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What is tandem skydive?
Tandem skydiving is a form of skydiving where you are attached to a tandem skydiving instructor. Tandem skydive involves a free fall jump that takes around 50 seconds a parachute ride that take about 10 minutes to get to the ground. During tandem skydiving, you will be attached to a professional instructor, with your back facing the instructor’s front. The instructor will be in charge of the entire tandem skydive, from preparation, exiting the plane to landing on the ground.
Why the popularity of tandem sky diving is increasing
The popularity of tandem skydiving has increased significantly over the last decade. Statistics show that at least 500,000 people tandem skydive for the first time last year. The reason why the popularity of tandem skydiving is growing fast is that it requires less preparation and training than solo jumping. You don’t need to have any special skills to tandem skydive. Just a short briefing from the instructor is enough to get you started. Tandem skydive preparation takes about 15-20 minutes, and you can enjoy the jump without worrying about how the parachute will land on the ground safely. The instructor will be in full control of the entire ride. All you need to do is follow the directions given by the instructor and enjoy the thrilling ride. Because of this, tandem skydiving is very popular, especially amongst first-time skydivers.
Is tandem skydiving safe?
Tandem skydiving involves jumping off the plane from 14000 feet. Making mistakes when at such great heights means only one thing: death. It is, therefore, healthy to wonder if tandem skydiving is safe or not? The answer is YES, tandem skydiving safe. You will be harnessed securely to a professional tandem instructor on four points, meaning that the chances of you breaking lose from the instructor is not possible.
You will also exit the plane together with the instructor and enjoy free fall for about a minute before the parachute comes out to take you safely to the ground under the guidance of the instructor. According to the United States Parachute Association (USPA), tandem skydiving is now safer than ever. For instance, the most recent data from USPA revealed that in 2014, there were only 24 fatalities out of 3.2 million jumps made that year. That means that there were a total of 0.0075 deaths per 1000 jumps. This is safer than commuting by far.
Tandem skydiving recorded an even better safety record. Data from USPA revealed that there had been a total of 0.003 student fatalities per 1000 jumps over the last ten years. Additionally, most tandem instructors usually jump with two parachutes, the main parachute that is packed at the drop zone and a reserve that is packed by an FAA-certified rigger. So, in case the main parachute fails to come out, the reserve will automatically come out if you reach a certain height at free-fall speed.
Are tandem skydive classes necessary?
No, tandem skydive does not require you to attend classes as it is the case with solo skydiving. That is why it is popular among first-time skydivers. You will only undergo a brief training session where you will be briefed of essential principles and rules to abide by when taking off the plane, proper body position during the free fall, how to conduct yourself when the parachute comes out and landing procedure. However, you will not be punished if you forget some instructions given because the instructor will be beside you guiding you throughout the journey.
Does tandem skydiving require unique clothing?
NO, you don’t need to wear special clothing when tandem skydiving. However, skydiving instructors strongly recommend that you dress comfortably to make the experience smooth and enjoyable. Remember that the higher you go, the colder it becomes. It is, therefore, important to wear clothes that will protect you against cold and strong winds. Some skydiving centers provide skydiving jumpsuits to their clients, but it is better to come prepared. You will be provided with a unique goggle to protect your eyes during free fall.
How to prepare for a tandem skydive
Although an instructor will guide you from the start to the end, it is good to prepare yourself before the actual tandem skydive. Start by reading the information that the center will send you about tandem skydiving. You will prepare yourself better for the jump if you know what to expect on that day. You will feel nervous, especially if it is your first time, but it will not go to the level of panic if you have grasped all the basics. You can also watch YouTube videos to get a sneak peek of what to expect on that exciting day.
How long does the Tandem skydive last?
The plane flight will take about 10-25 minutes to reach the desired altitude. The time spent on free-fall varies depending on the height that you intend to jump from and your combined weight. For instance, if you skydive from 4000 meters, then free-fall can take about 60 seconds. On the other hand, if you jump at a lower altitude, let say 2500 meters, then free-fall will last for about 20 seconds. After a free fall, it will take about 10 minutes to get to the ground. During canopy flight, the instructor will allow you to steer the parachute to enjoy that once in a lifetime experience. So, in general, the entire experience will take between 25- 40 minutes.
Do people have breathing difficulties during free-fall?
No, you won’t experience breathing difficulties regardless of the speed of free-fall. The problem of breathing problems is rare in tandem skydiving. If you experience any breathing problem, then it will be as a result of panic.
What happens when the instructor suddenly falls ill of faints?
This is a popular question that most tandem skydiver students ask? This scenario has never been experienced before, and we don’t think it will ever happen. This is because tandem skydiving instructors are professionals who have gone through rigorous training and have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that they can be entrusted with people’s life. But in case the unthinkable happens, then you can still land safety by following the tips given during the training brief. Every parachute is equipped with an automatic activation device that automatically opens once the parachute reaches a certain height at free-fall speed.