Your first jump can be nerve-wracking, and we understand your need to be informed before taking the plunge.

If you have skydiving questions, contact Skydive East Texas and let our experts tell you everything you need to know.

Why jump out of a perfectly good airplane?

The short answer is that it’s fun. Skydiving is a unique experience that helps people understand the world around them.

Skydiving is a beautiful and exhilarating experience that will leave you feeling accomplished and full of energy.

And you get to discover that people really can fly!

What is the scariest part about skydiving?

The answer may surprise you:

The scariest part about skydiving is thinking about skydiving. People work themselves up before they arrive and during the plane ride up.

But once they’re out of the plane, their mind clears and they experience absolute freedom.

Does skydiving feel “fast”?

For the first 3-5 seconds out of the plane, you will experience acceleration.

After that, you hit terminal velocity. People describe this sensation more like floating or even flying.

Can you breathe during freefall?

Yes. You can breathe fine.

Whatever you do, don’t hold your breath.

Can I take my own GoPro?

Unfortunately, no.

You must have at least 200 solo jumps and have approved camera mounts for skydiving to carry your own camera.

If you want to capture your dive, Skydive East Texas offers several options that allow you to do so.

Are there age restrictions to skydive?

You must be at least 18 years old to skydive at Skydive East Texas.

If you are 70 years of age or older, we ask that you come in and interview with a tandem master to ensure that the jump will be safe and fun.

What is the weight limit for tandem skydiving?

Men - 220 pounds

Women - 190 pounds

If you are slightly over the weight limit, give us a call to schedule an interview with a tandem master.

If the tandem master determines that your skydive will be safe and fun, we will be able to make some exceptions.

How fast does a skydiver fall?

During free-fall you will be flying over the earth at approximately 120 miles per hour.

How high will the plane be?

Most tandem dives are taken at a height of 10 thousand feet in the air.

At that height, freefall lasts approximately 35-45 seconds, but people frequently report it feels much longer.

You’ll also dive under canopy (with the chute deployed) for 6-8 minutes.

What if the canopy doesn’t open?

We get this question a lot.

Skydiving is totally safe, and your tandem master has been trained to do exactly what needs to be done if there’s a malfunction.

In the case that your main canopy does not open, or there is a malfunction that would interfere with the safety of the skydiver, the main canopy is released and a reserve canopy is deployed.

The reserve canopy is inspected and repacked by a licensed professional FAA rigger every 180 days to ensure that it is in good working condition in the event that it is needed.

Additionally, every tandem and student rig is equipped with an automatic activation device that will deploy if need be.

Can I skydive by myself?

In order to skydive by yourself, you’ll need to acquire a USPA Class A license. This requires a minimum of 25 training jumps.

Fortunately, Skydive East Texas can help. We offer tandem and AFF training to help students work towards their USPA A license.

How should I get ready for my first jump?

Dress comfortably. Wear pants, long shorts, a shirt with no collar, and tennis shoes.

Should I eat before my jump?

Yes! You should eat normally before your first jump–neither too much nor too little.

What do I do if I’m scared?

A lot of people approach skydiving as a way to confront long-held fears. That’s why it makes for such a transformative experience.

Aside from basic self-care, like getting a good night’s sleep, eating normally, and avoiding alcohol & caffeine, the best thing you can do is talk to your tandem master.

They care, and they will be able to help.