Tandem jumping entered sport parachuting in the mid-1980's. Prior to that time, the only way to make a skydive was to jump alone the very first time. With the advent of tandem, it has become possible to ride as a passenger on your first skydive. When you make your tandem jump, you will be attached to a specially trained and rated skydiver called a "tandem master". Your tandem master will wear a dual ripcord parachute system that has double-sized main and reserve parachutes designed to safely support both you and him. With the dual ripcord system, either you or your tandem master can pull the ripcord to open the main parachute (if you think you would like to try pulling the ripcord, let your tandem master know during your pre jump training). Since your tandem master is there to handle the skydive, the instruction required before your first tandem jump takes only thirty minutes of your time, as opposed to the six or more hours necessary for other first jump programs.
You and your tandem master will exit the jump aircraft from over 9,500 feet above ground level and will freefall for up to thirty seconds. During freefall, your position under the tandem master will give you the full sensation of a freefall skydive. To memorialize your leap from the heavens, you can hire a freefall photographer to capture you on video or with still photos. Once the parachute is opened, you and your tandem master will jointly steer the canopy toward the landing area. During the four or five minute descent under the open parachute, your tandem master can give you a thrilling ride with spirals, dives, and stalls-or a peaceful, gentle descent-according to your preference. After landing, your tandem master will give you a certificate acknowledging your accomplishment.
Tandem jumps are the easiest way to safely enjoy the experience of a freefall skydive on your first jump. Normally, tandem skydives are not considered training jumps toward becoming a skydiver. However, tandem passengers who go on to become students may receive a discount or credit on one of their training jumps. Also, with advance approval of an instructor and in coordination with the tandem master, new students who feel more comfortable making a tandem jump before their first training jump may be able to use the tandem jump to accomplish some of their required training objectives. Please see our current rate sheet or talk to your tandem master for more information on training discounts or training credit for our tandem passengers. If you are planning on making only one jump in your life or if you want to make a jump to see if you would like to get into skydiving - tandem jumps are for you!
For more information, call (515) 243-1711.