Skydive Arizona operates from two locations and requires tandem jumpers to meet specific age and weight requirements

Skydive Arizona runs drop zones in Eloy and Phoenix, Arizona. The company offers tandem skydiving, where you jump attached to an instructor, as well as solo progression courses for people who want to learn to skydive independently. Most first-time jumpers choose tandem because no prior experience is needed.

To jump tandem at Skydive Arizona, you must be at least 18 years old and weigh between 90 and 230 pounds. Weight limits exist because the parachute system and harness are sized for specific body weights — jumping outside that range affects how the equipment performs during freefall and landing. If you fall outside these limits, ask Skydive Arizona directly whether they can accommodate you, as some facilities have alternative equipment.

Skydive Arizona requires you to sign a liability waiver before jumping. This is a legal document that explains the risks of skydiving and states that you accept those risks. You cannot jump without signing it, and you cannot sign it on behalf of someone else — each person must sign their own.

Key Takeaways

  • Skydive Arizona has drop zones in Eloy and Phoenix, and tandem jumpers must be 18 or older and weigh between 90 and 230 pounds.
  • Tandem jumps pair you with an instructor who handles the parachute and landing while you experience freefall.
  • You will need to sign a liability waiver in person before your jump, and the company may ask for a government-issued ID.
  • Prices and jump times vary by location and season, so contact the drop zone directly for current rates and availability.
  • Skydive Arizona offers progression courses for people who want to earn their solo skydiving certification over multiple jumps.

What happens during a tandem jump at Skydive Arizona

A tandem jump at Skydive Arizona follows a standard sequence. You arrive at the drop zone, complete paperwork and the liability waiver, and receive a safety briefing from your instructor. The briefing covers body position during freefall, how to communicate with your instructor, and what to expect during parachute deployment and landing.

You then put on a jumpsuit and harness. Your instructor fits the harness to your body and checks all attachment points. You walk to the aircraft together, board with other jumpers and instructors, and climb to jump altitude — typically 10,000 to 15,000 feet, depending on conditions and the package you purchased. The climb takes 15 to 20 minutes.

At jump altitude, the door opens. You and your instructor move to the door, and on the count of three, you exit the aircraft. Freefall lasts 45 to 60 seconds. Your instructor deploys the parachute, and you spend 5 to 7 minutes under the canopy descending to the landing zone. The entire experience from exit to landing is roughly 10 to 15 minutes of actual time in the air.

Tandem versus solo progression courses

Tandem skydiving is a single jump where you are attached to an instructor the entire time. You do not need prior training, and most people complete their first tandem jump on the same day they arrive at the drop zone. Tandem is the most common choice for people trying skydiving for the first time.

Solo progression courses teach you to skydive independently. These programs require multiple jumps over several days or weeks. During early jumps, you wear a special harness that allows instructors to hold onto you during freefall and guide your body position. As you progress, you jump with less instructor contact until you are in complete control. Progression courses cost more than a single tandem jump and take longer to complete, but they result in a skydiving certification that allows you to jump at other facilities.

Skydive Arizona offers both options. If you are deciding between them, tandem is faster and requires no prior commitment to the sport, while progression is for people who want to learn to skydive as a skill and continue jumping regularly.

Cost, booking, and what to bring

Tandem jump prices at Skydive Arizona vary by location and season. The Eloy drop zone and the Phoenix location may charge different rates. Prices also change based on how high you jump — a 15,000-foot jump costs more than a 10,000-foot jump because the aircraft uses more fuel to reach altitude. Video and photo packages are usually sold separately.

To book a jump, contact Skydive Arizona directly by phone or through their website. You will need to choose a date, time, and jump altitude. Most drop zones require you to arrive early — typically 1 to 2 hours before your scheduled jump time — to complete paperwork and the safety briefing. Weather can delay or cancel jumps, so ask about the drop zone's weather policy and rescheduling options when you book.

Bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport. Wear comfortable clothes that you do not mind getting dirty — you will change into a jumpsuit at the drop zone. Avoid loose jewelry or items that could fall out of your pockets during freefall. Leave your phone, wallet, and keys in a find location or with someone at the drop zone; they cannot go with you in the aircraft.

Physical and medical considerations

Skydiving is physically demanding. You experience rapid pressure changes, acceleration, and deceleration. People with heart conditions, high blood pressure, back or neck problems, or recent surgery should consult a doctor before jumping. Skydive Arizona may ask about your medical history on the booking form or during your arrival at the drop zone.

Pregnancy is a contraindication for skydiving — most drop zones will not allow pregnant people to jump at any stage of pregnancy. If you are pregnant or think you might be, inform Skydive Arizona before your scheduled jump.

Fear of heights is common among first-time jumpers, and it does not automatically disqualify you. Many people who are afraid of heights complete tandem jumps successfully because the experience is different from standing on a tall building — you are moving fast, focused on your instructor, and the ground is so far away it does not feel real. However, if you have severe anxiety about heights or flying, discuss this with your instructor during the safety briefing so they can help you manage it.

Weather, cancellations, and rescheduling

Skydiving requires specific weather conditions. High winds, low clouds, rain, or lightning can delay or cancel jumps. Wind limits vary by drop zone and aircraft type, but most facilities do not jump when winds exceed 15 to 20 miles per hour at ground level. Cloud cover must be low enough for the pilot to see the landing zone and for jumpers to see the ground during descent.

If weather cancels your jump, Skydive Arizona will reschedule you for another day at no additional cost, or refund your money depending on their policy. Ask about cancellation and rescheduling terms when you book. Weather delays can last hours, so bring entertainment and be prepared to wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be in good physical shape to do a tandem jump?

You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be able to walk, climb stairs, and sit up without information. Your instructor supports most of your weight during the jump, but you need enough strength to exit the aircraft and hold a stable body position during freefall. If you have mobility limitations, contact Skydive Arizona before booking to discuss whether they can accommodate you.

What if I am too nervous to jump once I get to the drop zone?

You can back out at any time before you board the aircraft. Most drop zones will reschedule you or refund your money if you decide not to jump. Once you are in the aircraft, your instructor will not force you to exit — the decision is yours. However, backing out once airborne may result in a fee depending on Skydive Arizona's policy.

Can I bring someone to watch my jump?

Yes. Spectators can usually watch from the drop zone grounds. Some facilities offer viewing areas or allow spectators to watch the landing zone. Ask Skydive Arizona whether spectators are permitted at your scheduled jump time and whether there are any restrictions on where they can stand.

How long does the entire experience take from arrival to landing?

Plan for 3 to 4 hours total. This includes check-in, paperwork, safety briefing, gearing up, the aircraft climb, the jump itself, and landing. Weather delays can extend this time. Ask Skydive Arizona for their typical timeline when you book.

Will I get video or photos of my jump?

Skydive Arizona offers video and photo packages, but these are usually sold separately from the jump itself and cost extra. Video is typically recorded by a camera-equipped instructor who exits the aircraft with you. Ask about available packages and pricing when you book, and decide whether you want to purchase them before your jump date.