Tandem Skydiving in Sydney; wohoo!

Tandem skydiving is a type of skydiving where a person or student is attached to a qualified tandem instructor via a harness. Your skydiving jump takes place normally form a height of 14,000 feet, which is currently the highest you are allowed to jump in Australia. You will freefall for approximately 60 seconds before your tandem instructor will deploy the parachute – you then spend the next five minutes gliding down to the ground while taking in the amazing views around you. Tandem skydiving is the easiest and safest way for anyone to experience skydiving and the thrills of freefalling!

Skydiving in Sydney – Whats on offer?

Sydney is fortunate in that she hosts two of Australia's most reputable skydiving outfits, both offering very different types of tandem jumps.

Located at Picton about an hour from Sydney, Sydney Skydivers is Australia's largest skydiving centre. They have 40 years of experience conducting skydiving and have over 1.5 million skydive jumps to their credit.

Sydney Skydivers offer the only self contained skydiving center in Sydney, and operate the largest fleet of skydiving jet engine aircraft in Australia. Magnificent views of the coastline and the Blue Mountains are on offer with every tandem skydive from Sydney Skydivers.

They offer free return transfers twice daily from their skydive shop and departure lounge in downtown Sydney city 7 days a week.

If jumping over water sounds like more of a thrill then Skydive the Beach in Wollongong offers an amazing tandem skydive. Skydive the Beach have been operating for over ten years and are now the largest tandem skydiving centre in NSW. They own an impressive fleet of 6 aircraft.

A tandem skydive with Skydive the Beach is as it says! An exhilarating skydive over the beach at Wollongong. After a short flight from Albion Park you will step out of the plane attached to your skydiving instructor at 14,000 feet. Then its 60 seconds of sheer adrenaline as you freefall to 4,5000 feet. You'll then spend approx. 5 minutes floating gently down to earth, taking in the amazing views of the ocean below you, the Wollongong escarpment and up and down the coast. Before landing safely on the beach back where it all started from. 

Staffed by an energetic young team, passionate about delivering the perfect skydiving adventure, jumping over amazing southern coastline of Sydney. They are happy to boast 3 World Champions and 7 Australian National Champions on their team.

What happens with a Tandem Skydive?

On arrival to the skydiving centre you will be asked to sign a waiver, and be weighed. Weight restrictions do apply with all skydiving centres. Generally if your weight is under 95 kgs you are good to go. If you are over this weight an extra fee is usually charged and a jump is still possible but the final decision is made by the chief jump master.

You should wear comfortable loose clothing as you would normally dress for the weather on the day. Some operators will provide you with a special jump suit. You should also wear sports shoes or runners.

Before the flight you will be introduced to your tandem instructor, then you will go through a safety briefing and your instructor will correctly fit you with a harness. You are also supplied with safety goggles.

You and your tandem instructor will then board the plane and your instructor will attach his harness to your harness. The plane will then climb to an altitude of between 12,000 and 14,000 feet. Don't forget to look out the window and take in the amazing views the flight will offer you.

After a final systems check, the doors are opened and your tandem master will take you to the edge. You have now reached the point of no return and it's time for your first tandem skydive. With a tap on your shoulder, your head back, arms crossed, and out you go! Now the adrenalin is really pumping through your veins, you are freefalling at around 200kph and the air is rushing past you. Your arms are stretched out like a bird and your heart is pounding for the longest 60 seconds of your life!

Your instructor constantly checks your altitude and at around 4,500 feet he deploys the parachute and your freefall comes to an abrupt end. It is now that you notice the absolute silence, the amazing views around you. As your brain tries to comprehend what has just happened to you, the next 5 minutes are spent screaming, shouting or in just stunned silence.

Tandem Skydiving health requirements.

Most people can enjoy the thrill and excitement of a tandem skydiving experience but there are some restrictions you should be aware of before you book your jump.

If you are pregnant or have a back, limb or joint injury it is not advisable to skydive. Your GP should be able to advise you if you have any concerns.

There are also age restrictions: you must be 12 years of age or older to skydive  There is no maximum age limit, however reasonable fitness is required. Under 18's must have a parent/legal guardian with them on the day of the skydive to sign required paperwork.

Most importantly, you cannot have consumed any drugs or alcohol in the 8 hours preceding your skydive.

Is a tandem skydive worth it?

Absolutely! We guarantee you will be hard pressed to find anyone who has completed a tandem skydive and say it wasn't worth it! One person we met said she would never have been able to do a jump without the presence of the tandem instructor with her to ease all her fears.

Whether you choose to jump at Picton or Wollongong, we know you will meet the most amazing and professional people who only have your best interests at heart.

Have you done a tandem skydive?

Why not comment below and tell us your experiences.