Are you ready to feel the wind in your hair at 120 mph and experience a thrill like no other? If so, tandem skydiving might just be your next big adventure. For those who have ever daydreamed about free-falling through the sky, tethered to an experienced professional, this guide is for you.
We’ll explore what tandem skydiving is, dive into the experience of a first jump, answer burning questions like how many times you need to tandem skydive before you can go solo, and even share some life hacks and FAQs to ensure your first leap is as smooth as possible. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a cautious first-timer, by the end of this article, you’ll be ready to strap in, take a deep breath, and jump!
What is a Tandem Skydive?
Let’s start with the basics: what is a tandem skydive? In its simplest form, tandem skydiving involves two people jumping out of a plane together, with one person (the novice) harnessed to the other (the instructor). The instructor is responsible for deploying the parachute and ensuring a safe landing, while you, the jumper, get to enjoy the exhilarating free-fall and the breathtaking views on the way down.
Tandem skydiving is the most popular method for first-time jumpers because it allows you to experience the thrill of skydiving without the need for extensive training. In fact, after a short briefing on the ground, you’re ready to board the plane. Once you reach the jump altitude—typically around 10,000 to 14,000 feet—you and your instructor will leap into the sky, experiencing a rush of adrenaline as you fall through the air.
But why do it this way? Well, tandem skydiving is like riding a bike with training wheels. It gives you the thrill of skydiving with a safety net, as your instructor manages the technical aspects of the jump. This means you can focus on the experience, rather than the logistics. It’s an ideal way to get a taste of what skydiving is all about, without the pressure of going it alone.
The Experience: What to Expect on Your First Tandem Skydive
So, you’ve booked your first tandem skydive—congratulations! Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from start to finish.
1. The Pre-Jump Prep
When you arrive at the drop zone, you’ll begin with a waiver. Yes, it’s as serious as it sounds. Skydiving is an extreme sport, and like any extreme sport, there are risks involved. After signing your life away (don’t worry, the risks are minimal), you’ll be given a safety briefing by your instructor. This is where you’ll learn the basics of body position, what to expect during the jump, and how to land safely. Pay attention here—though your instructor will be in control, knowing what to do will make your experience smoother.
2. Suiting Up
Next, it’s time to gear up. You’ll be fitted with a jumpsuit, goggles, and most importantly, a harness that will connect you to your instructor. The harness may feel snug—okay, really snug—but that’s because it’s designed to keep you safe during your jump. Your instructor will double-check everything, ensuring that all straps and buckles are secure.
3. The Plane Ride
With the gear in place, it’s time to board the plane. This part of the experience is often surreal. As the plane ascends, you might start to question your life choices—why am I doing this again? But as the altitude increases and the landscape below becomes a patchwork quilt of fields and forests, excitement will likely take over.
4. The Jump
Here’s where the fun really begins. At the jump altitude, the door of the plane will open, and you’ll shuffle to the edge with your instructor. This moment is the most nerve-wracking for many first-timers. But once you’re in position, you’ll get a quick countdown and then… you’re falling!
The first few seconds of free-fall can be overwhelming, but once you acclimate, it’s an unparalleled sensation. The air rushing past you, the ground far below, the pure adrenaline—it’s like nothing else.
5. The Parachute Deployment
After about 60 seconds of free-fall, your instructor will deploy the parachute. Suddenly, the frenetic energy of free-fall transitions to a peaceful glide as the parachute opens. This part of the jump is often described as serene. You’ll have a few minutes to take in the views, maybe even chat with your instructor, as you drift back to earth.
6. The Landing
As you approach the ground, your instructor will guide you into the correct landing position—typically legs up and out in front of you. With a gentle landing, your feet will touch back down on solid ground, and just like that, you’re a skydiver!
Lifehacks for Your First Tandem Skydive
Alright, so you’re pumped about your upcoming jump. But how can you make sure everything goes off without a hitch? Here are a few lifehacks to keep in mind.
1. Wear the Right Clothes
Comfort is key. Wear layers, because it can get chilly up in the sky, especially at higher altitudes. Opt for well-fitting, snug clothes that won’t flap around too much in the wind. Leave the jewelry and accessories at home—they’re more likely to end up as souvenirs for the birds than on your person by the time you land.
2. Empty Your Pockets
It might sound obvious, but double-check your pockets before you gear up. Your phone, wallet, and keys are all items you do not want to be searching for in a field after your jump.
3. Eat Light
Nerves might make you want to skip breakfast, but having something light and easily digestible is smart. Think bananas, yogurt, or toast. The last thing you want is to be hungry or, worse, nauseous before your jump.
4. Breathe
When you’re up there at the door, it can be tempting to hold your breath. Resist the urge. Taking deep, steady breaths will help calm your nerves and keep you focused. Plus, you’ll want to breathe to fully enjoy the experience.
5. Smile for the Camera
Most tandem skydives are filmed, and trust us—you’ll want the footage. So, remember to smile and enjoy the moment. After all, how often do you get to say you jumped out of a plane?
How Many Times Do You Have to Tandem Skydive Before You Can Solo?
So, you’ve fallen in love with skydiving, and now you’re thinking about going solo. But how many tandem jumps do you need before you can make the leap on your own?
The answer is—none! That’s right, you can go straight into solo skydiving without any tandem jumps. However, there’s a catch. To jump solo, you must complete a course called the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program. This course involves ground training, practice jumps, and, of course, a whole lot of free-fall. You’ll be accompanied by two instructors on your first few jumps, who will hold onto you during the free-fall to ensure stability and safety.
If you’re still not quite ready to take the plunge solo after the AFF, many people choose to do a few more tandem jumps to build their confidence and get more comfortable with the sensation of free-fall.
FAQs About Tandem Skydiving
1. Is Tandem Skydiving Safe?
Yes, tandem skydiving is one of the safest ways to experience skydiving. The equipment is rigorously tested, and instructors undergo extensive training to ensure they can handle any situation that arises.
2. What Happens if the Parachute Doesn’t Open?
This is a common concern, but don’t worry—tandem rigs are equipped with a main parachute and a reserve parachute. Additionally, the harnesses are equipped with an automatic activation device (AAD) that will deploy the reserve parachute if the main one doesn’t open.
3. What if I’m Too Scared to Jump?
It’s natural to feel scared—that’s part of the thrill! If you’re having second thoughts, talk to your instructor. They’re trained to help calm your nerves and ensure you feel comfortable before the jump.
4. How High is a Tandem Skydive?
Most tandem skydives occur between 10,000 and 14,000 feet. This altitude gives you about 60 seconds of free-fall before the parachute is deployed.
5. Can I Wear My Glasses or Contacts?
Yes, you can wear glasses or contacts during your jump. Your instructor will provide you with goggles that fit over your glasses to ensure they stay on during the jump.
6. How Long Does the Entire Experience Take?
From start to finish, you can expect to spend about 2-4 hours at the drop zone. The actual jump, from boarding the plane to landing, takes about 20-30 minutes.
7. Can I Take My Phone or Camera With Me?
While it’s tempting to capture your experience, it’s best to leave your phone or camera on the ground. Most skydiving centers offer photo and video packages, so you can relive the experience without worrying about dropping your device.
The Thrill of Free-Fall: Why You Should Try Tandem Skydiving
If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably already considering booking your first tandem skydive. And why shouldn’t you? Tandem skydiving offers a unique opportunity to push your boundaries and experience something truly extraordinary.
The thrill of free-fall, the serenity of the parachute glide, and the sense of accomplishment when your feet touch the ground again—there’s nothing quite like it. Plus, tandem skydiving is an excellent introduction to the world of skydiving. Whether you choose to do just one jump or use it as a stepping stone to solo skydiving, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Conclusion: Ready to Take the Leap?
So, what are you waiting for? Tandem skydiving is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers thrills, challenges, and a healthy dose of adventure. With a professional instructor by your side, you can safely and confidently take on the skies.
Remember, whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just someone looking to try something new, tandem skydiving is accessible, safe, and, above all, incredibly fun. So, strap in, take a deep breath, and jump—you won’t regret it!
Image: Unsplash, Kamil Pietrzak
