What Are The Differences Between A Tandem And Solo Skydive?

You’re ready to take the leap and book your skydive! As you begin your search, you might notice different types of skydiving. Tandem skydiving is super popular … but what does tandem skydiving even mean? What is the difference between solo and tandem skydiving? This guide will help you understand these options to choose what’s right for you.

Tandem vs Solo Skydiving 

Tandem Skydiving

A tandem skydive is when you’re physically harnessed to an experienced instructor. You both share the same parachute system. While you’re an active participant in the experience — such as practicing specific body positions or assisting during the landing — your instructor takes care of most of the technical aspects, like deploying and navigating the parachute. 

Since your instructor handles the critical elements, training for tandem skydiving is relatively brief. At Skydive Palm Beach, for example, we recommend setting aside one to two hours for the entire experience. (Weather delays or large group sizes could extend this). 

Tandem skydiving is an excellent option for first-time jumpers, even if you’re considering solo skydiving in the future. It gives you an enjoyable, exciting introduction to the sport, allowing you to better prepare and perform during future solo jumps. Some training programs even require you to complete a tandem jump before beginning solo skydiving. How many tandem skydives are necessary before your solo skydive will vary depending on the program and dropzone. 

Solo Skydiving 

Solo skydiving is more involved because you’ll be under your own parachute system, responsible for deploying it, navigating, landing, and handling any emergency situation. This added responsibility means solo skydiving begins with comprehensive training on the ground – called ground school – where you’ll learn the skills needed to make a skydive on your own. Ground school typically takes anywhere from four to eight hours before you’re cleared to do your first solo skydive.

Many programs, like the popular Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program, start with freefall objectives. In AFF, instructors accompany you during your jump — either holding onto you or staying close by to guide you. You’ll also learn how to handle situations, like what to do if you lose your instructors in freefall. 

Most solo jumpers aim to earn their United States Parachute Association (USPA) ‘A’ License, which grants fewer restrictions and lets you jump with other licensed skydivers. This license marks the start of becoming an active participant in the sport of skydiving.

Is Solo Skydiving More Dangerous?

Skydiving is an extreme sport and, like any adventure sport, it carries inherent risk. However, significant advancements in equipment and safety protocols have reduced risks dramatically. According to the USPA, the sport saw a record lowin 2024 with nine civilian fatalities. In 2023 there were 10 civilian fatalities out of approximately 3.65 million jumps — a rate of about 1 fatality per 370,000 jumps. 

Statistically, tandem skydiving involves less risk than solo skydiving, with the fatality rate averaging 1 per 500,000 jumps over the past decade. This is largely due to the expertise of the tandem instructors. To become a tandem instructor, an individual must meet stringent requirements, including: 

• Completing a minimum of 500 jumps
• Having at least three years of experience in the sport
• Holding an FAA Class III Medical Certificate
• Possessing a USPA “D” License
• Passing a certified tandem instructor course

In solo skydiving, you’re responsible for your decisions under canopy and in freefall. As a new jumper, it’s possible to make errors. Human error is the leading cause of injuries in the sport. With serious training, respect for the risks, and a commitment to learning, solo skydiving can be rewarding and incredibly fun. We know we’re biased, but we think solo skydiving is totally worth it!

Why We Love Solo Skydiving

Skydiving is more than just a sport — it’s a community of people from all walks of life who embrace the idea that life should be lived to its fullest. There’s nothing quite like freefall, and while we could try to describe it, the truth is that you have to experience it for yourself. Solo skydiving, in particular, is like learning to drive; once you’ve mastered it, you’ll want to be in control of the experience.

Book Your Skydive!

Now that you understand the differences between tandem and solo skydiving, you can decide which option works best for you. We specialize in tandem skydiving at Skydive Palm Beach – come jump with us! And if you’re hooked after your tandem experience, we can help you find the right program to take the next step in your skydiving journey

Ready to take the leap? Book your tandem skydive today!