Tandem skydiving is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience the thrill of freefall while having an expert guide by your side. High tandem skydiving is a particularly exciting form, where jumpers ascend to higher altitudes than the typical 10,000 feet—often up to 15,000 feet or more. This provides an extended freefall experience and a view that’s absolutely breathtaking. If you’re considering this extreme sport, this guide will help you understand the process, safety measures, and what to expect from start to finish.
What Is High Tandem Skydiving?
High tandem skydiving is a form of skydiving where a novice skydiver is securely attached to a professional instructor during the jump. The “high” aspect refers to the altitude, which typically ranges from 12,000 to 15,000 feet above the ground. These higher altitudes provide longer freefall experiences compared to standard tandem jumps.
The tandem skydive is designed to allow first-time jumpers to experience the thrill of skydiving without the need for extensive training. The instructor handles all aspects of the jump, from the plane exit to the parachute deployment, ensuring both safety and enjoyment for the participant.
The Process of High Tandem Skydiving
Step 1: Preparation and Briefing
Before the jump, you’ll undergo a thorough briefing by your instructor. This is a crucial step in ensuring you understand everything that will happen during your skydive. You’ll learn about the equipment, your body position during freefall, how to exit the plane, and the parachute deployment process.
Expect the briefing to take around 20-30 minutes. During this time, your instructor will also go over the safety procedures in the unlikely event of an emergency. The goal is to make sure you’re comfortable and informed before taking the leap.
Step 2: Gear Up
Once the briefing is complete, you’ll be fitted with a specially designed tandem harness. This harness is what connects you to the instructor and ensures you remain secure throughout the jump. The instructor will also check the gear to make sure everything is in working order, as tandem skydiving relies on highly specialized equipment.
You’ll also be given a jumpsuit, goggles, and a helmet. The goggles are essential for protecting your eyes during freefall, while the helmet is designed to protect your head in case of a landing mishap or any unusual situation.
Step 3: The Plane Ride
Once you’re geared up, it’s time to board the plane. The plane ride is a crucial part of the experience, providing time to relax and mentally prepare. You’ll ascend to your jump altitude, which typically takes between 10 to 20 minutes depending on the height. During the ride, you’ll get a great view as you climb higher and higher into the sky, offering a preview of the stunning scenery you’ll soon see during your freefall.
During this time, your instructor will provide final reminders about the jump, and you’ll have a chance to ask any last-minute questions. You’ll also be able to adjust your body position, as you’ll need to maintain a specific posture once you’re in freefall.
Step 4: Exit the Plane
Once you’ve reached the correct altitude, it’s time for the most thrilling part: jumping out of the plane. The door will be opened, and you and your instructor will move to the door. Your instructor will give you a signal, and you will both exit the plane together.
The first few seconds after you exit are the most exhilarating, as you’ll feel the force of gravity pulling you down. The sensation is often compared to the feeling of flying, with a rush of wind and an adrenaline surge as you fall at speeds of around 120 miles per hour.
Step 5: Freefall
Freefall is the portion of the skydive that offers the most intense thrill. As a tandem skydiver, you will experience freefall for a longer period than a traditional skydive, especially at higher altitudes. At 15,000 feet, the freefall lasts around 60 seconds, giving you plenty of time to experience the rush.
During freefall, it’s important to keep your body in the correct position—usually, your body will be in a slight arch with your arms at your sides.
Your instructor will ensure you maintain this position and guide you through any changes in posture if necessary.
Step 6: Parachute Deployment
At the appropriate altitude (usually around 5,000 feet), your instructor will deploy the parachute. This moment is a stark contrast to the high-speed freefall. As the parachute opens, you will feel a strong but controlled jerk, and the freefalling sensation will shift to a peaceful glide.
After the parachute is deployed, you’ll enter a canopy ride, which is much slower and calmer than freefall. This portion of the jump is where you can really take in the stunning views, whether it’s the rolling hills, ocean, or mountains that surround you.
Step 7: The Landing
Your instructor will guide the parachute to a soft, controlled landing. As you approach the ground, you may feel some turbulence, but your instructor will help you position yourself for a smooth landing. You will likely be instructed to lift your legs up to avoid hitting the ground too hard.
The landing should be gentle, but if you’ve never experienced skydiving before, it can still feel a bit jarring. However, tandem instructors are highly trained in landing safely, and their experience ensures that the landing is as smooth as possible.
Safety Considerations in High Tandem Skydiving
Safety is the top priority in any skydive, especially high tandem jumps. Here are some key safety measures:
Experienced Instructors: All tandem instructors are highly experienced and certified by skydiving organizations like the United States Parachute Association (USPA). They undergo rigorous training and testing to ensure they can handle all types of scenarios.
Advanced Equipment: The equipment used in high tandem skydiving is state-of-the-art. This includes dual parachutes (main and reserve), automatic activation devices (AADs), and specialized harnesses designed for tandem jumps.
Altitude Safety: The higher the altitude, the longer the freefall, which means more time for the instructor to deploy the parachute. They are also trained to monitor altitude and ensure the parachute is deployed at the correct height.
Medical Checks: Before your jump, you’ll undergo a medical evaluation to ensure you’re physically fit for skydiving. This includes checking for conditions such as high blood pressure, heart issues, or recent surgeries that could complicate the jump.
What to Expect After the Jump
Once you’ve landed and the adrenaline has worn off, you’ll likely feel a mixture of excitement and disbelief. Many first-time skydivers are overwhelmed with emotion, often laughing or even tearing up after experiencing such an extreme rush. You’ll also likely want to share your experience with others and may even receive a certificate or video of your jump to commemorate the event.
Conclusion
High tandem skydiving offers an unparalleled adventure for those looking to experience the thrill of freefall while under the expert guidance of a seasoned instructor. From the initial briefing to the peaceful glide of the parachute ride, every step is designed to ensure both excitement and safety. If you’re ready to face your fears and check skydiving off your bucket list, a high tandem skydive is one of the most exciting ways to do it. With proper preparation, understanding, and trust in your instructor, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
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