Tandem Skydiving FAQ
If you’re getting ready to make your first skydive, you probably have quite a few questions! If you’re considering jumping with us, we encourage you to read through the tandem skydiving FAQs we’ve compiled below. Reviewing this information will help you feel more confident and relaxed about your upcoming experience and will ensure that you’re ready both mentally and physically on your big day! If you need further clarification or would just like to speak with someone, please don’t hesitate to contact us or give us a call at 520-682-4441. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have!
PREPARATIONS
What time should I arrive for my appointment
Please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to start the waiver process
How far in advance do I need to schedule my jump?
As far in advance as you can, especially if you have a large group that wants to jump together. However, if you get the urge at the last minute, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we’ll do our best to fit you in.
What do I need to bring?
You will need a valid government issued photo ID. You will also need to wear gym shoes. If jumping in the fall or winter it is advised to bring a light jacket with you. And by all means, bring lots of family and friends to cheer you on!
What type of payment do you accept?
We accept Cash, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Sorry, no checks
How long will it take?
Plan on spending approximately 2 hours, unless you are part of a big group, in which case plan on spending half a day. Skydiving is weather dependent, so your jump time could be delayed.
What if the weather forecast is bad?
Don’t assume that the weather is going to be bad and that you won’t get to jump. Forecasts are generic, and historically have been inaccurate. If you have any weather concerns, please feel free to call us the day of your jump
What if I need to reschedule?
We can reschedule you up to 48 hours before your jump date at no cost. If you need to cancel within the 48 hours prior you will forfeit your deposit. If you do not show up for your appointment time you will forfeit all payments made.
VIDEO & PICTURES
If I have a GoPro camera or a similar small camera, am I permitted to bring this with me on my jump?
No outside cameras are permitted on the skydive due to safety reasons. There are no exceptions. The United States Parachute Association mandates that skydivers have a minimum of 200 jumps prior to taking a camera into freefall.
Can I get video of my jump?
Yes you can get video or stills or we have a premier package that offers both.
Can we get one video for our whole group?
No, the time/distance gap between jumper exits precludes a camera person from being able to film more than one student at a time.
Q: Should I eat before?
A: We recommend eating a light meal beforehand. Avoid eating heavy foods or anything that might upset your stomach.
Q: Do people get motion sickness?
A: Nobody has ever gotten sick in freefall. People susceptible to motion sickness may feel queasy once the parachute opens. If you have any concerns, take your regular motion sickness medications prior to your jump and inform your instructor.
GENERAL
How do I know if skydiving is really for me?
If you feel butterflies in your stomach when you think about jumping out of an airplane, skydiving is definitely for you!
Is skydiving safe?
Skydiving is like any other extreme sport: there are inherent risks and avoiding them requires careful training and execution. Failure to follow that training can lead to serious injury. Skydiving is as safe as individuals make it. On our part, we provide the latest equipment, highly experienced staff, a comprehensive training program, and a lot of back up systems.
Are gift certificates available?
Yes, fully transferable, refundable (within 30 days, minus a $15.00 processing fee) gift certificates are available for any amount. We guarantee this will be a once in a lifetime present that will never be forgotten. They have a 2 year expiration date.
Do you have group rates?
Yes. Please click here to see our group rates and specials.
SKYDIVING
How long is the training?
Our instructional class lasts for 20 mins.
What will the skydive feel like?
There is no roller coaster feeling when you jump out of the airplane. The sensation of freefall is more like flying than falling, and is intensely exciting and liberating. The parachute flight is quiet and inspiring; however, if you like roller coasters, ask your instructor and he/she can kick your canopy ride up a notch!
How long will the skydive last?
It takes 20 minutes to climb to altitude, you will freefall for about one minute and you will fly your parachute for 5 to 6 minutes.
How fast do you freefall?
The average size person freefalls at a speed of 120 mph. The heavier the person, the faster the freefall. The descent rate under parachute is about 1,000′ per minute.
What is the landing like?
Most landings are quite soft with many people doing stand-up landings. Sometimes, especially on calm days, the forward speed of the parachute will provide you with a “sliding” landing. Your instructor will ask you to pick up your feet so that he may touch the ground before you.
What kind of parachutes will we use?
At Skydive Marana, we use only the very best equipment. All our parachute systems are equipped with main and reserve ram air (square) canopies. Square canopies are superior to older style round canopies in their opening reliability, maneuverability, accuracy, and landing performance.
What if the parachute doesn’t open?
Although it is very unlikely that your main parachute will fail to open properly, it can occur and this is a common question. On every jump, we are equipped with a main and a reserve parachute as a backup. In addition, all of our reserve parachutes are equipped with an Automatic Parachute Deployment system (commonly referred to as a CYPRES or AAD). This unit will automatically deploy the reserve parachute should the jumpers be unable to.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Are there physical requirements?
We have some of the industries most experienced Tandem Instructors here at Skydive Marana. If you have special needs, please contact us so we can discuss your particular situation. In most cases, we can make your dreams of flight come true! If you have a special medical concern, please contact your doctor.
Is there a weight limit?
Yes. Our weight limit is 220 pounds. We can take guests up to 250lbs with a $1 per pound service fee in addition to the total cost of the skydive.
Is there an age limit?
You must be at least 18 years of age to skydive within the United States.
