Tandem skydiving offers an incredible experience for both first-time jumpers and seasoned thrill-seekers. It’s a unique adventure that combines the rush of freefall with the safety and guidance of an experienced instructor. One of the most commonly asked questions by those considering this extreme sport is: How long do you freefall in a tandem skydive? Understanding the duration of freefall in a tandem skydive, along with other key aspects of the jump, can help you prepare for the thrill of a lifetime. In this article, we’ll break down the factors that affect your freefall time and what to expect during your tandem skydive experience.
The Basics of Tandem Skydiving
In a tandem skydive, the participant is securely harnessed to a professional skydiving instructor who handles most of the technical aspects of the jump. The instructor is in control of the parachute deployment, as well as the freefall phase. This type of skydive is the most popular choice for beginners because it allows first-time jumpers to experience the thrill of freefall with minimal training.
When you jump from an airplane, gravity pulls you toward the Earth at an increasing speed. As you fall, the feeling of weightlessness and the wind rushing past you creates a rush that’s difficult to describe. In a tandem skydive, the instructor and the participant freefall together, typically from an altitude between 10,000 and 15,000 feet. The duration of the freefall depends on various factors, including altitude, body position, and the type of skydive you’re doing.
Factors That Affect Freefall Time
Several factors come into play when calculating the duration of freefall in a tandem skydive. The most important factors include the altitude from which you jump, the speed at which you fall, and how you position your body during the descent.
1. Altitude
The altitude of your skydive is one of the most significant factors determining how long you’ll experience freefall. Standard tandem jumps occur from heights of 10,000 to 15,000 feet.
10,000 Feet: At this altitude, the freefall typically lasts around 30 seconds.
12,000 Feet: A jump from 12,000 feet usually gives you about 45 seconds of freefall.
15,000 Feet: This is one of the highest altitudes for tandem skydiving, and it can provide up to a minute of freefall.
After the initial freefall phase, the parachute is deployed at around 5,000 feet, and the remaining descent is under controlled canopy flight.
The higher the altitude, the longer your freefall will be. For those looking for a longer, more intense freefall experience, jumping from a higher altitude is the way to go.
2. Freefall Speed
During freefall, the body accelerates until it reaches terminal velocity, which is the fastest speed at which an object can fall through the atmosphere without accelerating further. The average terminal velocity for a skydiver in a belly-to-earth position is about 120 miles per hour (193 kilometers per hour).
However, your freefall speed can be affected by various factors:
Body Position: The way you position your body in the air affects your fall speed. In a belly-to-earth position (with your stomach facing the ground), you’ll fall at around 120 mph. If you position yourself in a head-down position, you can reach much higher speeds—up to 150 mph or more.
Weight and Clothing: Heavier people may fall slightly faster, though the difference is minimal unless you’re significantly heavier than average. Similarly, wearing bulky or loose clothing can create drag and slightly slow your fall.
3. Air Resistance (Drag)
Air resistance is another key factor that influences freefall time. The faster you fall, the more air resistance you’ll encounter. Once you reach terminal velocity, you stop accelerating and fall at a constant speed.
However, the wind resistance you experience throughout the fall gives you the feeling of floating rather than just falling.
The position of your body during freefall can also increase or decrease the drag. For example, diving into a head-down position reduces air resistance and increases your speed, while spreading your arms and legs out creates more drag and reduces your speed.
4. Parachute Deployment and Canopy Descent
Once the freefall phase is over, the parachute is deployed. Typically, parachutes are deployed at an altitude of 5,000 feet, but this varies slightly depending on the instructor and the skydiving center’s safety procedures.
After the parachute deploys, the descent slows considerably, and the rest of the journey is a peaceful canopy flight.
The parachute descent generally lasts between 4 to 6 minutes, allowing you to take in the breathtaking views as you glide toward the ground. The canopy flight is much slower than the freefall, with speeds of about 10 to 20 miles per hour (16 to 32 km/h), depending on the conditions.
5. Weather Conditions
Weather conditions can affect the speed of your fall as well. High winds, air pressure, and temperature can all impact the trajectory and speed of a skydive. However, professional skydiving centers monitor weather conditions closely and will postpone or cancel a jump if the weather is unsafe.
Typical Freefall Duration in Tandem Skydiving
So, now that we’ve covered the factors that affect freefall, let’s look at the typical durations of freefall during a tandem skydive.
At 10,000 feet: The freefall lasts about 30 seconds.
At 12,000 feet: Expect approximately 45 seconds of freefall.
At 15,000 feet: The freefall duration can be as long as 60 seconds.
In most tandem skydiving scenarios, the actual freefall is followed by the parachute deployment at around 5,000 feet, and the rest of the descent is much slower under canopy. This gives you a well-rounded skydiving experience, balancing the thrill of freefall with the serenity of a peaceful parachute glide.
How to Maximize Your Freefall Experience
For many, the freefall is the most exhilarating part of the tandem skydive. Here are a few tips to maximize your freefall experience:
1. Choose a Higher Altitude
If you’re looking to extend your freefall time, consider opting for a jump from a higher altitude. Many skydiving centers offer higher-altitude options like 12,000 feet or even 15,000 feet.
2. Stay Relaxed and Focused
It’s normal to feel nervous before your jump, but staying relaxed and focused during freefall will help you enjoy the experience. Your instructor will guide you through the process, ensuring that you’re well-prepared and confident when it’s time to jump.
3. Enjoy the Moment
Freefall can feel like an eternity, so take time to soak in the moment. Despite the rush of adrenaline, remember to enjoy the views and sensations as you plummet towards the Earth. Skydiving is often described as a life-changing experience.
Conclusion
The duration of your freefall in a tandem skydive depends largely on the altitude from which you jump. On average, freefall lasts between 30 to 60 seconds, with jumps from higher altitudes offering more time to savor the exhilarating sensation of freefall. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned skydiver, the thrill of freefall combined with the peace of canopy flight creates an unforgettable adventure.
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