Not sure what a skydiving day actually looks like? We’ll walk you through it from start to finish, so you’re comfortable, excited, and ready to jump when the time comes!
Arrival & Check-In
When you arrive at Skydive the Wasatch, follow signs for skydiving check-in. Plan to get here 10-15 minutes before your reservation so you have plenty of time to park, potty, and settle in.
If you haven’t already, you’ll fill out a quick digital waiver, meet your instructor, and get an overview of the day.
Suiting Up & Pre-Jump Briefing
Once you're checked in, you’ll join a short training session with your instructor. You’ll learn how the jump works, what your role is, how to position your body during freefall, and what to expect under the parachute.
You don’t need to memorize anything or be an expert. That’s what your instructor is for. Your job is to have fun and follow some simple directions.
After training, it’s time to gear up. Your instructor will help you get into your harness and will make sure everything is double-checked and secure.
This is usually when the energy starts building. If you’re getting a photo/video package, your instructor will grab some fun shots of you and do a short interview on the ground before heading to the plane.
The Ride to Altitude
You’ll board our Cessna 182 with your instructor and other jumpers. The ride to altitude takes about 20-30 minutes, and it’s an amazing chance to take in the incredible views of the Wasatch Mountain Range, Utah Lake, Mona and Yuba Reservoirs, the West Desert, Ruby Mountains, the Little Sahara Sand Dunes, and Skyline Ridge.
You seriously won’t get a better view of the beauty of Utah anywhere else. And just wait until there’s no glass, no door, and no plane between you and all of that scenery.
Once you’re at altitude and it’s time to go, you’ll get clipped in, go over a few last checks, and then the door opens. That’s when things get real.
The Jump
When it’s your turn, you and your instructor will shuffle together to the door of the plane. You’ll be securely harnessed, completely connected, and moving as one. Your instructor is in control and guiding you every step of the way.
If you get to the door and change your mind, you can ride the plane back down, but honestly, that almost never happens. By the time you're up there, adrenaline and excitement tend to take over, and most people are just ready to go.
And then you jump.
People expect it to feel like a rollercoaster drop… but it doesn’t. There’s no stomach-lurching moment. It’s more like being caught in a giant fan. The wind rushes past you, loud and powerful, and you feel weightless and free in a way that’s hard to explain.
Freefall lasts up to 50 seconds, but it feels both fast and slow at the same time. You’re falling through the sky, completely in the moment, laughing, screaming, taking it all in.
Under the Canopy
After freefall, your parachute will open up and things will slow down. Like, really slow down. This part is often the surprise favorite. And when you’re here, you’ve got options.
Want to float peacefully back to earth, taking in the view? Want to have the most beautiful, insane, longest-lasting roller-coaster ride on the planet? Totally up to you. Our instructors are incredibly well-trained professionals, very good at what they do, and are able to give you whatever kind of ride you’re looking for… within reason.
The Landing
You’ll land back at the dropzone, where friends, family, and ground crew will be waiting. Your instructor will guide the landing, and more than likely, you’ll be laughing, smiling, and asking to go again!
Once you’ve taken a minute to take it all in, your instructor will unhook you, ask you how you’re feeling, and walk you back to the hangar.
After the Jump
Once you’re in the hangar and out of your gear, head over to the front desk to check out your photos and video. Most media is ready within a couple of minutes, and you’ll get high-res versions you can access from any device.
Grab a snack, watch other people land, and let the experience settle in. It’s a big deal, and it deserves a moment.
Still Have Questions?
That’s great! We want you to feel completely comfortable skydiving with us before you even step onto the plane, so we’re here to answer whatever questions you may have! Here are some of our most common FAQs about the skydiving experience, and if you still have questions, get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to chat with you!
What is a Tandem Skydive?
Your first time skydiving you won’t be in it alone, you’ll be strapped to a Tandem Skydiving instructor who’s trained not only in safety, but in making sure that you have the best experience possible!
They’ll take you through a short training session where you’ll learn how the jump works, what your role is, how to position your body during freefall, and what to expect under the parachute. You don’t need to memorize anything or be an expert, your main job is to have fun, to take it all in, and enjoy the experience, your instructor will take care of the rest!
Is Tandem Skydiving Hard?
Skydiving is the adrenaline-filled adventure of a lifetime, and it’s actually much easier than people think! It only takes about as much physical exertion as jogging to your mailbox and back. And since your tandem instructor will take care of all of the important stuff (like keeping you stable in the air, pulling the parachute, and guiding you through the breathtaking canopy ride), all you have to do is sit back and enjoy it!
What if I’m scared to go skydiving?
It’s natural to feel nervous about skydiving for the first time. But remember, you’ll be in the hands of one of our professional and charismatic tandem instructors. They’re trained not just in safety procedures, but also in helping passengers manage their nerves and have an altogether amazing experience. The excitement and exhilaration once you’re in the air often way outweigh any initial fears, and many find the experience empowering and liberating!
How high is the skydive? How long/fast will I fall?
Our typical skydive is 13,000ft, and you’ll be in freefall for up to 50 of the most exhilarating seconds of your life. Freefall speeds average 120 miles per hour. It doesn’t feel like falling, though, it feels like being supported by air. Then, expect a beautiful parachute ride for about 4-7 minutes over the beautiful landscape below.
What does it feel like to freefall?
Jumping out of an airplane is an incredible feeling. Most people expect the stomach dropping sensation of a roller coaster, but freefall is delightfully different. Imagine floating more than falling… like a cushion of wind, pushing gently against you from below. That’s what it feels like on the outside. On the inside, it’s indescribable. Words will never do it justice, so we won’t even try! It’s just something you’re going to have to experience for yourself.
What does the parachute ride feel like?
After the heart-pounding thrill of freefall, your parachute will open and you’ll feel like you’re floating on air. You’ll have tons of time to take in the incredible views from a vantage point very few people get to experience. At this point, you and your instructor have the reins. Whether you prefer a thrilling roller coaster ride with twists and turns or a gentle, peaceful descent, the choice is yours. If conditions are right, you might even get a chance to steer the parachute yourself!
Should I expect a hard landing?
Every landing is different, but you can typically expect your touch–down to feel less jarring than what you’d experience if you jumped from a chair. We use large parachutes and have a team of highly skilled instructors that really know what they’re doing. Obviously we can’t predict every scenario, and wind, weather, weight, your cooperation, and other factors can definitely play a role in what your landing feels like. We can’t guarantee a perfect tip-toe touchdown, but you shouldn’t go into it expecting a hard fall.
