What Is Tandem Skydiving? How It Works, Step by Step

Key Takeaways
Tandem skydiving is the easiest way for first-time jumpers to experience skydiving, with a certified instructor handling every technical aspect of the jump. From a short training session to freefall and a scenic parachute ride, knowing what to expect can help you feel confident and prepared. Modern tandem equipment, built-in safety systems, and highly experienced instructors make tandem skydiving an accessible adventure for most people. If you’re within the weight requirement and in good health, a tandem skydive is an unforgettable way to experience the thrill of human flight.

Tandem skydiving is the most popular way for beginners to experience a skydive. It involves being securely harnessed to a certified professional instructor who manages all the technical aspects of the jump, from exiting the aircraft and deploying the parachute to steering and landing back on the ground. 

What Is Tandem Skydiving?

What is the difference between skydiving and tandem skydiving? Unlike solo skydiving, which requires a full ground school and comprehensive licensing course, a tandem jump only requires a brief safety orientation. Your primary responsibilities are to listen to your instructor, adopt the correct body posture (arching your back) during freefall, and lifting your legs for landing.

Tandem instructors undergo extensive training and use specialty gear designed to carry two adults. Every aspect of a tandem skydive is carefully calculated to ensure the jump goes as smoothly as possible. 

• Instructor Requirements: Tandem instructors are seasoned professionals who have a minimum of 500 jumps, at least three years of experience, and specialized ratings.

• Two Parachutes: Every tandem skydiving rig contains both a main parachute and a reserve parachute.

• Automatic Activation Device (AAD): This built-in computer is designed to automatically deploy the reserve parachute at a specific altitude if the instructor is unable to deploy it manually.

How Does a Tandem Skydive Work? Step by Step

Skydiving is unlike any other experience, and knowing what to expect going in can help quell some of the nerves. So exactly what is the skydiving process?

Before the Jump: Check-In & Training

This is your time to get acquainted with the dropzone and shake out any fear you might be feeling. When you arrive, you’ll fill out paperwork and a waiver, so don’t forget your valid, government issued photo ID! 

Next, you’ll meet your instructor and go through about 20 minutes of training before gearing up and getting ready to jump. Your instructor will go over everything you need to know to successfully participate in the tandem skydive. This is also a great time to ask questions! You are then placed in a specialized harness that attaches to the front (or “piggyback” style) of your instructor’s harness.

The Plane Ride to Altitude

You’ll sit with your instructor during the plane ride up, so you can use this time to ask any last minute questions or meditate before the big moment – whatever gets you ready! Your instructor will talk you through every phase of the jump and double check your gear before exiting. Enjoy the views from inside the plane for the last time, because pretty soon you’ll be outside in the sky! 

The Freefall

The main event! When it’s time to climb out of the airplane door, your instructor will have your back the whole way – literally. Once you and your instructor are attached together, you’ll leap from an aircraft, typically from an altitude of 10,000 to 14,000 feet. 

Many people expect freefall to feel like the drop on a roller coaster, but it actually feels much closer to flying or floating. The adrenaline, speed, and views that skydiving is famous for are all at your disposal during freefall, reaching speeds of up to 120 mph for about 50 to 60 seconds. 

While your instructor will be in charge throughout the entire jump, you’ll also have some responsibilities as well. During freefall, your job will be to arch your back by pushing your hips toward the ground and pulling your legs and arms behind you. 

The Parachute (Canopy) Ride

Your instructor will be paying attention to your altitude the entire time and will deploy the parachute after about 60 seconds of freefall, or at around 5,000 to 6,000 feet above the ground. This is where things completely change. You’ll go from the loud, fast, excitement of freefall to a comparatively quiet, scenic glide under canopy. 

At this point, you and your instructor will be able to talk together for the 5-7 minutes it takes to get to the ground. You’ll also go over the landing process again way before it’s time to touchdown. Your job during this time is to listen to instructions. Feel free to ask them questions about the jump or the beautiful views while you fly! 

Insider note: Is it normal to cry after skydiving? It is! Many people experience extreme emotions after jumping because of how transformative it is. Feel free to let those feelings fly. 

Is Tandem Skydiving Safe?

We would never suggest that skydiving is safe; jumping out of an airplane is an inherently risky activity. This is why certification training is rigorous, our protocols are stringent, and our gear is high-tech and sophisticated. As an industry, skydiving is overseen by the United States Parachute Association (USPA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

At Wisconsin Skydiving Center, we take risk mitigation extremely seriously and are dedicated to making sure you have the best possible experience.

Because of the nature of the jump and limits on the gear, people often ask: Who should not tandem skydive? At Wisconsin Skydiving Center, our maximum weight limit is 260 lbs. If you have any health concerns like heart or back issues, be sure to speak with your medical provider before booking your jump. 

Ready to Try Tandem Skydiving?

We’re here for you! Reach out with any questions, or, if you’re ready, get a jump on your calendar and make it happen! Blue skies!