Up and away

Story by Sheila Paz

Feel like your feet have been on the ground too long? Maybe it’s time to shake things up. Around here the blue sky isn’t just something to admire; it’s a playground. From the coastal breezes of Hilton Head to wide-open fields in Georgia, there are plenty of ways to lift off. Whether you’re parasailing over the water, kiteboarding with the wind or jumping out of a perfectly good airplane, these five airborne adventures bring a fresh rush of perspective. You don’t have to go far to fly high.

Parasailing

Parasailing gives you the chance to take it all in: the beaches, the creeks, the boats and that steady line where the sky meets the water. You’re gently lifted into the air behind a boat, and suddenly everything feels peaceful and wide open. Look down, and you might spot a dolphin pod. You’ll see Hilton Head from a whole new angle.

Sail the sky: Sky Pirate Parasail, Broad Creek Marina ($92, skypirateparasail.com), H2O Sports, Harbour Town Yacht Basin ($95, h2osports.com), Island Head, Broad Creek Marina ($95, islandheadhhi.com)

Kiteboarding

Think of it as surfing with a built-in breeze. Kiteboarding is one of those sports that looks wild from the beach and feels even better in motion. With your feet strapped to a board and a kite pulling you across the water, every muscle kicks in — arms, core, legs — while the wind does its thing. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. You’ll catch on faster with a lesson, and there’s nothing quite like the feeling of gliding across the waves with nothing but wind power. Just steer clear of swim zones.

Ride the wind: Tower Beach in Sea Pines, South Forest Beach, Folly Field Beach

Learn here: Georgia Kiteboarding, Tybee Island ($250, georgiakiteboarding.com)

Hot air balloon ride

This one takes a little road trip, but if you’ve ever wanted to float through the sky without a sound, it’s worth the miles. Hot air balloon rides are more peaceful than you’d think: no noise, no rush, just a gentle drift across the sky. You don’t feel like you’re moving, but the landscape below slowly changes. While there are no balloon rides in the Lowcountry, you can head to St. Augustine or visit Statesville, North Carolina, in October for the Carolina BalloonFest.

Rise above it all: A Hot Air Balloon Ride, St. Augustine, Florida ($425, ahotairballoonride.com)

Skydiving

Skydiving is a thrilling experience that pushes the boundaries of your courage and leaves an indelible mark on your soul. The top-rated Jump Georgia skydiving center in Sylvania offers tandem jumps for first-time skydivers, classes for certification and flight options for experienced skydivers. 

Fall for it: Jump Georgia (Sylvania, Georgia, jumpgeorgia.com). $159-$219

Helicopter tour

There’s something surreal about hovering over the coastline in a helicopter. From above, the Lowcountry is all creeks, sandbars, salt marshes and secrets. You might spot dolphins just offshore or catch a glimpse of Tybee’s lighthouse. Whether you’re flying over Hilton Head, Daufuskie or downtown Savannah, the view is unforgettable.

Hover and discover: Hilton Head Helicopter Tours, 38 Gateway Circle ($69–$269, flyhhi.com)