By PHILIP VAN DIJK
Beginning skydivers can learn the basics of skydiving in a half-day class, then make their first jump with the help of one or two experienced jumpers, said the owner of a local skydiving school.
Jack Gutherie, who runs Skydive U, said he teaches first-time jumpers one of three techniques.
'Basically, there are three types of skydiving jumps: the tandem, assisted free fall and the static line,' Gutherie said. 'However, the static line jump is almost a thing of the past because most people prefer to free fall (without a parachute) during the jump and the static line does not offer that feature.'
The tandem jump consists of two jumpers, the customer and a professional skydiver, who are strapped together in a leather harness with one parachute for the two of them. 'The second jumper is for safety purposes in case anything goes wrong,' Gutherie said.
An assisted free-fall jumper has two professionals, one on each side, holding onto the jumper's wrists. After a one mile free fall, the customer's parachute is opened and the three separate.
In a static line jump, the parachute is opened by a line attached to the plane when the customer jumps.
When asked if it is illegal for a customer to jump from the plane unassisted and pull his or her own parachute, Gutherie answered, 'It is not against the law, but it is against all laws of common sense.'
The cost for each jump ranges from $100 to $200 depending on which jump and which height the customer chooses. Heights range from 3,500 feet to 12,000 feet.
A class is required by Skydive U before a customer can jump. The class covers all the basic safety rules of skydiving and gives the instructors time to make sure each jumper meets the criteria. The criteria requirements include a minimum age of 16 years old, good mental and physical abilities, proper weight (220 pound limit), and proper clothing (no boots with hook eyes, etc.). Also, if he or she is under 18-years-old, they must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
'This is not an amusement park ride,' Gutherie warned. 'The class for people who want to jump tandem is about a half hour long and the classes for the assisted free fall and static line are four hours long,' Gutherie said. Classes begin 9 a.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. on weekends and are followed immediately by the actual jump.
'People should plan on spending all day here,' Gutherie said.
Gutherie said that most skydiving companies are built around already existing airports, but that his is different.
'Skydive U built its own airport specifically for skydiving,' he said. 'It is a drop zone built by skydivers for skydiving.'
Customers have the option of having their jump videotaped by another jumper for an additional $20.
'Children and attorneys are welcome but they must be under the direct supervision of an adult and should not be allowed to run amok!' Gutherie joked.
Skydive U Parachute Center is located on the west side of Lehi, just before you reach Cedar Fort. You can book reservations at 768-0999 or check out their website at www.mcr.net/jump. Skydiving season runs from March through October.