The Feeling Of Tandem Skydiving
John Ewing
Tandem skydiving is an excellent way to experience this popular
extreme sport. People, though, have a number of fears about
skydiving. One myth is that you can't breathe while you're free
falling. That is certainly not true, otherwise jumpers wouldn't
be conscious when they reached the ground. Another concern is
that your chute won't open. Because student chutes are
typically safer than other chutes, this isn't a realistic
concern. Moreover, most chutes now are rigged with automatic
opening devices, so not opening your chute on time shouldn't
really be a worry. Despite these reassurances, though, people
still worry about the safety of skydiving. To that end, tandem
skydiving is an excellent way to experience the sport without
worrying about the nagging doubts that plague people's minds.
Tandem is one of the most popular ways of experiencing jumping
for first time skydivers. Students are subjected to about
thirty minutes of instruction. During those thirty minutes,
they meet the instructors they will be jumping with. They also
view instructional videos about the jump, go over safety
procedures, and get fitted to the equipment they'll be using.
Additionally, students learn how to leave the aircraft, how to
free fall, and what to do in terms of body position during the
landing cycle.
Welcome Aboard
After the training session, tandem students and instructors
board the plane for the fifteen to twenty minute flight to the
drop zone. While waiting to approach the area where exiting
will take place, instructors make final reviews about
procedures with students. When the time comes, instructors and
students leave the plane at about fourteen thousand feet. Free
fall lasts only a few minutes. Once the chute finally opens,
the gentle glide back to earth lasts anywhere from five to ten
minutes.
Occasionally, instructors will allow students to help steer the
chute to the landing zone. This helps students get the feel of
the chute. It also helps students who wish to continue their
skydiving training and become certified divers themselves.
Skydiving is a fairly dangerous sport. However, tandem
skydiving is a great way for novices to experience the sport
without the worry and danger.
About The Author: John Ewing is the author of many articles
published at
http://www.skydiving-parachuting-guide.com John
used to add interesting skydiving equipment reviews on powered
parachutes as well as tips for first time jumpers. Read further
information on tandem skydiving at
http://www.skydiving-parachuting-guide.com/tandem-skydiving.html
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