Skydiving In Caldwell Gives A Birdseye View Of Treasure Valley

In 2009, I had just turned 40, went through a divorce, and let's just say, I was looking for something new and exciting for my mental and emotional well-being. So, I did what anyone in my position would do: I jumped out of an airplane at 13,000 feet!

Skydive Skydown - 4421 Aviation Way, Caldwell, ID has been jumping out of airplanes over the Treasure Valley for years and was recently voted Idaho's Best for 2026. Their website promises a "120 mph freefall from 13,000 feet".

Preparation is key to a successful and safe skydive.

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I'm not necessarily afraid of heights or have a fear of flying, but I will say that standing at the opening of that plane and looking down to where, hopefully, I would be making a safe and soft landing was frightening.

I said a few prayers, nodded my head, and my jump buddy jumped! Yes, as a first-time skydiver, I was attached to the skydive instructor, his name was Paul, with a special tandem suit.

This gave him better control of the situation and increased my odds of not becoming a human pancake. It also allowed for pictures and video to document the brief and exhilarating experience for posterity.

A couple of things to keep in mind before you jump, or before your instructor jumps while attached to you, is to keep your head up, or the instructor will do it for you, and keep your mouth shut during the sky dive.

0 to 120 mph in a split second, then the brakes come on quick once the ripcord is pulled and the chute comes out. Then it's just floating and taking in the birds eye views on the way down.