Your First Skydive: Tandem Or Free Fall?

So, you’ve finally decided to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. Congratulations! You’re about to experience one of the most exhilarating moments of your life. But now comes a crucial decision: Should you start with a tandem skydive where you’re strapped to an experienced instructor or go for the full solo free fall experience?

Both options have their pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your comfort level, budget, and how deep you want to dive (pun intended) into the world of skydiving. Let’s break it down step by step so you can make an informed decision before taking the plunge literally.

Understanding Your Skydiving Options

1. Tandem Skydiving: The Beginner-Friendly Route

Tandem skydiving is the most popular choice for first-timers. It’s the easiest way to experience skydiving with minimal training.

How Does Tandem Skydiving Work?

You’re securely harnessed to a certified tandem instructor.
The instructor controls the parachute, ensuring a smooth deployment and landing.
Your only job is to enjoy the experience (and maybe not scream too loud).
Training typically takes 15-30 minutes, covering basic safety procedures, body positioning, and what to expect during the jump.

Pros of Tandem Skydiving

✔ Low Pressure, High Thrill – You get the full skydiving experience with minimal responsibility.
✔ Quick and Easy – No need for hours of training; you can jump on the same day.
✔ Great for First-Timers – Ideal if you just want a bucket-list experience with no commitment.
✔ Safety First – The instructor manages everything, reducing the chances of errors.

Cons of Tandem Skydiving

✖ Less Control – You won’t be steering or pulling the parachute.
✖ Less Intensity – Some adrenaline junkies may find it “too easy” compared to going solo.
✖ Not a Step Toward Solo Jumping – If you want to become a licensed skydiver, you’ll need more training after a tandem jump.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re nervous about skydiving but still want the experience, tandem is the best option.

2. Solo Skydiving: Free Falling on Your Own

If you’re feeling bold and want to experience skydiving in its purest form, solo free fall might be the way to go. However, this isn’t as simple as just jumping out of a plane it requires training and certification.

Two Main Solo Skydiving Methods

1️⃣ Static Line Jump (SL) – Used in military training, the parachute deploys automatically once you exit the plane. Ideal for those who want to start solo but aren’t ready for full free fall.
2️⃣ Accelerated Free Fall (AFF) – The true solo experience! You jump from 10,000-15,000 feet with no instructor attached. Two instructors jump with you, guiding you through free fall before you deploy your parachute.

Pros of Solo Skydiving

✔ Full Control – You steer, deploy the parachute, and land on your own.
✔ Intensely Rewarding – Nothing beats the feeling of conquering the skies alone.
✔ Path to Certification – If you plan to skydive regularly, this is your first step.

Cons of Solo Skydiving

✖ Requires Training – AFF courses take 4-6 hours of ground instruction before your first jump.
✖ More Expensive – Training, gear, and jump fees add up. Expect to pay $250-$400 per jump initially.
✖ More Responsibility – You need to be mentally prepared to handle emergency situations.

💡 Pro Tip: If you see skydiving as more than just a bucket-list item and want to pursue it seriously, solo jumping is the way to go.

Tandem vs. Solo: Key Differences

Feature	Tandem Skydive	Solo Skydive (AFF)
Training Time	15-30 minutes	4-6 hours
Instructor Presence	Harnessed to you	Instructors jump beside you
Parachute Control	Instructor handles everything	You deploy and steer
Cost	$200-$300	$250-$400 per jump
Experience Level Needed	None	Basic training required
Fear Factor	Lower	Higher
Path to Certification?	No	Yes

Which One Should You Choose?

Go for a Tandem Jump if:

✅ You just want a one-time thrill with minimal hassle.
✅ You’re nervous about skydiving and want to ease into it.
✅ You’re looking for a fun experience rather than a serious hobby.

Go for a Solo (AFF) Jump if:

✅ You want full control over your skydiving experience.
✅ You plan to get licensed and skydive regularly.
✅ You’re ready for an intense and rewarding challenge.

Final Thoughts: Is Skydiving Worth It?

Absolutely! Whether you choose tandem or solo, skydiving is one of the most unforgettable experiences you’ll ever have. It’s not just about the adrenaline rush it’s about pushing your limits, overcoming fear, and experiencing the world from a completely new perspective.

So, are you ready to take the leap? ✈️🪂

💬 Would you choose tandem or solo for your first jump? Let us know in the comments!

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From the Author: Earnest Sherrill

If there's one message I hope to leave with my readers, it's this: Don't wait. Get outside, explore, and create your own memories in the wild while you still can. Whether it's a weekend camping trip, a day hike, or even just sitting quietly in a park, the outdoors offers something for everyone.

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