Skydiving - First Jump FAQ

Your First Tandem Jump
On behalf of myself and every other skydiver, welcome. We are happy you have chosen to do your first jump. Our sport would not exist in the way it does if not for recreational tandem jumpers like you, so here at /r/skydiving and at the dropzone we want to make your experience the best it can be.

I am a USPA-licensed Tandem Instructor, as well as an AFF Instructor (this means I teach people who want to learn to jump on their own). I also fly video, which means I help capture your jump so you can take it home. I wrote this article to give you some perspective into what you can expect. Though I have jumped with thousands of students, I am the newest member of the tandem instructor team at my home dropzone. I think this gives me a closer channel to the students I teach, since I was one not so long ago. I know you have a million questions, I will try to answer a few here. Please take a few minutes to read through, and if you have a questions not addressed here, let us know in the sub and we'll answer it for you. Make sure to tag your question with [FAQ READ], so we'll know you've been to this page before.

On to what you can expect for your first jump. This is a general flow of how a first jump happens and it can change from dropzone to dropzone, but the basics are these.

Before your first jump, you will be required to watch a presentation video explaining the dangers of skydiving and the legal aspects of the document you are about to sign. After that, you'll sign a waiver indicating, in plain english, that you understand you may get hurt or die and in any of those cases you (or your estate) may not sue the dropzone. Please take as much time as you need to read and understand the waiver, as you are giving up certain rights by signing it. If you do not understand the waiver, do not ask the dropzone personnel to explain it to you, they are not lawyers and advice you receive from them may be incorrect. Consult a lawyer that is licensed to practice in the State you are jumping if you have any concerns.

After that you'll get fitted on your harness. Some dropzones may give you an altimeter, or a helmet/soft hat, or ask you to wear a jumpsuit. A brief training session will occur where you'll learn the body position the dropzone wants you to assume and some other practical details of the jump such as how to board/exit the aircraft, where to sit and where to look for the best shots for your video.

You will then board the aircraft and set off for a 10 - 20 minute ride to altitude. You should feel tight in the harness at this point. If that is not the case, please ask your instructor about it. Most dropzones in the US will take you to an altitude of 13500ft (just over 4km). At some point your instructor will connect your harness to his. He may review some of the training before jumping out. This may feel a bit uncomfortable since you are tightly connected to him. Just stand by and listen to his instructions. You should be fully connected to your instructor before the aircraft door is open. If that is not the case, please ask your instructor about it.

As for the jump itself, just enjoy it. If you have a camera flier in front of you make sure to smile but don't watch the camera flier all the way, take in the view and think about how awesome it is to fly.

FAQ (before you jump)
"How do I book/schedule a jump?"
Use the USPA Group Member Locator to find the nearest dropzone. Most large cities in the US are within a reasonable drive away from a dropzone. Dropzones usually work by appointment, so call them and book your jump. It's that easy. Avoid websites that are not directly affiliated with a dropzone. Sites like rushcube.com and weaty.com are resellers who will charge you a premium for doing no work other than calling a dropzone and booking a jump for you, which you can do yourself and save a lot of money. To verify that you are at the official website of a dropzone, start your search on the USPA Group Member Locator listed above.

"How much does a jump cost?"
In the US, tandem price varies between $150 and $250+. A lower price doesn't necessarily mean a worst experience, and a higher price doesn't necessarily mean a better experience, but in general, price and quality of service are pretty well correlated. Read the question below for more details.

"Should I use that Groupon deal?"
By all means. However, keep this in mind: that discount doesn't come from thin air. Good dropzones will adequately compensate their instructors and ground staff, maintain clean facilities and perform regular maintenance on equipment and aircraft. If one dropzone in your city charges half the price of the other, consider where that discount is coming from. Could be diminished pay to staff, which may cause them to be overworked. It could be poorly maintained equipment or aircraft. Very large dropzones can get away with it because they benefit from a higher volume of jumpers. Smaller dropzones offering cutthroat deals may be cutting corners elsewhere.

"How old do I have to be to jump?"
In the US, 18. Elsewhere, it varies. In the United States, USPA Group Member Dropzones have pledged to abide by the recommendations of USPA and the tandem system manufacturers, all of which prohibit anyone from jumping until they are 18 years old. Outside the US it may be possible to jump under 18, consult your local skydiving association for rules.

"Should I drink some "liquid courage" before jumping?"
No. Jumping under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited. A reputable dropzone will decline to jump with you if they suspect you are under the influence.

"What is the weight limit for jumping?"
The most common systems in use in the US (Sigma by UPT, Dual Hawk and TNT by Strong Enterprises) all allow for a maximum of 500lbs suspended weight. The parachute system weighs about 50lbs, so that leaves 450lbs between you and your instructor. Most dropzones will have a weight limit somewhere between 220 and 240lbs.

"Will I be scared?"
It's up to you. If you are, just remember it's worth it. Nothing I or your instructor can say will take away your fear. The point of biggest fear will be when you are the door so just stay calm, have confidence in your instructor and do as he asks to the best of your ability. Once you jump out, the fear will go away.

"What does it feel like?"
Like nothing you can experience on the ground. It does not feel like a rollercoaster. You do not feel like you're falling. There is no "stomach drop". You will experience a lot of noise (from the wind) and some pressure pushing your arms up. Some students have difficulty controlling their arms, it's nothing to be concerned, you're just not used to moving in such high winds. Just smile and enjoy yourself. Smiling also helps prevent the dreaded "tandem mouth".

"Will I be able to breathe?"
Yes. We wouldn't expect you to hold your breath for a full minute. Some students will mention they couldn't breathe during the jump, or will feel they can only breathe if they cover their face or mouth. It is 100% psychological. There is no impediment to breathing at high speeds.

"Can I jump with my glasses/contact lenses?"
Yes. There are goggles made specifically for students who wear glasses, they fit over your frame and keep your glasses safe. If you're wearing contact lenses, you may wear a normal pair of goggles and they'll be safe too, just make sure your goggles are tight.

"Will my prosthetic fall off?"
It shouldn't. For your dentures, just keep a toothy smile and clenched teeth and they should be fine. Prosthetic eyes should be fine under the goggles. Wigs/toupees will fly off immediately, so don't wear them or ask to wear a fraphat/helmet at the dropzone. Hearing aids must be left on the ground. Prosthetic limbs are generally not allowed as if they become loose they could do some damage falling. Most dropzones will allow you to jump as long as you remove the limb and can be safely harnessed.

"Can I wear my own helmet?"
Probably not. Assuming you don't own a skydiving helmet, you may be thinking your motorcycle helmet will work. It won't, it's just too bulky and heavy. Some dropzones won't allow you to wear a helmet at all, preferring that you wear a fraphat, which is a type of soft "beanie". This is to protect the instructor from impact with your head. Skydiving helmets are meant to protect from small bumps and light impact, so a soft leather hat such as a fraphat is protection enough.

"What if the weather turns bad?"
A reputable dropzone will offer to reschedule your jump or offer you a full refund. If you are on vacation, make sure to book your jump at the start of it, so if you face bad weather you have plenty of extra time to try again.

"Can we do a loop/roll/spin?"
No, no and yes. Tandem parachute systems have a drogue (a "little parachute") that they carry behind them. This is to limit your speed and makes for a smoother opening of the main parachute when the time comes. Because of that, it is physically impossible to loop (rotating along the axis that goes through your hips side to side) or roll (rotating along the axis that goes through your head to your feet) while falling. It is possible to turn (rotating along the axis that goes through your belly button and out your back) and if you want, you can ask your instructor to turn/spin you very fast or just ask for a chill ride looking at the sights. Rolling out of the door is physically possible but strongly discouraged by the USPA (the governing body for skydivers in the US) and all tandem system manufacturers.

"Can we go through a cloud?"
No. USPA and FAA rules require tandem jumping to be done with plenty of cloud clearance. In practice, it does happen sometimes. You will not drown and you will not get wet. Clouds feel moist and warm, they are water vapor after all. Think of being in a sauna, but not as hot.

"Can I see the curvature of the Earth?"
No. It may look like it on GoPro videos because they have a wide field-of-view, but you are not high enough. So unless you rode a rocket to 35,000ft and jumped out wearing a space suit, you won't see any curvature.

"Can my friend jump with me?"
They can be in the plane with you and jump right before or after, but you most likely won't be able to see them in freefall. Separation between jumpers is a necessity for safety, so the last thing we want is one tandem pair high-fiving another.

"Can me and my friend hire one camera flier and "share it"?"
No. Due to safety, there is plenty of separation between jumpers. One single camera flier is unable to film two different tandem pairs.

"Can I take my GoPro?"
No. GoPros are what we call a snag-hazard, meaning, they can catch on things and cause problems. Additionally, you are technically a student and USPA restricts the use of cameras by students. Some dropzones will offer you video shot by your tandem instructor in so-called "handy cams". Although not exactly against the rules, they are a somewhat controversial topic, as the tandem instructor has much more to worry about than keeping you in frame. My personal recommendation is to opt for what is called "outside video", where another skydiver flies in front of you and shoots video from a short distance away. Compare a handycam and outside video shot to see the difference. If the dropzone puts the handy-cam on your hand, ask for a refund and walk away.

"What should I eat before the jump?"
Something light. Don't fill up on a heavy breakfast as all the epinephrine in your system may upset your stomach.

"Should I tip my instructor?"
Some dropzones are open about accepting tips, some don't mention it, but your instructor will surely appreciate a tip if you had a great time. Don't forget your camera flier too, he's the one making you look good for that Facebook profile picture. Also, if your throw up on your instructor, tip him, it's the decent thing to do.

"What if the instructor passes out/is incapacitated/dies?"
Tandem instructors are required to pass an FAA medical test every few years to maintain their tandem rating, so they should all be in generally good health. On the off chance that something goes wrong, every tandem system is equipped with an Automatic Activation Device that will deploy the parachute automatically at a prescribed altitude. You may suffer some injury on landing, but you'll be alive. If you are concerned, ask your instructor before your jump on how to proceed if he is unresponsive. As of December 2019, the last instance of a medical issue with a tandem instructor happened in 2017, when an instructor passed away during freefall due to a heart attack. The AAD system performed as designed and the student suffered minor injuries on landing[source] .

"How likely is it that I will get hurt/die?"
Very unlikely. Tandem incidents are closely tracked by the USPA and every tandem instructor is required to review and learn from them. In 2019, there were 15 fatalities in skydiving, none of which were tandem students.[source . This is out of a total of 3.3 million jumps[source] . Skydiving is the safest it has ever been due to advancements in training and equipment design and manufacture. For comparison, driving 2000 miles in a car or 48 miles in a motorbike carries the same risk of one jump [source] .

"This harness is too tight, can I adjust it?"
No. Do not touch your harness. It has been fitted to you the way it should be and changing it can be dangerous. If it is painful ask a dropzone employee to assist you. If you need to use the restroom and are already in your harness, inform a dropzone employee. Do not smoke, eat or drink anything other than water while wearing the harness, you may spill something and damage it. It is expensive and it is keeping you alive, treat it with respect.

"This harness is too loose, can I adjust it?"
No. Do not touch your harness. The dropzone may elect to leave it untightened for a while if they expect you to be waiting for your load, but it should be ready to jump by the time you board. If it is loose to the point of falling off your shoulders after you board the aircraft, communicate with your instructor, as it should already be in a jumpable state by the time you board.

"How should I dress for my jump?"
As if you were going out for a walk around the block. Avoid wearing tight fitting pants (jeans for example) especially if you are male, as jeans do not stretch and can cause discomfort in your "plums". Shorts are OK but depending on how your dropzone executes the aircraft exit you may scratch your knees, so pants are preferred. Women should not wear skirts. Shoes must be closed-toe, so no sandals. Running shoes/sneakers are best, make sure they are tight. You won't be able to wear any hats. Jewelry is fine as long as it is small (hoop earrings for example must be removed). Everything else in your person must be left on the ground (car keys, wallets, watches, etc).

"Can I wear my [insert superhero who can fly here] costume?"
Maybe. If your costume behaves like normal clothing (Iron Man/Captain Marvel) your dropzone may allowed it. If your costume does not behave like normal clothing (Superman/Doctor Strange) they will most likely not allow it. Like Edna Mode said: "NO CAPES"

"Can I write on my hands for the camera?"
Sure. Tell your camera flier you want a close up of the message and #yolo away. "Sorry mom" is also a favorite.

"Can I jump naked?"
Are you a Swedish supermodel? Seriously though, no. And even if you could, it doesn't look good (NSFW).

"My friend doesn't want to jump, but can he watch me jump from inside the plane?"
Maybe. Some dropzones offer ride-alongs, but the majority don't. Have your friend wait for you around the landing area and take pictures, it's a much better idea.

"I want to propose to my SO after the jump, can I do it?"
Sure. We love being a part of that special day. Talk to your dropzone ahead of time so they can prepare to have the ring/banner/flowers/champagne/shotgun ready for you when you land. Don't sneak a ring in your pocket, you may lose it.

"Can I open/control the parachute?"
Probably. Inform your instructor you want to take a more active role and ask if you would be allowed to deploy or steer your canopy. Do not, under any circumstance, try to touch or operate your instructor's gear without his knowledge and express authorization.

"How hard is the landing?"
It depends on a number of factors, but the hardest stand-up landing will be similar to a hop from a chair to the ground. Depending on wind conditions and other factors, your instructor may elect to "slide" your landing, meaning you'll land on your butt while you slide along the ground. Talk to your instructor for more details.

"Who are all these people in the plane with me?"
They are called "fun jumpers". They have gone through the process of being certified and licensed so they can jump their own parachutes and play with each other in freefall. Most will enjoy answering your questions and talking to you, but for any serious questions regarding your jump talk to a dropzone employee. Do not accept any advice or instructions from fun jumpers without first checking with your instructor. Do not feed fun jumpers, they may follow you home for more food.

"If I give up on jumping, can I get a refund?"
This varies from dropzone to dropzone, but the most common practice allows you to get a full refund if you give up at any point before boarding the aircraft. You will also not get a "second chance" (unless you pay for another jump). Think of it like this: "the jump is free, you're paying to enter the airplane". If you are brought down from altitude without jumping due to changes in weather conditions or any other reason beyond your control, a reputable dropzone should offer you a full refund.

"My questions is not listed here!"
We'd love to help. Please post your question on the sub and begin your post with [FAQ READ]. If you do not tag it like so you will be automatically redirected to this page, so don't forget that tag.

FAQ (after your jump)
"I didn't read the question about a light breakfast and threw up/got sick when jumping"
That's fine. Some students suffer from motion sickness more than others. Read the question about tipping.

"My ears hurt"
That's normal. You can equalize your ear pressure by pinching your nose, closing your mouth and gently exhaling. If you don't know how to do it just leave it be and your ears will be back to normal in a few minutes/hours. If not, ask your physician (do not ask in the sub, we cannot give you medical advice here).

"Who was that bearded guy in the video?"
Bill Booth.

"I love it, I wanna be a skydiver"
Awesome! Read the Getting Licensed (coming soon) page.

"My questions is not listed here!"
We'd love to help. Please post your question on the sub and begin your post with [FAQ READ]. If you do not tag it like so, you will be automatically redirected to this page, so don't forget that tag.

The author of this article is a USPA-licensed Tandem Instructor and AFF Instructor, as well as a camera flier. The opinions, suggestions or any other material in this article doesnot necessarily represent the opinions, suggestions or material provided by his current employer. All information here is offered in good faith and to the best knowledge of the author. Please message /u/cptnpiccard
if you have any concerns, corrections or suggestions about this article.