Frequently Asked Questions

What if I am afraid of heights?

It’s all about perception and understanding the difference between a fear of heights and natural nervousness about jumping out of a perfectly good aircraft! Sitting in a plane looking out is a very different feeling to standing on the edge of a building or cliff. One way or another you will be attached to a parachute so you are going to be safe so relax and work with your instructors.

Can I breathe in freefall?

Yes, it’s recommended! You will be falling at a speed of around 120mph so it will be a bit noisy and you will feel the wind rush, but relax and you will be breathing normally.

I am disabled, can I jump?

Disability is not necessarily a barrier and will need to be assessed on an individual basis. We at Tandem Zone Skydiving know of people with disabilities ranging from deafness to missing limbs that skydive regularly, and have seen people with many varied disabilities complete solo courses and tandem skydives. Call/e-mail us to talk this through.

Is there an age limit for skydiving?

The lower limit is 16 with parental consent needed between 16 and 18. Over 40 a medical declaration signed by a GP is required and beyond that there is technically no upper limit, but individuals will need to be assessed for their general fitness/mobility. For individuals over 49 Tandem Zone Skydiving generally only recommends tandem skydives, but if you are fit and able and want to discuss this further then please contact us.

Can I wear glasses or contact lenses?

Yes, you will be provided with goggles to wear for your jump and there are ones specifically designed to go over glasses that will be available.

What if the weather is bad on the day of my jump?

Weather does have a major impact on all aviation related activity. Start looking at the weather the day before you are due to jump, and if it looks marginal (rain/heavy cloud/winds over 20 knots or gusty) then contact the parachute centre that you are booked to jump at. If the weather is looking particularly bad the centre may contact you to re-appoint.

What jump do you recommend for the first time?

Tandem Zone Skydiving would recommend a tandem in the first instance, unless you have a really firm idea that you want to become a skydiver. If you do a tandem then the experience is as intense as a solo jump, but with less training and input from you so you can take far more in and relax and enjoy the rush!

What height will I jump from?

Most tandem and Accelerated Freefall (AFF) jumps will take place between an altitude of 10,000 and 13,000 feet, with RAPS/Static Line jumps starting at 3,500 feet.

Is it safe?

Like any adventure/extreme activity skydiving has risks, but the jump side of the sport is regulated by the British Parachute Association and the aircraft by the Civil Aviation Authority and the primary concern of both organisations and the parachute centres that work within their regulations is your safety.

How long will it take?

The $64,000 question! Be prepared to spend the day at the parachute centre as these things can not be rushed (solo courses involve a whole days training anyway). We would recommend that you make sure that you turn up on time for your check-in to give you a good chance of an early slot, but plane loads have to be balanced for weight so this is no guarantee in itself.

What should I wear?

For all experiences you will be loaned a jumpsuit, appropriate headwear, goggles and gloves if necessary. You need to compliment this by wearing comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement and lace up trainers. Please avoid hiking shoes/boots with open metal loops as these will have to be taped up for safety.

Spectators

Parachute centres welcome spectators and usually have plenty of space and reasonable facilities for them.