Do You Need Experience for a Tandem Skydive?

A BucketDays guide · Updated 2026

A tandem skydive is one of the most popular items on any bucket list — but if you've never jumped out of a plane before, it's natural to wonder whether you need training, experience, or nerves of steel first. The reassuring answer: no experience is required at all. A tandem skydive is specifically designed so complete beginners can do it safely on their very first attempt. Here's exactly what's involved, what happens on the day, and what to know before you book.

Do you need any experience or training?

No. This is the whole point of a tandem skydive — you're securely harnessed to a qualified instructor who controls every part of the jump, from exiting the plane to deploying the parachute and landing. You don't need to know how to skydive, because your instructor does it for both of you. That's what makes it accessible to first-timers of almost any background.

What training happens on the day?

Rather than a long course, you get a short briefing — usually around 20 to 30 minutes. It covers the basics: how to hold your body during freefall (arched back, head up), how to lift your legs for landing, and what to expect at each stage. That's genuinely all the preparation you need before your jump.

What actually happens on the jump

• Kit up: you're fitted with a harness and briefed by your instructor.
• The climb: a plane ride up to altitude, usually around 10,000–15,000ft, taking roughly 15–20 minutes.
• The freefall: you and your instructor exit together for up to a minute of freefall — the unforgettable bit.
• The parachute: your instructor deploys the canopy, and you enjoy a calm 3–5 minute glide with the views.
• The landing: your instructor brings you both down safely, often sliding in gently.

Weight, age and health requirements

These vary by centre, so always check when booking, but as a general guide:

• Age: usually a minimum of 16, with parental consent for under-18s.
• Weight: commonly capped around 15–16 stone, for safety and equipment reasons.
• Health: you'll complete a medical declaration; certain conditions may need a doctor's sign-off.

Tips for first-timers

• Wear comfortable clothes and trainers with no loose items.
• Eat a normal meal beforehand — don't skip food out of nerves.
• Skydiving is weather-dependent, so build in flexibility; jumps can be rescheduled at short notice.
• Book a video if you want to relive it — it happens fast, and you'll want the memory.
• Breathe and enjoy it. The nerves vanish the moment the parachute opens.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need experience to do a tandem skydive?

No. A tandem skydive requires no prior experience or training. You're harnessed to a qualified instructor who controls the entire jump, so first-timers can take part after only a short safety briefing on the day.

How long is the training for a tandem skydive?

There's no lengthy training. You get a short briefing of around 20 to 30 minutes covering body position and what to expect, then you jump attached to your instructor.

Is there a weight or age limit for a tandem skydive?

Most UK centres set a minimum age of 16 with parental consent, and a weight limit commonly around 15 to 16 stone, though this varies by provider. Always check the specific centre's requirements when booking.