the short drive from San Diego to jump with us.

We believe that we’re only as good as our last operational day and we strive to ensure that all who arrive at our campus are treated with respect. It is our goal that all of our guests depart feeling as if they’ve had a world-class, and even life-changing experience. We invite you to see why residents of San Diego and the So Cal region have chosen Skydive Perris for decades!

San Diego Skydiving – We’re Closer Than You Think!

Skydive Perris is located approximately 80 miles due north of the city (about an hour and 20-minute drive) straight up I-15 N followed by a quick ride on I-215 N. Upon arrival, you’ll be amazed by our skydiving campus which includes an on-site indoor skydiving facility, a restaurant, and bar, a comprehensive fleet of aircraft (the largest in California), a massive landing area (read: lots of space for landing) while being amongst some of the world’s most decorated skydivers starting with our General Manager, Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld – a member of the International Skydiving Hall of Fame for his achievements which include multi-World and National Championships.

Why Is There No Skydiving in Downtown San Diego?

If you Google, ‘skydiving near San Diego’ or search for any skydiving center near any major city, you’ll discover that most skydiving centers are located at least 30 minutes or more from the city and the reason for this is airspace – we need to skydive without a lot of interference from the major airlines! It’s for this reason why we jump in Perris Valley! We have clean airspace as well as lots of land which allows us plenty of room to expand our facilities and a large space for landing whether it be for tandem skydiving operations or major world record skydiving attempts.

Closest Skydiving to San Diego?

Skydive Perris is not the closest skydiving center to San Diego, and we want to be transparent about this to avoid any confusion. That said, we are a popular skydiving destination for residents and visitors of San Diego for all the reasons mentioned above, but most of all, we want you to take away our ultimate value proposition which revolves around a more complete skydiving experience.

We believe a great skydiving experience goes beyond the simple aspect of exiting an aircraft, free-falling, and landing safely. Just like eating out at a restaurant, a great dining experience goes beyond just the food. Skydive Perris is a family-owned business driven by owners who care about the complete experience which starts at how people are treated. Our values are tied to the Golden Rule – treat others as you wish to be treated. Though we skydive every day, we recognize that skydiving is indeed scary and not without risk. We want all of our guests to feel cared for and be allowed to experience the joy that skydiving in an environment that celebrates each of our guest’s achievements!

Are You Ready To Skydive?

Whether you’d like to join us for an indoor skydiving or an outdoor skydiving experience (or both in the same day), booking couldn’t be any easier! Click the ‘Book Now’ button in the upper right-hand corner of our website and choose your adventure. The rest is easy! Also, be sure to check out our specials page to ensure you get the best possible promotion!

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What’s In A Skydive Gear Check? 

We’ll get into more detail later. First let’s take a look at what we check and what we’re checking for when we perform a skydiving gear check. In short:

• 3-rings. Are they routed properly? Are they free of filth? 
• RSL. Is the Reserve Static Line properly routed and connected? 
• Straps. Are the chest strap and leg straps routed through the metal friction adapter properly? Is there any wear and tear on them or the friction adapter? Is their excess cleanly stowed? 
• Handles. Are the cutaway and reserve handles seated correctly and securely? Are the cutaway cable and reserve cable able to move at will? 
• Reserve pin. Is the pin seated correctly and is it sealed by an FAA-certified rigger? 
• AAD. Is the AAD turned on, and was it turned on here, today? 
• Main pin and closing loop. Is the main pin placed properly through the closing loop, and does the closing loop have less than 10% wear? 
• Bridle. Is the bridle routing correct? 
• Pilot chute. Is the pilot chute able to be reached comfortably by the jumper? 
• Altimeter. Is the altimeter showing a reading of “zero” on the ground? And, is it set to the proper setting if it’s a digital altimeter? 
• Helmet. Do the helmet and goggles (if using an open-face helmet) fit well? 
• Shoes. Are shoes tied or otherwise secured to the jumper’s feet? 

What’s The Check of Threes? 

The Check of Threes is commonly used to remember critical components of parachute gear checks. 

• Three rings. The three-ring release system – created by the iconic Bill Booth – uses a series of large, medium, and small metal rings that loop through each other and are secured by the cutaway cable. This clever design spreads the effect of gravity on the skydiver and the forces of canopy flight across the rings, reducing the overall strain and demanding less force needed to cut away the main canopy.
  
  The RSL, which is connected to the main risers near the three-ring system, is also inspected at this point in the Check of Threes to ensure it’s properly routed and securely attached to the correct grommet. 

• Three attachment points. The harness of the skydiving rig has three straps – a chest strap and two leg straps. Each of these are routed through a metal friction adapter. When we’re checking the attachment points, we’re ensuring there isn’t wear on the straps or adapter, and that the strap is routed properly through the adapter. It’s common to see skydivers checking others’ straps by not only looking at them, but tugging on them. 

• Three handles. Skydiving rigs are equipped with three handles – the hacky on the pilot chute (which initiates deployment of the main parachute), the cutaway handle, and the reserve parachute handle. When we check these, we’re ensuring that they’re secure! They’re held in place by strong velcro – seriously! And yes, the velcro really withstands the speed of a skydive. 

The Nitty Gritty of Skydiving Gear Checks

With the basics behind us, let’s take a more in-depth look into the components we consider with each skydiving gear check:

• Main closing pin and loop. When we check these, we’re making sure they’re in good health and in the right spot! The main closing loop should have less than 10% wear. How do you measure 10%? A good rule of thumb is: if you’re debating, it’s time to change it! Closing loops that are too frayed can result in a premature deployment of the main canopy. 

• Reserve closing pin and loop. How much wear can a reserve closing loop show? Zero percent! Reserve parachutes have a sort of zero-tolerance policy – they need to be in pristine condition. This is one reason they’re unpacked, inspected, and repacked by an FAA-certified rigger every 180 days. Yes, this happens regardless of if you’ve used the reserve or not! 

• Automatic Activation Device. AADs are small computers situated in the container designed to deploy the reserve parachute in the event that the skydiver is unable to. They perform using a pressure and velocity system – if they determine the skydiver is falling too fast (velocity) and is too low (air pressure), they are designed to activate a small blade to cut the reserve cable, which deploys the reserve parachute. AADs save lives! 

• Altimeter. Altimeters show us how high we are – they’re pretty darn important in the skydiving world! When we check them prior to a jump, we’re making sure they’re displaying “zero” and are fastened snugly on the skydiver’s hand or wrist. 

Wondering how much full skydiving gear costs? It depends. Many people buy used gear, with the full setup costing a couple grand. Others (normally as they progress in the sport) might spend more than $10,000 on gear. It may sound like a lot, but you can’t put a price on something that will save your life and enable you to do something that brings you much joy! 

Do You Ever Check The Parachute? 

Although the parachute is inside the rig during a traditional gear check, it’s checked before every single jump when it’s packed! Every parachute packer – whether that’s you or someone you’ve hired – will consciously check the status of the risers, grommets, lines, canopy, pilot chute, deployment bag and bridle during every pack job. 

Pro tip: Take care of your parachute packer! They take a great deal of responsibility into their hands when they prepare your canopy for deployment and landing, i.e. their work saves your life! What are we hinting at? The answer to this frequently asked question: Do you tip your skydive parachute packer? You can! Tipping is never expected, but it’s always appreciated. Tipping isn’t always about money; packers work hard for long hours and save you the hassle of having to spend time sweating on the mat instead of grabbing a snack (if you’re at Skydive Perris, check out the Bombshelter Restaurant’s menu!) before your next jump. So, maybe bring them something too, like an electrolyte drink or a sandwich!

How Often Should You Gear Check? 

You should gear check so often that it becomes second nature. Gear checks are expected to be done by the jumper using the gear prior to putting it on and after putting it on. Before boarding the airplane, it’s customary to get a gear check from at least one other qualified skydiver – a second set of eyes could save your life! Many jumpers also check their own gear and others prior to leaving the aircraft. This is trickier to do in a crowded airplane, but it’s possible and common! Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld (a.k.a. Dan BC), one of the greatest skydivers in history and a fierce advocate of safety in skydiving, reminds jumpers regularly that they should always “expect everything that could go wrong to go wrong on every jump” 

What is the fatality rate of skydiving? According to the United States Parachute Association’s 2024 report, there were 0.23 skydiving fatalities for every 100,000 skydives made last year. To put this ratio into context, that’s approximately one fatality for every 434,783 jumps. This number represents the lowest number of annual skydiving deaths in recorded history – a statistic we have been able to achieve, in part, through diligent safety checks, individual accountability, and a commitment to keeping complacency at bay. We are acutely aware that skydiving is an inherently risky sport, which is why we are so meticulous about mitigating risk wherever possible.

Have questions about skydiving gear checks, or anything else related to our industry? Feel free to reach out to us! We’re here to support you and to responsibly advance the sport of skydiving. Blue skies!

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As a first-timer, the idea of pushing your body into a big column of air might be a bit intimidating. But here’s the truth: the drive to the wind tunnel is way scarier than the flight itself. Why? The unknown, of course! Our brains tend to work up the worst-case scenario when we aren’t sure what to expect. That’s why we’ve created this guide, to give you all the reassurance you need. 

Read on for a step-by-step on indoor skydiving, a video sneak peak of fun in the tunnel, and answers to several frequently asked questions so you can start your flight with confidence! 

Step 1: Arrival 

When you arrive on site, you’ll be welcomed by our awesome staff. No need to show up hours early, just give yourself enough time to beat traffic and arrive by your scheduled flight time. If you’re late by 10 minutes or more, we may have to reschedule your flight, simply due to other bookings overlapping at that time. 

Step 2: Briefing & Waiver 

Before you become one with the wind, an expert instructor will brief you on what to expect – this overview tends to mitigate the anxiety of the what ifs and unknowns. They’re prepared to answer all of your questions, from “Is indoor skydiving hard on your body?”(it can be, in a fun workout kind of way) to “Can you do tricks in the tunnel?” (yes, even beginner indoor skydivers can do a few). 

During this step, you’ll also sign a waiver. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have to ensure you feel as confident as possible before your flight. 

Step 3: Gear Up 

Once you’re checked in, the real adventure begins! We’ve got you covered with a super cool flight suit, helmet, and goggles. What should you wear for indoor skydiving? Don’t worry too much, the flight suit will go on top of whatever you’re wearing. Best bet: go for close-fitting clothing that’s flexible and comfortable.

If you wear glasses, no problem – our goggles are designed to fit securely over them. Just remember to bring closed-toed shoes, as they’re a must for safety.

Step 4: Wait in The Chamber 

Where do you wait your turn for indoor skydiving? In the chamber! The chamber is located around the perimeter of the wind tunnel. Think about a donut – if the hole in the center of the donut is the wind tunnel, then the actual glazed goodness is the chamber, or rather, the waiting room. Here, you can sit and watch flyers knock it out of the park before you. Or, if you’re up for it, you can go first! 

Step 5: Flight Time! 

When it’s your turn, you’ll step into the tunnel and the wind will lift you off the net in a rush. Don’t stress, you won’t be on your own, your instructor will be right there, giving pointers, maintaining eye contact, and making sure you breathe. 

Can you breathe while indoor skydiving? Yes! Similar to real skydiving, you can breathe, but some people get a bit overwhelmed (understandably!) and simply forget to take some deep breaths. 

Does indoor skydiving feel real? About as real as it gets without actually leaping from a plane! So real, in fact, that a lot of professional and competitive skydivers prioritize time in the tunnel to hone their freefall skills. Indoor skydiving gives people who are not yet 18 years old (and as young as 3!) or who may want to experience skydiving for the first time in a less intense environment the chance to do so.  

Each flight lasts about one minute, which is comparable to the freefall time of an actual skydive. 

Step 6: Debrief & Celebrate

You DID IT! After your final flight, you’ll exit the tunnel with the biggest, most accomplished smile on your face. You’ll remove your flight suit and chat with your group and instructor about the experience – what you loved, what surprised you, and how you’re feeling overall. This is your chance to relive your time in the tunnel and talk with our team about options we offer for those who want to pursue tunnel flying more regularly. 

Video of Indoor Skydiving: Why It’s Worth It

Similar to videos of skydiving for real, indoor skydiving videos just don’t do it justice! Indoor and outdoor flights are really just something you need to experience for yourself. Indoor skydiving boasts tons of benefits – from facing fears to building a strong sense of confidence and community. 

Have any further questions? Never hesitate to reach out to us – we’re here to help you reach your highest potential in all things skydiving!

Ready to fly? Book your indoor skydive today!

The post Indoor Skydiving: See How It Works appeared first on Skydive Perris.

Before we dive in to learn about different types of skydiving world records, the legends behind the jumps, and the drive behind these epic achievements, let us state today’s date: April 28, 2025. Why? Because records are meant to be broken, and this article is meant to be outdated … soon! So if you read this a couple of years from now and know our info is uncurrent … reach out! We’ll update it ;) 

What Is World Skydiving Day? 

What is the world record skydive for most skydivers jumped in one day? Launched in 2024, World Skydiving Day is an annual global celebration of skydiving! It’s a day where first-time jumpers and experienced skydivers are encouraged to take to the skies to contribute to a world record of skydiving: most jumps in a day, across the world! The world skydiving record in 2024 was 30,351 jumps made in a single day! (538 of those jumps were made at Perris – come break this record with us on July 12, 2025!)

From Highest Jump To Largest Formation: What’s In A Record? 

Skydiving records capture the sport’s most dedicated flyers by showcasing their courage, skill, and innovation. Records are neat, because the same characteristics can be measured across multiple disciplines. For example, we can measure speed in freefall and we can measure speed while swooping in for landing under a parachute – both of these are categories of records people compete to be the best in! Here’s a look at what can go into skydiver records: 

Altitude. 

How high can you go!? The highest skydive in the world was achieved by Alan Eustace when he jumped from 135,899 feet, just a few months after the highly-publicized RedBull jump by Felix Baumgartner … How is that for your fun fact bank?!? – yeah, you read that right. Advances in technology will undoubtedly allow people to go higher and faster, but for now, Alan takes the cake for highest skydive. 

Formations. 

Formations come in all shapes and sizes. You can have good ol’ belly Formation Skydiving (FS), Vertical Formation Skydiving (VFS), Canopy Formations (CF), and even wingsuit formations, where wingsuiters ‘flock’ together. 

What is the world record for big way skydiving? There are few exciting ways to look at this. The largest skydive on record is an FS jump completed in Thailand in 2006 with 400 skydivers from 29 countries! 

On August 22, 2025, a decade-old Vertical Formation Skydiving (VFS) world record was shattered! At Skydive Chicago, 174 skydivers used nine airplanes to successfully complete a head-down formation. This record showcases precision, teamwork, and undeniable skill.

What about sequential records? These jumps entail docking, everyone un-docking, and re-docking. There are two phenomenal sequential records set in 2024, both of which had two points – meaning everyone docked (held hands), un-docked (let go), and re-docked (held hands again in a different formation)!  

In October, 64 ladies took to the skies to achieve a new, female, full-break sequential record right here at Skydive Perris. In November, a 151-way total-break sequential record was set at Skydive Arizona. A big year for big way!

Speed. 

How fast can you reach max-speed in freefall? What about while gliding over a pond under your parachute?! Speed competitors in freefall wear super slick suits and pointy helmets. They exit the aircraft and assume a head-down position, which allows them to reach max speeds. There are legitimate studies that go into assessing the aerodynamics of skydivers to determine how they can reach new limits in velocity. 

At nearly 330 mph, Marco Hepp holds the world record in speed! When it comes to canopy flight, Curt Bartholomew flew a standard 70-meter course in 1.747 seconds and holds the world record in speed when it comes to swooping – WILD. Curt’s rockstar wife, Jeannie Bartholomew, holds multiple national and international records, too. Talk about a power couple! 

Accuracy. 

While some are all about the largest skydive or fastest swoop records, others focus on landing their canopy with accurate finesse. Being able to land a parachute in the right spot is pretty darn important, but these canopy pilots take it to a whole new level.

 In true accuracy competitions, not zone accuracy, skydivers are judged on how close they can land to a predetermined target and it’s measured in mere centimeters. The current world record is held by Thomas Jeannerot who landed two centimeters from the target over an accumulated 10 jumps. 

Wingsuiting. 

Wingsuit skydiver records deserve their own category! Flying a wingsuit poses extra challenges to control the suit, which is why it takes a minimum of 200 skydives to be considered to enroll in a wingsuit course. Just like many non-wingsuit records, these come in solo and group categories: 

Sebastián Álvarez just shattered three world skydiving records in wingsuiting: speed, distance, and flight time. He is officially the fastest person on earth, cutting through the wind horizontally at 342 mph – UNREAL! His helmet and suit were both engineered specifically for this skydive at West Tennessee Skydiving with an exit altitude of over 40,000 feet. 

What is the largest skydive in vertical wingsuiting? A 38-way! Nearly 40 wingsuiters soared the skies above Skydive Perris to achieve this feat. This was a no-grip wingsuit formation, meaning skydivers were judged on if they flew into their correct spot, at the correct time, and with the correct distance between each jumper. These jumps are extremely precision-based and judged using gridlines like shown below. 

photo by Nikko Mamallo 

How Many Jumps In 24 Hours? 

What is the world record for the most skydive jumps in 24 hours? Jay Stokes did 640 skydives in 24 hours! He did these skydives from low altitudes, rather than going through a minute of freefall every time. Many experienced jumpers are impressed by five or so jumps in a day, so this number is nearly incomprehensible! 

Age Is Just A Number!

Skydiving age limits don’t exist. Yes, there’s an age minimum of 18, but you can be as old as you want and still jump out of an airplane! In fact, to encourage old-timers to stay active in the sport, there are designated groups: Parachutists Over Phorty (POPS), Skydivers Over Sixty (SOS), Jumpers Over Seventy (JOS), Jumpers Over Eighty Society (JOES), and even Jumpers Over Ninety Society (JONS). Each of these demographic groups set and break records all the time! 

In 2023, at Skydive Perris, SOS jumpers set two world records! They achieved the record for largest skydive of SOS-qualified jumpers with 101 people, and then largest sequential formation with 99 people!  

On November 20 2021, Pat Moorehead, the founder of Skydivers Over Sixty, did nine jumps at Skydive Perris to celebrate his 90th birthday! Ten years before, in 2011, he did 81 (yes, eighty-one) jumps to celebrate his 80th. Some skydiving records are downright mind-blowing.  

What About SANS Records?  

It’s worth mentioning that the Society for the Advancement of Naked Skydiving (SANS) set a world record in formation skydiving (FS) in 2024 with a 32-way! And yes, once you get licensed, you’re able (although not always welcome) to skydive in the nude! Beware of sliding in when you land!!

Who Can Be On A Record? 

We all start somewhere! The awesome thing about skydiving is that every single legendary, world-record-holding jumper started at the beginning, just like you. Getting a solid foundation and discovering what discipline(s) you like are your first steps in becoming a world record holder in skydiving. Enrolling in camps, such as big-way camps to learn about safe FS flying, and getting coaching in your discipline of choice is the way to go! 

Skydivers are constantly discovering new limits and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the best ways, and these achievements ignite inspiration. Start your journey to being on record-shattering skydives by booking a tandem skydive!

And of course, you can attempt to have your first official skydiving record by joining us this next July 12, 2025 at Skydive Perris for World Skydiving Day!

The post Skydiving World Records appeared first on Skydive Perris.

One of the best parts of being on the West Coast is being situated smack dab in the middle of countless Cali experiences. And this time of year, that translates to an opportunity to give some unique California Christmas gifts – like skydiving! Read on for a list of our favorite Skydive Perris presents! 

The Classic: Tandem Skydiving

This tried-and-true gift is bound to surprise and delight whoever is lucky enough to be on the receiving end! Tandem skydiving sits atop many a bucket list, and how wonderful to have the privilege of being the person to help someone check that off. 

Giving the gift of a first skydive is so much more than just a jump from an airplane. Going skydiving for the first time changes lives! People who go skydiving, even once, find that they are more confident, happier, and have a better outlook on life after taking the leap.

You can even make the gift better by going along on the adventure and making it a bonding experience. The memory of jumping out of an airplane together will be one that you can share for years to come. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving – you can’t go wrong with the gift of a tandem skydive! 

The Cutting Edge: Indoor Skydiving

Looking for a gift for someone who loves the idea of skydiving but not the reality of it? Look no further than our indoor skydiving tunnel. Skydive Perris is one of only a handful of dropzones in the world that offers both indoor and outdoor skydiving at the same location!

An indoor skydiving gift certificate is the perfect present for getting the thrill of body-flight without having to journey miles above the Earth to get it! In fact, the sensation of flying in the tunnel is so much like that of skydiving that professional skydivers often use the indoor tunnel to train for their jumps. 

Every tunnel flight includes one-on-one guidance and support from a professional instructor, allowing your gift recipient to maximize their time in simulated freefall that’s equivalent to a skydive from 12,500 feet!

Pro tip: Indoor skydiving is also a great choice for people who don’t meet the age or weight requirement of traditional skydiving. Kids as young as three years old can make an indoor skydive – make it a group gift the whole family can enjoy!

The Relaxer: A Day at the Dropzone

Not everyone wants to throw themselves out of an airplane or float around in a windy tube, and that’s ok – we have something for them, too! Even if you have someone in your life who isn’t the adventurous type (or, perhaps, isn’t anymore), spending the day chilling at Skydive Perris can still make a fantastic gift.

Watching skydivers landing in all their glory is a fun and inspiring way to spend a sunny day. Our top-notch facilities include the world-famous Bombshelter Restaurant and a sparkling swimming pool, both of which overlook the landing area. The recipient of your gift will feel like they’re visiting an adrenaline resort! 

The All-Inclusive: Ticket to Perridise 

Have someone on your list whose socks you’re wanting to knock clean off? Go for the gold and treat them to the ultimate adrenaline-fueled, life-changing, unique California experience: playtime in Perridise! At the center of this best-gift-ever is the Adrenal-IN Experience that offers indoor and outdoor skydiving – check it out:

• Indoor skydiving flight training and gear
• 2 x indoor skydiving flights
• Souvenir Flight Certificate
• Tandem skydiving training and gear
• Tandem Skydive from 12,500 feet
• Souvenir Jump Certificate

Want to up the ante even further? Plan an overnight or weekend getaway that includes everything Skydive Perris and the surrounding area has to offer. There are a number of local accommodation options in our backyard that range from affordable digs to luxurious spas.

There’s still plenty of time to snag the most unique California gift of all and earn your title as the best gift giver this holiday season – securely purchase Skydive Perris gift certificates online! Have questions? Check out our FAQs or get in touch. Blue skies!

The post Unique California Experience Gifts for the Holidays appeared first on Skydive Perris.

Skydiving is often perceived as a serious, all-or-nothing activity that requires intensity and commitment. While this is certainly true, skydivers are a bunch that know how to balance fun with focus. After all, we wouldn’t keep jumping out of airplanes if it wasn’t a good time! 

Every dropzone develops its own traditions around safety and play, and Skydive Perris is no exception! Whether it’s our annual Safety Day seminar or weather-hold shenanigans, we have our very own culture that makes our dropzone unique. These traditions help new jumpers feel welcome and old jumpers stay connected, and they make us all family. 

Something extra special that we have at Skydive Perris is our skydiving patches. These patches are a way for experienced skydivers to commemorate significant, fun, or even goofy jumps that they participate in with our Load Organizers. Read on to learn how the patch system works and some of the awesome patches you might see skydivers sporting around the dropzone!

Types of Skydiving Patches Fun Jumpers Can Earn

While our patches are unique to the Perris Load Organizers’ jumps, skydiving patches are not a new concept. Different organizations, clubs, and records have been using patches to signify belonging since the beginning of the sport. And just like our system, some of these patches are serious and some are silly. 

Typically, in order to earn a patch, a skydiver must participate in a jump following the official rules of that patch. For example, one of the oldest and most well-known skydiving patches is the Bob Buquor Memorial Star Crest Award (SCR). In October 1965, at the Arvin DZ in California, jumpers formed the first-ever 8-way freefall formation. As a result, the SCR award was created in 1967, and since that day, SCR numbers and patches have been issued to skydivers who document joining an 8-way or larger formation.

Many more patches and awards have sprung up throughout the years, including recognition for records, joining certain skydiving clubs, and even jumping while naked!

The patch system at Skydive Perris follows the same framework as the historical skydiving patches, and most are earned by making some specific kind of jump with one of our Load Organizers. Certain patches, though, are only given to people under certain circumstances that occur during a jump, like a premature exit, for example.

The Skydiving Patches of Perris

Here’s a list of just some of the patches skydivers can earn only at Skydive Perris – but keep an eye out, more are added all the time!

Burblicious

The Burblicious Patch honors any skydiver who’s brave enough to take part in a challenging 4-way skydive that requires a lot of movement and body control. Created by Jim Dinning, this jump is all about fun!!

Da’Bob Special

True to its name, the jump and patch were created by Bob Ferguson and require prospective earners to participate in a 6-way skydive with lots of flying, movement, and success!

Hula Hoop Jump

This jump is a skydiver favorite and a great way to combine fun with skill. Two skydivers exit the plane holding a hula hoop while the other people on the skydive attempt to fly through the hoop like dogs in a show!

Anyone who successfully makes it through the hoop earns a patch! It is one of the favorite jumps on the Fresh Meet Sunday Funf’Air!

Danielle’s Apple Jack Ass

This jump combines formation skydiving with fun objects. Skydivers must create a caterpillar formation in the sky while passing a small, squishy apple down the line.

Sh*t Show

Arguably the easiest patch to earn, the Sh*t Show patch is given to anyone who has taken part in a less-than-refined skydive. Whether you have one or one thousand skydives, you can earn this patch as long as you’re willing to admit your jump was a bit of a sh*t show!

PJ Jump

Some patches commemorate traditions that happen on a regular basis, like wearing footie pajamas on a jump! Every year in February, jumpers at Skydive Perris make a jump in their pajamas to earn this accolade. 

Bimbo’s Air Salon

Some patches require more advanced skills than others, and this one requires a steady hand. Smear some lipstick on one of three mannequin heads (Sabina, Agnes, or Lupe) held by Load Organizer Danielle Barlow to prove your abilities and earn this patch!

Waltzing Spiders

Created by Bob Ferguson, this patch signifies participation in a successful 5-way jump that includes one full revolution around the “spider.” It’s a great skydive to learn basic skills and get to know other newer jumpers.

Bonus: This patch is offered in pink and blue!

I Finally Stopped Looking for Catalina Island

There’s a lot to look at up there, but connecting with the other skydivers in the air with you is key to a successful jump. Also created by Bob Ferguson, this patch is for newer skydivers who finally understand the power of eye contact instead of looking around for Catalina Island! 

Mr. Potato Head Jump

Skydivers love incorporating props and games into their jumps to keep things interesting. One of the most popular versions of this schtick includes one skydiver holding the body of a Mr. Potato Head while other skydivers attempt to attach his body parts! All a skydiver has to do to earn this patch is successfully attach one of Mr. Potato Head’s parts to his body. Luckily, the placement of the body part doesn’t have to be perfect.

Caution: Premature Plane Release Member

Some patches are designed to poke a little fun at the common mistakes jumpers make while learning the ropes. Falling off the plane is a harmless and silly misstep that can happen as people are getting into position to exit, and if a skydiver gets caught stumbling out the door, they’ll get tagged with one of these patches!

Insider info: This patch was Inspired by Grace Katz’s 1000th jump – it’s not just newbies who goof up sometimes! 

Official Crotch Docker

Believe it or not, this patch is exactly what it sounds like. It can be earned by intentionally (with express consent!) or unintentionally (grabbing hands can get unruly in 120 mph winds) docking on someone else’s crotch in freefall. The act must be documented by photo or video to qualify, and even comes with initiation into an exclusive club: Skydiving Crotch Dockers. 

The Secret Society of Chicken Chokers

Skydivers love to be goofy, and there’s no better evidence of that than this patch invented by Mr. John “BULLY” Bull (Air Trash). To earn this patch, a group of skydivers must take a rubber chicken along on their jump and pass it from one skydiver to the next. Each skydiver that successfully receives and passes the rubber chicken gets a secret society number! 

See: Skydiving Chicken Chokers

Barbie Bagger

In a similar vein, this patch was created because girls don’t choke chickens. The requirements are the same, but Barbie (or Ken) replaces the rubber chicken in this tradition.

Check out Skydiving Barbie Baggers to peep the group.

Highest Slip ’n Slide

Once a year, during the Summer SkyRave, skydivers can earn this patch by sliding out the back of a Skyvan on a slip ’n slide. What? Not only do you get to do the most epic Slip ’n Slide of your life, but you also receive a memento of it? Only at Skydive Perris!

Are you ready to start earning your own airborne accolades? Book your jump today and find out where you belong! Blue skies!

Related Article: At Our Very Core, Who Are Skydivers?

The post Skydiving Patches You Can Collect at Skydive Perris appeared first on Skydive Perris.

What do celebrity sightings and skydiving have in common? They’re often once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But you’ll never guess what else these two things share – sometimes they can happen at the same time! That’s right, there are celebrities who skydive just like the rest of us. And when it comes to famous people skydiving, some of them are even licensed and experienced!

It just so happens that Skydive Perris is one of the famous skydiving places that draws in those adrenaline-seeking A-listers. So if you’re wondering what famous people have gone skydiving, read on to peep just six of the 45+ celebrities who have jumped at Skydive Perris.

Tom Cruise

As you likely already know, when you see Tom Cruise skydiving in a movie, it’s not a double, it’s actually Tom Cruise! He long ago earned his skydiving license so that he can go full send on his own aerial stunts. He even took his airborne hobby/job one step further and can be seen riding a motorcycle off of a cliff into a BASE jump in the 2023 film Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. 

Cruise has become somewhat of a celebrity’s celebrity when it comes to skydiving. He’s even responsible for taking James Corden skydiving – at Skydive Perris, no less. The hilarious video of Cruise sharing the sky with Corden has been viewed more than 60 million times! 

David Blaine

David Blaine is, of course, a professional magician and mentalist well known for his mind-bending tricks and antics, but many people don’t know that he’s also a licensed skydiver. How else could he achieve a stunt like his 2020 airborne marvel, Ascension? 

Blaine actually earned his skydiving license at Skydive Perris in 2002 to prepare for an earlier stunt, Vertigo, which concluded with a 100-foot leap into a stack of cardboard boxes. He completed the Perris Skydiving Program in order to learn how to better control his body in the air. 

“There didn’t seem like any better way to learn,” said Blaine. We couldn’t agree more! 

Patrick Swayze

Patrick Swayze’s skydiving scenes in the 1991 classic, Point Break, might be his most famous screen moments – and rightly so, as he was a hobbyist skydiver before he even snagged the role. In fact, the famous “Adios, amigo!” bit is actual footage of Swayze making a skydive with no stunt double!

What people don’t know is that it was a family affair. It was Don Swayze, Patrick’s brother and an avid skydiver, who brought him down to Perris to show him the ropes. To everyone’s surprise, Patrick got right into it and earned his skydiving license. According to his instructor, the star’s athletic and gymnastic ability made him “a natural.”

Point Break, and Swayze’s role in it, is often credited with inspiring a generation of skydivers to look to the skies and dream of their place among the clouds. 

Funny story: One day, when the massively famous Swayze was at the dropzone, he went entirely unrecognized by most of the jumpers. Proof that skydiving is the ultimate equalizer! 

It was a family affair, really. Swayze’s brother, who was a very experienced skydiver at the time, brought him down to Perris to show him the ropes. To everyone’s surprise, Patrick got right into it and earned his license. According to his instructor, the star’s natural athletic and gymnastic ability made him “a natural.”

Funny story: one day, when the at-that-point-massively-famous Swayze was at the dropzone, he went entirely unrecognized by most of the jumpers.

Pom Klementieff

Tom Cruise is the reason Pom Klementieff caught the skydiving bug! He gifted her skydiving lessons, and she never looked back! Now she’s not only a fully-licensed skydiver, but she’s also a Skydive Perris regular. 

With more than 200 skydives in her logbook, Klementieff articulates her passion for the sport in a way we can all relate to: “I love the rush, I love the precision, I love how sharp it makes me. When I jump off a hot-air balloon very early in the morning, and the sun is rising, and it smells like mist — it’s magical.”

Kendall Jenner

Despite laughing and joking around just before exiting the airplane with Scott Disick, Kendall Jenner had a moment of doubt at the edge of the door. But Jenner put her trust in the professionals of Skydive Perris, pushed through her fear, and took a leap of faith for the experience of a lifetime.

She was instantly all smiles and couldn’t stop grinning throughout freefall. Once under canopy, she shared: “It’s crazy how many emotions you go through!” and posted a very cool, “Did it!” after landing safely (and laying in the grass in gratitude) at Skydive Perris. 

Zachary Levi

Like many people, celebrity or not, Zachary Levi can’t get enough of the sky. Since doing his first tandem at age 21, he’s been spotted skydiving all over the world, including at Skydive Perris. The Shazam! Star shared sage advice while he cruised over the Perris Valley under parachute: “Jump out of a plane. Live your life.” Hear, hear, Zach!

The Adrenal-IN Experience

One thing that makes Skydive Perris so appealing to those who “have it all” is our diversity of offerings. Our state-of-the-art facilities, instructors, and equipment afford us the opportunity to share the very best of our sport with anyone who wants to experience it. 

Our Adrenal-IN Experience offers everything anyone could ever want out of skydiving: two 

indoor skydiving flights and a tandem skydive from 12,500 feet! This package lets you see and feel it all, and then celebrate poolside and at the world-famous Bombshelter Restaurant & Bar!

Let’s do a quick recap of what we’ve learned: 

1) Celebrities trust in the experience, professionalism, and culture of safety at Skydive Perris. 

2) You can make a tandem, learn how to skydive, and go indoor skydiving here. 

3) You never know who you’ll be sitting next to on the plane when you book your jump! 

Better make sure you get the photo and video package – you just might have a celebrity photobomber next to you on the aircraft! 

Related Article: Why Skydive Perris the Mecca of Skydiving

The post Famous People Who’ve Jumped at Skydive Perris appeared first on Skydive Perris.

Why Skydive Perris is Fun for the Whole Family!

There’s no shortage of fun and unique things to do in Southern California for all ages. Some you’ve definitely heard of and have maybe even done a time or two before, and some are more in the “hidden gems in Southern California” category. 

One of the most unique places to visit in California isn’t even anywhere on Earth … it’s in the sky! Here’s something else that’ll surprise you … it’s in the “family things to do in Southern California” category too! Win-win-win!

Skydive Perris – located about an hour from LA and 75 minutes from San Diego – has more than enough entertainment for the entire family. The adults in your party can skydive, ages three and up can go indoor skydiving in our wind tunnel, and we have a glittering on-site swimming pool where the whole fam can watch professional skydivers land! Something for everyone!

Traditional Skydiving

Tandem skydiving enables novices to soar thousands of feet above the Earth on a life-changing, adrenaline-pumping adventure. And we offer way more than your standard tandem jump – at Skydive Perris you can make a high altitude tandem, jump tandem out of a DC-9 airliner (an internationally unique experience!!), and double-up with our awesome Adrenal-In Experience! 

A traditional skydiving visit is perfect for families with adult children or groups of people who are all over the age of 18. At Skydive Perris, we are known for our culture of safety and operate in compliance with all rules and regulations set by both the United States Parachute Association (USPA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – which includes strict age limitations for jumping out of airplanes. 

Those underage or just not up for a sky-high adventure can still hang out at the dropzone and enjoy some sun, grub, and watch you stick your landing!

Indoor Skydiving

A flight in our indoor tunnel is the way to go for adventurous family members over the age of three. We even have a Kids Club to help young people ages 5-17 learn the ins and outs of body flight!

And not only is indoor skydiving one of the most unique things to do in Southern California, it’s also incredibly realistic! In fact, indoor skydiving is so close to the real thing that professional skydivers regularly use the tunnel as a controlled environment in which to train for their time in the sky. The tunnel has something to offer everyone, from first-time flyers and skydiving students, to military personnel and competitive experienced skydivers.   

Flights include all necessary equipment as well as personal instruction for a fun, successful experience. 

Other Attractions

One of the best things about Skydive Perris is that you don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy a day with us. Our facilities include amenities for people of all ages and risk appetites, including The Bombshelter restaurant overlooking our sparkling pool, and the opportunity to see some of the best skydivers in the world sail in for landing, having the time of their lives. 

If you’re looking for non-touristy things to do in Southern California, spending the day at a skydiving dropzone is it! Skydiving is famously known as a counterculture, and the moment you step onto Skydive Perris, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another world. All walks of life spreading positive vibes and sharing high fives – the energy is contagious!

Getting to Skydive Perris

Skydive Perris is located at 2091 Goetz Road, Perris, CA 92570-9315

• From San Diego
  
  • Head East on Broadway towards Broadway (0.4 miles)
  • Turn left onto 11th Avenue (0.3 miles)
  • Keep left to continue on CA-163 North, follow songs for Escondido (7.1 miles)
  • Use the left lanes to turn slightly left to stay on CA-163 North (4.0 miles)
  • Merge onto I-15 North (50.6 miles)
  • Keep right at the fork to continue on I-215 North, follow signs for Riverside/San Bernardino (13.9 miles)
  • Take Exit 14 for Ethanac Road (0.3 miles)
  • Turn left onto Ethanac Road (2.0 miles)
  • Turn right onto Goetz Road (1.4 miles)
  • Skydive Perris is located at Perris Valley Airport L-65

Note: DO NOT turn right on Mapes Road. Keep going ½ mile until you reach the Skydive Perris main entrance at 2091 Goetz Road.

• From Los Angeles
  
  • Get on US-101 S (0.5 mi)
  • Head northwest on W Temple St toward N Broadway (0.4 mi)
  • Turn right to merge onto US-101 S (0.1 mi)
  • Take CA-60 E and I-215 S to CA-74 W/Redlands Ave in Perris. Take exit 17 from I-215 S (72.1 mi)
  • Use the left lane to merge onto US-101 S (1.3 mi)
  • Keep right to stay on US-101 S (1.4 mi)
  • Use the right lane to take the CA-60 E exit toward Pomona (0.6 mi)
  • Continue onto CA-60 E (24.3 mi)
  • Continue straight to stay on CA-60 E (signs for Pomona/Riverside) (27.9 mi)
  • Continue onto CA-60 E/I-215 S (4.1 mi)
  • Use the right 2 lanes to stay on I-215 S (0.3 mi)
  • Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 58 for Interstate 215 S toward San Diego (407 ft)
  • Continue onto I-215 S (12.0 mi)
  • Take exit 17 for CA-74 W toward 4th St (0.2 mi)
  • Continue on Redlands Ave (2.0 mi)
  • Turn right onto CA-74 W/Redlands Ave (0.1 mi)
  • Continue straight onto S Redlands Ave (0.2 mi)
  • Turn right onto E 7th St (0.2 mi)
  • Turn left onto S G St (0.4 mi)
  • Turn right onto Case Rd (459 ft)
  • Turn right onto Goetz Road (1.4 miles)
  • Skydive Perris is located at Perris Valley Airport L-65

Note: DO NOT turn right on Mapes Road. Keep going ½ mile until you reach the Skydive Perris main entrance at 2091 Goetz Road.

Treat your family to the experience of a lifetime (the ultimate family hidden gem in Southern California) and check out all we have to offer at Skydive Perris! We can’t wait to welcome you to Paradise! Blue skies. 

Related Article: 5 Ways Indoor Skydiving is Beneficial to Kids

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