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On a tandem skydive, you are strapped to a certified instructor who handles the parachute, the exit, the deployment, and the landing. Your job is simpler than most people expect: listen during the briefing, walk to the aircraft, keep your body position on exit, breathe and look around during freefall, lift your legs for landing, and follow a few hand signals. Everything technical — altitude checks, parachute deployment, steering, and the final flare — belongs to the instructor. What follows is the full sequence, plus what you'll actually feel and what to ask before you book.

Before the Jump: Check-In and Paperwork

Most drop zones ask you to arrive earlier than your scheduled jump time, often 30 to 60 minutes, to allow for check-in, waivers, and weather delays. You'll typically sign a waiver acknowledging the risks of skydiving, show photo ID, and complete a health questionnaire.

This is also when you'll be weighed. Tandem systems have manufacturer-set weight limits, and drop zones often apply their own lower limits based on instructor size, aircraft, and equipment. If you're near a limit, ask before booking rather than at the counter.

What to Wear and Bring

• Comfortable athletic clothing with no loose straps or drawstrings that could whip in the wind
• Sneakers or other secure, closed-toe shoes — no sandals, heels, or slip-ons
• Hair tied back if it's long
• Contacts are generally fine; glasses may be provided with goggles that fit over them, but ask first
• Leave jewelry and valuables at home or in a locker

Drop zones usually provide the jumpsuit, harness, goggles, and altimeter. You won't need to buy gear for a first tandem.

The Briefing: What You're Actually Responsible For

Your instructor will walk you through four body positions and a handful of signals. This is the part worth paying attention to, because it's the only part you control.

1. Exit position — arms crossed over your chest, chin tucked, knees bent. The instructor pushes off, not you.
2. Freefall position — a relaxed arch: hips forward, arms out, legs bent. If you go stiff or curl up, the instructor will tap your hips to remind you to arch.
3. Canopy position — once the parachute opens, you'll be upright in the harness, hands on your chest straps or holding the toggles only if the instructor hands them to you.
4. Landing position — legs lifted and together, knees slightly bent, so the instructor can slide in and land first.

You'll also learn hand signals: a tap on the shoulder often means "get ready," a tap on the hips means "arch," and a thumbs-up or similar gesture may be used to confirm you're okay. Ask your instructor what signals they use specifically, since they vary.

The Aircraft Ride

The ride up takes roughly 10 to 20 minutes depending on the aircraft and the altitude your drop zone flies. Many operations jump from around 10,000 to 13,000 feet, which gives roughly 30 to 60 seconds of freefall.

During the climb, your instructor will connect your harness to theirs at four points and tighten the straps. This is a good moment to mention anything that's changed — if you feel unwell, if a strap is pinching, or if you're more nervous than you expected. Instructors handle nervous first-timers constantly.

You may be asked to help spot the drop zone or simply to watch the altimeter. Neither is required. If you do nothing but sit and breathe, that's fine.

The Exit

When the door opens, the noise and wind increase sharply. You'll typically move to the door in a specific order, and your instructor will position you at the edge. On the count, you both leave the aircraft together.

The first second or two can feel disorienting — there's no fixed reference point, and the sensation is less like "falling" and more like being in a very strong wind. Many first-timers describe it as floating rather than dropping, because at terminal velocity you're no longer accelerating.

Freefall: What You'll Feel

Freefall lasts about 30 to 60 seconds from typical jump altitudes. Here's what's actually happening to your body:

Freefall is not the stomach-churning roller-coaster drop most people imagine. Once you reach terminal velocity, the feeling is closer to lying on a cushion of moving air.

Canopy Ride and Landing

At the deployment altitude, the instructor releases a small pilot chute that pulls out the main parachute. You'll feel a firm deceleration — a jolt upward as the canopy catches air. Then everything goes quiet.

The canopy ride typically lasts 5 to 10 minutes. Your instructor will steer toward the landing area, and you may be offered the controls to make a gentle turn. If you'd rather not, just say so. On final approach, you'll be told to lift your legs. The instructor lands first, and you slide in on your feet or your backside — both are normal.

Participation Requirements to Confirm Before Booking

Requirements vary by drop zone and by the equipment manufacturer, so treat these as questions rather than fixed rules:

• Age — many drop zones require 18 or older with no exceptions, though some allow younger jumpers with parental consent. Ask directly.
• Weight — tandem limits commonly fall somewhere between 200 and 250 pounds, sometimes lower for taller or heavier instructors. Ask what the limit is for your specific jump.
• Health — heart conditions, recent surgery, back or neck injuries, pregnancy, and some medications may be disqualifying. This is a conversation for your doctor and the drop zone, not a general rule.
• Alcohol and drugs — most drop zones will refuse anyone who appears impaired.

Weather and Scheduling

Skydiving is weather-dependent. Low clouds, high winds, rain, and even haze can ground jumps. A drop zone that operates seven days a week, like Skydive Kapowsin near Olympia, Washington, still has to work around Pacific Northwest conditions.

Practical advice: book early in your trip if you're visiting, keep the following day open as a backup, and call ahead on the morning of your jump to confirm conditions. Don't schedule a jump the same day as a flight or an important event.

Questions to Ask Any Drop Zone Before You Book

1. What is your weight limit for a tandem jump, and does it change with instructor availability?
2. What altitude do you typically jump from, and how long is the freefall?
3. How long does the whole experience take from arrival to landing?
4. What happens if weather cancels my jump — do I get rescheduled or refunded?
5. How many tandem jumps has my instructor completed, and what certifications do they hold?
6. Is video or photo included, or is it an add-on?
7. What should I wear, and what gear do you provide?

Getting clear answers to these tells you more about a drop zone than any marketing page.

The Short Version

A tandem skydive is a guided experience where the instructor does the flying and you do the experiencing. Your responsibilities are small and learnable in a 15-minute briefing. The physical sensations are milder than most first-timers expect, the timeline is predictable, and the main variables you can control are your clothing, your health disclosures, and your scheduling flexibility. If you can walk to an aircraft, follow a few signals, and lift your legs on command, you're qualified to try it.

A tandem skydive puts you in a dual harness with a certified instructor who handles all the technical parts — you just show up, get briefed, and jump. The day typically runs about three to five hours from arrival to landing, though weather and aircraft scheduling can stretch that. Here's the full sequence so you know exactly what happens, who does what, and how to prepare.

Before You Arrive: Practical Preparation

What to wear and bring

• Clothing: Comfortable athletic wear that covers your shoulders and knees. Avoid loose jewelry, scarves, or anything that could catch on gear.
• Footwear: Sneakers or athletic shoes with laces. No sandals, flip-flops, boots with hooks, or heels.
• What not to bring: Leave valuables, large bags, and anything sharp at home or in your car. Most dropzones have limited secure storage.
• Eating: Eat a light meal one to two hours before your jump. An empty stomach can make you feel worse during the plane ride; a heavy meal can too. Avoid alcohol entirely on jump day.

Fitness and experience misconceptions

You do not need prior skydiving experience, and you do not need to be an athlete. Tandem skydiving is designed for first-timers. That said, there are general health considerations — if you have heart conditions, back or neck problems, or are pregnant, consult a physician first. Most dropzones also have weight limits, often around 220–250 pounds, sometimes with an additional fee above a certain threshold. Confirm your specific situation with the dropzone when booking.

Step 1: Arrival and Check-In

When you arrive, expect to:

• Sign a waiver and complete a medical questionnaire.
• Show a government-issued ID.
• Pay any remaining balance and confirm your weight.
• Receive a brief orientation on what will happen and what to do.

This is also when you'll meet your tandem instructor. They are certified professionals who have completed extensive training and thousands of jumps. Their job is to manage the parachute, monitor altitude, and keep you safe. Your job is simpler: listen, follow instructions, and enjoy the ride.

Step 2: Gear-Up and Briefing

Your instructor will fit you into a harness that connects you to theirs. You'll also receive a jumpsuit, goggles, and a hat or helmet depending on the dropzone.

The briefing covers:

• Exit position: Arms crossed on your chest, head back, hips forward.
• Freefall position: Arch your back, keep your legs bent, and relax your arms.
• Landing position: Lift your legs for a slide-in landing.

You don't need to memorize everything perfectly. Your instructor will tap you on the shoulder or leg to signal when to move, and they'll guide your body position if needed.

Step 3: The Plane Ride

The climb to altitude typically takes 15–25 minutes. You'll sit with your instructor, often on a bench or floor, facing other jumpers. This is the quietest part of the experience — use it to breathe, look out the window, and settle your nerves.

Altitude varies by dropzone and aircraft. Many jumps go to 10,000–13,000 feet, giving you 30–60 seconds of freefall. The exact altitude depends on weather, aircraft performance, and scheduling that day.

Step 4: The Exit and Freefall

When the door opens, you'll shuffle to the edge with your instructor. Then you jump.

What you'll feel:

• A rush of wind and noise — freefall is loud, roughly like sticking your head out of a car window at highway speed.
• A falling sensation for the first second or two, then a feeling more like floating as you reach terminal velocity.
• Pressure on your ears, similar to a quick elevator ride. Yawning or swallowing helps equalize.
• Adrenaline, excitement, or calm — all are normal. Some people scream, some laugh, some go quiet.

What you'll do:

• Hold your arch position.
• Look at the horizon, not straight down.
• Smile for the camera if you have a videographer.
• Let your instructor handle altitude checks and parachute deployment.

Step 5: Canopy Ride

At around 5,000 feet, your instructor deploys the parachute. You'll feel a gentle deceleration — not a violent jerk. Then everything goes quiet.

Under canopy, you'll:

• Sit in your harness while your instructor steers.
• Enjoy a 5–10 minute descent with panoramic views.
• Possibly take the controls for a gentle turn if conditions allow and you're interested.

Your instructor may point out landmarks and give you a chance to practice looking around and breathing normally. This is often the most peaceful part of the jump.

Step 6: Landing

As you approach the ground, your instructor will tell you to lift your legs. You'll slide in on your bottom — this is normal and expected. Stand up when your instructor says so, and you're done.

Most dropzones have a debrief area where you can collect your certificate, review photos or video, and ask questions.

How Weather and Scheduling Affect Your Day

Skydiving is weather-dependent. Clouds, high winds, rain, or low visibility can delay or cancel jumps. Even on a clear day, aircraft scheduling and other jumpers can push your slot back. Plan for flexibility:

• Book an early slot if you want the best chance of jumping on schedule.
• Keep the rest of your day open.
• Call ahead to confirm conditions before driving out.

Common First-Timer Questions

Do I need to be in great shape? No. Tandem skydiving is accessible to most healthy adults. Check with the dropzone about specific weight and health restrictions.

What if I panic in the plane? Tell your instructor. They've dealt with nervous jumpers many times. You can also decide not to jump — you won't be forced.

Will I be able to breathe? Yes. The sensation of not breathing during freefall is a reflex, not reality. Force yourself to take a breath and you'll be fine.

Can I wear glasses or contacts? Yes. Goggles fit over glasses, and contacts are fine. Tell your instructor so they can help secure your eyewear.

How long does the whole experience take? Plan for three to five hours at the dropzone, including check-in, briefing, waiting for your turn, the jump, and landing.

Quick Checklist for Jump Day

• [ ] Government-issued ID
• [ ] Comfortable athletic clothing
• [ ] Lace-up sneakers
• [ ] Light meal 1–2 hours before
• [ ] No alcohol
• [ ] Remove jewelry and loose items
• [ ] Arrive early
• [ ] Bring a positive attitude and patience for weather delays

The best way to prepare is to know the sequence, trust your instructor, and accept that some things — like weather and exact timing — are outside your control. Everything else is just showing up and following simple instructions.