Requirements for Your Initial Skydiving Experience
Preparing for Your First Tandem Skydive at Skydive Orange
Published: 4/11/24
In the spirit of adventure and adrenaline-fueled experiences, tens of thousands flock annually to Skydive Orange for their inaugural leap from an aircraft. Amidst the excitement, understanding how to prepare is key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. Here is what first-time tandem skydivers need to know.
Meeting the Weight Requirements
Safety is paramount at Skydive Orange, and each dropzone sets its own weight requirements based on gear, airplanes, and tandem instructors’ limitations. These restrictions prioritize safety not only for the jumper but also the instructor and other participants in the aircraft and sky. At Skydive Orange, the weight limit is 250 lbs, inclusive of clothing and shoes. All jumpers will be weighed at check-in, so it’s essential to be prepared. There will be a surcharge of $35 for every 10 pounds over 220 lbs.
Reasonable Health and Fitness
Skydiving impacts physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and certain medical conditions could hinder your ability to participate safely. Persons with neck/back injuries, pregnancy, osteoporosis, diabetes, epilepsy, collapsed lung, or even a common cold may be unable to skydive. It’s essential to consult a doctor before skydiving if you have any questions or concerns regarding your health.
Alcohol-Free and Sober Participation
Tandem skydiving is an active experience rather than a roller coaster ride. Instructors must trust that jumpers can follow instructions and respond appropriately during the dive. For that reason, Skydive Orange may turn away or reschedule jumpers who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Individuals should refrain from alcoholic beverages at least eight hours before arrival at the Skydive Orange dropzone.
Comfortable Clothing
Choosing the right outfit is crucial to an enjoyable skydiving experience. Long, easy-to-move pants and snug-fit long-sleeve shirts are recommended to protect skin from high winds. Layering up with tanks, shirts, and pullovers can help regulate temperature, as it tends to be 30-40 degrees cooler at high altitude. Strictly avoid hoods, sandals, boots, heels, and anything with a snag-hazard (such as zippers).
Valid Identification
All persons planning to skydive must be at least 18 years of age, as required by law. At check-in, each jumper must present a valid, government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, to prove age and be approved to skydive by a staff member.
Completing Paperwork and a Safety Briefing
Upon arrival, jumpers must present their identification at the Student Manifest check-in window, where they will receive paperwork to complete and, if necessary, settle any additional payments. It’s advisable to confirm reservations and discuss video packages beforehand to streamline the check-in process. After check-in, jumpers will meet their instructors for a pre-skydiving safety briefing, covering procedures for exiting, freefall body positions, and landing. This is an opportunity for jumpers to ask questions and voice any concerns.
Weather Conditions
Like all outdoor activities, skydiving is weather-dependent. Clouds, rain, and high winds can prevent a skydive from happening for safety reasons. At Skydive Orange, cloud coverage must be at least 8,000 feet above ground level (AGL), and tandem jumps are limited to 7,500 feet. The Safety and Training Advisor makes the final determination on jump conditions on the day of the skydive, so it’s essential to be flexible and patient with the weather gods.
Skydive Orange looks forward to providing an exhilarating first-time skydiving experience for those who are well-prepared. If you have any questions or concerns before arriving or booking a skydive reservation, contact Skydive Orange for assistance. Happy skydiving!
- At Skydive Orange, weight requirements for tandem jumping are based on gear, airplane capacities, and instructor limitations to ensure safety for all participants.
- prior to skydiving, having a reasonable level of physical health and fitness is essential due to the impacts on mental, emotional, and physical well-being, as certain medical conditions could pose safety risks.
- To ensure a smooth and trustworthy experience, it is important to be alcohol-free and sober when participating in tandem skydiving, as instructors require the full capacity and responsiveness from jumpers during the dive.
- Wearing comfortable, easy-to-move clothing that offers protection from high winds, such as long pants and snug-fit long-sleeve shirts, is recommended for an enjoyable skydiving experience.
- Each jumpers must present a valid, government-issued photo identification, like a driver's license or passport, to prove their age at check-in and be approved for skydiving by a staff member, as skydiving at Skydive Orange is limited to individuals who are at least 18 years old.
