Skydiving School 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Skydiving Training

Your tandem is booked, woohoo! We can’t wait to jump with you. If you’ve been Googling what to expect, researching skydiving training, or wondering what you need to know for your first time skydiving, you might have noticed there isn’t a ton of detailed info out there. That’s because your instructor does most of the work for you.

But here’s the thing: you’re still an active participant on the jump, and your cooperation matters. Below, we’ll walk you through some of the key things you’ll learn during your tandem skydive training, plus a few tips to help you feel more prepared for the day.

Tandem vs Solo Skydiving

First things first: what’s the difference between a tandem and solo skydive?

During a tandem skydive, you’re securely harnessed to a professional instructor who has a minimum of 500 skydives and three years in the sport, a D License issued by the United States Parachute Association (USPA); their USPA-issued Tandem Instructor Rating; and their FAA Class III Medical. In short: they’re highly trained and experienced. They handle all of the safety protocols and logistics so that you – the tandem student – can (for the most part), sit back and enjoy the ride. 

As the name implies, solo skydivers are on their own. Of course, to earn the privilege of going solo, you must complete skydiving classes in order to know how to correctly exit the plane, execute freefall, deploy your parachute, navigate canopy flight, and land successfully. After completing the curriculum, you become eligible to earn your USPA A License .. and then B, etc. The highest skydiving license you can attain is D. 

Why Tandem First?

Starting out tandem is the most common path for first-time jumpers. Even if your long-term goal is to become a licensed skydiver, we always recommend beginning with a tandem. It’s the perfect introduction to the sport.

Those who do a tandem first tend to perform better on their first solo jumps because they already have a sense of what to expect and are less overwhelmed by adrenaline. Tandems allow you to focus on the sensation and the steps without being responsible for everything.

Is Skydiving Hard to Learn?

Not at the tandem level, no. Tandem skydiving is designed to be accessible for first timers. Your job is to listen, follow instructions, and be an active participant during the jump.

If you’re thinking about continuing with the sport, that’s when more intensive training comes into play. Learning to skydive solo involves ground school, practice jumps, and mastering emergency procedures. It’s incredibly rewarding, but it takes commitment, both in time and money. Skydiving training costs vary depending on the dropzone and the type of program, but doing a tandem first is a smart and cost-effective way to see if it’s something you want to pursue further.

A Heads Up on Tandem Training

How long is the training for skydiving tandem? Not long at all. Since your instructor handles most of the responsibilities, the tandem pre-jump training is quick and straightforward – but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s not important! The training may be short but it’s essential. You’ll get an overview of what to expect and your instructor will also talk you through it every step of the way. Here’s some of what you’ll learn:

Getting to the Door

How you set up for exit depends on your instructor, the aircraft, and the type of door, but the goal is always the same: a smooth, controlled launch into freefall.

By the time you reach the door, your harness will be super snug so you and your instructor move as one. They’ll need your help getting into position and will typically ask you to keep your hands on your harness so you’re not grabbing anything inside the plane. 

Once it’s your turn to go, timing and positioning are critical, we want to exit right away and over the correct spot on the ground. Getting properly set up in the door also helps ensure a stable, seamless exit into freefall.

The Arch

One of the most important things you’ll learn is how to arch. Arching creates a stable body position in freefall, which is important for reasons of safety and comfortability. 

You arch from your hips, making that the lowest point of your body, while keeping your chin up. This naturally helps your body get into the correct shape and keeps you from tucking into a ball, which we want to avoid. A good arch helps the jump feel more controlled and enjoyable.

Legs

The position of your legs also plays a big role in maintaining that arch. Your instructor will show you how to extend your legs slightly back and between theirs to maintain that curved “banana” shape throughout your body.

Your instructor uses their legs for control and stability, so keeping your legs in the right place is essential to helping them steer and maintain a balanced fall.

Canopy Ride

Once the parachute opens, it’s time to soak in the view, but stay calm and focused. Avoid waving your hands or grabbing anything. Look up and out at the horizon; looking down too much can make you feel dizzy or nauseous, especially on your first jump.

Your instructor will control the parachute using the toggles (steering handles), and they may even let you try steering. Pulling the left toggle turns the canopy to the left, and pulling the right turns it to the right. It’s a fun part of the experience, but always follow your instructor’s cues.

Landing

Landing is one of the most important, and injury-prone, parts of a tandem skydive. You’ll be trained to lift your legs high and straight out in front of you during landing, ideally close to a 90-degree angle.

Your instructor must land first, and your feet touching down too early can result in injury to you or your instructor. Sometimes, depending on the conditions, your instructor might ask you to stand up for landing, but they’ll guide you on exactly what to do either way.

Ready to Jump?

With everything we’ve covered, the most important thing to remember is this: listen to your instructor! They’ll give you the exact cues and guidance you need for an exciting, unforgettable jump.

If you haven’t already, book your jump with us today. We’re stoked to share this experience with you and can’t wait to see you in the sky!