First-Time Tandem Skydiving: What to Expect

Nervous about your first tandem skydive? Good — that means you're human. Here's exactly what happens on the day, start to finish, so you know what to expect.

Before you arrive

Wear comfortable clothes for the weather and closed-toe athletic shoes — no sandals or boots with hooks. Bring valid government photo ID; you must be 18 or older to jump. Eat normally. Don't drink the night before.

Check-in and training

When you arrive, you'll sign your waiver and get weighed in. Then comes about 30 minutes of ground training: your instructor walks you through body position, the exit, and landing. It's simpler than you'd think — your instructor handles everything technical.

Gearing up and boarding

You'll get into a harness and meet the instructor you're attached to. Then you board the aircraft and climb to altitude. The ride up is when nerves peak — that's normal. Enjoy the view; it's spectacular, taking in Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment.

The exit and freefall

Here's the part everyone remembers. You exit the aircraft attached to your instructor and fall through the sky at around 120 mph. Depending on your altitude, freefall lasts 25 to 40 seconds. It doesn't feel like falling — it feels like floating on a cushion of air. Most people's fear vanishes the instant they're out the door.

Under canopy

Your instructor deploys the parachute and everything goes quiet. You'll glide for about five minutes, taking in the skyline, the lake, and the escarpment. Your instructor may even let you steer.

Landing

Landings are smooth — usually a gentle slide-in. Then you're back on the ground, buzzing, already wondering when you can do it again. Many first-timers come back to learn to jump solo.

A few honest tips

• Book a summer weekend for the most reliable weather.
• Plan to spend a good chunk of the day at the dropzone — jump order depends on weather and loads.
• Add a media package. You'll want to relive it.