Tandem Skydiving FAQs

In the majority of countries, yes. Most favor 16 or 18 years old; others cater to younger tandem skydivers. In all cases, dropzones adhere to the age recommendations put forth by gear manufacturers.

No way! When it comes to skydiving, age is just a number. The only requirement is that you’re in good health and relatively physically fit. Some skydiving centers require individuals over a specific age to present written consent from their physician before they can jump.

Yes. Skydiving manufacturers determine the maximum amount of weight a specific rig can safely accommodate – usually in the vicinity of 500 lbs (227 kg). The maximum weight for a tandem skydiver typically ranges from 240 lbs to 260 lbs (109 kg – 118 kg) so that, once combined with the weight of the skydiving instructor and gear, the total weight under parachute is within the manufacturer’s parameters. Students must also be height to weight proportionate.

Tandem skydivers must be able to perform the belly-to-earth freefall flying position, known as the arch, and to lift their legs on landing. If you have health concerns, discuss your interest in skydiving with your doctor. Note that some dropzones require written consent from a physician prior to you making a skydive.

The skydiving community has a reputation for being super inclusive. If you think you can skydive, chances are the DZ will be open to dialogue about accommodations that may make skydiving possible. Connect with your dropzone to discuss your specific situation and, if need be, consult with a physician.

Above all else, your skydiving outfit should be comfortable – think athletic clothing. In warmer months, T-shirt and shorts or leggings are usually fine; when it’s cold, layers are best. Athletic shoes that lace up are best (tennis, skate, cross-trainers) – no open-toed shoes, heels, boots, or anything with hooks. Many dropzones will provide a skydiving jumpsuit for your comfort and convenience. Don’t forget to empty your pockets, remove jewelry, and tie your hair back.

Yes! It is wise to eat and drink water as normal before skydiving. You might think butterflies in your belly will encourage nausea, but the leading cause is low blood sugar and dehydration.

Water, yes. Alcohol, definitely not. Refrain from alcohol at least eight hours before your jump. Skydiving with a hangover is not fun – and jumping under the influence is not permitted. You’ll have plenty of time to celebrate after your jump. As a matter of fact, a lot of dropzones have a bar and restaurant on site!

Student and novice jumpers are not permitted to wear cameras of any kind in the air. For safety reasons, that privilege is reserved for experienced and credentialed skydivers. Most dropzones offer photography and videography packages. A word to the wise: get the video! The number one regret heard the world over from first-time skydivers is that they didn’t capture the experience. You only skydive for the first time once – don’t miss it!!

It depends on the dropzone. Some DZs require that you make a tandem skydive first; others permit you to jump straight into their learn to skydive curriculum. Generally, though, it’s standard for a tandem skydive to serve as an introduction to parachuting. Human flight comes with a host of new experiences – plus a surge of adrenaline and big emotions. Starting off tandem allows you to get your bearings and have some fun before you take on the responsibilities of going solo.

Standard tandem skydiving rigs feature a single-harness, dual-parachute system with both a main parachute and a reserve parachute. In the unlikely event that the main fails, the reserve canopy serves as a backup. The main parachute is packed either by a certified rigger or by an experienced packer under supervision. The reserve is regularly inspected and repacked, regardless of whether it’s been used.

Many dropzones mandate use of an Automatic Activation Device (AAD) with each tandem rig. If the tandem instructor is, for some reason, unable to deploy the parachute, the AAD will automatically deploy the canopy at a specific altitude.