In order to get a rush, professional skydivers strap themselves to an office worker and jump from great heights, as their dive buddy makes coffee, changes toner, and types out memos that read: "ahweeee!" Be that chosen office worker with today's Groupon: for $149, you get a tandem skydive from Skydive Dallas, a $229 value. Skydivers must be at least 18 years of age and weigh 200 pounds or less, or pay an additional $20 fee up to the weight limit of 220 pounds. Jumps are subject to weather and signal clearance from migratory birds.

Your bulging basic tandem package includes classroom instruction, gear rental, and a shiny first-jump Certificate of Extremeatude, Cum Lauder. From the private, closed drop zone in Whitewright, about 50 miles north of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, the sky is clear for unbelievable views of impossible flatness. As you plunge from 13,500 feet in the air, you'll experience during the roughly one minute of freefall what Wilber Wright called a "perfect peace mingled with an excitement that strains every nerve to the utmost, bra." People who skydive say the feeling of pure freedom is unparalleled, the adrenaline rush is addictive, and facing one's fears is satisfying. For frequently asked questions, see here.

Owners Lee and Carol Schlichtemeier fell head over heels for the sport after taking their first jumps in 1989. Their fleet includes a Super Caravan, a Cessna Skylane 182, and the world’s most beloved twin-engine skydiving aircraft, the Millennium Falcon. Skydiving is the most thrilling way to celebrate a birthday, to sweat out premarital terror for a bachelor or bachelorette party, or to take a glorious leap into retirement. Buy a few Groupons as gifts and learn to skydive with people you trust; buy a few more and learn to dive with some people you're highly suspicious of while some friends you trust watch them. Either way, you only live once.

Reviews

Two of Skydive Dallas's more than 1,200 Facebook fans give it a perfect five stars:

• Couldn't ask for anything more at a drop zone. Professional staff, knowledgable trainers, great aircraft, huge facility with plenty of carpeted area to pack. I have nothing but positive things to say about skydive dallas. – Ben M., Facebook