I drive four hours to skydive at Chicagoland Skydiving Center (CSC). I do this every other weekend (or more), for most of the midwest skydiving season. I live in Fort Wayne, Indiana, so CSC is not the closest dropzone to me, not by a long shot. I make this drive because it is worth it to me. And I’m not the only one that drives this far.

There is plenty to think about as a new jumper. The world of skydiving opens up once you earn your A License, and your life really is in your hands. One of the most fun things about having your license is the ability to travel to new dropzones and attend events with other licensed jumpers. Of course, this adds new issues to consider than you may be used to.