Tandem skydiving is one of the most exhilarating and accessible ways to experience the thrill of freefall and parachuting. For first-time jumpers, it’s an exciting and often life-changing experience. However, as with any extreme sport, safety is paramount. When considering tandem skydiving, one of the common questions that arises is whether or not you can wear a helmet. In this article, we will explore the importance of helmets in tandem skydiving, the role they play in safety, and when you might need to wear one.
Understanding Tandem Skydiving
Before diving into the specifics of wearing a helmet, let’s briefly review what tandem skydiving is. In tandem skydiving, a trained instructor is attached to the participant (the tandem student) via a dual harness. Together, both the instructor and the student jump out of the airplane and experience the thrill of freefall and parachuting. Tandem skydiving is designed to be safe for beginners, and the instructor is responsible for controlling the jump, deploying the parachute, and guiding the descent.
For a first-time jumper, the experience is highly controlled, and the tandem instructor has the expertise to handle all aspects of the skydive. This control makes tandem skydiving one of the safest forms of skydiving. However, like any skydiving experience, it does come with certain risks, which is why safety gear, including helmets, can be an important consideration.
The Importance of Helmets in Extreme Sports
Helmets are a fundamental piece of safety equipment in many extreme sports. In activities such as cycling, motorcycling, skiing, snowboarding, and climbing, helmets are designed to protect the head in the event of a fall, collision, or impact. For these sports, helmets help reduce the risk of head injuries by absorbing some of the force from a blow or impact.
Skydiving is no different, as the risk of injury, while rare, is always present in extreme sports. The need for helmets in skydiving is most pronounced during freefall and when performing certain maneuvers or activities that involve greater risk.
Why Are Helmets Important for Skydiving?
In the case of skydiving, helmets primarily serve to protect the head in the event of an accident. They also provide protection from the wind and other external forces during freefall, where speeds can exceed 120 miles per hour (193 kilometers per hour). While skydiving injuries are uncommon, head trauma is a serious concern in any high-impact sport, especially when jumping from thousands of feet above the ground.
Some factors that make helmets important for skydiving include:
Wind Resistance: The wind during freefall can be very intense. A helmet can help reduce discomfort caused by the wind and can provide some protection to your neck and face.
Protection in Case of Collision: Although it’s rare, collisions can occur in skydiving. Whether it’s another jumper or an obstacle in the sky, wearing a helmet can help minimize the impact of a collision.
Head Protection During Landing: In rare cases, an emergency landing or rough landing can result in head injury. A helmet provides additional protection during the landing phase, when the risk of injury increases.
Do You Need A Helmet for Tandem Skydiving?
When it comes to tandem skydiving, the answer to whether you need a helmet largely depends on a few factors: the specific regulations of the drop zone, the weather conditions, the type of skydive you are doing, and your individual preferences.
However, for the vast majority of tandem skydiving experiences, the need for a helmet is not mandatory for the participant, but it is an option.
1. Instructor’s Helmet
In tandem skydiving, the instructor is typically required to wear a helmet for safety reasons. The instructor needs full protection as they are responsible for the tandem jump, including operating the parachute, guiding the freefall, and ensuring a safe landing. It is essential for the instructor to be fully protected to maintain the safety and control of the jump, as they are also in charge of the tandem participant’s safety.
While the instructor wears a helmet for these safety reasons, the participant’s need for a helmet is less clear-cut. However, in certain situations, the participant might also be advised to wear a helmet.
2. Tandem Jumping in Specific Conditions
There are certain circumstances where wearing a helmet may be necessary or advised for the tandem participant. These include:
High-Speed or Specialty Jumps: If you are performing a tandem skydive with specific maneuvers or at higher speeds, a helmet may be recommended. Specialty jumps, such as wingsuit flying, may require additional head protection for both the instructor and the student.
Inclement Weather Conditions: In rough weather conditions, such as high winds or turbulent air, it may be safer for the tandem participant to wear a helmet for added protection.
Fear of Head Injury: If you are particularly concerned about head injury or simply want the added protection of a helmet, you can always request to wear one. Many drop zones are willing to accommodate this request, as safety is always the top priority.
3. Standard Tandem Skydiving Experience
For most standard tandem skydives, wearing a helmet may not be necessary for the participant. The instructor’s harness and equipment are designed to ensure the safety of both individuals. The tandem harness is specially designed to provide the instructor with full control during the jump, including managing the parachute deployment and the landing process.
Since the instructor is the primary person responsible for ensuring a safe skydive, helmets are not always mandatory for first-time jumpers.
That being said, it’s always a good idea to check with your specific drop zone to confirm their safety protocols. Each skydiving center may have its own requirements, and it’s better to be informed ahead of time.
Types of Helmets Used in Skydiving
If you do decide to wear a helmet for your tandem jump, there are several types to consider. The two primary types of helmets used in skydiving are:
1. Full-Face Helmets
Full-face helmets cover the entire head, including the chin and face.
These helmets are designed to offer maximum protection during freefall and landing. Full-face helmets are often favored by skydivers who want complete protection from the wind and who are performing specialized jumps such as wingsuit flying or swooping.
For tandem skydivers, full-face helmets can offer the added benefit of reducing wind resistance, as the face is completely covered. However, full-face helmets are less common for first-time jumpers since they can sometimes limit the ability to communicate with the instructor during the skydive.
2. Open-Face Helmets
Open-face helmets provide less coverage than full-face helmets, leaving the face exposed. These helmets are more common for tandem skydiving, as they offer a good balance of protection and communication. Many tandem participants feel more comfortable with open-face helmets, as they allow for easier communication with the instructor before and after the jump.
Open-face helmets are also less restrictive, allowing for greater visibility during the skydive.
3. Specialized Helmets for GoPro Use
For those looking to document their tandem skydiving experience, some drop zones offer specialized helmets that can accommodate a GoPro or other action cameras. These helmets feature mounts designed to securely hold cameras while still providing protection. These helmets are an option if you’re looking to capture your experience while ensuring you are well-protected.
What Happens If You Don’t Wear a Helmet?
If you choose not to wear a helmet for your tandem skydive, there are usually no significant consequences for the participant in terms of safety, as long as you’re jumping under standard conditions. However, it is important to note that in some cases, the drop zone may have specific requirements for helmets, especially for particular types of jumps or under certain weather conditions.
If you are ever in doubt or if you feel uncomfortable, you can always ask the drop zone staff whether wearing a helmet is advisable. Safety is always a priority, and skydiving centers are more than happy to ensure that you are as comfortable and protected as possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it’s not mandatory for tandem skydiving participants to wear helmets in most cases, there are circumstances where wearing one may be beneficial. Helmets provide added protection during freefall, help reduce wind resistance, and can offer additional safety in certain situations, such as high-speed maneuvers or rough weather conditions.
It’s important to consult with your instructor and the skydiving center to determine if wearing a helmet is necessary for your specific jump.