Questions about Skydiving?
Top questions asked to professional skydivers:
Obviously, Number One is… Is Skydiving Dangerous?
Skydiving is considered a high-risk activity, and there are inherent dangers involved. However, the risks can be greatly reduced by following proper safety protocols and using equipment that is well-maintained and in good condition. It’s important to choose a reputable and experienced instructor or skydiving company to ensure that you have the best and safest experience possible.
The United States Parachute Association (USPA) reports that the fatality rate for skydiving is 0.0007%, which means that for every 100,000 jumps, about 0.07 fatalities occur. While this may seem like a small number, it’s important to keep in mind that any risk of injury or death is significant, and skydiving should not be undertaken lightly.
It’s also worth noting that most skydiving accidents are caused by human error, such as failing to properly deploy the parachute or not following proper safety procedures. By following the guidance of your instructor and taking the necessary precautions, you can greatly reduce the risks associated with skydiving.
I am not sure Skydiving is for me as I have a terrible fear of heights.
If you have a fear of heights, skydiving may not be the best activity for you. Skydiving involves jumping out of an airplane from a very high altitude, which can be a scary experience for someone with a fear of heights. It’s important to consider your own feelings and comfort level when deciding whether or not to try skydiving. If you’re unsure about whether you would be able to handle the experience, it might be a good idea to try something less intense, like a simulator or a tandem skydive with a instructor, before deciding whether or not to take the plunge. It’s also important to remember that skydiving is a high-risk activity, and there are inherent dangers involved. If you do decide to try skydiving, it’s important to choose a reputable and experienced instructor or company to ensure that you have the best and safest experience possible.
How high do we jump from?
Skydivers typically jump from an altitude of around 10,000 to 13,500 feet (3,000 to 4,100 meters). This is high enough to allow them to free fall for a significant amount of time before deploying their parachute. The specific altitude at which a skydiver will jump can depend on a variety of factors, including the location, weather conditions, and the skydiver’s preference. Some skydivers may choose to jump from a higher altitude in order to have more time to enjoy the sensation of free fall, while others may prefer a lower altitude for safety reasons. Regardless of the altitude, skydivers must be properly trained and equipped to jump safely.
Can I take my GoPro or phone on the skydive?
It is generally not recommended to bring your own GoPro or other personal cameras on a tandem skydive. Tandem skydives are typically filmed by the instructor or by a professional videographer, and they have the necessary equipment and experience to capture high-quality footage of the jump.
Bringing your own camera on a tandem skydive can be distracting and may not be allowed by the skydiving company for safety reasons. Tandem skydiving involves a lot of coordination between the instructor and the passenger, and it’s important to stay focused and follow the instructor’s instructions throughout the jump. Additionally, the instructor is responsible for operating the parachute and ensuring a safe landing, and any distractions can increase the risk of an accident.
If you would like to have a record of your tandem skydive, you can usually purchase a video package from the skydiving company or hire a professional videographer. This will allow you to enjoy the experience without worrying about filming, and you’ll have a professionally edited video to remember your jump by.
Am I too old to tandem skydive?
There are typically age restrictions for tandem skydiving, and the minimum age can vary depending on the location and the skydiving company. In the United States, the minimum age for tandem skydiving is typically 18 years old, although some companies may allow 16- or 17-year-olds to tandem skydive with parental consent.
It’s important to note that tandem skydiving is a high-risk activity, and it’s not suitable for everyone. Children under the age of 18 may not have the physical or mental maturity to handle the stress of skydiving, and they may not be able to follow the instructions of the instructor or understand the risks involved.
If you’re under the minimum age for tandem skydiving, you may want to consider trying other activities that are less intense, such as indoor skydiving or bungee jumping. These activities can provide a taste of the thrill of skydiving without the same level of risk.
How much does skydiving equipment cost?
The cost of skydiving equipment can vary widely depending on the type and quality of the gear you need. Here are some rough estimates for the cost of some common skydiving equipment:
- Parachute system (main canopy, reserve canopy, and harness): $2,500-$4,500
- Altimeter: $100-$400
- Automatic Activation Device (AAD): $500-$1,000
- Helmet: $200-$700
- Goggles: $50-$150
- Jumpsuit: $100-$400
It’s important to note that these are just rough estimates, and the actual cost of skydiving equipment can vary depending on the brand, model, and features. In general, it’s best to invest in high-quality gear that is well-maintained and suited to your needs, as this can help to ensure your safety and enjoyment during your skydiving experience.
Keep in mind that these prices are for the equipment only, and they do not include the cost of training or jump tickets. The cost of a tandem skydive or a skydiving course can range from $200 to $300 or more, depending on the location and the provider.
