WHAT TO EXPECT

Tandem skydiving: the process explained

So you want to go tandem skydiving, are excited and a bit nervous but have not got a clue how it works and you have a tonne of questions. It’s okay, let us explain.

Step 1 – Book online

The first step is to visit our website and book your skydive online via our online booking system. It’s fast, easy, and you don’t need to pay in full (a $150 deposit per person is taken when you book). You don’t need to even choose what height you want to skydive from, meaning you can leave that decision until you arrive on the day. The outstanding amount will need to be paid on the day of your skydive. If you have a gift voucher then follow the same steps and quote your voucher number when asked.

Step 2 – Read the confirmation email and follow prompts

This is very important. After you make your booking we will send you a confirmation email with some important information it including links to a couple of forms which need to be completed prior to your skydive. The email will also include your arrival/check-in time (Note this is NOT the time you will skydive, so there is no need to arrive any earlier (unless you failed to complete the forms we sent you in which case arrive 20 minutes early). You will probably jump 1-2 hours after you check-in, all things going to plan.

Step 3 – Arrive and check-in

After you arrive to our office you should go straight to the reception to let us know you’re here. We have a small amount of paper work for you to complete and it is at this point in time that you will advise us which altitude you would like to skydive from. We recommend the highest as this increases the amount time you have in free fall, and that’s one of the best parts of your skydive experience. You can also let us know if you want photos and or video of your skydive. You will pay the balance of your skydive now also.

Step 4 – Ground training

After your check-in is completed we will take you into our video/training room where you will watch a short video which will explain what’s about to happen in greater detail. This will cover all of what’s expected from you, so pay close attention. If you have more questions please just wait until you meet your instructor as they will go through everything again with you.

Step 5 – Get harnessed up

After you’ve watched the training video you are ready to be harnessed up. It’s likely that this will not happen immediately after watching the training video, so we will call your name out when we are ready for you. In skydiving delays are common, so we appreciate your patience during this time. One of our staff members will place the tandem skydive harness on you and fit it to suit your body. Please do not adjust it or smoke near it, it’s a life saving device that needs to be in perfect working order.

Step 6 – Make your way to the plane

The airport is a short bus ride (3 minutes) away from our office. By this stage you may or may not have met your tandem instructor. If you haven’t met him yet then you will very shortly, at which point he will check your harness and make any required adjustments, and conduct a video interview and take photos (if you selected this option). Sometimes the bus will take you to our beach landing area because we need to pick up your tandem instructor from there. This means you can watch other parachutes land and also ask our driver / staff any skydiving related questions you may have.

Step 7 – Board the plane

This is when it starts to get really exciting. Under the close supervision of your tandem instructor you will be escorted to the plane, more photos and video will be taken, and you will board the plane. The plane is quite small compared to commercial airliners. You will sit directly in front of your tandem instructor, both facing the tail of the aircraft.

Step 8 – Take in the views on your climb to jump altitude

You will be blown away by how beautiful Jurien Bay is by air. It must be seen to be believed. The plane ride to jump altitude will take approximately 20 minutes and you will have a window seat with a great view of the coastline and islands. When you get close to your jump altitude your tandem instructor will securely connect your harness to their harness and go through a series of safety checks to ensure you’re connected properly. Once this is done you’re ready for freefall!

Step 9 – Jump out of the plane

When it’s your turn to jump your instructor will position the two of you close to the door. You will be looking out of the plane, sitting on the edge with the door open, waiting to be pushed out. Your tandem instructor will count “ready, steady, spaghetti” and the next thing you are free, falling at over 200km/h! It’s a truely amazing feeling. Open your eyes, take in the view, and enjoy the moment.

Step 10 – Fly the parachute

After about 60 seconds free fall (assuming you jumped from at least 14,000ft) your tandem instructor will deploy the main parachute. It opens surprisingly soft and gentle. Once your parachute is out you can take off your googles, take a big breath and enjoy the peacefulness and view even more. Your tandem instructor may also give you control of the parachute which is a lot of fun.

Step 11 – Land on the beach

Just before touching down on the soft sandy beach your instructor will ask you to lift your legs up. This will make sure that you have a nice soft landing. Once you land you can celebrate your amazing achievement as you are now a skydiver!

Step 12 – Take bus back to the office

Immediately after you land your instructor or another staff member will assist with taking off your harness. You will then get into our bus which will take you back to the office.

Step 13 – Wait for video/photos and collect certificate

If you had video and or photos taken then we will need about one hour to edit it all and place it on a USB device for you. We will give you a certificate to prove that you skydived and we recommend taking this over the pub across the road where you can get great food as well as your second drink free (if you show them your certificate).

Step 14 – Come back and collect your photos/video

After about an hour (sometimes longer on busy days) your video/photos will be ready. Once you’ve got these your skydive experience is over. We know for sure that you will have a lot of fun watching your video and you’re welcome to watch it on the TVs in our reception area.

That’s it

We hope that this article better explains what will happen on the day of your skydive. If you want to go again then you can jump from 14,000ft for a bargain price of only $300, but you have to book and pay for it right there and then. If you have any further questions feel free to ask us on the day of your skydive or contact us via our website.