What's it like? 
To be fair, only you can answer that question.  It's definitely not a feeling you would have experienced before in your ground bound pursuits -  it's like nothing on earth!  Freefall is a weightless feeling with no sensation of falling. Don't believe us - come and experience it yourself. 

The Jump! process
Training.  After the inevitable paperwork and a brief training session, your safety harness is given a final check for fit and security, the instructors check each others equipment, and then it's all aboard as you taxi off to the end of the runway for take-off.  For those familiar with commercial airlines you might notice a few differences - you'll be seated on the padded floor of the aircraft and there will be a distinct lack of flight attendants serving drinks!

Aircraft Flight.  The flight up is about 25 to 30 minutes.  Your instructor will perform final safety checks and a revision of all the jump procedures during the last 10 minutes.  A couple of minutes before exit the door is opened.   If you haven't started pumping enough adrenalin yet the sudden noise and rush of the wind outside should get you going!!  Your instructor will lean out for a better look and undertake the all important 'spotting' procedure - instructing the pilot on the final jump run direction and estimating the correct exit distance from the landing area for the day's wind conditions.

Exit!  The 'power off' call will go out a minute later indicating that the time has come to prepare for the exit position at the door.  You instructor will talk you through the whole procedure and then give you a 'ready, set, gooooooo...  

Freefall.  After about 5 seconds of freefall, your instructor will release a small drogue parachute.  This will slow your acceleration and only allow your freefall speed to reach a mere 200kph.  This will be your terminal velocity and is reached by about the end of the 12th second.  If you have a camera person with you on the jump, you'll see him or her directly in front of you at this stage - just floating in mid air.  If you're not doing so already, it's time for a big smile.  Freefall is windy and noisy, but incredibly exhilarating.  You'll love every second of it and wish it could go on much, much longer.

Parachute Ride.  All good things must come to an end and your instructor will signal you that he's about to open the parachute.  You brace yourself and usually find it's just a firm 'pulling-up' sensation.  The noise and wind rush of freefall disappear and you find yourself in a perfectly quiet environment, floating gently above the landscape.  During this phase of the jump, you will be able to talk to your instructor.  In fact he may hand over the steering controls of the parachute and instruct you in the proper handling.  You can practise turns, spirals, and the landing flare.  You'll also practise the landing position now and then just sit back and enjoy the view.

Landing. The landing phase is easy, simply lift your legs out of the way, and let the instructor do the rest.  Then get ready to smile again for your friends and family as they rush to greet you with their cameras.

Training for a Tandem Freefall
The training is conducted on a one-to-one basis and only takes about 20 minutes.   Your tandem instructor will teach you all you will need to know for the jump.  The three most important things are:

• The climb out and exit from the aircraft.
• Your body position in freefall.
• The landing position - legs up and out to the front.

What do I Wear?
You will be supplied with a skydiving suit (in all the latest colours of course!) So all you need to wear is loose comfortable clothing. A track suit is ideal, or shorts and T-shirt for summer.  Note:  Tight jeans can be uncomfortable when the harness is tightened.   If it's cold, a few thin layers of warm clothing is better than bulky items such as a ski jacket or thick jumper and don't forget your gloves. 

Shoes should be of the 'runner' or 'sand shoe' variety, preferably without a heel.   Definitely no bulky boots with hooks. 

Physical Requirements
Age:  Minimum age for a tandem freefall is 14 years.   If you are under 18 you will need written permission from a parent or legal guardian - they must sign the waiver forms issued by the Australian Parachute Federation, and we prefer to have them present at the training session.   There is no upper age limit and people in their 80s have enjoyed tandem skydives.  Some years ago we took 3 generations of a family on tandems on the same day - mother, daughter and grandmother!

Weight:  Although parachutes are tested with unbelievable weights and at awesome freefall speeds, it's always best to leave generous margins of safety.  The main concern is for your safety on landing.  Therefore, it's important to be honest about your weight before the jump, especially if you're over 100kg  (15 stone).  Sometimes, depending on the weather conditions, parachute type and other factors, passengers in excess of this weight can jump. Ask your instructor's advice before you turn up to jump.

Height:  Generally not a problem.  If you're under about 1.35m (4'6") or over 2.20m (6'6") just let us know.

Health, Mobility and Disabilities:  You don't need a doctor's certificate to skydive, but you need to be in reasonable health.  You'll need to have good use of your arms and legs.  However, all that aside, people who have physical limitations may still be able to make a tandem jump. Each case is viewed on an individual basis and any extra degree of risk assessed and explained.  You can talk to and meet an instructor to discuss any special requirements.

Glasses and Contact Lenses:  No problem.  You can jump with either.  Special goggles are avaiable.

Alcohol and drugs:  Regulations do not permit skydiving if alcohol has been drunk in the preceding 8 hours. (Making your first skydive with a hangover is no fun either). All participants must not be under the influence of any drugs.  If you are taking medication that might affect your ability to make a safe skydive you should not jump.

Video and Still Photography
Watching a video of your jump is the next best thing to actually doing it!  It's guaranteed to put a smile on your face - every time! Videos via freefall photographer or tandem master handi-cams are usually available.

Booking a Tandem Freefall in Canberra
We don't do commercial skydiving any more. However, we did operate in Canberra for many years and worked very closely with the team at Aerial Skydiving. You can contact them for more information:

Phone: 6285 1453
E-mail: The Aerial Skydiving Team

For bookings elsewhere in Australia, contact the Australian Parachute Federation on 02 6281 6830.