Why Tandem Skydiving is Perfect for First-Time Jumpers

Do you have to tandem skydive your first time? While some skydiving facilities may require multiple tandem jumps before allowing you to jump solo, others might let you skydive on your own right away. However, the real question is: Should you tandem skydive your first time skydiving? Our answer is a resounding yes! Tandem skydiving is the best option for first-time jumpers, even those interested in pursuing the sport further. Here’s why.

What is Tandem Skydiving?

What exactly is tandem skydiving? Tandem skydiving involves being physically harnessed and secured to an instructor, sharing one parachute system. Your instructor is an experienced skydiver with years in the sport and many hundreds of jumps under their belt. While skydiving is inherently risky, we mitigate these risks by adhering to the guidelines and regulations of the United States Parachute Association (USPA).

To become a USPA Tandem Instructor, the following requirements must be met:

• Obtain a USPA D License (the highest attainable license)
• Complete a minimum of 500 skydives
• Have at least three years of experience in skydiving
• Hold an FAA Class II Flight Medical Certificate
• Possess a USPA Instructional Rating

With such stringent requirements, you can trust that your instructor is well-equipped to guide you through your first jump.  

What to Expect the Day of Your Jump

On the day of your tandem skydive, you can expect a mix of excitement and thorough preparation. After arriving at our facility, you’ll fill out some paperwork and participate in a safety briefing. Your instructor will go over the jump process, explain the equipment, and answer any questions you might have. 

Next, you’ll be fitted with a harness and receive final instructors before boarding the plane. The ride to altitude offers stunning views and a chance to relax before the main event. Once at altitude, you’ll exit the plane securely attached to your instructor, free falling for a thrilling 40 seconds before enjoying a peaceful parachute descent back to the ground.

Why We Recommend Tandem Skydiving First

Accessibility

Tandem skydiving is more accessible than solo skydiving for several reasons:

• Cost: Most student programs start at $3,500+, with some reaching $5,000+. And that doesn’t include the cost of purchasing your own equipment once you are licensed. In contrast, a tandem skydive with us starts at $200.

• Time: Solo skydiving requires an all-day intensive ground school before you are cleared to do your first solo student skydive. Tandem skydiving, however, only takes about two hours from start to finish, making it a much quicker ticket to the sky!  

• Stress: Tandem skydiving allows you to enjoy the experience without the pressure of managing a solo jump. While you still have important tasks to perform, your instructor handles pretty much all of the work. 

Decreased Risk

Statistically, tandem skydiving carries less risk than solo skydiving does. With an experienced instructor in charge, the likelihood of accidents decreases. In 2023, the USPA reported 10 fatalities over 3.65 million jumps, a rate of about 1 fatality per 370,000 jumps. 

For tandem skydiving, that average over the past decade is even lower, at 1 fatality per 500,000 jumps. In 2023, there were zero tandem fatalities. 

The Perfect First Step in Your Skydiving Progression

Whether you’re just looking to experience the thrill of skydiving once or are considering taking up the sport as a hobby, tandem skydiving is the perfect introduction. It provides a foundation of experience that can enhance your performance if you decide to pursue further training. 

From our experience, students who have previous tandem jumps perform better on their first solo student skydive. By starting with a tandem jump, you can focus on enjoying the experience without the added pressure of managing your own parachute, making it an ideal first step for any aspiring skydiver.

An Experience of a Lifetime

Skydiving for the first time is a life-changing experience. One that shows you how strong you are, how much you can push past your own fears, and how resilient you truly are. Don’t just take our word for it, listen to what our tandem students have to say about it:

Spencer Sellers
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2 months ago

First time skydiver – went today and it was amazing!! Our guides Chase and Matt, along with our pilot Ashley, were all so welcoming, friendly, and made it an amazing experience. The view while flying and jumping was unbelievable – highly recommend!

Nick R
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐a month ago

We went 6 of us and the experience was amazing. Great instructors and pilot. Made me feel safe and smiled through the whole way. First timers by the way and felt like we’ve done it more than once for sure thanks to them. Again, thank you!!!

Let’s Skydive

We cannot wait to jump with you and introduce you to this amazing sport! Contact us directly at (561) 586-7669, or book online today!