Tandem Skydiving FAQ

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Tandem Skydiving FAQs

Are there age limits or fitness requirements?

Anyone planning to skydive must bring a government-issued identification and must be 18 years of age. No exceptions. You must be reasonably fit and able to pull control handles with at least 25 pounds of downward force from overhead to arms fully down.

Are there weight limits?

The limit is 250 lbs and everyone will be weighted when they check in. There is a surcharge of an additional $35 for every ten pounds over 220 lbs, see below. Call 1-703-SKY-DIVE (759-3483) to verify that we can accommodate you.

Weight:                Surcharge:
220 to 230           $35.00
231 to 240           $70.00
241 to 250           $105.00

What should I bring?

A photo ID with date of birth and cash or credit card to pay balance due.

What should I wear?

Dress in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. We’ll provide a jumpsuit or jump pants, goggles, and soft leather hat. Wear shoes that will not fall off and don’t have hooks. (No hiking boots, flip flops, or sandals.) You will have to jump with empty pockets and minimum (or better yet, no) jewelry. If you wish to change, we have spacious bathrooms available for your convenience.

What happens when I arrive?

You’ll check in at the Student Manifest window in the Hangar where you show your photo ID, fill out the required paper work, pay for your jump (cash or credit card only), and meet your instructor.

When will I jump?

Arrive at the time of your booking and plan to spend four to six hours on site. Typically, you will jump anywhere from two to four hours after arrival. Timing depends on the weather and the size of your group. Friends and family who are invited to watch should be prepared to wait. They can relax at picnic tables within the hangar and watch jumps from bleachers next to the dive zone.

What about my glasses/contacts?

We will supply goggles that can go over glasses and contacts.

How high will we go and how fast will I fall?

We jump from 13,500 ft. unless clouds prohibit us from getting that high. (By law, we cannot skydive through clouds.) During your minute of freefall the average speed is 120 mph or 200 ft. per second!  A Halo jump from 17,500 feet translates to almost a minute and a half of freefall time.

Will I be able to I breathe?

You’ll be able to breathe normally. After all, you’ll be surrounded by fresh air!

What does it feel like?

You do not get the sinking stomach feeling that you do on roller coasters or amusement park rides. Although impossible to describe, it will be the most invigorating, one-of-a-kind experience you have ever had.

Does weather ever prevent a jump?

Blue skies are the best: clouds, rain, and wind can all prevent skydiving. For tandem jumping, clouds must be at least 8,000 ft. above the ground, and then jumps are limited to 7,500 ft. The first concern is always safety.

Do you jump in the winter?

We jump all year round. For cold weather, just be sure to dress warmly in layers and bring gloves.

Are refunds available?

We do not issue refunds. You may postpone/reschedule your jump at least 24 hours in advance for no additional charge.

I have a disability. Can I skydive?

You should be able to skydive with almost any type of disability.  If you have any medical problems, check with your doctor first.  Be sure to tell your instructor ahead of time, particularly if you have back or joint problems. We may require proof from your doctor that it is safe for you to skydive.

Can I jump at the same time as my friends?

If scheduling permits, you may ride in the airplane together, but each tandem jumper leaves the plane separately from other jumpers. Please note – We can only have two tandem jumpers at the same time during the week, more on the weekends.

Can I bring a camera?

At least 200 jumps are required before adding the complexity of jumping with a camera.Tandem and student skydivers are not permitted to bring Go-Pros or cameras. There is only the slimmest chance of getting a good photo or any footage at 120 miles per hour, but, more importantly, there are substantial safety issues, including entanglement with parachute lines and distraction at key moments. However, we do offer the option of having your jump professionally recorded from plane exit to landing.

Can we get just one video for all of us?

Each jump is made separately so the videographer can only shoot one jumper at a time.

Any no-nos?

Please no pets or children.  No smoking in the hangar or around gear. There is a designated smoking area behind the hangar. And absolutely no alcoholic beverages within eight hours of arrival at Skydive Orange.

Do I have to speak English?

Yes, anyone jumping must be able to read, write and speak the English language.