Tandem jumps are what most people look for when crossing off their “top 10 things to do before I die” list. Skydiving is one of those adventures that offers a thrill unlike any other and it gives you the bragging rights that few people can top.
Tandem Skydiving Centers (Drop Zones)
Drop zones are scattered all over the U.S. (and the world for that matter), and each DZ will be authorized to go to various altitudes. Depending on what your thrill tolerance is, you’ll want to decide that before getting to the DZ to make sure they’re doing that jump on that particular day. Certain weather conditions will limit the available options, too, so be aware.
Tandem Skydiving Instructors
Jump instructors are experienced skydivers and have gone through rigorous safety and instructional training. Their skydiving experience not only comes from the hundreds of jumps they’ve successfully completed but also the various situations they’ve gone through during the jumps, making them more knowledgable on how to control the canopy under non-ideal conditions.
They know what they’re doing and they have your best interest and safety at heart when taking you on as a student. Trust their judgement and listen when they talk you through the process.
In general, you’ll be paired with the instructor that best fits your needs as far as stature, jump experience experience, and weight class.
Tandem Skydiving Prices
Depending on where you go, tandem jumps with an experienced instructor will cost anywhere from $100 to $250. Some skydiving centers may charge more based on their operational cost and the instructors they have. Prices not only cover operational cost but also gear rental and some basic ground school instructions.
Additional charges may come in the form of options you can add to your jump experience, such as a photo package, video package, and exit altitude.
Look for Jump packages to save some money. Some Skydiving Centers will offer jumps in packs of 5, 10 or more. So instead of paying for individual jumps, you can just knock out the cost with just one low payment.
Jump prices will vary on how high you want to go. Check with your Drop Zone to see what they offer before heading out there. It will not only save you time and money, it will also save you the disappointment if they get booked out.
First-time skydivers will usually get a pretty good deal, because the business wants you to come back for more.
Note of Warning
If you’re looking for the cheapest skydiving price, you may want to think about it in this way… You’re going to jump out of a pefectly good airplane with nothing more than a backpack attached to a parachute by paracords. Do you really wanna go cheap? There’s reasonably cheap skydiving experience and there’s stupid cheap. Don’t do stupid. You’ll thank us when you land safely on the ground.
FAQ
What does tandem mean in skydiving
Tandem, in terms of skydiving, means that you will be attached to an experienced instructor via a special harness. You won’t be jumping alone, but rather with the help and guidance of a professional skydiver.
What’s the difference between skydiving and tandem?
Skydiving on your own is a much more intense experience than tandem skydiving. In solo skydiving, you are responsible for all the decisions and operations of the jump from start to finish. This includes packing your parachute, exiting the aircraft, flying, and landing. You must be an experienced skydiver before attempting a solo sky dive.
Tandem skydiving, on the other hand, is much less technical. Experienced skydivers fly with a student to keep them safe and ensure they have an enjoyable experience. The instructor will provide guidance throughout the experience and assist with everything from packing to landing.
How safe is a tandem skydive?
Tandem skydiving is considered one of the safest ways to experience the thrill of freefall and the beauty of flight. Tandem jumps are regulated by the United States Parachute Association (USPA) and instructors must have completed USPA certified training in order to take students up in the sky. Instructors are required to maintain
How fast do you fall in a tandem skydive?
When it comes to the speed of your fall while tandem skydiving, you’ll be moving pretty fast! During freefall, which usually lasts around 60 seconds, you can expect to reach speeds of up to 120 mph. That is almost twice as fast as a typical base jump. After your parachute deploys and you enter the canopy ride, your speed will slow down to around 15-20 mph, depending on the wind and terrain.
Tandem skydiving weight limit
When it comes to tandem skydiving, there are weight limitations that must be taken into consideration. The USPA has set a maximum weight limit of 220 lbs for a tandem jump, which includes the instructor and harness combined. If you exceed this weight limit, then you may need to contact your drop zone to discuss alternative options. Some centers may offer larger harnesses which can accommodate heavier passengers.
Tandem skydiving cost
Tandem skydiving cost can vary depending on the location, drop zone, and experience you choose. Generally speaking, a tandem skydive can range anywhere from $150 to $400 or more. It is important to note that some drop zones may charge an additional fee for extra services such as videos and photos of your jump. Be sure to check with your chosen drop zone in advance for an exact cost.