What GoJump Is and How It Operates

GoJump is a skydiving center chain that operates at multiple locations across the United States, offering tandem skydiving experiences where you jump attached to a certified instructor. You do not need prior skydiving experience — the center handles all the technical work while you experience the freefall and parachute descent. GoJump locations typically operate year-round, though weather conditions can affect jump schedules on any given day.

The company focuses on tandem jumps, which means you are physically connected to an experienced skydiver throughout the entire jump. The instructor wears a harness that attaches to yours, controlling the parachute deployment, steering, and landing. This setup lets you focus on the experience rather than managing equipment or making critical decisions during the jump.

Key Takeaways

  • GoJump operates multiple skydiving centers where you jump tandem with a certified instructor who controls the parachute and landing.
  • The jump experience includes ground training, gearing up, the aircraft ride to altitude, freefall, parachute descent, and landing — typically taking three to four hours total.
  • You must meet basic health and weight requirements, and the center will ask about medical conditions and medications during check-in.
  • Weather conditions, wind speed, and cloud cover determine whether jumps happen on any given day, and the center may reschedule you if conditions are unsafe.
  • Video and photo packages are available but cost extra and are not included in the base jump price.

What Happens on Your Jump Day

When you arrive at a GoJump location, you will check in and complete paperwork that includes a liability waiver and health questionnaire. The staff will ask about any medical conditions, injuries, medications, or concerns that might affect your safety during the jump. Be honest on this form — the center uses it to determine whether you can jump that day and to brief your instructor on any special considerations.

After check-in, you will attend a ground training session lasting 20 to 30 minutes. The instructor will explain body position during freefall, how to breathe, what to expect when the parachute opens, and how to land safely. You will practice the exit position and learn hand signals for communicating with your instructor during the jump. This training is straightforward and designed for people with no skydiving background.

Once training is complete, you will be fitted with a jumpsuit, harness, helmet, and goggles. The staff will double-check all equipment and make sure everything fits properly. You will then board the aircraft — usually a small plane that climbs to jump altitude, typically 10,000 to 15,000 feet depending on the location and conditions. The climb takes 15 to 20 minutes.

The Jump Itself and What Freefall Feels Like

When the aircraft reaches jump altitude, the door opens and you and your instructor move into the exit position at the door. The freefall lasts 45 to 60 seconds, during which you fall at about 120 miles per hour. Many people describe the sensation as floating rather than falling because the speed is so high that air pressure supports your body. You will be able to see the ground, feel the wind, and experience the view — though the speed and sensation can be overwhelming at first.

Your instructor will deploy the parachute at a predetermined altitude, usually around 5,000 feet. The parachute opening creates a sudden jolt as it fills with air and slows your descent dramatically. After that, the ride down is much quieter and calmer. You and your instructor will descend under the parachute for five to seven minutes, during which time you can enjoy the view, ask questions, or straightforward take in the experience. The instructor may perform gentle turns or maneuvers if you want them.

Landing happens in a designated drop zone, usually a large open field. Your instructor will guide the parachute toward the landing area and will handle the actual touchdown. You may land on your feet with the instructor's help, or you might land on your back or side — the instructor will brief you on what to expect based on wind conditions that day.

Health Requirements and Medical Restrictions

GoJump has basic health and weight requirements for safety reasons. Weight limits vary by location but typically range from 250 to 300 pounds, depending on the instructor's size and the equipment being used. You must be in reasonably good health — the center will ask about heart conditions, back or neck injuries, recent surgery, pregnancy, and other medical issues during check-in.

Some conditions do not automatically disqualify you but require medical clearance. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, or a history of seizures, tell the staff during check-in. They may ask you to provide a doctor's note or may decide the jump is not safe for you that day. The center takes these restrictions seriously because the physical stress of freefall and the G-forces during parachute deployment can affect people with certain conditions.

Age requirements also explore — most locations require you to be at least 18 years old, though some may allow younger jumpers with parental consent. There is no upper age limit as long as you meet the health requirements.

Weather and Scheduling Considerations

Skydiving is weather-dependent, and GoJump will not jump if conditions are unsafe. Wind speed is the primary factor — jumps typically do not happen if ground winds exceed 15 to 20 miles per hour, depending on the location. Cloud cover also matters; the center needs to see the landing area clearly from altitude. Rain or storms will cancel jumps for the day.

When you book a jump, you are reserving a time slot, but the actual jump may be rescheduled if weather is poor. Most centers allow you to reschedule for another day at no extra charge if weather cancels your jump. Some locations offer a weather may provide where you can jump within a certain timeframe or receive a refund. Check the specific policy at the location where you are booking.

The best time to jump is typically early morning when winds are calmer and visibility is clearer. If you book an afternoon slot and weather deteriorates, you may be moved to an earlier time or asked to return another day.

Cost and What Is Included

The base tandem jump price at GoJump varies by location but typically ranges from $200 to $350. This price includes the jump itself, ground training, all equipment rental, the aircraft ride, and instructor fees. The exact price depends on the location, altitude, and current promotions.

Video and photo packages are not included in the base price and cost extra — usually $50 to $150 depending on what you want. Some packages include a helmet camera video, still photos taken by the instructor, or aerial photos taken by a separate camera flyer. If you want a record of your jump, ask about these options when you book or arrive for your jump.

Some locations offer group discounts or package deals if you are jumping with friends. Check the specific location's website or call ahead to ask about current pricing and any available discounts.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Wear comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting dirty — you will be wearing a jumpsuit over your clothes, but dirt and grass stains happen during landing. Avoid loose jewelry, sunglasses without a strap, or anything that could fall out of your pockets during freefall. The center will provide a helmet and goggles, so you do not need to bring those.

Eat a light meal before your jump but not when ready before — you want energy but not a full stomach. Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol the night before and the morning of your jump. Get a good night's sleep if possible, as the experience is physically and mentally demanding.

Bring a valid photo ID and any medical documentation if you have a condition the center asked about during booking. Arrive 15 to 30 minutes early to allow time for check-in and paperwork. If you are nervous, that is completely normal — tell your instructor, and they will work with you to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I am afraid of heights or have anxiety about jumping?

Fear of heights is common among skydivers, and instructors are trained to work with nervous jumpers. The experience of freefall often feels different from standing on a tall building because you cannot see straight down — you see mostly sky and horizon. Tell your instructor about your anxiety during training, and they will help you through it. Many people who are afraid of heights report that the jump was less scary than they expected.

Can I wear glasses or contacts during the jump?

Contacts are safer than glasses because glasses can fall off during freefall. If you wear contacts, keep them in — they will stay in place because your eyes are closed or squinted during the jump. If you wear glasses, the center will provide a helmet with a visor that may accommodate them, but ask about this when you book. Some people choose to jump without correction and accept blurry vision for the experience.

How long does the entire experience take?

Plan for three to four hours from arrival to departure. This includes check-in (15 to 30 minutes), ground training (20 to 30 minutes), gearing up (10 to 15 minutes), the aircraft ride and jump (30 to 45 minutes total), and landing and paperwork (15 to 20 minutes). Weather delays or a busy schedule at the center can extend this time.

What happens if the parachute does not open?

Tandem parachutes have a backup system called a reserve parachute that deploys automatically if the main parachute fails. The instructor also has manual controls to deploy the reserve if needed. Parachute failures are extremely rare in modern skydiving, and the backup systems are regularly inspected and maintained. Your instructor will brief you on these systems during ground training.

Can I bring someone to watch my jump?

Yes, friends and family can watch from the ground at the drop zone. They cannot go up in the aircraft, but they can see you land and will be there when you return. Some locations have viewing areas or allow spectators to watch the landing. Call ahead to ask about spectator policies at your specific location.