Safety at Skydive Abel Tasman

How safe is Tandem Skydiving in New Zealand?

Tandem skydiving in New Zealand is a highly controlled, regulated activity designed specifically for first-time jumpers. You’re securely harnessed to a qualified instructor who manages every technical part of the jump, supported by strict safety procedures and multiple backup systems.

That structure is what allows the experience to feel simple on your side.

But like any adventure activity, skydiving isn’t risk-free. It’s important to understand that while incidents are incredibly rare, there is always a level of risk involved.

Our role is to reduce that risk as far as possible.

Your role is to understand it.

 

How We Keep You Safe

Every jump here is built around three things: preparation, people, and process.

• Thorough safety checks before every flight
• Highly trained tandem instructors with extensive experience
• Continuous weather monitoring and conservative decision-making
• Aircraft and equipment maintained to strict aviation standards
• Clear, simple safety briefings before you jump

You’re never expected to manage the skydive yourself.

We guide you through the small things to make the experience better for yourself – and take care of everything else.

 

What to Expect Before You Jump

Before you even get near the aircraft, we’ll walk you through:

• How your gear works and how it fits
• What happens during exit, freefall, and landing
• The few simple things we’ll ask you to do during the skydive
• What your instructor will handle for you

It’s designed to feel clear, calm, and easy to follow – even if this is your very first jump.

 

Understanding the Risks

Skydiving is an incredible experience, but it is still an extreme activity.

Risks can include:

• Injury during exit or landing
• Changes in weather conditions
• Equipment or operational issues (rare)
• Physical strain from parachute deployment or landing

Modern equipment, training, and procedures significantly reduce these risks – but they cannot be removed entirely.

 

Medical & Health Considerations for Skydiving

As you climb to altitude and descend back to earth, your body experiences changes in air pressure – similar to flying in aircraft, but more noticeable.

You may feel:

• Ears “popping”
• Sinus pressure during descent

In rare cases, if you are unable to equalise pressure, this can lead to pain or injury.

To help prevent this:

• You’ll be shown how to equalise your ears (such as the Valsalva technique)
• It’s your responsibility to actively do this during descent
• If you have a cold, flu, or congestion, you should reschedule your jump

Choosing to jump while unwell increases the risk of discomfort or injury, especially from higher altitudes.

 

Conditions & Operational Decisions

Out here in the Abel Tasman region, conditions change rapidly. Our team monitors Nelson and Tasman weather patterns in real-time to ensure every jump is conducted within safe operating limits.

That means:

• Your instructor may delay or refuse a jump at any time
• We may limit jump altitude due to temperature or environmental factors
• We may suspend or cancel operations at our discretion

If your jump is rescheduled, it will depend on availability.

These decisions are made to protect you – even if it means changing plans.

 

During the Flight

Once you’re in the air, your instructor continues to assess conditions in real-time.

After takeoff, if you choose not to jump or are unable or unwilling to follow your instructor’s safety instructions, your instructor may abort the skydive and return with you on the aircraft. If this happens for safety-related reasons, no refund will be issued.

If the aircraft lands due to weather or operational conditions, a full refund will be provided.

 

Jumping Together

We’ll always do our best to keep groups together. However, aircraft loading and safe operation come first – so this isn’t always possible.

 

Cameras & Media 

Our camera systems operate in extreme conditions, and occasionally equipment can fail.

If we’re unable to provide your full media package, you may:

• Receive a partial product at a reduced rate, or
• Receive a full refund for the media purchased

 

Your Responsibility

Before your skydive, we ask that you:

• Confirm you are physically fit to participate
• Seek medical advice if you have any conditions that may affect your jump
• Inform us of anything that could impact your safety

By jumping, you agree that:

• You will follow all instructions from your instructor
• You understand the risks involved
• You accept responsibility for participating in the activity

If you are unable or unwilling to follow safety instructions, your instructor may decide not to proceed with your jump.

 

Medical & First Aid

By taking part, you agree that:

• You are physically able to skydive
• You have not been advised otherwise by a medical professional
• You consent to receiving first aid if required during your experience

If you are unsure about any medical condition, it’s your responsibility to speak with a qualified professional before your jump. Some of the medical conditions that may increase your risk include heart and respiratory issues, neck, back and joint injuries, ear or sinus conditions.

 

Travel Insurance (For Visitors) 

If you are visiting New Zealand, we strongly recommend having comprehensive travel insurance, including cover for medical treatment.

 

One Simple Way to Think About It 

Skydiving feels like freedom – but it works because of its structure.

A system of checks.

Clear decisions.

Experienced people making the call when it matters.

That’s what allows you to stand at the door, look out over golden beaches and turquoise water… and just jump into an adventure you’ll never forget.