Skydiving in New York State

A skydive over the Northeast

Whether you choose a tandem jump, an AFF (Accelerated Freefall) training, or an indoor skydive in a simulator, each experience offers a different way to explore the New York sky. The main dropzones are located in Long Island, Gardiner, Saratoga, and the Finger Lakes region, all certified by the United States Parachute Association (USPA). These sites guarantee professional supervision, maximum safety, and an experience that meets every expectation.

Tandem jump: a first taste of skydiving

The tandem skydive in New York State is the perfect activity for those who want to experience freefall without prior training. Accompanied by a certified instructor, you take off aboard an airplane for a climb of about 20 minutes up to 10,000 or 13,000 feet. The door opens, the wind rushes in — and then, the big leap.

You’ll experience about 45 seconds of freefall with panoramic views of New York’s countryside and the rivers winding between the hills. After the parachute opens, you’ll enjoy several minutes of calm flight, with the chance to briefly hold the controls. At Skydive Long Island, you can catch a glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean, while at Skydive Finger Lakes, it’s a mosaic of lakes and forests stretching beneath your feet. The experience ends with a smooth landing and a commemorative jump certificate.

AFF training: learning to jump on your own

For thrill-seekers who want to go further, several skydiving schools in New York offer AFF training programs. This highly supervised method allows you to learn to jump solo from the very first sessions. Two instructors accompany you on your initial jumps to help you control your body position and stability during freefall. Gradually, you’ll learn to deploy your parachute, manage your descent, and land independently. Centers such as Skydive The Ranch in Gardiner and Skydive Saratoga are well-known for the quality of their instruction and state-of-the-art equipment. At the end of the training, it’s possible to obtain a USPA license, which allows you to jump anywhere in the United States.

Indoor skydiving: an experience for everyone

If the New York sky attracts you but you’re not quite ready to jump from an airplane, indoor skydiving in New York State is the perfect option. The iFLY Westchester center, located in Yonkers, north of New York City, offers vertical wind tunnels that reproduce the sensation of real freefall in complete safety. Inside the glass tunnel, a powerful airflow keeps you suspended in the air, simulating a fall from more than 12,000 feet. After a short briefing, you put on a flight suit, helmet, and goggles before entering the tunnel with an instructor. This activity is open to children as young as 3 years old, making it a perfect family outing. The indoor simulator is also used by professional skydivers for training — proof of its realism and effectiveness.

Spectacular sites between lakes and mountains

One of the biggest attractions of skydiving in New York State is the diversity of its landscapes. From the Syracuse dropzone, you can admire the plains of central New York and the waters of Oneida Lake. Farther north, in Lake George, jumps offer spectacular views of the Adirondack Mountains with their peaks and valleys. To the west, in the Finger Lakes region, flights take place above farmland dotted with lakes and ancient glacial gorges. In the fall, when the forests turn red and gold, the view from the sky is simply unforgettable. These dropzones, known for their beauty, attract skydiving enthusiasts from all over the world.