Kyle Horton’s skydiving story started with a simple suggestion from a friend—and quickly turned into a lifelong passion. In 2011, fresh out of high school and unsure of his next steps, Kyle was working in the food industry when a friend recommended he learn to pack parachutes. Initially, he laughed at the idea. But the very next morning, curiosity got the best of him, and he headed to the dropzone.
That decision changed everything. Packing parachutes not only provided an income but also led Kyle to his first skydive in 2012—using a parachute he packed himself! The moment he landed, he knew he was hooked.
From that first jump, Kyle’s skydiving career took off. He quickly advanced to wingsuit flying, instructing new jumpers, and shooting freefall photography and videography. He became certified to teach Static Line courses and eventually earned his Tandem Instructor rating. When asked about tandem skydiving, Kyle says, “It’s a very cool feeling to share that experience with others.”
But Kyle didn’t stop at skydiving. In 2015, on Friday the 13th, he took up BASE jumping, a discipline that has taken him to incredible heights—literally. With over 425 BASE jumps from cliffs, bridges, antennas, and buildings, Kyle continues to push his limits. He also enjoys paragliding and paramotoring with friends, further proving that his love for the sky knows no bounds.
Not just a parachutist, Kyle also pursued a professional pilot career, earning his wings in 2016. His deep understanding of flight allows him to appreciate skydiving from both perspectives—freefalling through the air and piloting the plane that gets jumpers there in the first place.
One jump stands out above the rest: Taking an older gentleman on a bucket-list skydive during a solar eclipse. It was the last adventure on his list, and he called it the best day of his life. Moments like these are why Kyle loves what he does.
Kyle’s journey started with a single packed parachute, and now he spends his days helping others take their own unforgettable leaps.
At Skydive Bend, we’re built on a foundation of safety and exceptional customer service. Safety always comes first—above everything else. We maintain rigorous equipment and aircraft safety standards and carefully select team members who bring both expertise and a positive attitude. This commitment ensures a secure and welcoming experience for every guest.
