How Skydiving Became the Ultimate Adaptable Adventure for Disabled Thrill-Seekers

01.08.2024 - 12:07 / cntraveler.com / Conde Nast

A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller UK.

As the wind howled around me at 13,000 feet, I clutched the hand of my tandem skydiving instructor, while I kept my eyes fixed on the opening of the small aircraft. I gasped, but fear and exhilaration curdled in my stomach, rendering me utterly speechless. The man to whom I was strapped shuffled us towards the door, expertly repositioning my paralyzed legs so they dangled over the side. With a countdown in my ear and the sun in my eyes, he propelled us forward—and then we were flying.

My journey to this moment began as the last year of my thirties loomed. Tired of weekends spent hiding from the cold London weather, I relocated to sunny California, where I was committed to finding adventurous activities. I was fueled by my desire to shatter stereotypes and prove that thrill-seekers come in all shapes, sizes, and abilities. Skydiving seemed an exhilarating place to start.

As a Disability advocate and wheelchair user, I’ve always pushed boundaries. But as a paraplegic, the idea of leaping out of a plane without the use of my legs seemed somewhat impractical. How would my limbs fair as I plummeted through the air? More importantly, how on earth would I land? Enter Skydive Elsinore. The center is renowned for its stunning vistas over Lake Elsinore, the surrounding San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains, and its commitment to making skydiving accessible to all. Here, the sky isn’t just the limit; it’s a playground for everyone, regardless of ability.

Through Skydive Elsinore, a skydiving center California, the sky isn’t just the limit—it’s a playground for everyone, regardless of ability.

From the moment I wheeled into the center, I instantly felt welcome. The energy was palpable, and the adrenaline was contagious. People from all walks of life were gearing up for the ultimate adventure. The staff greeted me with warm smiles and infectious enthusiasm, immediately putting me at ease. “We’ve got you covered,” they said as I signed a comprehensive waiver.

Like many skydiving centers worldwide today, SkyDive Elsinore has made significant strides in adapting its facilities and procedures to accommodate a wide range of people with disabilities. Typically, the process starts with a detailed briefing before instructors take the time to understand each individual’s needs. They work hard to ensure every jump is tailored to provide safety without compromising excitement.

The dual-harness system for tandem skydivers allows a wide range of disabilities to be accommodated by securely strapping the jumper to a highly qualified instructor. While some disabilities might preclude participation for safety reasons, many of us can now experience the joy