Your First Tandem Skydive: A Step-by-Step Guide to What to Expect

Key Takeaways 
Your first tandem skydive is straightforward: check in, gear up with your instructor, complete a brief training session, enjoy about 60 seconds of freefall, then relax under the parachute before landing. Preparing with a normal meal, comfortable clothing, and an open mind can help make the experience more enjoyable. Throughout the jump, your certified tandem instructor handles the technical aspects while guiding you every step of the way. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can help replace first-jump nerves with excitement and confidence.

If you’re wondering how to skydive for the first time, the process is simple and undoubtedly intimidating: book the jump, arrive, check in, complete a short training session and waiver, gear up with your instructor, fly to altitude, enjoy an unforgettable freefall, glide under the parachute, and land. It’s a lot to wrap your head around. Our instructors guide you through every step, so you can focus on enjoying your first tandem skydive with confidence. 

In this guide, we break down the process step-by-step so you know exactly what to expect when it comes to your first jump! 

How to Prepare for Skydiving

Knowing how to prepare for skydiving can help turn nervous excitement into anticipation. A few simple steps can help you arrive feeling ready for an incredible experience, rather than riddled with anxiety.

What to Eat Before Skydiving

Eat a normal, moderate meal before you arrive. Skipping meals can leave you feeling lightheaded, while an especially heavy or greasy meal may leave you uncomfortable. Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol or recreational drugs before your jump.

What to Wear and Bring

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and secure, closed-toe shoes. Athletic shoes are ideal. If you wear prescription glasses, don’t worry, we can provide goggles that fit comfortably over them. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, and avoid loose accessories or anything that could fall off during the jump.

How to Mentally Prepare & Calm Your Nerves

It’s completely normal to feel nervous for first-time skydiving, it would be sorta weird if you didn’t! Trust your instructor’s experience, listen carefully during training, and focus on steady breathing. Remember that tandem instructors perform these jumps regularly and will guide you through every stage of the experience.

Things to Know Before You Go

Before arriving, here are a few helpful reminders:

• Review our requirements before booking if you’re unsure about eligibility.
• Arrive early enough to complete check-in, waivers, and ask questions.
• Bring ID. It must be valid and government-issued.
• Listen closely during your training session and ask questions.

The Step-by-Step Tandem Skydiving Experience

Step 1: Check In, fill in the Paperwork

After checking in, you’ll complete your paperwork. Waiver, etc. Let’s get it out of the way!

Step 2: Gear Up & Meet Your Instructor

Once done, you’ll put on your harness and understand how your tandem instructor will connect to you. Before boarding, your instructor performs multiple equipment checks, and one of them will be when they’re placing the harness on you for the first time! Every tandem system includes a main parachute, a reserve parachute, and an Automatic Activation Device (AAD). 

Step 3: The Skydiving Training

Then, you’ll receive a brief ground training session covering body position, aircraft procedures, freefall, parachute flight, and landing. The training is designed specifically for first-time tandem students, so no previous experience is required.

Step 4: The Flight to Altitude

The climb to jump altitude in the plane usually takes about 15 minutes. During the ride, your instructor will review the exit, answer any last-minute questions, and point out local landmarks. Many jumpers say this is when the excitement really starts to build. Take some deep breaths and soak it in! 

Step 5: The Exit & Freefall

The aircraft door will open, you’ll move into position, and then … you’ll fly!

One of the biggest surprises for first-time skydiving participants is that freefall doesn’t feel like the stomach-dropping sensation of a roller coaster. Instead, the rush of air supports your body as you maintain the stable “banana” arch position! During freefall, you’ll travel at roughly 120 mph! 

Step 6: The Canopy Ride & Landing

After about a minute of freefall (longer if you chose our high-altitude tandem!), your instructor will deploy the parachute. The transition is smooth, and the experience becomes remarkably peaceful. During the canopy ride, you’ll enjoy incredible views while your instructor steers toward the landing area.

As you approach the ground, you’ll simply lift your legs or be ready to stand up for your landing, just be sure to listen to your instructor. Most tandem landings are smooth slide-in landings or gentle stand-up landings, depending on the wind conditions.

What Does Skydiving Feel Like?

Every stage feels a little different! That’s part of the fun. 

The flight to altitude is filled with anticipation. Standing at the open aircraft door creates an unforgettable rush of excitement, and it’s very loud from the wind. Freefall feels more like floating on a powerful cushion of air than falling. 

Once the parachute opens, everything becomes quiet, scenic, and freeing. The landing is exciting, and after, the adrenaline gives way to an incredible sense of accomplishment that many jumpers remember for years.

How Long Does a Skydive Take?

Although freefall lasts about 60 seconds and the parachute ride typically takes five to seven minutes, plan to spend two to four hours at the dropzone. Weather, aircraft scheduling, and group size can all affect the overall timeline, so we recommend allowing plenty of time to enjoy the full experience and not feel rushed. While you’re here, make sure you stop by our restaurant, the Bombshelter, or jump in our swimming pool!

First-Time Tips from Our Instructors

Our favorite skydiving tips for new jumpers are simple:

• Get a good night’s sleep.
• Eat before you arrive, or plan an early arrival to have a meal at our on-site restaurant.
• Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes.
• Listen carefully during training.
• Open your eyes!
• Smile. (Get the photos and video!)
• Don’t forget to breathe and trust your instructor.
• Remember to look at the horizon and soak in the once-in-a-lifetime view.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tandem Skydiving 

How do you skydive for the first time?

Most people choose to make their first jump as a tandem student attached to a certified instructor. After a short training session, your instructor handles the equipment, aircraft exit, parachute deployment, and landing while you enjoy the experience. Skydive Perris also offers a solo program, the PSP, that doesn’t require a tandem skydive prior.

How much does it cost to get into skydiving?

The cost depends on whether you’re making a tandem skydive or pursuing solo training. The average rate for a first-time tandem jump is between $200 and $300, while the cost to get a skydiving license is around $3,000 to $5,500. 

How do you breathe while skydiving?

Normally! The airflow during freefall doesn’t prevent breathing. There’s plenty of air up there, and it’s self-serve! Tip: Scream if you’re feeling short of breath during the jump, it will force your body to take a gasp of air. 

Is there a weight limit for skydiving?

Yes. Weight limits vary slightly by dropzone. At Skydive Perris, our weight limit is 240 lbs with clothes and shoes on. 

Ready for Your First Tandem Skydive?

Whether you’re checking off a bucket-list goal or celebrating a special occasion, your first tandem skydive is an experience you’ll never forget! Our experienced instructors are here to prioritize safety, guide you from check-in to landing, and help make your first jump exciting and memorable. 

Book your jump today or purchase a gift certificate for someone ready to experience the thrill and freedom of freefall! Blue skies!