Frequently asked questions

What is a tandem skydive?

A tandem skydive is where you are attached to an experienced tandem instructor via a harness and parachute system.  You will both freefall and fly the parachute together to a designated landing area (dropzone).  We fly up to 14,000', depending on the clouds.  Your freefall lasts up to approximately 60 seconds and your parachute ride is typically 5-7 minutes.

What do you wear?

Recommended attire is comfortable, non-restrictive clothing based on the weather and temperature on the ground. Clothing such as shorts, jeans, athletic/yoga pants, t-shirts, hoodies and similar are all fine to wear.  No large or loose jewelry.  Also, be sure to wear closed-toe shoes such as tennis shoes (without hooks).  You are often times outfitted in jumpsuits which are worn over the clothing. Long hair should be worn in a braid, bun, or similar.  No wide rimmed glasses as they will not fit under our goggles.  Small rimmed glasses and contact lenses are fine.  All necessary skydiving equipment is provided by the drop zone. 

What time should we arrive?
You can make a reservation via online or phone.  Please show up at the scheduled time you selected during the booking process.  It is not necessary to show early, but you are more than welcome to.  Our schedule is set up to prevent excessive wait time.  Please plan on spending approximately 2-3 hours from the time of arrival for the entire tandem skydive process, weather pending. 

Do you require a deposit?
Yes, because we have limited available slots through the day.  It is also industry standard to charge a deposit. We require a non-refundable $50 deposit per person scheduled.  This deposit goes towards the balance of your jump.  In the event of inclement weather, deposits can be rescheduled or refunded.  Weather calls are made by the dropzone, not the customer.  A rescheduled deposit is only held up to one year.  If no jump is rescheduled by then, you will forfeit your deposit.

What about a bad weather forecast?  Being located in Florida, there is commonly a chance of rain somewhere in the vicinity each day.  We do not change our jump operations for these pop-up storms, but will just go on a brief weather hold, if necessary.  If the forecast shows something more extensive, and we see the need to cancel jumping that day, we will contact you.  If you do not hear from us, plan to arrive at your scheduled time.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes, the weight limit for our standard tandem price is 230 lbs, with your clothes and shoes on.  If you weigh between 231-250 lbs, an additional fee of $60 will be added.  Absolutely no weights over 250 lbs.
Do you have to “sign your life away” before skydiving? 

Sort of. As with most sports, there are potential risks involved and it is standard to address safety concerns. Before or upon arrival at the skydiving school, all jumpers must fill out a registration form and sign a liability release, including verifying that you have no medical conditions that could hinder your skydive.  A link to our waiver is provided at the bottom of this page for your viewing.  You will also be sent one upon booking.

What are the physical requirements? 

All participants should be in good health and physical condition and should not be on medication which could affect judgment or performance.  Jumper should be able to walk up steps, squat to sit and/or kneel in plane, be comfortable in the tight and intimate environment of the plane and lift your legs for landing.  You will sign a required waiver verifying good health and not on certain medications (high blood pressure, epilepsy, etc).  No pace makers are allowed.  Your height is not a limiting factor, however our weight limit is 230 pounds (with clothes/shoes) and needs to be height/weight proportional. See a link to our waiver at the bottom of this page.  You will also be sent one upon booking.

How old do you have to be?  

18 years old is the minimum age to skydive in Florida.  This is regardless of parental consent.  A photo ID is required to jump (driver's license or passport).

How long does it take to make my first skydive? 

For an average tandem skydive, plan to be with us for a total of approximately 2-3 hours, weather pending. 

Should I make reservations? 

Yes.  Reservations are not required, but are highly recommended as it saves you $$ and time and guarantees your slot.

I purchased a "Half-Off Special" on my last jump.  How do I book it? 

Book your jump as normal in the booking system.  Select "Regular Tandem", pay the deposit, and it will either be refunded upon arrival or credited towards pictures/video/merch. NOTE that in the event of any cancellations or reschedules within 5 days, you will lose that deposit.  We have record of your pre-purchased jump and it will be applied upon arrival at the dropzone.

How fast do you freefall? 

Around 120 mph or approximately 1,000 feet for every six seconds of freefall.  Wow!

Does your stomach drop like a rollercoaster?

Surprisingly no.  There typically is not a "sudden drop" feeling.  Falling at such a fast speed, the air acts almost like a cushion, supporting your whole body as you fly through the air.

Will you lose your breath? 

No. The rush of air and adrenaline may make you feel that way, but just relax and breathe normally through your nose or mouth. 

After your parachute opens, how long is the descent back to the ground? 

Approximately 5-7 minutes. It's a good time to take in the breathtaking views and practice maneuvering the parachute.  If you get motion sickness, now would be a good time to tell your instructor to not do any spins under the parachute!

What is the landing like?  Typically, you and your instructor will slide in on your legs and bottom on the grass in the landing area (a butt-slide!).  You must be able to raise your legs to a 90 degree angle with your body to allow a slide-in on your bottom.  Unable to do so may result in injuries to your lower extremities, such as your ankles.

What height do you jump out of the airplane? 

Up to 14,000 feet above the ground for tandem jumps, depending on presence of clouds.

How long do you freefall?

For tandems and AFF students, up to approximately 60 seconds before deploying your parachute between 4,500 and 5,500 feet above the ground. 

Can I go solo on my first jump?

No.  Whether you are only doing it once or are going through the skydive certification, all jumps start with a tandem skydive.

Can I bring/wear my GoPro camera?

No.  You will not be allowed to bring anything with you on your jump to include phone, camera, wallet, keys, excessive/large jewelry, etc.  The USPA recommends 200 jumps before a jumper wears a camera on a skydive.  We do offer picture and/or video packages for you to purchase before your jump.  You instructor will wear a GoPro glove with two cameras, one for pictures, one for video.  We do NOT offer "outside video", where a 3rd person jumps with the tandem.

Should I eat before I skydive?  A small nutritious meal or snack would be the best, not too light, not too heavy.

What if I come, take the class and decide not to jump?  Your jump is refundable, except for the $50 deposit, up until the time you gear up.  After that, the full price of the jump is non-refundable if you choose not to jump.

Where do we takeoff and land?  We takeoff and land at the same location, the Tri-County Airport in Bonifay, Florida.  Your view is of the interior NW Florida panhandle, which offers views of lots of greenery, lakes, towns, and on a clear day, you can see the Gulf in the distance.

Are spectators welcome?  Yes!  Bring your entourage, whether it be one or many.  We have a couple picnic tables and some chairs for spectators.  It would be wise to bring extra lawn chairs if you have several people coming.  Note that it is very hot in the summer here and limited air-conditioned and shaded areas so bring extra umbrellas.  No animals are allowed inside the fenced hangar area.  Children are to be properly supervised please!