5 Things to Expect During Your First Tandem Skydiving

Skydiving for the first time is flat out AWESOME! If you’re reading this, you’ve probably booked tandem skydiving Oklahoma and are starting to experience the pre-jump jitters that intensify as you get closer to jump day. We assure you that you’re not alone, everyone is nervous for their first time! To put your mind at ease, we’ve broken down our first time skydiving tips and reassurances, from our safety measures taken prior to every jump and what to expect from our staff, to the skydive itself. 

#1: Safety Precautions

We are a proud United States Parachute Association (USPA) Group Member dropzone, which means we strictly adhere to USPA rules, regulations, and safety recommendations. All of our instructors are well-versed and highly-trained in the sport of skydiving, and they have your safety at the forefront of their minds on every skydive. Remember, they want to make it safely to the ground, too!  

• How many skydives does my instructor have? Your tandem instructor will have more than 500 skydives and over 3 years in the sport of skydiving. A minimum of 500 skydives is needed to even think about pursuing a tandem rating, which means they hit this magic number prior to taking the tandem instructor rating course. 

Our gear is top of the line. Sort of like buying an OG Stetson instead of a knock off, good skydiving gear isn’t really something worth skimping on – and we don’t! All of our tandem gear follows USPA guidelines and each is equipped with a reserve parachute that is inspected and repacked every 180 days by a Federal Aviation Administration certified rigger, as well as an AAD, and RSL. 

• What’s an AAD? An Automatic Activation Device (AAD) is a mini computer that is fastened within the rig. It’s designed to automatically deploy the reserve parachute in the event that the jumper/instructor cannot. 
• What’s an RSL? A Reserve Static Line is a lanyard that acts as a tripwire to deploy the reserve as the main is cutaway. It essentially pulls the reserve pin out as the main flies off of the jumper’s back – super handy!

#2: Meet Your Instructor!

Okay, now we’re talkin’! After you’ve filled out your waiver and gotten acquainted with our facility, it’ll be time to meet your instructor and talk about the actual skydive. The skydive brief will address how to load the aircraft with your instructor, how to exit, body position in freefall, and how to safely come in for landing. 

The brief is an ideal time to have candid and open communication with your instructor. Are you super nervous about the plane ride up? Tell them! They’ll be able to talk you through any anxiety and help you take some deep breaths on the ride to altitude. Do you experience motion sickness? Now is the time to let them know! People who get motion sick successfully skydive all. the. time. because they tell their instructor beforehand. Your instructor will be able to fly the parachute in a more subdued manner that mitigates any tummy tingles. On the other hand, if you want them to really whip it and give you a true washing machine ride down, now is also the time to tell them you’re game!

The most important thing you can do on a tandem skydive is listen to your instructor 100% of the time! 

#3: Send Iit!

The jump experience will be one for the books! From the time you board the plane to landing back on Mother Earth, adrenaline will be pumping through your entire body. During the freefall portion of the skydive you can expect to feel and hear the rush of the wind, and see your videographer grinning in front of you.

Under the canopy you’ll be able to take in unreal views and even talk with your instructor! You’re bound to experience emotions like serenity, pure joy, and an overwhelming sense of purpose – lots of skydivers swear that skydiving is therapy (but cheaper!). 

#4: The Landing

During the brief, your instructor will give you the play-by-play for when the pair of you come in for landing. They’ll instruct you on what to do with your hands and legs as you both get closer to the ground – generally speaking, feet and knees up! The canopy descent is very controlled and your instructor will be able to accurately place you right in front of your friends and videographer!

Fun fact: Accuracy is a competitive discipline in skydiving. Competitors aim to fly their parachute and land, perfectly centered, on a target that’s just two centimeters wide!

#5: Post Jump Celebration

Get ready for the best fist bump of your life! Like any monumentous life achievement, the face of fulfillment from your first skydive needs to be documented. We’ve got you covered with A1 photo and video services that will capture your first words as someone who has experienced the beauty of human flight! We often hear from our tandem students that their main takeaway from their first jump is a changed perspective. There’s something truly unmatched and unique about being physically above your earth-bound worries – skydiving lets you prove to yourself that your fears can be conquered! 

Ready to crush your 2023 goals and do a full send from a perfectly good airplane with us? Let’s do it! Please don’t think twice about reaching out with any questions or concerns, we will do everything we can to alleviate your nerves!