Come flail away: Skydiving business opens near Arizona’s Grand Canyon
Apr 6, 2016, 5:12 AM
PHOENIX — Most Arizonans have been to the Grand Canyon — or at least have it on their bucket list — but few people have seen it while plummeting from the sky.
Mashable reports that Paragon Skydiving is the first company to be approved by canyon officials to jump near the natural wonder.
Located at the Grand Canyon National Park Airport in Tusayan, just a few miles south of the canyon’s South Rim, Paragon allows adrenaline junkies to free fall up to 30 seconds and treats them to some spectacular views after the parachute opens.
Though the flight and jump zone do not take place over the canyon itself — regulations bar that from happening — but skydivers get a five-minute aerial view of the South Rim as they glide back to Earth.
In addition to the jump restrictions, skydivers are required to be accompanied by an instructor, be at least 18 years old and be in good shape. They are jumping out of a plane, after all.
Paragon also offers skydivers photo and video documentation of their free fall — for a small charge, of course.
Jumps are available all year, but it’s worth keeping in mind the South Rim experiences quite a range of temperatures. The area is typically 20 degrees cooler than the Phoenix area and sees snow in the winter months.
If you’re ready to take the plunge, jumps start at $299.
