Massachusetts, officially known as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, lies in the north-eastern region of New England; the vast open waters of the Atlantic Ocean lying to the east of this originally British state.
Being the third most densely populated, and the fourteenth most populous state overall in the USA, it boasts an incredibly large and dynamic array of cultures, religions, and ancestral origins within the streets of its colourful neighbourhoods.
Historical significance overwhelms the state, having played a role in many of the greater events to have taken place in American history. Most notably the colony founded in Plymouth by the Pilgrims of the Mayflower in 1620 (hence the nickname of “The Old Colony State”); the Salem witch trials of 1692; and the movement of American Revolution in the late eighteenth century.
The Massachusetts Climate
Massachusetts has what is known as a humid continental climate, typically found over large areas of land in the temperate regions of the mid-latitudes, where a zone of conflict is displayed between polar and tropical air masses.
Experiencing pleasantly warm summers with an average temperature of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.7 degrees Celsius), and during the winter months, expectance of colder, snowy weather is advised. Extreme conditions are not unusual in winter, with temperatures often being recorded below freezing, and north easterly storms (known as “nor’easters” to the locals) hitting quite hard. Thunderstorms are generally experienced during the summer and one can expect about 30 days of full activity and around 30 inches of rain annually, distributed evenly throughout the year.
While Massachusetts is vulnerable to hurricanes and has seen quite notable tropical cyclones in the past, it is seldom hit by tornadoes except for one notorious event in 1953, known as the Flint-Worcester tornado outbreak sequence. Skydiving in Massachusetts would be advised during the warmer, more temperate months of early to mid summer, and most centres will offer gear rental if required.
Views, Scenery, And Why One Should Go Skydiving In Massachusetts
With the 40 miles of scenery spread out along the coast of Cape Cod, and the beautifully blue lakes scattered across this naturally rich land, one could only feel regret at not having gone skydiving in Massachusetts – the famous Codfish State. With its coastlines dotted with the old wooden houses of families long gone, the wide open fields of golden wheat dispersed far over the lands of Northfield, almost reaching over the horizon, and its dozens of historically important landmarks and the crashing waters flowing through aged canals, Massachusetts can boast some of the more idyllic and atmospheric scenery for one to take in as they plunge through the air, allowing themselves the few minutes it takes to get back down to the sweet scented grass of the land beneath them to fully appreciate Massachusetts’ natural beauty.
While the state has a limited amount of dropzones, majority of these are highly rated and excellent establishments, for both first time jumpers and experienced skydivers alike. There is a long history of skydiving in Massachusetts with dropzones having been established as early back as the late 1950s, it even saw the state play host to the 1965 nationals. Furthermore, despite the lack of a large number of dropzones, as per the 2010 USPA survey, Massachusetts has a healthy and thriving skydiving community.
Regulations And Safety
If you are planning on going skydiving in Massachusetts, it is important to remember that there is a strict regulation on age; most centres will not permit those younger than 18 years of age to take part in even a tandem jump. The majority of centres also have a strict policy on alcohol consumption and intoxicated participants will not be permitted to continue with their jump. It is possible that some may ask that a standard drug test be taken. Most of the centres offer a maximum jump altitude of 13 000 to 14 000 thousand feet.
[Close]
Read more
