Since the early 1980s, tandem skydiving has been the most popular way for people to experience skydiving for the first time. While tandem skydiving may not be your only option when deciding to go skydiving for the first time, we will always recommend doing a tandem skydive before attempting a solo skydive. But, why? Let’s discuss your options as a first-time jumper and talk about the benefits of choosing to go tandem skydiving first rather than going it alone for your first jump!
What is Tandem Skydiving?
First things first, let’s define exactly what a tandem skydive is. A tandem skydive is when a person (you!) is securely harnessed to the front of an experienced, certified tandem instructor and they skydive together using one parachute. The tandem instructor handles all of the technical stuff such as deploying the parachute and flying the canopy back down to the landing area, while you get to soak in the experience. It’s like a reverse mullet; business in the back, party in the front!
Is it Awkward to Tandem Skydive?
At first glance, it seems like tandem skydiving might be a bit awkward – I mean, you are attaching yourself to a stranger. However, the reality is quite the opposite. Our tandem instructors are highly trained and extremely professional when it comes to their craft. Skydiving is their passion, and sharing it with someone through a seamless and comfortable experience is their number one goal. Tandem skydiving fosters a unique bond between instructor and jumper that is built on trust and shared excitement. Our instructors are some of the most patient and open-minded people on the planet and they pride themselves on making you feel safe, confident, and right at home.
Do You Have to Tandem Skydive Your First Time?
Well, technically this answer depends on the dropzone you’re jumping with. Some dropzones actually require a tandem skydive before jumping solo; others don’t. At Skydive California, we highly recommend tandem skydiving for beginners, but it isn’t mandatory. Here’s why…
Learning how to skydive requires that you enroll in a comprehensive Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program which begins with four to six hours of ground school and includes a series of training jumps. In ground school you learn everything you need to know to have a successful skydive; gear checks, airplane etiquette, proper exit form, freefall body positions/maneuvers, deploying your parachute, flying and landing the parachute, gear malfunctions, and emergency procedures. That’s A LOT to take in, right? And then you head up for your first solo jump. You’re supported by two certified instructors on that first jump, but still … it’s intense!
Why Starting Out Tandem is a Good Idea
Many skydivers agree that tandem skydiving first before attempting to skydive solo is a much better experience. After all, you don’t know what to expect on your first skydive! If hearing it from us isn’t enough, take it from these jumpers who went straight to solo jumps instead of starting with a tandem. If you read along the thread, you’ll see that they were more task-oriented and didn’t have a chance to just relax and enjoy the experience.
Here are just a few of the awesome tandem skydiving benefits that make it the best choice for beginners:
Tandem Skydiving Safety: Trust the Pros!
Is tandem skydiving safer than solo? You betcha! Our certified instructors are not just super-seasoned professionals; they’re your skydiving guardian angels. We make sure that from the moment you take off to the moment you touch down, you’re in excellent hands.
Tandem Skydiving Enjoyment: Less Hassle, More Fun!
Tandem skydiving is the best way for beginners to enjoy skydiving without the responsibility of operating the skydiving equipment. This means you’ll have the pleasure of just sitting back and enjoying every flippin’ mind-boggling, heart-pumping, awe-spiring moment! Why stress over gear, altitude, and all those technicalities when you can focus on the pure, unadulterated joy of freefall and canopy flight? You’ll get to relish the views, feel the rush of the wind, and let the pros handle the behind-the-scenes action.
Tandem Skydiving Commitment: Dive Right In!
Commitment can be a scary word. With tandem skydiving, there’s no need for an all-in course in solo skydiving. Tandem skydiving allows you to savor the thrill without the commitment and extensive training required for solo skydiving. Think of it as a sneak peek into the exhilarating world of skydiving – it’s the perfect way to dip your toes into the skydiving pool before deciding to make a big splash. Want more after your tandem skydive? Great! You’ll be even better prepared to begin your journey to getting your skydiving license without the overwhelm.
Tandem Skydiving Cost: Wallet-Friendly Thrills!
Let’s talk numbers. When compared to the cost of a solo skydive, it is significantly cheaper to do a tandem skydive. At Skydive California, your ground school and first solo jump is $360, whereas a tandem skydive starts at $249. Not to mention, we offer amazing deals and specials on tandem skydives year-round – like our Friday special starting at just $199! Wow!
Ready to experience the rush of skydiving? Book a tandem skydive at one of the best places to skydive in the world, Skydive California! Blue skies, friends.
