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 and skydiving indoors, the two sports are very distinct entities. They utilize different equipment, require different age limits and, often, appeal to a totally different vibe. Intrigued? No worries. Here's how to look at it.

Do you want a profound, life-changing experience? Jump from a plane.

Tandem skydiving sits at the top of the world's bucket list for very good reason. It's a home truth that nothing else you can possibly do can deliver the overwhelming lightning bolt of inspiration that you get when you jump out of a flying airplane.

No "buts" about it: Skydiving for the first time is going to be a landmark experience in your life, from the airplane ride to the top of the world to the butterflies you feel in the door to the balletic, surprisingly peaceful parachute ride down to the landing. Sure, a few people are under the false impression that indoor skydiving is a "skydiving simulator," but the truth is that a real-life skydive is on a totally different sensory planet. The thrill of jumping from an airplane can't be experienced without actually doing it, no matter how close a "skydiving simulator" may try to come!

Are you under 18? Skydive indoors.

In order to do a tandem skydive at a USPA Group Member center, you'll need to prove with a government-issued photo ID that you're at least 18 years of age. We know it's frustrating for many young adventurers, but there are no exceptions whatsoever to that rule. If you want to learn how to fly and you're anywhere below that age limit, indoor skydiving is a great way to start your journey early.

There are a couple of bonuses in store, here: Not only is it incredibly fun to learn all those bodyflight skills in the wind tunnel, but it's great preparation to take your solo skydiving certification course once you've finally blown out 18 candles. Everything will be easier. Cool, right?

Are you a person with mobility considerations? Skydive indoors (first).

You might be surprised at how accessible skydiving is, even if you live with considerable mobility issues. If that describes you, your dream of flight is probably best begun in the variable-controlled environment of the indoor skydiving wind tunnel. (Check out multiple amputee skydiver Todd Love for inspiration.)

You don't need to stop there, either: Tandem skydiving is generally well within the bounds of reality, even if your mobility is seriously compromised. We evaluate each set of unique considerations on a case-by-case basis -- so get in touch with us if you're curious to know if you can take to the skies. You'll probably be amazed at what's possible!

Do you want to fly? Do both!

Our best advice is not to choose skydiving over indoor skydiving or vice versa. Let's get rid of the "versa" once and for all, shall we? We want you, dear reader, to join both branches of the human flight community.

There's an indoor skydiving wind tunnel in Yonkers and and one in Paramus, NJ, so you could technically even start the morning here at Skydive Long Island do both in a single epic weekend. Make your reservation today!