SKYDIVE FAQ's
Q. If I make my skydive in Winter, won't it be cold?
A. Simply dress for winter - warm non-bulky clothing and gloves. We will give you a jump suit to put on over your clothes. Our aircraft has a very tightly sealing door and so no draft or breeze gets in once the door has been closed before we taxi out for take off. During climb to altitude you'll find it as warm as your car in winter, as the aircraft heater will be on. Often we actually have to ask the pilot to turn the heating down, such is the efficiency of the heater and good seal on the jump-door.
Q. What's in the DVD / Media Packages?
A. A Skydive Media Package is an ideal way to both share your skydive with family and friends - as well as re-live your experience over and over. We film every facet of your skydive - from the ground training, the ride to height, your freefall and parachute ride and right through to the landing. The footage is then edited onto a professional DVD with theme music. You can also have a separate disc of digital photos with around 100 JPG pictures, each between around 2 and 3 Mb in size. You'll be able to make prints of these, email to family and friends and edit with your own softwre at home. You can see examples of DVD's and a Slide Show on the Skydive tab page, HERE, or simply click on the video and slide show to the right. Our PLATINUM PACKAGE gives you both the DVD and Stills on separate discs. This is a great deal and our most popular!
Q. What if the weather on the day is not suitable?
A.Very windy conditions (over 20 knots with stronger gusts) and total cloud with rain etc is not suitable weather for skydiving. We do it for fun too! If the conditions are as such, you will be notified, usually at least one hour before your scheduled time. We will arrange another booking time/date. Or call (02) 6113 9000 or 0458 736 920 to check.
Q. How old do I need to be, and is there any physical requirements/restrictions?
A. Minimum age is 14 years old as set by CASA. There is no maximum age limit! You will need to be relatively fit and flexible. If you suffer from any medical condition you think may effect your safe participation in Tandem Skydiving you should seek professional advice. We do have a maximum weight limit of 105kg geared up. The gear we give you to wear is around 4kg, so add that to your clothed weight to ensure you are under the limit. All parachute equipment has weight limitations. Due to safety considerations we DO NOT exceed those.
Q. What do I wear for a Skydive?
A. Dress comfortably for the weather on the day. On your feet, soft and comfortable shoes - and PLEASE NO BOOTS WITH LACES HOOKS. We supply a jumpsuit to protect clothing and goggles for your eyes. Contact lenses are preferable to glasses, however we cater for both. Bring gloves if it's cooler.
Q. If I book a Skydive - how long do I wait on the day before I jump?
A. We have specific time slots throughout the day, and we work to a schedule. So all going to plan, you will not need to wait at all. Your Tandem Skydive experience with us will take around ninety minutes of your time.
Q. What do I do during the skydive?
A. You will need to learn and then adopt the free fall body position (arching your back by pushing your hips forward, with head back and legs tucked back) and be able to lift your legs up for landing. Both of which are not difficult and you will practice them before your skydive. But most of all, have fun and don’t be surprised if the grin on your face after landing lasts for days. Remember that we are NUMBER 1 FOR FUN.
Q. Should I eat before my Tandem Skydive?
A. It is not recommended to eat a big meal before the jump. Party after your skydive, not before. If you experience motion sickness please take medication before arriving on the day.
Q. What if I drink alcohol?
A. You must not have consumed alcohol within the preceding eight hours of the Skydive. Avoid a big night out before you go Tandem Skydiving with us, much better to be bright and active. You will enjoy the experience much more.
Q. How experienced are my instructors?
A. VERY! Our Chief Instructor (Paul) has over 15,000 skydives and he has been a a medal winner at numerous National Championships. All our instructors (Paul, Terry, Bryce, Fergs) have multiple thousands of jumps each, with many thousands of Tandem Skydives between them. Our company owner (Fergs) has been jumping all around the world for over 38 years and has accumulated a number of National and World Championship medals and records. He’s even done 50 jumps in a single day, on his 50th birthday – raising a very healthy amount of money for some needy charities. You are in absolutely the best of hands and experience with Skydive Canberra.
We'll take care of you, of that you can be assured!
Q. How Dangerous is it?
A. Our instructors are qualified and trained for the purpose of making your skydive as safe as possible. We utilise only the most modern and safety-proven tandem skydiving equipment. Additionally, all of our tandem parachute equipment has back up electronic safety devices fitted. This ensures a parachute is deployed by the minimum safe altitude! Safety is our way of life.
Q. How long does the Skydive last?
A. It takes approximately 20 minutes to climb the aircraft to jump height of 10,000 feet above the ground (12,000 feet above the sea level). Free fall time is around 30 - 35 seconds and the canopy ride will last up to 8 minutes. All up, it will be about about 90 minutes from the time we meet at the Mint until you're departing with a big grin on your face.
Q. Can I steer the parachute?
A. For sure! We actually encourage all our first time Skydivers to learn to control the parachute canopy. In fact what better way to learn than to have your Tandem Instructor with you while you experience your first jump?
Q. Where do we meet the Skydive Canberra Team on the day of the Jump?
A. We meet on Denison Street in front of the Royal Australian Mint. Look for the gold Toyota Tarago van with Skydive Canberra signage. You must be there at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time. That will allow us to complete the paperwork and measure you up for your jumpsuit. If there is a change in these arrangements you will be notified.Skydive Canberra Meeting Place Denison St Deakin
Q. If I have people wishing to watch me jump, what time should they be at the Mint?
A. All going as scheduled, you should be jumping about 45 to 50 minutes after we depart from the Mint in the Tarago (at your scheduled time).
IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE THAT HAVE NOT BEEN ANSWERED IN THIS FAQ, PLEASE CONTACT US ON (02) 6113 9000 or 0458 736 920.