Crystal Coast Skydiving

# Crystal Coast Skydiving Description

Crystal Coast Skydiving in Beaufort, North Carolina offers tandem skydiving with spectacular views of the Crystal Coast coastline, combining the thrill of freefall with the scenic beauty of North Carolina's barrier islands. Located at Michael J Smith Field just one mile north of Beaufort, the dropzone operates Thursday through Sunday during summer months and every weekend in winter, making it accessible year-round for jumpers of all experience levels.

The dropzone is home to a Cessna 182, a reliable single-engine aircraft ideal for smaller jump operations. Beyond tandem skydiving, Crystal Coast Skydiving serves the broader skydiving community through its AFF (Accelerated Freefall) training program and Tandem Instructor courses, establishing itself as both a tourist destination and a serious training facility. The facility welcomes licensed skydivers to its fun jumping program, with jump tickets priced at $34 to altitude, $31 hop-and-pop options, and $45 beach landings. Rental gear is available for $50 per pack job, up to three jumps per day.

What sets Crystal Coast Skydiving apart is its unique beach landing capability—a distinctive feature that takes full advantage of the dropzone's coastal location. The site emphasizes spectacular views of the Crystal Coast, and tandem jumpers experience a perspective of the shoreline available nowhere else, with videography services capturing the adventure. The dropzone offers videography options, AFF instruction, coaching, and tandem instruction through staff holding USPA ratings and certifications.

The operation is led by Jeff, the owner and operator, an AFF instructor and tandem instructor with FAA Senior Parachute Rigger certification who has accumulated over 3,000 skydives and over 1,000 tandems. His passion for sharing the sport is reflected in the dropzone's welcoming atmosphere for both newcomers and experienced jumpers. The team includes Sarah Howard, the manager and manifest coordinator, and Braxton, a pilot, AFF/coach, and ground crew member.

For tandem jumpers, Crystal Coast Skydiving offers media packages ranging from Basic Video ($110) through Pro Package ($150) to Ultimate Package ($295), all capturing the freefall experience over the Crystal Coast. All tandem jumpers receive a comprehensive drop zone briefing covering safety procedures, landing areas, and aircraft operations before their jump. The dropzone operates out of a full-service facility with team rooms, Wi-Fi, and videographer services on-site.

The Mid-Atlantic Region dropzone welcomes fun jumpers with current USPA membership, valid and reserved parachute systems, and an Automatic Activation Device (AAD), making it a destination for the regional skydiving community seeking coastal jump experiences.