Tandem skydiving is an exhilarating adventure that combines the thrill of freefall with the security of jumping with a professional instructor. While the focus is often on the experience itself, what you wear plays a crucial role in ensuring your comfort, safety, and enjoyment during the jump. This is because the physical demands of skydiving—from the 120 mph wind resistance during freefall to the need for unrestricted movement when securing harnesses—require attire that balances functionality with protection. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about choosing the right attire for tandem skydiving, from base layers to accessories, so you can be well-prepared for your big day.
Understanding the Basics of Skydiving Attire
Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to understand why clothing matters in skydiving. During a tandem jump, you’ll experience high speeds during freefall (typically around 120 mph), strong winds, and varying weather conditions at different altitudes. These factors create unique challenges for your attire, as loose fabrics could disrupt aerodynamics or get entangled in gear, while inadequate protection might lead to discomfort or even minor injuries from wind resistance. Your clothing needs to protect you from the elements, allow for ease of movement, and work safely with the equipment, such as the harness and parachute. A well-chosen outfit should also enhance your confidence by ensuring you feel secure and unrestricted, allowing you to fully engage with the thrill of the experience without distractions.
Key Considerations
Safety First: Avoid loose or baggy clothing that could get caught in the parachute equipment.
Comfort: You’ll be in the air for several minutes, so choose fabrics that feel good against your skin and don’t restrict movement.
Weather Awareness: Dress for the weather conditions on the day of your jump, including temperature changes at higher altitudes.
Practicality: Opt for clothing with minimal zippers, buttons, or strings that could cause issues during the jump.
Base Layer: The Foundation of Comfort
What to Choose
Material: Look for moisture-wicking fabrics like synthetic blends (polyester, nylon) or merino wool. These materials pull sweat away from your skin, keeping you dry and comfortable during the jump. Avoid cotton, as it absorbs moisture and can leave you feeling cold and clammy, especially at higher altitudes.
Style: Opt for a form-fitting shirt and leggings or long johns. Avoid loose-fitting base layers, as they can bunch up under outer layers and cause discomfort. A crewneck or V-neck shirt is ideal, as it won’t rub against your neck during the jump.
Men: A synthetic long-sleeve or short-sleeve shirt paired with athletic compression leggings or shorts.
Women: A moisture-wicking tank top or long-sleeve shirt with yoga pants or compression leggings.
Middle Layer: Adding Insulation
What to Choose
Material: Fleece or lightweight down jackets are excellent choices for insulation. Fleece is breathable and dries quickly, while down provides superior warmth for its weight. Avoid bulky sweaters, as they can restrict movement and make it difficult to fit into the harness comfortably.
Style: A zip-up fleece jacket or a lightweight puffer jacket works well. Look for styles with a high collar to protect your neck from the wind. If the weather is mild, you may even skip the middle layer and just wear a base layer and outer layer.
Cold Weather: A mid-weight fleece jacket or a packable down jacket.
Mild Weather: A lightweight fleece vest or a long-sleeve base layer.
Outer Layer: Protection Against Wind and Elements
What to Choose
Material: Look for jackets made from wind-resistant materials like nylon or polyester with a windproof coating. For rainy conditions, a waterproof jacket with breathable fabric (like Gore-Tex) is essential. Avoid fabrics that are too heavy or stiff, as they can restrict movement.
Style: A jumpsuit is often provided by skydiving centers for tandem jumps, as it’s designed specifically for the activity. If you’re not provided with a jumpsuit, wear a windproof jacket with a snug fit around the wrists and waist to keep wind out. Ensure the jacket has a full zipper for easy on and off, and avoid hoods, as they can interfere with the helmet.
Standard Outer Layer: A lightweight windproof jacket in bright colors (for visibility).
Rainy Conditions: A waterproof jacket that fits over your middle and base layers without being too bulky.
Footwear: Safety and Stability
What to Avoid
Open-Toed Shoes: Sandals, flip-flops, or any shoes that don’t fully cover your feet are a no-go. They offer no protection and can lead to injuries during landing.
High Heels or Dress Shoes: These are unstable and can make it difficult to maintain balance during the landing.
Loose-Fitting Shoes: Shoes that aren’t securely tied can come off during the jump, which is dangerous.
What to Choose
Athletic Shoes: Sneakers or running shoes with a good grip are ideal. Make sure they’re well-fitted and tied securely. Look for shoes with a non-slip sole to prevent slipping during the landing.
Boots: Ankle-high boots with a sturdy sole can also work, especially in colder weather. Ensure they’re broken in to avoid blisters.
Summer Jumps: Lightweight athletic shoes with breathable mesh.
Winter Jumps: Sturdy hiking boots or insulated athletic shoes.
Accessories: Small Items with Big Impact
Helmet and Goggles
Helmet: Most skydiving centers provide helmets for tandem jumpers. They are essential for protecting your head during the jump. Ensure the helmet fits snugly and is properly secured.
Goggles: Goggles protect your eyes from the wind during freefall. If you wear glasses, you can either use prescription goggles or wear your glasses under the goggles (make sure they fit comfortably).
Gloves
When to Wear Them: Gloves are especially important in cold weather to keep your hands warm and prevent numbness, which can affect your ability to hold onto the harness. They also provide a bit of grip.
What to Choose: Lightweight gloves with a non-slip palm. Avoid bulky gloves that restrict finger movement. In warmer weather, gloves are optional but can still be useful for grip.
Sunglasses
UV Protection: Even on cloudy days, UV rays are strong at high altitudes. Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection to shield your eyes. Make sure they fit securely under the helmet and don’t slip off during freefall.
Jewelry: It’s best to avoid wearing jewelry, especially loose items like rings, necklaces, or bracelets. They can get caught in the equipment or cause injury during the jump. If you must wear a wedding ring, ensure it’s securely fitted and won’t slip off.
Watches: A sturdy sports watch is okay, but make sure it’s strapped tightly to your wrist. Avoid smartwatches or delicate watches that could be damaged during the jump.
Dressing for Different Seasons
Spring and Fall: Mild to Cool Weather
Base Layer: Long-sleeve moisture-wicking shirt and leggings.
Middle Layer: Lightweight fleece jacket or vest.
Outer Layer: Windproof jacket or jumpsuit.
Footwear: Athletic shoes with socks to keep feet warm.
Accessories: Gloves (optional), sunglasses, and a warm hat under the helmet if needed.
Summer: Warm to Hot Weather
Base Layer: Short-sleeve moisture-wicking shirt and shorts or lightweight pants.
Middle Layer: Skip the middle layer; it’s usually too hot.
Outer Layer: Lightweight windproof jacket or jumpsuit (some centers may provide a breathable jumpsuit for summer).
Footwear: Athletic shoes with breathable socks.
Accessories: Sunglasses, gloves (optional for grip), and a sweatband if needed.
Winter: Cold Weather
Base Layer: Long-sleeve merino wool or synthetic shirt and thermal leggings.
Middle Layer: Thick fleece jacket or down jacket.
Outer Layer: Heavy-duty windproof and waterproof jacket or jumpsuit.
Footwear: Insulated boots with thick socks.
Accessories: Thick gloves, a warm hat under the helmet, and goggles to protect against the cold wind.
What the Skydiving Center Provides
Jumpsuit: A one-piece outfit designed for skydiving, which is worn over your clothing. It’s windproof and helps with aerodynamics.
Harness: The equipment that connects you to the instructor.
Helmet and Goggles: These are provided for safety.
Parachute: The instructor handles the parachute, but it’s good to know it’s included.
While the jumpsuit is usually provided, you’ll still need to wear appropriate clothing underneath. Follow the center’s guidelines, as they may have specific recommendations based on their location and typical weather conditions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Wearing Loose or Baggy Clothing: Baggy shirts or pants can catch the wind and cause instability during freefall. They can also get tangled in the harness or parachute equipment.
Choosing Cotton Fabrics: As mentioned earlier, cotton retains moisture and can make you feel cold and uncomfortable, especially at higher altitudes.
Forgetting About Layers: Not dressing in layers can lead to being too hot or too cold during the jump. Layers allow you to adjust to changing temperatures as you ascend and descend.
Ignoring Footwear Rules: Wearing improper shoes can result in an unstable landing and potential injury. Always choose closed-toe, supportive footwear.
Wearing Restrictive Clothing: Clothes that are too tight can restrict your movement and make it difficult to breathe comfortably during the jump.
Conclusion
Choosing the right clothing for tandem skydiving is all about balancing safety, comfort, and practicality. By following the guidelines above and dressing in appropriate layers, you’ll be prepared for any weather conditions and ready to enjoy every moment of your jump. Remember to check with your skydiving center for any specific requirements, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure about what to wear. With the right attire, you’ll be able to focus on the incredible experience of soaring through the sky and making memories that will last a lifetime. So, gear up, stay safe, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! Whether you’re jumping in the heat of summer or the chill of winter, proper clothing will ensure you’re comfortable, confident, and ready to take the plunge. Happy skydiving!