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What is a Tandem Skydive? A Tandem is a parachute system that allows almost anyone to experience the thrill of a skydive! When you go on a Tandem skydive, you're securely harnessed to a professional sky diver. You experience everything from the freefall to the landing -- and even get to participate, if you like, in some of the maneuvering! Where did you do this Tandem Skydive? We went to Carolina Sky Sports in Louisburg, North Carolina. They are located just north of Raleigh, about 45 minutes up Highway 1, just past Wake Forest and off Highway 56 East at Franklinton. How did this Tandem thing work? The great thing about your first Tandem jump is that you don't have to know or do much. A professional sky diver will handle everything. Don't get me wrong, they'll show and explain anything you want to know about -- but the only thing you are asked to do is have fun! As with most sports (and of course sky diving), there is a risk, however slight, of death or injury. You will have to understand this risk, and sign a document assuming the responsibility. You'll watch a video and have some brief classroom instruction that familiarizes you with the equipment and the process. They'll go over everything step-by-step. How much does it cost? Prices for the first jump vary, so it's best to check with the outfit you want to jump with. Where I went, the first Tandem jump runs about $180. I highly recommend a photographer for your first jump. These services generally run around $75 and includes an excellent video of your jump experience and a roll of 35mm pictures! I'll never regret having the photographer during my first jump! Are there restrictions? You'd be amazed at who can participate in a Tandem skydive! The physical requirements are minimal. You must be at least 18 years old (you must sign a legal waiver to accept responsibility for the jump). In general, the size limitations are 6'5" for height and 230 pounds. Some variation is allowed depending on the size and weight of available instructors. There are other methods of skydiving Tandem skydiving is great for those who just want to have the experience of a skydive. Those wishing to go all the way into solo skydiving may want to investigate other methods of training and jumping including static line and instructor assisted freefall. These other methods typically require significant classroom and ground training before jumping. Note that Tandem style training can be used well into the process of learning to skydive as well! WHY did you do this? I've always had the desire to know what it's like to jump from a high place or sky dive -- but could never see myself jumping out of a plane alone -- even with a static line to pull the parachute. I had no desire to sit through a day of training and was concerned something may go wrong and I might panic. Honestly, I get a little woozy when gazing down from a tall building! I began seeing more and more about Tandem skydiving. When I started seeing 70 and 80 year people on TV doing it, I was pretty sure I could do it. The opportunity came when I wanted to do something special with my best friends. Little did I know how good it would be. I can't wait to do it again! The 1st Tandem jump! If you like, you may read about my first person account of the Tandem skydive. I attempt to take you through a first and third person dialog to experience every facet of this awesome event! It details my actual jump, but I do my best to put YOU in my shoes! Pictures and video of my first jump are also available online as well. How can I do this? Simply call 1-800-skydive, or if you're in the Raleigh, NC area call 919-496-2224. No matter where you are, I'm sure they'll help you. The folks at Carolina Sky Sports are friendly, helpful, and professional. |
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You have to assume the responsibility for the sky dive. |
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Keith, Brad, Douglas, and Tanya waiting to go on their first Tandem skydive. |
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Brad and Keith in front of Carolina Sky Sports in Louisburg, NC. |
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A professional skydiver with hundreds -- even thousands of jumps will both instruct you and be harnessed to you all the way to the ground. |