Do you want to Skydive Yes or No Then just follow these easy steps and you will be ready to take your leap of faith from the open doorway of an aeroplane from a height of 3,200 feet upto 14,500 feet.
Tandem Skydives in less than one day you can be making a tandem sky dive from up to 14,500 feet you then free fall at speeds of 120 mph down to 5,000 feet where the tandem instructor opens the main canopy. RAPS solo static line jumps from 3,200 feet usually a two day course and the start of your skydiving career. After you have completed your RAPS course and completed your first jump all you pay for from then on is the jump tickets. AFF Level 1 for those people in a rush to get their skydiving qualification, you free fall from up to 14,500 feet on your first jump with two qualified instructors to guide you through free fall. This is the first jump of an eight jump course. Gift Vouchers. Are you after the gift of a lift time for a loved one or friend then pop along to the gift voucher page and read how to "DROP" a surprise on to them that will leave them speechless Booking couldn't be easier just print off a booking form found at the top off the info pack page, fill it in with your details and post it back to us along with either a deposit cheque or your credit card details. If you can't wait then Phone Mon to Thurs 9:30am - 5:30pm on 01384 351 050

Skydiving equipment has advanced considerably over the last several years. Round ones are seldom seen these days and have been replaced by modern, rectangular "ram-air" canopies that have better directional control and offer softer landings. Reserve canopies are typically worn on the back above the main parachute, as opposed to the older front mount assembly, and canopy fabrics today are more durable with many made of zero-porosity nylon fabric.

Main parachutes are not 100% reliable. However, malfunctions are rarely a result of mechanical failure. Main canopy malfunctions can usually be traced to an error on the part of the skydiver: packing, body position at the time of deployment, or poor pre-jump inspection. These errors make it necessary to carry a reserve as well as a main canopy. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that the reserve be inspected and repacked every 120 days (whether it’s used or not) by an FAA-certified rigger. Main canopies are jettisoned with the cutaway handle. A second handle activates the reserve parachute.

The sequence of a main parachute deployment relies on a series of interrelated parts. There are different systems available that vary slightly, including gear designed for student training. For the purpose of explaining a parachute deployment, the description below is based on a standard pilot chute throw-out system typically used by non-student skydivers.

Activation

Most experienced skydivers use a pilot chute throw-out system for deploying their main parachute. A small, round pilot chute, is housed on the skydiver’s harness or container in a tight pouch. To activate deployment, the pilot chute is pulled from the pouch and thrown into the surrounding air stream.

Deployment

The pilot chute is attached to a length of fabric, or bridle, that connects to the top of the main canopy itself which is housed within a deployment bag. Midway along the bridle is a pin holding the main canopy container closed. When the pilot chute inflates in the air stream it creates drag which pulls the pin, thus opening the main parachute container. As the pilot chute remains inflated in the air stream, it pulls the bag containing the main canopy from the container. The fabric portion of the canopy, is S-folded in the bag with the lines stowed and looped outside of the bag. As the bag is pulled from the skydiver’s back, the lines release one stow at a time until fully stretched. With the release of the lines from the outside of the bag, the bag is now open allowing the main canopy to inflate.

Inflation

Ram-air canopies are made of a series of cells, not unlike a honeycomb. They are connected side-by-side with the front open to the air, and the back sewn closed. Once inflated, the ram-air canopy is a semi-rigid, rectangular plane, similar to an airplane wing. It can be steered easily through the use of toggles attached to the rear of each side of the canopy. When both toggles are used, the pitch of the canopy is altered from downward to level flight, in the same way an airplane flares for landing.

Other Equipment

Automatic Activation Device (AAD)

An AAD is a self-contained device that calculates rate of descent and altitude and deploys either the main or reserve canopy at a preset altitude. AADs are backup devices required for student gear, and optional but recommended for experienced jumpers.

Reserve Static Line (RSL)

RSLs are attached to the main canopies risers and serve to activate the reserve canopy if the main canopy is jettisoned during an emergency.

Jumpsuit

Though jumpsuits are not required, they have different functions depending on the skydiving discipline involved. Fabrics and size help control descent speeds and give the skydiver more control with certain parts of their bodies. Tight, slippery materials allows a faster fall rate, while large cotton-like jumpsuits allow for a slower fall rate. There are several options for jumpsuits to suit different needs.

Altimeters

Visual altimeters show altitude and are typically worn either on the wrist or the chest strap. Audible altimeters are attached near the ear and beep at a pre-set altitude. These are secondary devices and are not meant to replace the visual altimeter.

Helmets

Helmets are required for student jumpers, but experienced jumpers can opt for leather aviator-style hats, hard helmets, or hard helmets with visors.

Goggles

Goggles, or sunglasses, are a necessary part of skydiving due to descent speeds of more than 120 miles per hour.

Students are provided with the equipment needed during training. Once graduated you have the option to rent equipment where available, or can opt to purchase your own gear.

Tandem

You will receive a briefing lasting about 15 mins
You are securely attached to a Tandem Instructor - who wears the parachute and assumes all responsibility. He is a very experienced skydiver with at least 800 jumps and has passed a rigorous training course. You will exit the plane with the instructor straight into freefall
The instructor takes care of deploying the main canopy and making a soft landing
The jump is from at least 10,000 to 14,500 feet
The canopy used is a modern square system, that is huge! and is deployed at 6,000 feet
You get at least 40 seconds freefall time, with a canopy ride of about 5 mins
You are restricted to jumping in 22mph (or 20 knots) or less winds
There is a weight limit of 16 stones maximum for someone wanting a make a Tandem Skydive.
Allows less-abled people to enjoy the sport
A quick, easy and great way to experience the thrill of skydiving whilst in the safe hands of an experienced instructor. You can even video the jump to keep forever

RAPS

The Accelerated Freefall Program

This is an advanced method of instruction which has been developed in the USA to enable people to take full advantage of one to one training while in freefall. As a conventional student, you would start on a square canopy at 3,500 ft with a static line which is attached to the aircraft and opens the parachute for you automatically on your exit. It will take a minimum of 5 jumps on static line before you graduate to freefall with a 3-second delay from 4,500 ft.
As an AFF student you make your first jump on the lastest, purpose built equipment with a state of the art square canopy. Your first jump will be a freefall descent from between 12,000 ft and 14,500 ft with two AFF instructors jumping with you and and maintaining grips on your body and harness. These two AFF instructors assist with stability and provide in-air teaching information. Prior to each and every jump the student receives extensive and thorough training, covering both the freefall learning objectives and the operation of the equipment used in the programme.
Successful students graduate to having only one AFF instructor accompanying them by Level 4. The instructor in freefall will provide instructional input and subsequently critique the performance. Students normally graduate from the AFF programme on or around their eighth jump.
At this stage they have mastered most of the freefall skills that would take their conventional counterparts about 20 - 30 jumps to achieve. The AFF programme caters not only for the person who wishes to graduate and become a skydiver, but also provides an opportunity for those people who would like to make one freefall descent in a safe and controlled environment - AFF Level 1.

The Training

The size of an AFF class is restricted to a maximum of three people. The tuition is on a very close personal basis and yet is informal and relaxed, often on a one to one basis. In this environment the student can assimilate a great amount of knowledge in a short period of time. The training comprises lectures and physical activites covering all aspects of the skydives that you will be making.

The Equipment

The equipment is a highly specialised system used purely for AFF use and has a good proven track record. AFF jump suits, helmets, goggles and altimeters are all provided by us, all the helmets are fitted with radios for canopy control assistance. All the canopies are carefully packed and checked by British Parachute Association qualified packers and are maintained to the highest possible standards. As airfields tend to be a little exposed, please bring some warm clothes, the ideal clothes to wear are either a track suit or jeans and a jumper. Flat-soled training shoes are ideal.

The Future

Having graduated at Level 8 you must then complete 10 Consolidation jumps, practising the skills learnt during your AFF course. These jumps will be charged at normal jump prices – plus kit hire if required. After completing your consolidation jumps you can come along to the centre at any time and make a jump at normal club prices.