What is Tandem Skydiving?
You’ve been thinking about it. Maybe a friend dragged you to a skydiving video, or you’ve had “jump out of a plane” on your bucket list for years. Either way, you’re here because you want to know: what exactly is tandem skydiving, and is it really something you can do?
The short answer: absolutely. Tandem skydiving is the most popular and accessible way for first-time jumpers to experience the thrill of freefall. No prior experience needed, no weeks of training — just you, a certified instructor, and an unforgettable ride from 14,500 feet.
This guide covers everything you need to know about tandem jumping: how it works, what the experience feels like, safety, costs, requirements, and how to prepare for the jump of a lifetime.
How Does a Tandem Skydive Work?
A tandem skydive is a type of skydiving jump where a first-time skydiver (the student) is securely attached to a professional, certified instructor using a specially designed harness system. The two jumpers exit the aircraft together, freefall together, and land together — sharing a single parachute system for the entire experience.
The word “tandem” simply means “two in a line.” Just like a tandem bicycle has two riders one behind the other, a tandem skydive has the student positioned in front of the instructor, both facing the same direction. The instructor wears the parachute on their back, and the student is connected to the front of the instructor’s harness at four attachment points (two at the shoulders, two at the hips).
This setup means the instructor handles all the critical tasks — deploying the parachute, steering, and managing the landing — while you get to focus on enjoying the incredible experience of human flight.
Configuration
All tandem skydives consist of an instructor and a student. The United States Parachute Association requires all tandem jumps be conducted with a certified instructor as the “pilot in command”. Unfortunately, this means your dreams of strapping yourself to your best friend and jumping together will have to be paused until one of you earns an instructor rating. (More on that later.)
The Set Up
The instructor wears the parachute container system on their back. It’s essentially a harness with a backpack containing 2 large parachutes. The student wears a harnessing system that attaches to the front of the instructor’s parachute system harness. There are 4 attachment points between the pair, two on the shoulders and two on the hips. The two are connected with the student in front of the instructor, facing away from them, like big spoon and little spoon.
Responsibilities
The instructor takes care of most of the duties on the skydive but the student has a few important jobs as well. Before the jump, each student receives instruction on exiting the aircraft, proper body position during freefall and landing procedures.
How Does a Tandem Jump Work?
Who is Your Tandem Instructor?
Your tandem instructor isn’t just someone who likes skydiving — they’re one of the most highly trained and experienced people at the dropzone. To earn a tandem instructor rating, a skydiver must:
- Hold a D-License (the highest USPA skydiving license)
- Have a minimum of 500 completed skydives
- Have at least 3 years of active skydiving experience
- Obtain an FAA Class 3 Medical Certificate
- Complete 50 jumps within the past 12 months (staying “current”)
- Pass a USPA Tandem Instructor Rating Course
At Skydive Midwest, our tandem instructors have thousands of jumps each, and many have been jumping for 10–20+ years. When you’re strapped to your instructor, you’re in the hands of a true professional. Read more about what it takes to become a tandem instructor.
What Safety Measures Are in Place for Tandem Skydiving?
This is the number one question every first-time jumper asks, and it's a great question. Like any extreme sport, skydiving carries inherent risks. Here's what you should know about the precautions and regulations that govern the sport:
Tandem skydiving is regulated by the United States Parachute Association (USPA), which sets rigorous equipment standards, instructor certification requirements, and operational procedures designed to minimize risk. Millions of tandem jumps are made each year in the United States under these standards.
Every tandem parachute system carries two canopies — a main and a reserve. Additionally, every system is equipped with an Automatic Activation Device (AAD) that will deploy the reserve parachute if needed, completely independent of the instructor. These redundant systems are designed to provide multiple layers of protection.
Skydiving is an extreme sport and no activity is completely risk-free. Choosing a USPA member dropzone like Skydive Midwest means you're jumping at a facility that voluntarily adheres to the highest industry standards for equipment maintenance, instructor training, and operational procedures. For a deeper look at what to expect, read our full article on skydiving safety.
Can You Jump Solo Your First Time? Tandem vs. Solo Skydiving
This is one of the most common questions we get. The answer: no, you cannot skydive completely solo on your very first jump. Every beginning skydiver starts with either a tandem jump or a supervised solo program — but never unsupervised solo.
With a tandem skydive, you’re attached to your instructor the entire time. It’s the lowest-barrier entry point into skydiving and by far the most popular choice for first-timers.
If you’re interested in eventually skydiving solo, tandem is actually the best first step. At Skydive Midwest, we offer an Accelerated Tandem Progression program where you can start learning solo skills during your tandem jumps. After as few as 2 tandem training jumps, you can move on to supervised solo jumps where you wear your own parachute and jump alongside an instructor (but not attached to them).
To learn more about the path from first tandem to licensed skydiver, check out our guide to getting your skydiving license.
Who Can Make a Tandem Skydive?
One of the best things about tandem skydiving is how accessible it is. The basic requirements are:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old. There are no exceptions, even with parental consent. Read more about age limits in skydiving.
- Weight: Most dropzones have weight limits for tandem jumps, typically around 230–250 pounds depending on the facility and equipment. This is for safety reasons related to the parachute’s performance. Check out our full weight limit policy.
- Health: You should be in reasonable health. If you have heart conditions, recent surgeries, or other serious medical issues, check with your doctor first. You don’t need to be an athlete — people of all fitness levels make tandem jumps every day.
- No experience needed: That’s the whole point. Your instructor handles the technical aspects, so complete beginners are welcome.
Can I skydive tandem with my friends?
Absolutely! Bringing friends is one of the best parts. Here’s how it works:
- You and your friends can all ride up in the same plane together.
- Each person will be attached to their own certified tandem instructor.
- You’ll exit the plane one pair at a time (not simultaneously), with a short delay between each pair for safety.
- If you jump first, you’ll be on the ground in time to watch your friends land!
USPA regulations require vertical and horizontal separation between tandem pairs during freefall, deployment, and canopy flight. This spacing is essential for collision avoidance and is a standard safety practice at every dropzone.
Group jumps are incredibly fun, and we offer group discounts for parties of 4 or more. It’s one of the best team bonding experiences you can do.
How Much Does a Tandem Skydive Cost?
Tandem skydive pricing varies by dropzone and location, but generally ranges from $200 to $300 for a standard jump from maximum altitude. Many dropzones offer add-ons like video and photo packages to capture your experience.
At Skydive Midwest, we offer competitive pricing with several package options. Check our current pricing and deals page for the latest rates and any available discounts for groups, military, students, or special events.
When is the Best Time to Make a Tandem Jump?
Skydiving is a warm-weather sport in the Midwest. At Skydive Midwest, our season typically runs from April through October, with peak conditions from May through September. Morning jumps tend to have the calmest winds and clearest skies.
Want to learn more about timing your jump? Read our full guide on the best time of year to skydive.
Why Choose Skydive Midwest for Your Tandem Skydive?
Located in Sturtevant, Wisconsin — just minutes from Milwaukee and about an hour from downtown Chicago — Skydive Midwest is the region’s premier dropzone for first-time tandem skydivers. Here’s why thousands of jumpers choose us:
- Experienced team: Our instructors average 5,000+ jumps each and have been safely taking students on tandem skydives for years.
- Top-tier equipment: We use the latest tandem parachute systems, inspected and maintained to the highest standards.
- Beautiful scenery: Jump over the Wisconsin countryside with views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline on clear days.
- Easy access: Convenient for jumpers from Chicago, Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, and all of southern Wisconsin.
- Great reviews: Thousands of 5-star reviews from first-time jumpers who had the experience of a lifetime.
Ready to Make Your First Tandem Skydive?
Now you know what tandem skydiving is, how it works, and what to expect. The only thing left to do is experience it for yourself. Whether you’re checking off a bucket list item, celebrating a birthday or milestone, or just chasing an adrenaline rush — your first tandem skydive at Skydive Midwest will be an experience you never forget.
Book your tandem skydive today at skydivemidwest.com or call us at (262) 886-3480 to reserve your spot. Walk-ins are welcome during the season, but reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tandem Skydiving
What is a tandem skydive?
A tandem skydive is a skydiving experience where a first-time jumper is securely harnessed to a certified instructor. The two jump together, freefall together, and land together using a single parachute system. It’s the most popular way for beginners to experience skydiving.
How does tandem skydiving work?
You’ll receive a brief ground training session, get fitted with a harness, and attach to your instructor. Together you’ll ride the plane to altitude (usually 10,000–14,000 feet), exit the aircraft, freefall for about 60 seconds at 120 mph, then enjoy a peaceful 5–7 minute parachute ride to the ground.
What precautions are taken for beginner skydivers?
Skydiving is an extreme sport with inherent risks, but extensive precautions are taken for every jump. Your tandem instructor has a minimum of 500 jumps and extensive training. The equipment includes two parachutes and an Automatic Activation Device (AAD). The sport is regulated by the USPA, which sets strict standards for equipment, training, and operations at member dropzones like Skydive Midwest.
How old do you have to be to tandem skydive?
You must be at least 18 years old to make a tandem skydive in the United States. There are no exceptions, even with parental consent. There is no upper age limit — we’ve taken jumpers in their 80s and 90s!
How much does a tandem skydive cost?
A standard tandem skydive typically costs between $200 and $300. Video and photo packages are available as add-ons. Visit our pricing page for current rates and group discounts.
What is a tandem parachute?
A tandem parachute is a specially designed canopy that is larger than standard solo parachutes. It’s built to safely support the combined weight of two people (student and instructor) and includes a main canopy, a reserve canopy, and an automatic activation device.
Can you skydive with a friend on a tandem jump?
Yes! Friends can ride up in the same plane and jump on the same load. However, each person must be attached to their own individual instructor. For safety, tandem pairs exit the plane one at a time rather than simultaneously.
How long does a tandem skydive take?
Plan for about 3–4 hours total at the dropzone. The actual skydive itself lasts about 7–8 minutes (60 seconds of freefall plus 5–7 minutes under parachute). The rest of the time covers check-in, training, gear-up, and the plane ride to altitude.
Do you have to be fit to tandem skydive?
You don’t need to be an athlete. People of all fitness levels make tandem jumps. Most dropzones have a weight limit (typically 230–250 lbs) and require that you can stand, walk, and lift your legs for landing. If you have specific health concerns, check with your doctor beforehand.