Every journey begins with a single step. In our case, this “step” is one that puts you through the door of an aircraft 13,000 feet above the ground. Where does a skydiving journey begin? Often, it starts with a tandem skydive.
What is a tandem skydive?
New to this whole skydiving thing? Allow us to provide some basics.
Tandem skydiving is the most popular form of introductory skydiving. On a tandem skydive, a student (you) is connected to a specially trained professional skydiving instructor by a harness specifically designed for skydiving. The tandem skydiving instructor wears a rig (the backpack looking thing you see in photos) that contains a main primary parachute and a reserve (back-up) parachute. Both of these parachutes are uniquely designed to support the weight of both the instructor and the tandem passenger.
After reaching the desired altitude, the tandem instructor and student exit the aircraft and experience freefall. Jumpers experience terminal velocity reaching speeds around 120mph. At the appropriate altitude, the tandem skydiving instructor deploys the main parachute and steers both jumpers to the ground. For those that prefer a hands-on approach, often, upon request, you can assist your instructor with steering the parachute.
While upon first glance the tandem student’s role may appear passive, it is not. A tandem skydive is not a carnival ride. The tandem student has a role to play, will need to follow instructions, and will be called upon to perform certain actions.
Many people are drawn to tandem skydiving, not just adrenaline junkies. Some come to cross off a bucket list item, others to celebrate a landmark occasion. No matter the motivation, we’ve seen many folks turn that first tandem skydive into an annual occurrence. Some are so inspired by their first skydive they go on to gain licensure and begin the hobby of sport skydiving.
Why should you skydive?
Have there been things in your life you avoided because you were afraid? Did you think you wouldn’t be strong enough (mentally or physically) to succeed? A tandem skydive is a great way to build the confidence you need to face anything. Let’s be real. For those that haven’t jumped, skydiving is scary. But anything is scary until you try it, and we think skydiving is worth trying! The momentum you gain from surmounting the challenge of skydiving can help you to realize you can achieve any goal you set your mind to.
Who should make a tandem skydive?
Tandem skydiving is a great option for individuals who aren’t ready to shoulder all the responsibility that a solo skydive would require. If you would like to experience freefall without a day’s worth of intense training, tandem skydiving is the choice for you. Requirements for tandem skydiving are fairly simple. Potential tandem skydivers will need to be within the weight limit, possess a government-issued form of photo identification, and be over the age of 18.
What are you waiting for?
Tandem skydiving is an inclusive activity open to adults from every walk of life. If your spirit is directing you to fly, you deserve to make your dreams a reality. If you want an experience unlike any other, give tandem skydiving at Skydive California a try!
