Your first tandem skydive in the UK: what to expect

A tandem skydive is the simplest way to experience freefall for the first time. You don't need any previous experience or a long training course: you're securely attached to a qualified instructor who takes care of the technical side. Here's what to expect, from booking to landing.

How a tandem skydive works

On a tandem you're harnessed to a professional instructor, who controls the exit, freefall, parachute deployment and landing. You climb to altitude in an aircraft and exit together. British Skydiving gives typical figures of around 10,000–15,000 feet for the exit, around 30–60 seconds of freefall and a 5–7 minute parachute flight back to the landing area. Exact heights and timings vary between centres, so ask yours when you book.

You are attached to an instructor who holds a British Skydiving tandem rating. Tandem parachutes are fitted with automatic activation devices, and equipment is professionally maintained and inspected. One centre, Skydive Langar, explains that its parachute systems carry two parachutes, a main and a reserve.

Before you book: age, health and weight

In the UK, tandem jumps take place at drop zones affiliated to British Skydiving and are run to its standards and procedures. Its key requirements are:

• Age. You must be at least 16. If you're under 18, you need your parent's or guardian's written permission, and your medical declaration must be witnessed by your parent or legal guardian.
• Upper age. There's no upper age limit for tandem skydiving; your overall health is the key factor. Individual centres may have their own checks: GoSkydive, for example, asks jumpers aged 70 or over to get in touch for a pre-jump assessment.
• Health. Every tandem participant completes a medical self-declaration, British Skydiving's Form 115A. If you can't agree with every statement on it, you should postpone your jump until you've had qualified medical advice and a doctor has signed Form 115B. Some centres won't accept a doctor's letter instead of the form. The centre and your instructor can't give medical advice.
• Weight. Each centre sets its own weight limits based on its risk assessments. British Skydiving says maximums are typically around 15 stone, and it doesn't keep a list, so contact the centre directly.

If you're unsure about anything health-related, speak to your GP well before the day.

Choosing a centre

Choose a centre affiliated to British Skydiving, known as an Affiliated Parachute Training Organisation (PTO). British Skydiving says there are 27 in the UK, all following the same safety standards, and its website has a "Find your nearest PTO" tool. Beyond that, ask:

• What's included in the price, and are photos or video extra?
• How long should I expect to be on site?
• What happens if the weather stops jumping on my booked day?
• Are there any restrictions on my height, weight or fitness?

On the day

You'll check in, hand over your medical form and complete the centre's paperwork. Form 115A must be handed to the centre in person, not sent to British Skydiving, and you'll re-confirm it just before your jump.

Next comes your briefing. British Skydiving says it covers safety procedures, equipment and what to expect. Listen carefully, especially to what your instructor says about your body position and landing.

Then you may have to wait. Skydiving is very weather-dependent: centres must operate within strict British Skydiving limits on cloud and wind, and if conditions aren't suitable you'll be offered another date. Bring food, water and something to pass the time.

The jump itself

After the climb, you'll leave the aircraft with your instructor in the position you were briefed on. Freefall is over quickly. Skydive Langar says many people expect a rollercoaster "sinking" feeling, but that most describe it as feeling more like flying.

Your instructor then deploys the parachute for a canopy ride of several minutes, with time to take in the view. For landing, do exactly what you practised in your briefing.

What to wear and bring

• Comfortable clothes you can move in, suited to the weather, with warm layers and gloves on a cold day.
• Flat, tight-fitting shoes with no hooks, heels or buckles; laced trainers are best.
• Your completed medical form and booking details.
• Food, water and something to do during weather holds.

If you catch the bug

Many people jump once for the experience; others want more. British Skydiving offers two routes to learning to skydive solo: Accelerated Freefall (AFF) and the Category System (often called static line). Many people qualify for a British Skydiving A Licence in around 18 jumps.

Ready to jump?

Use our club map to find some of the UK's skydiving centres. It doesn't list every affiliated PTO, so check British Skydiving's own list too. If you would like help finding a coach, ESP can match you. The fee is £29.99. Nothing is charged when you send the form. The coach's own fees are separate. We refund the fee if we cannot provide a coach, or if your health means you cannot train. If the student is under 18, we need a guardian's consent, we contact that guardian, and the guardian travels with them.