Photo courtesy of Olivia Murray.
SkydiveUT offers University of Tampa (UTampa) students an unforgettable adrenaline rush, combining breathtaking views and a supportive, community-driven skydiving experience.
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By Andrew Miller
TAMPA, Fla. — SkydiveUT has its own cure for end-of-semester stress: stepping out of a plane at 14,000 feet. In the middle of each semester, the group takes around 20 students, most of them first-timers, on a heart-pounding free-fall experience.
On March 8, SkydiveUT made its latest jump, sending another wave of students free-falling through the sky and leaving many of them hooked on skydiving.
For those who haven’t experienced the jump, SkydiveUT Vice President Piper Randall recalls the unmatched rush that keeps students coming back.
“This jump was different,” Randall said. “We were even able to see a rainbow through the clouds, and my instructor took us straight through.”
It’s not something every skydiver gets to experience, but passing through a cloud is as surreal as it sounds. For those who have done it, it’s a moment that turns an already thrilling fall into something unforgettable, Randall said.
It’s not just the adrenaline of freefall. You’re also met with a beauty that’s hard to put into words, taking in a true bird’s-eye view from thousands of feet above the ground, and from the Zephyrhills Skydive City location, the group jumps. You can even see the Tampa skyline in the distance.
Randall explains what makes going with SkydiveUT especially worthwhile, highlighting the added sense of community and support that comes with jumping alongside fellow students rather than going alone.
“Firstly, it’s a great reset,” Randall said. “It’s not a common opportunity, and the club has the unique ability to bring students while it’s cheaper.”
All this excitement has led to a surge in popularity. As more students join the UTampa club, many find it increasingly difficult to secure a spot on the limited-capacity trips.
Russell Koo, a UTampa student, explains that he has tried multiple times to get on one of these trips but has had no luck.
“The sign-ups fill up right away,” Koo said. “With work, it can be hard to make sure you can do it asap.”
Koo works weekends, which has made it difficult for him to sign up, as registration typically opens early Sunday mornings. He’s faced this challenge for several semesters. However, as a graduating senior, his chances may have finally improved.
Jenna Miller, president of SkydiveUT, explains one way they’ve begun to counter this issue.
“We offer an exclusive senior jump in the spring,” Miller said. “So seniors who might not have gotten the chance for the past few years now have the opportunity to go.”
Miller encourages students to fully embrace this rare chance to release stress and experience a thrilling, unmatched adrenaline rush.
“Nothing beats the looks on everyone’s faces when they get back down,” Miller said, “especially first-timers.”
Despite limited spots, the club’s popularity continues to grow. With high demand comes tough competition, but for those who make the final list, the discounted price and unforgettable experience make SkydiveUT appealing to students.