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THE THRILL OF TANDEM SKYDIVING EXPLAINED

Two people tandem skydiving from a plane labeled 'Skydive New Zealand' above a scenic landscape.

What if the part of skydiving that scares most people – the idea of plummeting through the sky – is nothing like that? The first part of the skydiving journey doesn’t start with the jump, but with calm instructions and preparations on the ground. Getting you ready for your first skydive is about building confidence, learning the basics, and easing you into the adventure one step at a time. 

It turns out that you only need to remember one simple body position: the “arch.” Your instructor will guide you to create a gentle ‘banana’ shape, a body position that creates a stable platform when your body is in freefall. This posture is the main physical requirement for a tandem skydive, and it’s so easy you can even try it on your living room floor. 

Your safety comes first, starting with a secure dual-harness system that connects you to your highly trained instructor. Once you’re clipped in, your role becomes wonderfully simple: follow a few easy instructions while your tandem master handles every technical detail and guides you through the jump. With their expertise taking care of the complex parts, those early nerves quickly give way to a feeling of pure freedom.  

Parachutist landing on grass near buildings under clear blue sky.

The Science of Safety: Understanding Your Gear and Your Instructor 

The biggest question most people have is simple: “Is it safe?” The answer lies in a system of backups. Every tandem skydiving rig holds two separate parachutes. Your instructor is highly trained to deploy the main parachute (Plan A). In the extremely rare event of an issue, they can release it and deploy a separate reserve parachute (Plan B). 

For ultimate peace of mind, a final layer of technology acts as a failsafe. A tiny, sophisticated computer called an Automatic Activation Device (AAD) constantly monitors your altitude and speed. If for any reason you are too low without a parachute open, it automatically deploys the reserve parachute for you. 

Of course, the most important safety feature is your instructor and you can rest assured that Skydive Abel Tasman Tandem instructors are trained, professionals that completed a rigorous training program and certification.  

Two people tandem skydiving over a coastal landscape with a clear blue sky.

The Truth About Freefall: Why It Feels Like Flying, Not Falling 

Most people picture freefall as that stomach-in-your-throat feeling of a roller coaster ride. In reality, that sensation only lasts for a few seconds. Your body quickly reaches its maximum speed, a point called terminal velocity. Here, the upward push of the wind matches the downward pull of gravity. The result is a feeling of being supported, almost like you’re floating on a powerful cushion of air, and not plummeting through it as could be imagined. 

To ensure this experience is smooth and stable, your tandem instructor deploys a small parachute called a drogue right after you exit the plane. This drogue acts like a sea anchor, keeping you both stable and at a consistent, controlled speed. It’s the key that ensures your acceleration becomes a graceful, belly-to-earth flight, allowing you to relax and enjoy the ride. 

That first moment is an undeniable rush of wind and sound. But your mind quickly catches up, and the sensory overload transforms into pure exhilaration. You realize you were never falling uncontrollably; but that you are seeing the world from a perspective few ever get to see. 

Two people tandem skydiving with ocean and land visible below under clear blue sky.

From Rush to Serenity: What Happens When the Parachute Opens? 

After the thrilling freefall, your tandem instructor will deploy the main parachute. The moment the parachute opens is one of the most magical transitions in the entire skydiving experience. You’ll feel a surprisingly smooth, upward lift as your speed decreases dramatically. Within seconds, you shift from the thrilling horizontal flying position into a comfortable, upright seat, surrounded by calm air, huge views and a sense of floating. 

One of the most delightful surprises is the sudden, peaceful quiet that surrounds you and as the 193 km/h roar of the wind vanishes, you get to experience the breathtaking panoramic views in near silence. This part of the tandem jump shifts from adrenaline to pure awe feeling more like settling into the world’s most scenic swing set as you float gently back to earth. 

With the noise gone, you can easily chat with your instructor. They’ll point out landmarks, and many will even offer you the chance to take the controls and help steer the parachute. As you carve gentle turns through the sky, your focus shifts toward the final step: coming back to earth for a soft landing. 

Two skydivers landing on grass with a yellow parachute, sunset in the background.

Coming Back to Earth: How Instructors Ensure a Soft and Simple Landing 

The final approach to the ground is all about precision and calm control. Your tandem instructor will guide the parachute with small, practiced movements to create a soft, gentle landing. The landing isn’t dramatic – it’s smooth, measured, and the perfect finish to an unforgettable experience.  

To do this, your instructor will “flare” the parachute by pulling down on the steering lines. This action acts like a brake, slowing your forward speed and giving you a moment of lift right before you touch the ground. The result is a significant slowdown that makes contact with the earth incredibly gentle and predictable. 

When the time is right, your instructor will ask that you lift your legs. This allows your instructor to touch down first and guide you both into a simple and safe slide landing. Most people describe it as sliding into home plate, but far slower and much softer. You’ll be laughing and celebrating before you’re even back on your feet. 

Tandem skydivers land with a colorful parachute on an open grassy field.

You’ve Landed: Is the Thrill of Skydiving Right for You? 

Before reading this, skydiving might’ve seemed like an impossible leap. You now understand the reality behind the thrill: the supportive feeling of freefall, the layers implemented to ensure you are safe, and the structured journey to prepare you and get you back on a lifetime high. It’s no longer just a vague concept of an adrenaline rush, but a process you can confidently envision. 

The Skydiving experience synthesizes into three core moments you can expect: 

  • The surprising sensation of flying on a cushion of air. 
  • A quiet, scenic parachute ride with breathtaking panoramic views. 
  • The deep satisfaction of overcoming a fear of jumping from a plane. 

Hopefully this caused a spark of curiosity in you, and you are ready to move from being a spectator to someone who says ‘carpe diem’.  Imagine you ticked off skydiving from your list of all the amazing things you’ve done in life. Choose your height and book online on Skydive Abel Tasman. Be sure to check out our other bases at Skydive Mt Cook and Skydive Franz & Fox Glacier.  

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