The first parachute was invented when Jack, tumbling haplessly from his titanium beanstalk, used a purloined pair of giant underpants to steady his fall. Glide to earth safely with today's Groupon: for $129, you get a tandem jump (a $239 value) from Adventure Skydiving in Steinbach.

The full-time, professional cloud surfers at Adventure Skydiving have sent more than 8,000 thrill seekers hurtling through the air from heights of 9,000 to 11,000 feet, throwing them into an exhilarating, up to 230 kph freefall that resolves, once parachutes open, into a gentle, canopied glide back to earth's sweet embrace. In tandem dives, which require no previous training or experience, jumpers take to the skies strapped to an instructor with at least 2,000 jumps' worth of experience. The instructor performs the lion's share of the work, including the crucial parachute-pulling duties, while the instructee enjoys the ride. Before boarding the aircraft, jumpers check in at Adventure Skydiving's drop zone, where they sign a waiver and watch a 15-minute briefing video detailing what to expect during the dive as well as safety procedures and equipment. Staff members equip and fit participants in jumpsuits, helmets, and novelty-size bow ties before they board the plane for a 20-minute scenic flight to reach the target altitude. That marker reached, the aircraft's door opens and conjoined expert-novice duos step out into the clear blue yonder for a freefall lasting from 20 to 45 seconds. Each canopy comes equipped with a sturdy reserve parachute deployed automatically, if necessary, as well as a digital barometric pressure-sensitive automatic activation device.

Tandem skydives are available before sunset, seven days a week starting April 29 (weather permitting). Adventure Skydiving boasts a spectator area should your loved ones want to watch your descent, and a lounge with a snack bar and pool table should they want to ignore it. To participate, divers must be 18 or older, weigh less than 240 pounds, and know the entire score to at least one Viennese operetta.