Whether you're a "bucket list" jumper or an experienced diver, the drop zones of northern Michigan offer some of the most spectacular skydiving views around. Enjoy the pristine beauty of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, local landmarks and coastal forests from two miles above the earth, during a tandem or solo jump with licensed and United States Parachute Association-certified instructors.
Taking the Plunge
- Tandem jumps are best suited for first-time skydivers and those who want a one-time experience. Very little preparation or equipment is needed and a short class prepares jumpers for what to expect. During the jump, you will be securely strapped to an instructor who will guide you through the entire process, including making the jump, monitoring the free fall, pulling the parachute cord and steering into the drop zone. Skydive Harbor Springs, located at the Harbor Springs Airport, offers tandem jumps seven days a week, depending on the weather, and jumpers are flown over the Mackinac Bridge, Beaver Island and Grand Traverse Bay as part of the experience. The jump is also videotaped and photographed, with 360-degree camera angles and panoramic shots of the beautiful scenery.
The High Dive
- If you were bitten by the skydiving bug during a tandem jump, you may want to move onto further instruction. Accelerated free fall courses allow jumpers to fly solo, with side-by-side assistance from instructors. By the end of the course, jumpers can earn certification from the U.S.P.A. and take on solo jumps without assistance. Skydive Harbor Springs offers AFF classes and once certified, jumpers can do solo dives for as low as $25 per jump. An alternative to AFF courses is static line training, where the student completes extensive ground training before doing a solo jump with radio assistance from the instructor. A line of flexible cable attaches to the parachute to help with deployment. Premier Skydiving, located at Municipal Airport in Freemont, offers static line training courses as well as tandem jumps with U.S.P.A.-certified instructors.
Drop Zone Parties
- Customize your view by planning ahead and attending one of Skydive Harbor Springs' special events. View the "Great Turtle" and the Mackinac Bridge during the Mackinac Island skydiving special. Take a break from the National Cherry Festival in early July and skydive over the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Drop over Drummond Island, one of Lake Huron's largest islands or Beaver Island, nicknamed the "unsalted Caribbean." Those wanting to see the upper peninsula in miniature, take advantage of the July dive in Escanaba, over Little Bay de Noc.
The Fine Print
- When booking your reservation, inquire of the current weight limit. Skydive Harbor Springs will work to accommodate as many people as they can, but for safety reasons individuals weighing 200 pounds or more may not be eligible to jump. Premier Skydiving will accept all healthy jumpers up to 250 pounds. The weather must be clear for safe skydiving, but on most days the jump can be delayed by a few hours while the skies clear. The state of Michigan requires jumpers to be at least 18 years of age and, no matter what your age, you will need to sign a waiver before taking off in the aircraft.
