Most people would choose such states as California or Florida (even some of the mid-Atlantic states) as leading the way in skydiving and other thrill sports. But to their surprise, Iowa is one of the leaders in what has been called the "adventure sports industry." In fact, Iowa skydiving has numerous top-quality, reputable skydiving centers that provide hundreds with the opportunity to enjoy this breathtaking sport.

Many consider skydiving extreme, but for many it is a choice, a way of life that is not extreme at all. But for just about everyone who experiences the thrill of jumping from an airplane and drifting to the ground under a parachute, the memories last a lifetime.

Iowa Skydiving Centers

The experienced professionals at the various Iowa skydiving centers help beginners and old hands face fear and welcome the challenge of this great sport. Check with Iowa Skydiving, one of the most recognized names in the state, along with Skydiving Iowa, or check with Skydiving.com to locate other top parachuting and skydiving centers in this Midwestern state. Join the thousands who have chosen jump masters and instructors in Iowa skydiving to get an adventure unrivaled by just about any other activity.

For example, skydiving centers in such populated areas as Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport and Sioux City, offer tandem skydiving, a beginning method that involves making a jump while harnessed to an instructor. These centers also provide a program called Accelerated Free Fall, a quick way to become certified as a skydiver. These jumps are made with some assistance from instructors, then a follow up video and discussion help the student getting a mental image of what took place. These safe jumps also include an automatic activation device on the parachute that will deploy the chute in case of emergency. Accelerated Free Fall training includes intensive ground training, usually up to five hours initially.

While costs for training and for additional jumps vary from center to center, typical prices for a tandem jump will be about $180 to $210. Group rates can reduce this cost. Follow up jumps will cost about $50 to $60. Videos of jumps are also available, with prices ranging from $45 to $75. Accelerated Free Fall programs range from $140 to $275, depending on the level of instruction. Experienced jumpers may arrange for service by contacting the supervisors at any location. Some sites even offer coupons after the first tandem jump that will save the individual money on a future session.

So, if you are in or near the Hawkeye state and want to experience the thrill of skydiving, contact a pro at one of the many centers. Hundreds have and nearly everyone goes back for more!