1. What skydiving feels like
Most first-time jumpers expect a stomach-drop feeling like a roller coaster. That's not really what happens. You leave the airplane already moving forward, so there's no sudden drop. Within seconds you reach terminal velocity, around 120 mph, and it feels like lying on a strong column of air. It's loud, fast and surprisingly stable.
2. Tandem vs AFF
Tandem is how most people start. You're attached to a certified instructor who handles the parachute. Training takes minutes, and all you need to do is enjoy it.
AFF (Accelerated Freefall) is the first step to becoming a skydiver. After a ground school, you jump with your own parachute while instructors hold on to you in freefall, and you pull your own parachute. Many drop zones ask for a tandem jump first. More on becoming a skydiver →
3. How much it costs
In the U.S., a tandem skydive typically costs $250 to $350. Photo and video packages usually add $100 or more. Prices change by region, altitude and day of the week, and some drop zones offer weekday or group discounts. Each drop zone profile on BeSkydiver shows the starting price when we've confirmed it.
4. What to wear
- Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes you can move in. You'll usually get a jumpsuit.
- Sneakers or athletic shoes that lace up. No sandals, boots with hooks, or heels.
- Leave jewelry, loose items and phones on the ground.
- Glasses are usually fine; the drop zone will give you goggles that fit over them.
5. Age requirements
At drop zones following the United States Parachute Association (USPA) rules, you must be at least 18 to make a tandem skydive. There is generally no upper age limit, but you should be in reasonable health. If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor and the drop zone first.
6. Weight limits
Every drop zone sets its own weight limit for tandem jumps, commonly somewhere around 220 to 250 lb, sometimes with extra fees near the limit. The limit exists because of equipment ratings and the instructor's safety. Always check with the drop zone before booking.
7. Weather
Skydiving depends on the weather: clouds, strong winds or rain can put jumps on hold. Plan to spend most of the day at the drop zone and keep your schedule flexible. If your jump is cancelled for weather, drop zones usually reschedule.
8. When you arrive
You'll check in, sign a waiver, and go through a short briefing: body position for the exit and freefall, and how to lift your legs for landing. Then you'll meet your instructor and get fitted with a harness.
9. The airplane ride
The climb to altitude usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. Tandem jumps are typically made from around 10,000 to 14,000 feet, and some drop zones offer higher jumps. Your instructor will attach your harness to theirs on the way up.
10. The exit
The door opens, the air gets loud, and you and your instructor move to the door together. You'll arch your back as you were taught, and you're out.
11. Freefall
Depending on the altitude, freefall usually lasts from about 30 to 60 seconds. Keep your arch, breathe, and look around. Your instructor watches the altitude and deploys the parachute.
12. Canopy flight
After the parachute opens, everything gets quiet. The canopy ride usually lasts several minutes, and many instructors let you steer.
13. Landing
On final approach you'll lift your legs as practiced, and your instructor lands you both, usually sliding in on your seat or feet.
14. Photos and video
You can usually choose between a handcam (a camera on your instructor's wrist) or an outside videographer who jumps with you. Outside video costs more and shows the whole jump from the outside.
15. What happens next
For many people, one jump is enough. For some, it's the beginning. If you want to jump on your own, look for a drop zone with a student program and read how to become a skydiver.
Sources: United States Parachute Association (age requirement); price ranges and limits as published by U.S. drop zones such as Skydive Midwest, Skydive Cross Keys and Skydive Tecumseh. Checked September 2026. Requirements vary by drop zone.