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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is Tandem Skydiving?
- Q: Can anybody do a Tandem Skydive?
- Q: Do you need to have any training?
- Q: What exactly is a 'Tandem Master'?
- Q: How long will my skydive take?
- Q: What happens when I get to the Jump Centre?
- Q: How long will I be in the plane?
- Q: What happens when I leave the plane?
- Q: 6,000ft, 10,000ft or 14,000ft tandem skydives - does it really matter?
- Q: What are the DVD & Photos all about?
- Q: Which beach will I land on?
- Q: What do I wear?
- Q: How many jump at a time?
- Q: How often do you jump?
- Q: Do I need to book?
- Q: Does the weather matter?
- Q: What happens if I buy a gift voucher for a friend and they don't want to jump?
A: It's where you experience all the thrill of skydiving securely harnessed to a professional skydiving instructor. Tandem skydiving allows you to experience all the fantastic sensations of skydiving with no previous experience and no need for a lengthy training session. You can just book, turn up and jump - we do all the hard work while you have all the fun!
Q: Can anybody do a Tandem Skydive?
A: As long as you're 12 years old or older and you weigh under 100kgs and you're in reasonably good health you can enjoy a tandem skydive. Actually we can make a request for special dispensation for younger skydivers - call (07) 5437 0211 for more info!
Q: Do you need to have any training?
A: No training or previous experience is necessary - the beauty of tandem skydiving is that your Tandem Master does all the important stuff so you can have all the fun. We'll give you a short briefing before you dive so that you know what to expect and will get the most out of your skydiving experience. Just simply turn up on the day and jump!
Q: What exactly is a 'Tandem Master'?
A: Some Jump Centres call them Tandem Instructor - we call our guys Tandem Masters because they are exactly that - masters at tandem skydiving. Every Tandem Master has undergone rigorous training before obtaining the necessary licenses to take you on a tandem skydive. In addition, because all our Sunshine Coast Skydivers' tandem skydives have a beach landing, our Tandem Masters have to get extra licenses in order to land on the beach. All Sunshine Coast Skydivers Tandem Masters have an average of 5,000 - 15,000 tandem jumps each. Most of our TM's are National & International Skydiving Champions - you are in the very best of hands!
Q: How long will my skydive take?
A: Your tandem skydive experience will take around 2 hours from when you arrive at the Sunshine Coast Skydivers Jump Centre here at Caloundra Airport - to your skydive, beach landing and return to the jump centre on our courtesy bus, watching the DVD of YOUR beach tandem skydive and collecting your well-earned Sunshine Coast Skydivers Terminal Velocity Survivor's Certificate!
Q: What happens when I get to the Jump Centre?
A: The adventure starts as soon as you arrive at Sunshine Coast Skydivers Jump Centre here at Caloundra Airport. You'll be met by one of our friendly staff who'll explain exactly what you've got to look forward to! They'll also answer any questions you might have prior to your skydive. You'll then be introduced to your tandem master (and camera person if you've requested one) to be 'geared-up' (put into your harness etc) followed by a short pre-skydive briefing - this ensures you are aware of the basics of tandem skydiving and will enjoy the dive to the maximum. Once everyone is geared-up, you'll hop on the plane
Q: How long will I be in the plane?
A: About 20 minutes depending on which jump height you've chosen. From takeoff up to your jump altitude it's a fantastic scenic flight where you'll enjoy the magnificent aerial views - stunning coastal scenery from Noosa to Brisbane including Moreton & Stradbroke Islands against the spectacular backdrop of the Glasshouse Mountains - before making your skydive harnessed together with one of our professional instructors.
Q: What happens when I leave the plane?
A: On exiting the plane, you'll experience 8-10 seconds of absolutely amazing, adrenalin-pumping FREEFALL from the GROUNDRUSH (6,000ft), 45 seconds from the ADRENALIN SHOT (12,000ft), or 65 seconds from the ULTIMATE RUSH (14,000ft) before your parachute opens to float you slowly and serenely in to land on the soft, sandy beach below. During the ride under canopy you'll be able to take over the STEERING before your tandem master takes over to bring you into land.
Q: 6,000ft, 10,000ft or 14,000ft tandem skydives - does it really matter?
A: The Higher You Go, the Longer the Freefall - THE ULTIMATE RUSH a 14,000ft skydive, takes it to the limit - this is the highest jump you can do without oxygen. The main benefit however is that the extra height gives the longest possible freefall. While the whole skydive is an amazing experience, it's the freefall element which is the truly unforgettable feeling. The longer freefall gives you a chance to relax a little after the first adrenalin rush (let's face it, you have just jumped out of a plane!) then REALLY take in the feeling and enjoy your dive to the MAX.
Q: What are the DVD & Photos all about?
A: They're simply a great record of a great experience! - it's not every day you jump out of a plane. You'll relive the magic (and your bravery - and that funny flapping freefall face!) over and over with a personalised DVD and/or digital photos package.
Camera-flyer DVD & Photo option: A professional camera flyer jumps with you so your video footage and still photos capture the whole skydiving adventure - gearing up, training, plane ride, FREEFALL, scenery and landing. DVDs run for approximately 8 - 10 minutes, complete with soundtrack; high resolution still photos (60-80) are put straight onto CD for you.
Handy Cam DVD and/or GoPro High Resolution Still Photos Option: This option is taken by your Tandem Master using a wrist-mounted camera and again captures the whole skydiving adventure - gearing up, training, plane ride, FREEFALL, scenery and landing, plus because your TM stays with you all the way, there's also footage of the ride down under canopy. DVD runs for approximately 8 - 10 minutes, complete with soundtrack and/or high resolution still photos (60-80) are put straight onto CD for you. Camera Options are $99 each OR just $129 ($30 extrra) for BOTH - DVD & PHOTOS. I know, we're little temptors.
In our opinion, neither of the DVD options is better/worse than the other - they are simply different! Due to requiring an 'extra body' on the plane, The Camera-flyer package must be booked in advance and is therefore subject to availability.
A: Our jump aircraft carries up to 4 tandem students (you) with their Instructors on one load. The plane provides a very comfortable 15 - 20 minutes ride to altitude and those fantastic views of the Sunshine Coast!
Q: Which beach will I land on?
A: We use Happy Valley (Bulcock Beach), Dicky Beach, Moffat Beach, Kings Beach or Currimundi. However, where we land is dependent on the wind direction on the day (which can change from hour to hour), so we can't confirm where guests will land until just before they get on the plane. A sign, up at reception will confirm the landing location for each jump. Our courtesy bus picks our skydivers up from the beach landing zone and brings you back to the skydive centre at Caloundra Airport to collect your Terminal Velocity Survivor's Certificate and also any camerawork you've arranged (see above). We advise spectators to come to the Jump Centre first, then follow the Courtesy Bus to the beach landing zone.
A: Dress according to the weather, i.e. if it is winter, wear warm comfortable clothes - in summer, shorts or light pants and T-shirt are usually fine. We do ask that guests wear shoes such as runners/joggers, NO hiking boots with hooks etc. Contact lenses or spectacles are no problem at all (we provide goggles/sunglasses), just remember to keep your eyes OPEN so you can take it all in...
A: We usually jump 7-days a week, 363 days a year (we are closed 25 December & 1 January). Jumps start around 8am daily and usually continue hourly until sunset (weather permitting).
A: Bookings are essential - we are generally very busy all year round, so skydives need to be booked in advance. Full payment per person is required at time of booking. Only then is your place confirmed. If booking through an agent, they will let you know their deposit requirements.Simply call (07) 5437 0211 or 0418 776 775 8.30am-3pm daily to book by credit card* or online using PayPal. Payments can also be paid in person at Sunshine Coast Skydivers office at Caloundra Airport, although we do advise calling ahead before you come - we may be out jumping, or if the weather is bad, we may head off early. (*There is a small 1% charge for credit card payments - you are welcome to pay using EFTPOS or cash if you wish to avoid the charge. 1%=$1, per $100 spent.)
Cancellation policy: If we are unable to operate your skydive due to weather/other conditions, we will offer to rebook you for another day or you may opt to receive a full refund. Should you decide to cancel within 48 hours of a scheduled skydive booking we will be unable to refund any monies paid to us with regard to your skydive arrangements. We will have made all arrangements and payments in good faith to ensure your booked skydive is delivered to you as agreed, therefore no refund is available within 48 hours of your skydive. Please note: Some Special Promotions are subject to separate conditions.
We accept payment by cash, money order, credit card* (Visa or MasterCard*), EFTPOS, or internet banking, Paypal or electronic transfers. Sorry, we do not accept cheques (company or personal, BarterCard, Amex or Diners Cards )
A: Yes. Parachuting and skydiving activities are dependant upon weather conditions being favourable. The Sunshine Coast enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year, with an average of seven hours of sunshine every day, making it one of the best places to skydive in the world. Average summer (December-January) temperatures range from 17°C to 28°C, with the highs normally tempered by cooling sea breezes. Winter (June-August) days are characteristically mild and sunny with an average daily temperature of 25°C. If you are coming from any distance away, please call us before you leave - we will do our best to give you a good idea of the weather prospects and will advise on the best course of action. If the chances are reasonable, we will encourage you to make the journey to the jump centre, and come prepared to make a day of it. Bear in mind that the weather is always on the move and patience is often rewarded!
Q: What happens if I buy a SKYDIVE IN A CAN skydive gift voucher for a friend and they don't want to jump?
A: We won't make anybody jump who doesn't want to! Provided you let us know as soon as possible (not more than 28 days from purchase) we'll refund the gift voucher amount to you.
