Skydiving is the thrill of leaping out of an airplane with a parachute, and for beginners, it‘s like pure freedom — a combination of thrill, adrenaline, and dreamlike scenery from a height of thousands of feet. It begins as a freefall and concludes with a gentle parachute glide. Most newbies take tandem skydives, where you have a certified instructor by your side throughout.

Yes, skydiving is very safe when with certified instructors and qualified gear. High-tech safety systems, backup parachutes, and automatic activation devices make tandem jumps extremely safe. Training is done prior to the jump, so first-timers feel secure too.

The average cost of a first-time tandem skydive is $200 to $300. Prices fluctuate depending on location, height, and adding video/photo packages. There may be seasonal and group discounts at some centers.

The minimum age for skydiving is typically 18 years old in most countries. Younger jumpers are permitted with parental permission in some areas, but always find out the exact age policy at your local drop zone.

Dress in comfortable clothing that doesn’t inhibit movement, such as athletic attire, and closed-toe footwear such as sneakers. Refrain from jewelry, scarves, or loose articles. Most centers offer jumpsuits for increased safety and wind protection.

The complete experience will generally last 2 to 4 hours. That includes check-in, briefing, getting suited up, the flight, freefall (30–60 seconds), and descent with parachute (approximately 5–7 minutes). The actual jump is short, but the experience lasts an entire lifetime.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons to go skydiving — the skies are clearer, the winds are gentle, and the temperature is ideal. Early morning jumps also provide better weather and beautiful scenery.