Two's Company With Tandem Sky Diving
December 4th, 2008

Have you always been interested in skydiving but not sure you want to take your first dive solo? You may want to consider tandem skydiving. This is a great way to experience the thrill of skydiving to determine whether this is a sport for you or possibly a wonderful gift idea for the sports enthusiast in your family. What exactly is tandem skydiving?

The definition of tandem skydiving is when you are harnessed to the front of a licensed instructor. In other words, when you are falling to the earth your instructor is on your back. You jump usually from around 13,000 feet, although you could choose a lesser distance if you wanted. The instructor knows the exact time to exit the plane and jumps. You will then fall for one minute at the rate of 120 miles per hour (mph) and then pull the cord and your parachute will deploy. Then you will have approximately five to seven minutes of floating and breathtaking views as you descend to the earth.

Tandem classes normally consist of an hour (more or less depending on where you take your course) of class time where you will learn basic freefall skills and how to maneuver the canopy. You will have one jump connected to your instructor. After your jump, you will receive a First Jump certificate and logbook along with discount coupons so that you can come back with friends and enjoy tandem skydiving again. Many courses also offer a video of your jump at an extra cost if you desire.

If you think about it, there are not that many people who are willing to skydive. There are only certain types of people who are willing to jump out of an aircraft and freefall to earth at speeds of over 120 miles per hour for only a few minutes of heart pumping action. If you are one of those individuals, you probably have experienced tandem skydiving on more than one occasion and have most likely coaxed your family and friends into the adventure with you. Of course, with tandem skydiving, you have your choice of the altitude you want to start your jump. You can begin as low as 9,000 feet or as high as 15,000 feet. Free falling anywhere from 30 seconds to 60 seconds is pure adrenaline pumping action. When you choose to experience this pure mind-bending thrill, it is because you have overcome several mental blocks to get you up in that airplane. Skydiving can definitely change how you perceive life and that is true with most anything that challenges you to step away from your comfort zone.

You can find locations to tandem skydivers nearly all over the world. If you are planning a vacation family or otherwise and you have an itch to try skydiving, consider booking your vacation where a tandem skydiving facility is located. Chances are that if you try tandem skydiving once, you will be back for more. Many times, those who learn are likely graduate to jumping out of the plane alone or even possibly becoming a tandem instructor. It might be fun to continue and encourage others to enjoy the same rush that you do.

New Zealand offers a tandem skydiving package for the first time skydiver or the experienced skydiver. As you enjoy the pure adrenaline rush of tandem skydiving, you will also experience the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand as you glide to your targeted landing. After your brief lesson learning the ins and outs of tandem skydiving, you will then take to the skies and are on your way to your destination. You will enjoy magnificent views of snow covered mountains and crystal clear lakes prior to your jump. Once you have reached the altitude you have chosen for you jump, your picture will be taken prior to your jump from the plane. Then, if you have chosen the package that includes video, there will be a camera operator recording your tandem adventure so that you can relive the moment day after day once your first flight is completed. It is a good idea to choose the package that offers a video of your first jump for the simply reason you will never have a first jump again and that is moment that you truly do not want to miss

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