Questions About Skydiving? Find All The Answers Here
Every life-changing experience brings a heap of questions. And skydiving is no exception.
That’s why we’ve put together answers to all the most commonly asked questions about skydiving so that you can go into this experience armed with the power of knowledge and ready to FLY!
Remember, our friendly Skydive Geronimo team is always available for a chat if you have any other questions, so you’re welcome to give us a call on 1300 449 669 or contact us via our website.
Are there age restrictions for skydiving?
The minimum legal age for skydiving in Australia is 16 years. If a passenger is under 18, they will need the written consent of a parent or legal guardian. The good news is that there’s no upper age limit, so why not give your thrill-seeking nan a skydiving gift voucher for her 80th birthday?
Are there weight restrictions for skydiving?
We do have a weight limit of 95kgs for all tandem skydiving passengers, but please call us to discuss individual circumstances for heavier passengers (up to 110kgs max).
What are the health limitations for skydiving?
Good physical health is a must, but that said, it is possible to skydive even if you have a condition or illness which requires you to take prescription medicine or if you have a physical disability. A doctor’s certificate is usually sufficient, but it’s always best to get in touch with us before booking your skydive to chat about your particular circumstances. Sometimes, people with physical challenges need a specific instructor or additional equipment and we’ll always try our best to make dreams come true!
I have a phobia about heights. Will I be able to skydive?
For many people, skydiving is about conquering their fears. A fear of heights means different things to different people and you may be surprised to find that the feeling you get in the plane or on your skydive is different to the sensation you feel when you’re standing on a high cliff, bridge or building.
Which is the best height to jump from?
There’s no ‘best’ height and you can choose which altitude to jump from. We offer three different skydive options, 10 000ft, 14 000ft and 15 000ft (the highest legal altitude for tandem skydiving in Australia). The 14 000ft skydive is our most popular option and is the recommended height for first-timers.
How long do I freefall for during a tandem skydive?
A 10 000ft skydive gives you 30 seconds of freefall time, a 14 000ft skydive gives you 60 seconds and a 15 000ft skydive gives you a massive 66 seconds.
How fast is freefall?
Terminal velocity is the fastest you’ll fall during your jump, which is around 200km/h. It’ll take around 10 seconds to descend for the first 300m or so, then as gravity takes hold, you’ll accelerate to terminal velocity at a rate of around five seconds for every 300m.
What does freefalling feel like?
Contrary to what you may believe, freefalling isn’t the stomach-churning sensation of being on a roller-coaster, plummeting towards earth. While it’s impossible to put the experience into words, some describe it as a feeling of slight pressure from the air against the body – almost like floating on a cushion of air. Freefall is more like flying than falling, but make no mistake, the adrenalin is flowing and the feelings are intense!
What should I wear to skydive?
Ideally, you should wear comfortable clothing that won’t flap around and which doesn’t have any tassels or ties which can fling around in the wind. Bear in mind that the higher you go, the lower the temperature, so it’s a good idea to add an extra layer. Shoes should be enclosed and well-fitted and remember, no open-toed sandals, thongs or heels.
We’ve had plenty of tandem skydiving passengers over the years who have worn fancy dress to mark a special occasion. The choice is yours – but remember, the harness fits snugly over your clothing, so comfort is a priority!
Can I wear glasses or contact lenses during a skydive?
Of course! We want you to experience all the incredible views in clear focus. All our tandem passengers are required to wear goggles during the jump and we provide special pairs to accommodate those who wear glasses.
What happens during a tandem jump?
In a tandem jump, the passenger is attached to an experienced instructor by way of a specially designed harness. The instructor is behind the passenger and is responsible for deploying and steering the parachute and facilitating the landing.
What happens if the main parachute doesn’t open?
There is always a reserve parachute and the experienced instructor will be fully trained on when and how to deploy it.
What speed does a tandem skydiver land?
Before you land (if you jump with Skydive Geronimo, you’ll come back to earth on the soft pearly sand of one of the most beautiful island beaches in Australia), your parachute will slow down quite dramatically. Your instructor will give you clear instructions on what to do (lift your legs etc) and you will come into land at around 25kms/h.
Can I use my own Go-pro or camera?
It is against skydiving regulations in Australia for tandem skydive passengers to wear their own personal camera equipment on the jump. But that doesn’t mean missing out on all your magic moments. Our instructors are also expertly trained photographers and videographers and will capture incredible footage using the latest technology. (Just remember you need to sign up for a Photo and Video !)
What’s the best time of year to skydive?
You can skydive all year round, but remember that all skydives are weather dependent.
What to do if you have further questions about skydiving
For many people, skydiving is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and we know there are lots of questions. Remember, there’s no such thing as a silly question when it comes to taking the plunge, so you’re welcome to give us a call about any aspect of your tandem skydive.
What we do know is that if you’re asked the question whether your Rottnest skydiving experience was wayyyyy better than you expected, your answer will be a resounding ‘YES’! We look forward to making this experience happen – so please get in touch with us on 1300 449 669 or book your Rottnest skydive through our website.
Glenn is a successful Skydive Instructor who’s successfully turned his lifelong passion into an award-winning adventure tourism business. His love for the thrill of the jump began over three decades ago in Matamata, New Zealand. 20,000+ jumps later and with the highest Australian Chief Instructor / Instructor A ratings under his belt, he and his wife, Amy, dedicate their lives to running the Western Australian-based Skydive Geronimo, the only company licensed to provide tandem jumps over one of the pearls of the Indian Ocean, Rottnest Island.
Glenn works tirelessly in all aspects of the business – from student and instructor training through to equipment safety, PR, Australian Parachute Federation (APF) and Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) compliance and everything in between. He also delivers education sessions to local pilots about skydiving operations in Perth and the surrounding area.
