FAQ

If you have any other questions not listed below, please contact 1-800-JUMPOUT.

How old do I have to be to skydive?

You have to be 18 years of age and we do require that you bring a valid form of identification with you before you can skydive.

Are there any weight limitations?

All tandem students must be under 280 lbs. All Static Line and AFF students must be under 260 lbs. Any students over 230 lbs will be evaluated by an Instructor on a case by case basis. Skydiving is an extremely physical activity; you must be in decent physical condition to participate in this sport.

How long does it take to do a tandem skydive?

Generally speaking, weather and crowds permitting, you can complete the ground school training for your tandem skydive in 30 minutes. Your entire visit to Skydive Houston will probably last an overall period of approximately 2 - 3 hours, but expect to be here 4 - 6 hours, in case of any delays. You will enjoy any free time on the ground watching other tandem skydivers land, as well as watching various skydives performed by licensed skydivers. If you need something quick to eat, our newly renovated Swoop Cafe is up and running, furnished with sandwiches, hot dogs, etc. for purchase.

Is there anything for my friends and family to do while they wait?

Your friends and family can observe your ground school training and take their own pictures and video to add to what your videographer will prepare for you. You'd be surprised how often friends or family end up deciding to join you for a first skydive once they have had an opportunity to watch your training or watch other tandem skydivers coming back from their jumps raving about the experience!

What should I wear?

Clothes you find to be loose and comfortable and sneakers. Do not wear flip flops, open toed sandals, or shoes with buckles. If you prefer to wear a jumpsuit over your "street clothes" during your tandem skydive, ask your instructor to provide one.

What altitude do I jump from and how long is the freefall?

Your standard jump altitude will be 14,000  feet (roughly 2 miles up) and your freefall will last an estimated 60 seconds. After your parachute is opened, your ride under canopy will last an estimated 5-6 minutes during which you will enjoy a birds eye view of the Texas countryside. On a clear day, you can see downtown Houston, the Galleria area, Lake Conroe, and the Gulf. If you would like to try steering while under canopy, ask your instructor. If it is possible and not dangerous, your instructor will more than likely let you experience canopy control to a limited degree. If not, don't forget your instructor is the professional and it is his job to guard your safety throughout your skydive.

What is it like to land under a parachute?

During ground school, you instructor will train you to lift your legs up just before the landing. Your instructor will, essentially, land first and you'll lower your legs after both of his feet are on the ground. Your instructor will guide your parachute to a smooth landing, which generally involves a little more impact with the ground than jumping to the floor from a chair.

What happens if the parachute doesn't open?

This is a popular question! A malfunction of the main canopy is rare. However, if there is a problem with the main canopy, the tandem parachute container that your instructor is wearing contains two parachutes: the main parachute and a reserve parachute. If the main parachute doesn't open properly, your tandem instructor will perform the correct emergency procedures. There is always a backup.

Is the skydiving center open everyday?

The office is open to answer your questions or take your reservations everyday. We are open for skydiving 7 days a week, 8 a.m-Sunset. Call 1-800-JUMPOUT for details.

Is weather a factor in getting to do my tandem skydive?

Yes, weather is always a factor. Texas' weather changes rapidly and there is always a possibility that your tandem can be delayed waiting for some transient poor weather to pass.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, we accepted all major credit cards.

Should I make a reservation?

It is always a good idea to call us and have us make a reservation for you. We can get quite a few people waiting to do their tandem skydive and a reservation helps assure you that you aren't kept waiting for any longer than absolutely necessary.

After a tandem, what's next if I want to learn to skydive?

You can start AFF training, which involves learning to skydive under direct supervision of our professional instructors. The AFF program equips novice skydivers with freefall and canopy control skills through a 8-level program that is designed to safely teach you to skydive. Safety is greatly enhanced by direct-in-air jumpmaster supervision. To ensure safety for you and other skydivers, you must demonstrate proficiency on one level before progressing to the next.