Frequently Asked Questions: Skydiving Guide

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We’re here to help!

At Skydive the Wasatch, our goal is to make your adventure as carefree and exciting as possible. We don’t want you to worry about anything, so we’re here to take care of everything. Below you’ll find answers to some of our frequently asked questions about skydiving. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to us via email or phone! Find our contact information here.

Requirements & Preparation

Is there a weight limit for skydiving?

Yes. The tandem instructors at Skydive the Wasatch can fly with a tandem passenger weighing up to 230 lbs. There are additional fees for skydiving students over 200lbs. Give us a call if you have any questions.

How old do you have to be to skydive?

There are age restrictions for skydiving. All skydivers must be at least 18 years old. If you are coming skydiving with Skydive the Wasatch, please make sure to bring your valid government issued photo ID, proving that you are at least 18 years of age. Unfortunately parents cannot sign for jumpers under 18 for any reason, under any circumstance. We do not enforce an upper age limit.

What clothing should I wear for my tandem skydive?

Wear casual, seasonally appropriate clothing and lace-up sports shoes to the drop zone. Do not wear heels, sandals, jewelry or anything you wouldn’t want to lose.  Skydive the Wasatch will provide you with goggles. If you wear corrective lenses we recommend wearing contacts on the day of your jump, however we also have goggles that can accommodate most prescription glasses. We also recommend bringing a sweat shirt and long pants as the temperatures at jump altitude are often significantly cooler than on the ground temperatures.

Instructors & Safety

How dangerous is it to skydive at Skydive the Wasatch?

We firmly prioritize safety at Skydive the Wasatch. We take pride in following all Federal Aviation Administration requirements for parachute safety, which specify that “all intentional parachute jumps must be made with a single-harness, dual-parachute system with both a main and a secondary [reserve] parachute.” If the first (main) canopy malfunctions, another one is waiting to take its place. Skydive the Wasatch ensures that all reserve parachutes are inspected every 180 days by an FAA-certified parachute rigger, whether or not they’ve been used.

All of the parachutes at Skydive the Wasatch are equipped with a computerized Automatic Activation Device (AAD). The AAD is designed to activate the parachute automatically in the event that the instructor is unable to do so.

All of our tandem skydiving instructors have undergone rigorous training and national USPA certification. We strictly adhere to all FAA and USPA guidelines on safety. If you’re curious or concerned about the general safety of skydiving, we invite you to research the the excellent records maintained by The United States Parachute Association (USPA).

How experienced are the skydiving instructors?

Our instructors are all USPA-licensed Tandem Instructors and have logged thousands of successful skydives. In order to become a USPA Tandem Instructor, you must have logged over 500 skydives, have 3 years of parachuting experience, and maintain an FAA Class-3 Medical Certificate.

Should I tip my instructor?

They’d deeply appreciate it! A tip is a great way of communicating your satisfaction with the jump – and making your hard-working instructor smile.

About the Experience

Will I be scared?

Yes — but that’s part of it, and it’s nothing to worry about. Being nervous about jumping from an airplane is totally normal. Most first-timers report that they felt the most apprehensive during the 20-minute ride to exit altitude. Once your feet are out the door, that nervousness will dissolve into pure, heart-pumping joy and excitement.

How high is the skydive?

We jump from 13,000 feet. The peak of Mt. Nebo, the tallest peak in the Wasatch, will be bellow you as you get ready to exit the aircraft!

How long does the skydive last? 

Plan on being with us for 2-3 hours. The jump itself lasts about 5-7 minutes. Freefall ranges from 20-50 seconds and the canopy flight takes up the remainder of the time. Freefall times and canopy times vary based off of conditions, tandem pair weight, and canopy flight (an aggressive canopy flight will be over quicker).

How fast will I fall?

Freefall speeds average 120 miles per hour. It doesn’t feel like falling, though — it feels like being supported by air.

Should I expect a hard landing?

A hard landing is unlikely. We use large parachutes, and we only employ highly skilled instructors. However, skydiving is a physical activity and not all landings are created equally. 

Rates & Refunds

How expensive is skydiving?

Take a look at our Pricing Page for our most current pricing information!

What about inclement weather?

Safey is our number one priority. Additionally FAA regulations or safety concerns may require us to delay or reschedule reservations due to  clouds, rain and wind. As we often say in aviation it is better to be on the ground wishing one was in the sky, than in the sky wishing one were on the ground.

What is your refund policy?

If due to unsafe weather you cannot jump the day of your original reservation, we will help you find another day to reschedule your jump. You may also transfer your reservation to another person at no additional charge.

Can I cancel?

You may cancel your reservation at any time minus a $50 service charge. Your reservation may be transferred to another jumper.

Groups & Special Events

How many people can jump at one time?

If you want to jump with a friend or friends, you’re in luck! Our plane takes two students and their instructors up at a time so you can share the experience with someone special (or someone who’s just awesome). Your group is larger than 2? Not to worry, we take off and land directly in front of the hanger so your group of jumpers and any non-jumping friends or family can watch the entire experience. 

Do you offer group rates?

Yes. Are you a work, school, church, club or non-profit that would like to make a day of jumping? Contact us to discuss special arrangements for groups of 20 or more. For smaller groups check out our pricing page for any discounts you might qualify for.

Can I propose while skydiving? How about a gender reveal?

Absolutely! At Skydive the Wasatch, we’d love to help you take a special experience and make it even more exciting! Please contact us directly for more information on special events.

Want to learn more? Click here for our Groups & Events page

Photos & Videos

Can I bring my own camera on the jump?

No, we do not allow outside video equipment on the plane or the skydive. You are more than welcome to take as many photos as you would like on the ground before and after your skydive.

Do separate video and/or picture packages need to be purchased for each individual skydiver?

Yes, due to the nature of the skydive, each tandem pair will be around 1/4 mile away from the next tandem pair. At this distance it is impossible to film both tandem pairs with one camera.

Click here to view our photo & video package options!

  • Kelly M. Avatar
    Kelly M.
    I've never left a Google review, but I had to after skydiving with these guys! The staff is so kind, professional, and really know how to make you feel comfortable! Leon was awesome and really made it a special experience for me. Pictures and video turned out great, I would highly recommend them! Exhilarating experience for sure!
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    10/12/2021
  • Coleen Nelson Avatar
    Coleen Nelson
    I went into this skydive as 'a one and done', but that has since changed! This was the most AMAZING experience of my life! I can not recommend Skydive the Wasatch enough. From start to finish, the day was perfect, the entire team there is fantastic! Their location is great! The views from above are absolutely beautiful. I'm looking forward to my next jump at Skydive the Wasatch!
    read more
    10/10/2023
  • Tiffany M. Avatar
    Tiffany M.
    Had a complete blast! Leon and Chris make you feel right at home and make the jump a breeze! This was by far the best thing I've ever done! it was even better than Disneyland! I'll definitely be coming back again! Thank you Skydive the Wasatch!!
    read more
    10/15/2021
  • Ryan C. Avatar
    Ryan C.
    I ve been to several skydive locations and this was by far the best experience. The staff is friendly, fast and helpful. Best of all you jump in whatever you re wearing. I will definitely be coming back.
    read more
    5/16/2021
  • tod lyman Avatar
    tod lyman
    Me and my girlfriend had a GREAT experience! The staff was friendly and our instructors were AWESOME! They had both been jumping from planes for over a DECADE and made us feel very safe with calm attitudes and clear instruction! We had so much fun and can’t wait to go again! I regretfully forgot our instructors names… please comment back with their names I couldn’t be happier with them. We were the couple with green hair this past Friday.
    read more
    4/09/2023
  • Tiana T. Avatar
    Tiana T.
    Ughh! So much fun! Not my first time skydiving, but this place is amazing if you're wanting to skydive near SLC! Shout out to Ryker!
    read more
    11/03/2022
  • Truman F. Avatar
    Truman F.
    They bridged the gap between professionalism so we felt safe, and playfulness so we weren't stressed about the dive. Everything moved smoothly with our group of 6 and we all agreed it was a phenomenal experience. The views along the Wasatch were second to none! They do an amazing job of documenting the whole experience with videos.
    read more
    6/01/2021
  • Christina C. Avatar
    Christina C.
    Absolutely one of the greatest experiences of my life. Not only did the instructors make sure we were safe, they helped my boyfriend propose. I'll never forget how great the staff was/is to us. Special shout out to Patrick and Jordan! Thanks guys!
    read more
    9/13/2016
  • Rex T. Avatar
    Rex T.
    Last Friday 7/15/22 I helped my grandson achieve a bucket list item before his departure for a mission on 7/18/22. SO----my 18 year old grandson had his 75 year old grandfather accompany him on his skydive. IT WAS GREAT!!!! We had Adam and Leon do the jumps with us. It was a tremendous experience. So glad I did it.
    read more
    7/19/2022
  • Joseph W. Avatar
    Joseph W.
    Great place and people to go and experience something truly amazing! So happy I chose here and made the jump! Would recommend to anyone who wants to cross this off the bucket list of thrilling experiences .
    read more
    12/01/2022

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