Tandem Skydiving: 5 Of Your FAQs Answered

A first-time tandem skydiving experience begs lots of interesting questions, no? We’ve been happily answering them for years, and we’re excited to let you in on a few lesser-known “secrets” of the sport. Lean in, listen and learn!

1. HOW HIGH DO WE GO–AND HOW FAST WILL I FALL?

At Skydive Coastal Carolinas, we jump over some of the most spectacular seaside scenery in North America from an altitude of up to 14,000 feet. That’s over two miles high! All that altitude means that you’ll get to soak in views of the North Carolina coastline like you’ve never seen ’em before.

How fast will you zoom through the sky? Well, the average freefall speed for a tandem skydiving pair is 120mph. The heavier the pair, the faster the freefall. Once the parachute is open, your downward speeds decrease significantly, of course. Under that parachute, you’ll descend at about 1,000 feet per minute–and land sweetly and softly at the end.

2. WHAT’S IT GOING TO FEEL LIKE?

You might be surprised. From the door of the plane at exit altitude, the world below doesn’t look anything like it does when you peek over the edge of a building or a bridge. It’s not dizzying in the same way. It actually looks a lot like a map, because the sense of depth isn’t there. This is great news if you’re extra nervous because you’re afraid of heights–the excitement of a tandem skydive doesn’t really spark up that fear. Instead, the excitement comes from the stimulation of a new environment, new sounds, and new physical sensations.

3. HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

Preparing for a tandem skydive is all about removing extra stresses so you can enjoy the experience fully. Prevent low blood sugar by eating normally. Prevent dehydration by making sure you arrive having had sufficient water. (Don’t overdo the caffeine; freefall is the best stimulant!) Wear layers and sturdy, lace-up shoes. Finally, make sure you have scheduled enough time to get to the dropzone in plenty of time for your scheduled skydive so you don’t arrive flustered. See? It’s easy!

4. IS IT WORTH IT TO GET PHOTOGRAPHY?

Oh, totally. In fact, the most common feedback we get from our customers is that photos and videos are vital. Without exception, tandem jumpers that spring for a photo-and-video package are stoked that they did. Those who didn’t? Across the board, they’re disappointed to have missed out.

5. HOW SAFE IS IT TO MAKE A TANDEM SKYDIVE?

In the door of that airplane, your heart’s gonna pound. Hard. That surge of adrenaline right before you step out into the void is perfectly wild–but y’know what? It has no real scientific basis.

Skydive Coastal Carolinas is a proud member of The United States Parachute Association. That association–USPA, for short–has spent decades carefully collecting statistics. Those statistics mathematically prove that the safety of the sport of skydiving is not only excellent, it’s only getting better with time. (You can look at those safety statistics here for yourself.)

According to the studies of the National Safety Council, lighting is statistically far more likely to kill you than a tandem skydive will…so stay inside during electrical storms, so you can join us in the sky when it’s blue!

WANT MORE EXCELLENT TANDEM SKYDIVING TIPS?

Be sure to check out our FAQs. There’s lots of gold-star info tucked away in there…and we’re happy to answer any other questions you might have! If you’re ready to check out our million dollar view first-hand, book online with Skydive Coastal Carolinas, the premier destination for skydiving Myrtle Beach and North Carolina coast!