Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1023713
By Judith M. Wilson Special to the Marin IJ M ichaelKnightofSkydiveGoldenGateinNovato went on his first skydive as a gift from his brother on his 19th birthday in 1998. He was hooked and knew it was the kind of work he wanted to do, so he geared his education toward eventually starting a skydiving business. He worked full time in the field after college, and in February 2014, he approached Marin County and Gnoss Field with a proposal. It took substantial time to acquire licenses and allow regulatory agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration and air traffic control to complete reviews. Skydive Golden Gate opened three years later. Skydive Golden Gate, which has five employees in addition to the owners, specializes in tandem jumps with a customer and an experienced instructor. Knights says it is an easy way to try skydiving. "You're like a passenger in a car. You just get to enjoy the ride," Knight says. Before getting aboard the plane, a customer goes through basic training on body position in free fall and how to position feet for landing. Instructors take care of the technical aspects, like opening the parachute, and they have at least 10 years experience and have made more than 10,000 jumps. From takeoff in the plane to feet touching the ground takes 20 minutes, and the parachute ride is approximately five minutes. Free fall lasts 30 seconds. "It's an exhilarating experience. It's much easier than people believe," Knight says. "Everybody should skydive at least once in their life." Knight believes Novato is an ideal location for a skydiving business. Customers glean a panoramic view of the San Francisco skyline, the Pacific Ocean, the entire Bay Area and its bridges, as well as Sonoma and Napa valleys and the mountains beyond. And, says Knight, "It's been a fantastic experience being part of the Novato community."n SkydiveGoldenGate 351 Airport Road, Novato, Calif. 94945 415-770-4011 skydivegoldengate.com Skydive Golden Gate is the closest skydive center to San Francisco and offers first time skydivers the thrill of a lifetime and sweeping views of the Bay Area. Successfulleapoffaith Skydive Golden Gate specializes in jumps for newcomers Clockwisefromtopleft; Customers enjoy skydiving; Thumbs up after an exhilarating skydive; Owner Michael Knight and customer; Owners Kate and Michael Knight; Customers at the Skydive Golden Gate Novato offices. – All photos provided by Skydive Golden Gate Novato Suit up and enjoy the ride! AMarketingSupplementoftheMarinIndependentJournal | marinij.com KeepItLocal September9,2018 5