Why Skydiving Belongs on Your Gap Year Bucket List in Australia
Virtually every gap year trip includes Australia – and rightly so… The land down under is one of the most unique places on the planet. From the ocean to the outback, there’s nowhere else in the world that comes close to the Aussie experience.
Taking time out to travel is no longer solely the realm of those in their late teens and early 20s. Intrepid explorers in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond are packing their rucksacks and heading off to explore pastures new – plus enjoying bucket list activities, such as skydiving.
Yep, skydiving… Something that, thanks to the opportunity afforded by being safely strapped to an instructor, is one virtually everyone can experience.
6 Reasons to Skydive Australia
Yes, it’s possible to leap from a plane in virtually every country in the world. But if, like most folks, you’re only going to do it once, let’s look at why that should be in Australia…
- The climate: Australia has one of the most generous climates, no matter what time of year you visit. From the glorious shimmering summer heat to the cooler, clear days of winter, the country boasts over 3,000 hours of sunshine each year. Perth in WA gets even more than the rest, with over 3,200 hours (that’s an average of 8.8 hours a day!). And if you’re going to skydive, then having great weather is crucial.
- The views: Aussie views are probably some of the best you’ll ever see. Sparkling blue oceans with white-tipped crests breaking over gleaming paradise beaches… Rich hues of vegetation stand out against city landscapes… The contrast of red sand and rocky outback… Viewing this from 15,000 feet is something that will be seared into your memories – which is surely exactly what’s required from your gap year adventures.
- It’s incredibly safe: The Australian Parachute Federation (APF) is the governing body that regulates all skydives. They have some of the strictest rules and regulations in the world and, reassuringly, an excellent safety record.
- You can land on a beach: What better place to touch down on terra firma than a pure white sandy beach?
- You get to experience freefall: Depending on the height you choose to jump from this could be anything up to 66 seconds. And wow, is it the ultimate buzz… The word breathtaking is often overused – but in this case, it’s absolutely justified.
- It’s accessible to virtually everyone: Tandem skydiving is something that most people can enjoy. The prerequisites are that you can lift your legs for a parachute landing and that you don’t have any significant physical disabilities. Weight and age limits do apply (check with your chosen provider if you’re heavier than 95kg). The minimum legal age is 16 years – and there’s no upper age limit. If you’re generally fit, healthy and mobile, then a freefall tandem skydive should absolutely be on your gap year bucket list.
OK, so these are some pretty good reasons why you should jump. But, and here’s the million-dollar question, where’s the best place in Oz to do it?
We think it’s hard to beat the incredible scenery, climate and visibility of Western Australia – and, specifically, the paradise location of Rottnest Island. Skydive Geronimo offers the ultimate experience here, with an incredible team dedicated to making your once-in-a-lifetime leap the ultimate gap year memory.
Not only is it one of the world’s most idyllic locations, but we’ll ensure you get awesome photo and video evidence. So, what are you waiting for? Book your skydive today and start to get excited. We’re with you every pounding heartbeat of the way…
Glenn is a successful Skydive Instructor who’s successfully turned his lifelong passion into an award-winning adventure tourism business. His love for the thrill of the jump began over three decades ago in Matamata, New Zealand. 20,000+ jumps later and with the highest Australian Chief Instructor / Instructor A ratings under his belt, he and his wife, Amy, dedicate their lives to running the Western Australian-based Skydive Geronimo, the only company licensed to provide tandem jumps over one of the pearls of the Indian Ocean, Rottnest Island.
Glenn works tirelessly in all aspects of the business – from student and instructor training through to equipment safety, PR, Australian Parachute Federation (APF) and Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) compliance and everything in between. He also delivers education sessions to local pilots about skydiving operations in Perth and the surrounding area.
