Tandem skydiving offers a thrilling experience for those who want to feel the rush of freefall but aren’t quite ready to jump solo. Whether you’re a first-time skydiver or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, tandem skydiving provides an opportunity to jump out of an airplane with a certified instructor, making it a safe and accessible option for many.
One of the most common questions that arise for first-time tandem jumpers is whether they can perform flips or other acrobatic maneuvers while skydiving. The answer is nuanced and depends on various factors, such as safety, experience, and the type of jump. In this article, we will explore the possibilities and limitations of performing flips during a tandem skydive, along with the factors that influence your experience in freefall.
1. What Is Tandem Skydiving?
Tandem skydiving is a type of skydive where a novice skydiver is attached to an experienced instructor via a dual harness.
The instructor manages the jump, including the aircraft exit, freefall, and parachute deployment, ensuring the safety of the jumper throughout the experience. This allows the first-time skydiver to focus on the thrill and excitement of the jump while the instructor handles the technical aspects.
Tandem skydiving is designed to be a simple and safe way for people to experience freefall without the need for extensive training. However, the jump still provides an adrenaline-packed experience, giving participants the opportunity to enjoy the sensation of flying and the breathtaking views during descent.
2. Performing Flips in Tandem Skydiving: Can It Be Done?
The Possibility of Flips During a Tandem Skydive
While it may sound exciting to perform flips during a tandem skydive, there are several important factors that determine whether this is feasible. The short answer is that flips are generally not performed in standard tandem skydiving. This is due to safety concerns, the nature of the jump, and the limited control a tandem student has during freefall.
Safety First: The primary concern with flips during a tandem skydive is safety. A tandem instructor is responsible for both their own safety and the safety of their student. Flipping during freefall can introduce risks, including loss of stability or increased g-force, which could result in injury to either the student or the instructor.
Instructor Control: The instructor is in control of the jump, including the parachute deployment, and has limited ability to let the student perform acrobatic maneuvers. Since the instructor is tethered to the student via a harness, the risk of tangling or losing control during flips is significant.
Body Position and Stability: During tandem skydiving, the focus is on maintaining a stable body position, with the student typically freefalling in a belly-to-earth position. This allows for proper airflow, stability, and a smooth descent.
Is It Possible for Advanced Tandem Skydives?
While flips are not part of a standard tandem skydive, there are advanced options for skydivers who want to perform acrobatic maneuvers, such as flips or spins. These types of jumps typically involve higher levels of training and experience.
Instructor-Aided Acrobatic Jumps: Experienced tandem instructors may be able to perform controlled acrobatic maneuvers, including spins and flips, but these jumps are far from the norm. These types of jumps are reserved for more advanced skydivers who have undergone specialized training and can demonstrate the skill to maintain control during such maneuvers.
Solo Skydiving and Acrobatic Maneuvers: If you’re looking to perform flips and other acrobatic maneuvers, solo skydiving would be your best option. Once you have completed your initial tandem jump and received proper training, you can work toward obtaining your skydiving license, which will allow you to perform more advanced maneuvers, including flips and other tricks.
Can You Experience Spins or Rotation?
While flips are generally not an option in tandem skydiving, there is the possibility of experiencing spins or slight rotational movements during freefall. These rotations are often caused by the natural movements of the body in freefall or intentional movements initiated by the instructor.
Instructor-Controlled Spins: Some tandem instructors might perform controlled spins during the jump. This is typically done to give the student a more dynamic experience without compromising safety.
Freefall Positioning: The belly-to-earth position during a tandem skydive is designed for stability. However, small adjustments in body position can create some rotation. These spins are usually gentle and do not pose a risk to the jumper’s safety.
3. Why Flips Aren’t Part of a Standard Tandem Skydive Experience
Safety Concerns and Instructor Responsibility
The number one priority in any tandem skydive is safety. The instructor is responsible for ensuring that both the student and themselves remain secure throughout the entire jump. This means controlling body movements, ensuring stable freefall, and handling the parachute deployment at the correct altitude. Allowing flips or other acrobatic maneuvers could complicate these responsibilities, leading to potential risks.
Stability Concerns: While experienced skydivers may be able to flip and maintain stability in freefall, a novice jumper in a tandem setup is not likely to have the body control required for such movements. Flipping in freefall without the right technique could cause a dangerous loss of stability.
Parachute Deployment Risk: During a tandem skydive, the instructor deploys the parachute at a pre-determined altitude.
If flips or acrobatic movements are involved, it could disrupt the deployment, leading to premature or improper opening of the parachute, potentially causing dangerous consequences.
Physical Constraints of Tandem Skydiving
In a tandem skydive, the instructor is physically attached to the student by a harness, which limits the student’s ability to make independent movements, especially acrobatic ones. This tethered connection makes it difficult for the student to perform flips or other acrobatic stunts without risking a loss of control. The instructor’s responsibility is to ensure that both individuals remain in control and land safely, so flipping or acrobatic stunts are not feasible in most tandem skydives.
Harness Limitations: The harness used in tandem skydiving is designed for stability, not flexibility. It is unlikely that the student would be able to achieve the body positioning necessary for a flip while being harnessed to an instructor.
Instructor’s Role: The tandem instructor must maintain control of both themselves and the student. If the student attempts flips or other maneuvers, it becomes challenging for the instructor to ensure safe deployment of the parachute and a smooth landing.
4. How to Experience Acrobatic Skydiving
If you’re keen on performing flips, spins, and other acrobatic maneuvers, the best option is to pursue solo skydiving after completing tandem jumps. Here’s how you can work toward experiencing acrobatic skydiving:
Complete Your First Tandem Jump
Before you can perform flips or any acrobatic maneuvers, you must first complete a tandem skydive. This introductory jump will give you the experience of freefall and familiarize you with the basics of skydiving.
Enroll in Accelerated Freefall (AFF) Training
Accelerated Freefall (AFF) training is the next step after your tandem jump if you want to skydive solo and perform acrobatic maneuvers. AFF training provides the necessary skills and knowledge to make solo jumps, including controlling your body position, stability, and maneuvering in freefall.
Work on Your Skydiving Skills
Once you have completed AFF training and made your first solo jump, you can start practicing advanced maneuvers, including flips, spins, and other acrobatic movements. This training is conducted in a controlled environment with an instructor, who will guide you through the process of improving your aerial skills.
Obtain Your Skydiving License
To legally and safely perform acrobatic skydiving, you need to obtain a skydiving license. This involves completing a certain number of jumps and demonstrating proficiency in various skills, including control in freefall and stability. With your license, you will be able to perform advanced acrobatic maneuvers, such as flips and aerial tricks, in a safe and controlled environment.
Conclusion
While the idea of performing flips during a tandem skydive may sound thrilling, it’s important to understand that safety and control are paramount in these jumps. Tandem skydiving is designed to provide an exhilarating experience without the added complexity and risk of acrobatic maneuvers. While flips and advanced tricks are not typically part of the tandem experience, skydiving enthusiasts can pursue these actions through solo jumps and advanced training.
The experience of freefall itself is incredibly thrilling, and tandem skydiving remains one of the best ways to experience this excitement in a controlled, safe manner. If acrobatic skydiving is your goal, pursuing solo skydiving and proper training will allow you to achieve your desired flips and spins while ensuring that you are always in control of the jump.