Gearing up for your first skydive: A beginner's guide
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What is tandem skydiving?
Tandem skydiving pairs you with a highly experienced instructor who handles the entire jump. No prior experience needed, just the perfect way to feel the thrill of skydiving for the first time. Here’s what to expect:
Arrival
Check-in 15-20 minutes before your slot and complete the necessary paperwork. A brief health check-up will be conducted.
Training
Meet your instructor, receive a safety briefing, learn freefall positions, and get harnessed up. A camera flyer will capture your pre-jump jitters.
Gear up
Get equipped with safety gear and undergo thorough equipment checks before boarding the aircraft.
Flight
Enjoy the 20-30 minute scenic flight as you reach the jump altitude of 13,000 feet.
The drop
Get ready for the adrenaline rush! After reaching 13,000 feet, securely harnessed to your instructor, take the leap of faith!
Landing
Gently float back to the landing zone, enjoying breathtaking scenery before a smooth touchdown.
Things to know before booking your skydive in Dubai
Frequently asked questions about skydiving in Dubai
Skydiving slots, especially morning jumps, fill quickly. Booking 1–3 weeks in advance is recommended, and even earlier during peak travel months (November–March).
No, videographers are assigned by the dropzone team based on availability and safety requirements. Every videographer follows a professional filming sequence to capture your freefall from the best angles.
Late arrivals may lose their booking because skydiving runs on strict takeoff schedules. It’s best to arrive early to avoid missing the waiver, weigh-in, and gear-up steps.
Most skydiving tickets follow a strict non-refundable policy, but may be rescheduled depending on availability. Check your ticket’s terms before booking.
You can ask, but instructor assignments depend on the day’s roster, weather, and weight balance for the aircraft. Requests aren’t guaranteed but are accommodated when possible.
Yes. There's a designated spectator zone where friends and family can watch takeoffs and landings, take photos, and enjoy the dropzone atmosphere.
Basic insurance is typically included as part of operational safety requirements, but it may not cover personal travel or medical circumstances. Guests often choose to carry their own travel insurance for added peace of mind.
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The basics
Beginner-friendly way to experience skydiving.
Attached to a certified instructor who handles exit, freefall, parachute deployment, and landing.
A short briefing covers body position and hand signals.
No prior experience needed. The instructor manages all technical aspects so you can focus on the thrill.
The jump experience
Freefall feels like a steady rush of air, not a drop.
Breathing remains natural while instructor maintains stability.
Parachute glide lasts 4–7 minutes, offering calm, scenic views of Palm Jumeirah and Dubai skyline.
Landings are smooth and instructor-managed.
Standing or seated posture used depending on conditions.
Your equipment
You’ll wear a mandatory jumpsuit, goggles, and a multi-point harness securely connected to your instructor.
The parachute system includes a main canopy, a reserve canopy, and an automatic activation device (AAD) for backup deployment.
Your instructor performs all gear fitting, safety checks, and final adjustments before boarding the aircraft.
Check-in & safety briefing
Arrive and sign your waiver forms.
Meet your certified tandem instructor.
Receive a clear, step-by-step briefing on safety and body position.
Quick overview of the jump sequence, hand signals, and landing cues.
Gear up
Put on your mandatory jumpsuit, multi-point harness, and goggles.
Instructor fits and double-checks all equipment.
Learn how your altimeter works and get familiar with all gear.
Ensure comfort and security before boarding the aircraft.
Flight ascent
Board the aircraft with your instructor.
Enjoy the climb to 13,000 ft, taking in Dubai skyline views.
Instructor reviews jump steps and final safety checks.
Feel the anticipation build as you approach jump altitude.
The jump
Exit the aircraft securely with your instructor.
Experience 40–60 seconds of freefall, feeling the wind and rush.
Instructor manages stability, altitude checks, and deployment timing.
Focus on the thrill and scenery.
Parachute glide
Parachute deploys for a smooth, controlled descent.
Glide calmly for 4–7 minutes over Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai skyline.
Take in panoramic views and the unique perspective of the city.
Instructor guides the descent and adjusts for landing.
Landing
Landings are smooth and instructor-guided.
Depending on conditions, land standing or seated.
Instructor ensures a safe, controlled finish.
Celebrate your achievement as you touch down.
Photos & videos
Professional photos and a 3-minute edited video included with your tandem skydive.
Captured by a separate videographer who jumps alongside you and your instructor.
Delivered to your inbox within 48 hours.
Relive every moment and share the experience with friends and family.
Typical altitude: ~13,000 ft
Experience type: Tandem skydive (no training required)
Total duration: 3–4 hours including check-in, briefing & ascent
Cost range: ~AED 199–3,500
Age/weight rules: Minimum age ~18; weight limits typically 90–100 kg
Best season: October–April for cooler weather, clearer skies, and smoother wind conditions
Tandem skydiving
What it is
You jump while harnessed to a licensed instructor from the Palm Dropzone.
Standard altitude: 13,000 ft
~60 sec freefall + 5–7 min parachute glide
Who it’s for
First-timers, bucket-list jumpers, and adventure seekers
No prior training required
Medical & eligibility limitations
Children under 18 cannot participate
Women: max 90 kg / BMI 27.5
Men: max 100 kg / BMI 30
Not suitable for pregnant women
Not suitable for those with: epilepsy, severe head injuries, blackouts, nervous system disorders, high BP, heart/lung disease, diabetes, dislocated limbs, mental illness, or drug/alcohol addiction
Participants 70+ must provide a doctor-signed Declaration of Fitness
A controlled free-fall simulation inside a vertical wind tunnel—no aircraft, no altitude
Instructor-guided movements and body control sessions
Who it’s for
Families, first-timers, and those avoiding heights or weather-dependent activities
Medical & eligibility limitations
Children under 3 cannot participate
Height/weight limits:
Under 180 cm: max 105 kg
Over 180 cm: max 115 kg
Not suitable for pregnant women
Not suitable for those with recent shoulder/spine injuries
Not allowed if under the influence of alcohol/drugs or wearing a plaster cast
Parental consent required for minors
Waiver must be signed before participation
Duration
1–1.5 hours, including check-in, training, and 2 flights of 60–90 seconds each
Certified tandem experts: All instructors hold licenses under recognised skydiving bodies (APF, USPA, BPA, or regional equivalents).
High jump requirements: Most complete 500–1,000+ jumps before taking guests.
Ongoing safety training: Regular refreshers on emergency procedures, aircraft safety, and equipment checks.
Clear pre-jump briefing: You’ll learn body position, communication signals, and exactly what to expect during each stage.
Dual-parachute setup: Every tandem rig includes a main canopy plus an independently packed reserve.
Automatic Activation Device (AAD): Deploys the reserve parachute automatically at preset altitudes if necessary.
Secure harness system: A multi-point harness connects you firmly to your instructor.
Protective gear: Goggles and jumpsuits are provided.
No extreme fitness required: Most people with general mobility can skydive.
Medical restrictions (global standards): Not permitted for pregnancy, heart conditions, epilepsy, recent major injuries, uncontrolled blood pressure, severe respiratory issues, certain mental health conditions, or any drug/alcohol influence.
Weight & BMI guidelines
Women: Max 90 kg, BMI under 27.5
Men: Max 100 kg, BMI under 30.0
Wind safety: High or gusty winds impact stability and landing accuracy.
Cloud cover: Pilots need clear visibility from take-off to jump altitude.
Rain & storms: Operations pause until conditions improve.
Temperature & turbulence: Morning conditions are usually calmer globally.
Delays = safety: Weather holds are essential risk-prevention steps.
Exit: Instructor positions both of you for a stable, controlled exit.
Freefall: 30–60 seconds of supervised freefall with constant altitude checks.
Canopy flight: Smooth, guided descent once the parachute opens.
Landing: Usually a soft stand-up or a gentle seated landing, depending on conditions.
Tandem instructors are licensed under international bodies such as USPA and follow strict training standards.
All rigs include a main parachute, a reserve parachute, and an Automatic Activation Device (AAD) for backup deployment.
All gear undergoes meticulous inspections before each jump.
Wear athletic clothing and closed-toe lace-up shoes; no sandals, boots, or heels.
Remove jewelry, watches, and loose accessories before gearing up.
Avoid hooded tops; tie long hair securely.
You’ll be fitted with a jumpsuit, goggles, harness.
Eat light: Have an easily digestible meal 2–3 hours before your jump (e.g., oatmeal with fruit, yogurt with granola, banana with peanut butter).
Avoid heavy foods: Skip fried foods, burgers, spicy dishes, and fatty meats to prevent discomfort in freefall.
Minimum age: 18 years (valid government photo ID required).
Weight & BMI limits:
Women: ≤90 kg and BMI ≤27.5
Men: ≤100 kg and BMI ≤30
Not suitable for pregnant guests.
Restrictions apply for epilepsy, heart or lung conditions, high blood pressure, severe injuries, dislocated limbs, diabetes, or drug/alcohol impairment.