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Frequently Asked Questions about Tandem Skydives.

What is are Tandem Skydives>

Tandem skydiving is a very popular training method for first-time skydivers and repeat skydivers. It exposes first-time jumpers to skydiving with minimal expectations from the student. The training may consist of many of the activities performed by any skydiving student, for example, how to exit the aircraft, maneuvers in free fall, and deploying the main canopy themselves. However, the tandem master remains primarily responsible for safe and timely parachute deployment.

Tandem skydiving is a method of skydiving in which the student skydiver is connected with a harness to the specially trained tandem instructor. The instructor wears a large parachute capable of supporting two skydivers. The tandem instructor guides the student through the jump from exiting the plane through free-fall, piloting the canopy, and landing. The student needs minimal instruction before making a tandem jump.

How hard will I land?

Under most circumstances you’ll hand softly. With today’s modern parachutes landing are most often light and injuries rare. Skydiving is a sport that has inherent risks but those risk are minimized through awareness and training and certification from the United States Parachute Association. The old videos of WWII paratroopers hitting the ground like a sack of potatoes aren’t part of today’s world of skydiving.

What about if I wear glasses or contacts?

Goggles that cover your eyes and glasses are provided.

Do I have to sign a waiver?

Yes. Liability waivers are common in any sport where there is a level of risk.

Do you offer video or photo services?

Yes. We record your entire skydive and copy to DVD.

What kind of clothes should I wear?

Comfortable clothes and sneakers (no shoes with heals or hooks). Clothes that allow you to easily move are best. In the warmer months, shorts and t-shirts work are recommended. If it’s cold pants and long-sleeve shirts are need to keep warm. Various sized jumpsuits are provide.

What if I am too old or in poor physical condition?

Most people are able to make a tandem skydive. We will assist each person in evaluating their physical limitations but it’s up to the individual to determine if they are physically able to skydive. We may not be able to allow you skydive if your weight exceeds 225 pounds, in poor health, or have certain physical limitation. We have taken people as old as 90+ years of age. Each skydiver assumes the personal risk of skydiving.

What is the training for Tandem?

We provide a short training session for all tandem skydivers prior to the jump. There are various items covered including; overall safety, the plane exit, free fall body position, parachute deployment, and landing. Instructors and staff are available to answer additional questions.

After I have completed my tandem skydive what’s next?

Many of today’s licensed skydivers started with one or more tandem skydive before transitioning to the Accelerated Free Fall program. Alternatively, you can remain a life long tandem skydiver. We’d be happy to take you on as many jumps as you like.

Do I have to make a tandem skydive on my first jump?

Yes it’s highly encourage due to the safety aspects of the first skydive. Many people chose a tandem due to training and easy of introduction to the world of skydiving.

Will I get sick?

Actually, it’s unlikely. If you a prone to motion sickness, tell your instructor before boarding the aircraft. The instructor will be sure to fly the parachute in a smooth glide while reduce the risk. For the more adventurous, the instructors can spin in tight turns that enhance the feeling of motion and enhance the excitement of the skydive.

What if the parachute does not open?

This is very unlikely but statistically possible. Our parachute systems contain two parachutes, a main parachute and reserve parachute. The Tandem Instructor is trained to use the system and follow various emergency procedures. While a parachute malfunction is very rare, it can and does happen on occasion. It should be noted that the reserve parachute flies and lands similar to the main parachute. Each of our parachutes containers are equipped with an auto activation device (AAD) that will deploy the parachute if a parachute has not been deployed at a preset altitude giving an increased level of safety.