Skydive FAQ

Do I need to attend the information meeting?

No. If an information meeting is organised for your Jump event then attendance is not compulsory. The information meeting will provide lots of useful information and so you are encouraged to attend.

Can I have my tandem skydive filmed?

Yes. We can arrange for an experienced cameraman to film your tandem skydive. You must book and pay for your video on our website prior to the weekend of the event.

Does a tandem skydive require any previous experience?

No. A tandem skydive is ideal for someone who has never skydived before as you do not require any previous experience.

How safe is skydiving?

We could not successfully operate if the skydiving centres we use did not adhere to a strict set of safety practices. Skydiving has far less injuries proportionally compared to other adventure sports such as skiing, snow boarding, white water rafting and rock climbing. All of the skydiving centres we use are affiliated to the British Parachute Association (BPA), the most safety conscious skydiving association in the world. Some element of risk will always be present in any activity and this risk must be accepted by all participants.

What happens if the parachute does not open during my tandem skydive?

In the very rare occurrence that the main parachute fails to open correctly your instructor will take the necessary steps and will open the reserve parachute if required.

I am scared of heights, can I still skydive?

Yes. Many people who are scared of heights successfully skydive every year with some people doing it in a specific attempt to overcome their fear.

Once I am on the aircraft, what happens if I get too nervous/scared to skydive?

If you are too nervous/scared to skydive then you will remain on the aircraft with your instructor and you will land in the aircraft. You will forfeit any monies paid for your skydive. Your instructor is not permitted to jump out of the aircraft without your permission. You will not be pushed out of the aircraft.

I have asthma, can I do a skydive?

Most likely. This will obviously depend on the severity of your asthma. You will skydive from an altitude where the air pressure will be lower than that at ground level and so it may be slightly harder to breathe. The BPA has produced a helpful guidance document for asthma sufferers, available here. If you are in any way unsure please consult your doctor.

I have a disability, can I do a skydive?

Possibly. This will obviously depend on the type and severity of your disability. Our instructors specialise in allowing people with disabilities the chance to skydive and in the past tandem skydives have been enjoyed by people with disabilities such as blindness, deafness, quadriplegia, paraplegia, multiple sclerosis and loss or deformity of a limb. If you have a disability, please call us and have a chat with us. We may ask you to speak with one of our instructors or to see you in person before the jump to see if it is possible or if you have specific requirements. A Declaration of Fitness will need to be signed by your doctor before you jump. The BPA has produced a helpful guidance document for people with disabilities, available here.

Are there any restrictions on the charities I can choose?

Unless your challenge has specific charities set, then participants are able to fundraise for any UK charity that is registered with Choose a Challenge. If your charity is not yet registered with Choose a Challenge then you can invite them to join.

In what order will we skydive?

The order in which you will skydive will depend on several factors. Loosely it is based on the order in which you signed up to the event however this may change depending on if you join a team or if you wish to skydive with other people.

Will we skydive on the same day as we arrive at the skydiving centre?

Every attempt will be made so that you can skydive at the earliest opportunity however we cannot guarantee that this is on the same day that you arrive.

Can I request to do my skydive on a certain day?

Every attempt will be made so that you can skydive at the earliest opportunity however we cannot guarantee that this will be on any particular day. We will try and arrange your skydive for the same day that you arrive at the skydiving centre.

Can spectators take photos of me, during my skydive, from the ground?

Yes. Spectators will be able to watch and photograph your skydive from the spectators areSpecialist photographers will be taking close up photographs of participants and these photographs will be available for purchase on the day of the event.

Is skydiving weather dependant?

Yes. Rain, strong winds, sleet, hail, fog and snow will cause your skydive to be delayed.

If I am unable to skydive because of the weather will I get a refund?

No. If you are unable to skydive because of the weather then an alternative trip will be arranged. In this scenario you will be asked to make a contribution of around £20 to the cost of transport. If you are unable to attend this trip then you will be able to make your own way to the skydiving centre at anytime within 12 months.

If we cannot skydive, when will we return?

A suitable weekend will be arranged and you will be informed of the date.

Can I pay the for the full cost of the skydive without taking part in fundraising?

No. This is a charity event and as such all participants must fundraise for charity.

I have special dietary requirements, will these be catered for?

Yes. You are able to state any dietary requirements during the sign up process.

Do I get a certificate?

Yes. On successful completion of your skydive you will be given a certificate.

Why is it so cheap to take part?

We are able to lower the costs of taking part by booking in such large numbers. Using sponsorship to pay for the cost of your skydive is a very common practice that charities are happy to support.

How long will my skydive last?

Approximately 20 minutes from take off to landing. You will usually spend between 45 and 60 seconds in freefall and around 5 minutes under the parachute.

What does skydiving feel like?

In freefall, the feeling is similar to the floating sensation you have in a swimming pool. Skydiving does not give you the same sensation of going over the edge on a roller-coaster. Skydiving is relaxing whilst also being hugely exhilarating.

Can I breathe during my skydive?

Yes. You can breathe during your skydive. Even though you will be falling at up to 120 mph, it is easy to breathe. The air which enters your lungs does not enter at full speed as it is slowed as it passes through your nose and mouth. Lastly, the maximum height that the skydiving centres fly to is 15,000ft where there is plenty of oxygen available.

Can I control my movement during my skydive?

Yes. As a beginner skydiver you will have very few movements to make however you will be taught all of the movements required in your training. Experienced skydivers are able to perform very complex, intricate and artistic moves whilst skydiving and many competitions are scored on the accuracy and speed of these movements. During a tandem skydive your movements will be controlled by the instructor.

Can I see during my skydive?

Yes. All skydivers wear see-through plastic goggles so that they can fully enjoy the view. On a clear day you will be able to see for several miles during your skydive.

Can I hear during my skydive?

Whilst in freefall the noise from the air rushing past your ears prohibits you from hearing anything else including your instructor's voice. This noise does not appear particularly loud and is often unnoticeable during your skydive. Once the parachute has opened you are able to speak freely to your instructor and can hear other sounds around you.

Will my ears "pop" during my skydive?

Possibly. Some skydivers do experience their ears "popping" during the ascent in the aircraft due to the decreased air pressure. During the skydive, as you descend to higher pressured air, your ears should return to normal. It may be the case that you need to take action to "unpop" your ears once you are on the ground. This is usually done by pinching closed your nostrils whilst trying trying to exhale from your nose.

Will I get cold during my skydive?

No. Whilst the temperature decreases the further you go up, you should not feel cold. In the Winter, or when it is cold at ground level, it will be colder at full altitude. In this case all skydivers are encouraged to wear several thin layers of clothing to insulate them during their skydive.

Will I get hot during my skydive?

No. In the Summer, or when it is hot at ground level, it is still slightly warm at full altitude. Some skydivers often skydive in just shorts and a t-shirt during the Summer months. First time skydivers will wear a skydiving jumpsuit during their skydive but this should not make them feel hot.

"Why/How do you go up when you skydive?"

You don't. This misplaced belief comes from people who've watched skydiving videos where the cameraman and jumper are falling at the same relative speed (normally around 125mph). When the jumper deploys their parachute they slow down rapidly, while the cameraman continues to fall at a faster speed. This accounts for the separation between the jumpers.

"When you jump out of the aircraft and you are floating, how do you decide to come down?"

You don't "float" during a skydive - you fall. The "coming down" decision is made for you by gravity.

"Does the aircraft have to stop for you to jump out?"

No. Whilst a car has to stop in order for the passengers to exit the vehicle safely this is not true for an aircraft whilst it is in the air. The reason a car has to stop is because otherwise the passengers will exit the car and hit the ground at speed. When an aircraft is in the air the exit altitude is several thousand feet above the ground and so this is not an issue.

Is skydiving a regulated sport?

Yes. The British Parachute Association (BPA) is the national governing body for sport parachuting in the United Kingdom. The BPA was founded in 1962 to organise, govern and further the advancement of sport parachuting within the UK.

Will my parachute be opened for me?

For tandem skydives - yes. Your instructor will open the parachute.

Is my parachute checked before my skydive?

The equipment used is maintained and serviced by qualified BPA riggers. Equipment is checked in several stages before your skydive: when the parachute is packed, when the parachute is put on, a check from an instructor on the ground and another check before you leave the aircraft.

What happens if the parachute does not open during my tandem skydive?

In the very rare occurrence that the main parachute fails to open correctly your instructor will take the necessary steps and will open the reserve parachute if required.

What clothing should I wear on the day of my skydive?

You will be given a jumpsuit which goes over the clothes you are wearing. Depending on what time of the year it is, you can take warmer layers with you. In the Winter time, lots of thin warm layers are a good idea. In the summer, or on a warm day, you can jump in just a t-shirt and shorts. Generally speaking, you should wear loose fitting, warm comfortable clothing. Flat soled shoes or trainers should also be worn. Goggles, helmets and gloves are all provided.

What clothing will be provided for my skydive?

A jumpsuit, goggles, gloves and a helmet will be provided for you to wear during your skydive.

Can I do a skydive in fancy dress?

Possibly. It is possible to skydive in fancy dress however the outfit must be in no way restrictive or loose. Dressing up as a super hero with a cape and foam inserts for fake muscles is a definite no. Please contact us with further details of your intended outfit if you wish to do this.

Does a tandem skydive require any previous experience?

No. A tandem skydive is ideal for someone who has never skydived before as you do not require any previous experience.

Am I required to undertake any training before the day of my skydive?

No. All training will be provided on the day of your skydive.

Will I be given any training before my skydive?

Yes. Typically the training for a tandem skydive is around 30 minutes and is not complex.

Is the cost of training included in the cost of the skydive or am I required to pay extra?

The cost of the training for your jump is included in the cost of your skydive.

Do I need insurance to skydive?

Yes. All of the skydives available on our website include the mandatory "Third Party Legal Liability Insurance" and "Death and Critical Injury Insurance". For details of this insurance policy please see here.

Is insurance included in the cost of my skydive?

Yes. The mandatory "Third Party Legal Liability Insurance" and "Death and Critical Injury Insurance" is included in the cost of your skydive.

Do I need a doctor's approval to do a skydive?

You only need a doctor's approval if you are unable to sign the medical declaration due to having any of the listed conditions or being 40+ years of age then you must get doctor's approval. To gain doctor's approval please take appropriate action to seek the advice of a health professional prior to the day of your skydive.

How much will it cost if the doctor is required to sign my medical declaration?

This will depend on the doctor and the level of fitness examination required. The price of a standard consultation is usually around £25.

Can I take photos during my skydive?

No. You are not permitted to take or use camera equipment during your skydive. As an untrained skydiver this would be extremely dangerous and is strictly prohibited. If you wish to have photos taken during your skydive then you can arrange for an experienced cameraman to do this for you.