Skydiving feels big and it should.
But behind every jump is a system designed to keep you safe, informed, and confident from the moment you arrive, to the moment you land.
At Skydive Franz & Fox, safety isn’t the fine print, it’s part of the experience.
Is Skydiving Safe?
Yes. Tandem skydiving is a highly controlled and regulated activity in New Zealand, designed specifically for first-time jumpers.
You’re securely harnessed to a trained instructor who manages the technical side of the jump, supported by multiple backup systems and strict safety procedures.
That said, like any adventure activity, skydiving involves real risks and it’s important you understand them before you jump.
For a deeper look at the safety of skydiving, check out this blog article.
How We Keep You Safe
Your skydive is built around preparation, process, and people.
We operate under Skydive New Zealand and The Inflite Group’s company-wide safety systems, including:
- Structured safety checks before every jump
- Highly trained tandem instructors
- Continuous weather monitoring and conservative decision-making
- Aircraft and equipment maintained to strict aviation standards
Safety isn’t just gear, it’s everything that happens before you even step onto the plane.
What to Expect on the Day
Before your jump, we’ll guide you through:
- A simple safety briefing
- Gear fitting and checks
- What to do during exit, freefall and landing
You’re never expected to manage the jump yourself, your instructor takes care of every technical part of the experience.
Understanding the Risks
Is skydiving risk-free?
No, skydiving is an extreme activity, and while incidents are rare, there is always a level of risk involved.
These risks can include:
- Injury during landing or exit
- Unexpected 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.
Air Pressure & Your Body
During your skydive, your body will experience rapid changes in altitude and air pressure.
This can cause:
- Ear popping or discomfort (similar to flying)
- Sinus pressure during descent
In rare cases, if you’re unable to equalise pressure (especially if you’re unwell), it can result in pain or injury.
If you have a cold, flu, or congestion, we strongly recommend rescheduling your jump.
Conditions & Operational Decisions
Safety always comes before schedule.
This means:
- Your instructor may delay or refuse a jump if conditions aren’t right
- We may limit altitude due to temperature or environmental factors
- We may cancel or reschedule operations at any time
These decisions are made to protect you even if it’s disappointing in the moment.
During the Flight
Once the aircraft is in the air, safety decisions continue.
If:
- You choose not to jump, or
- You’re unable to follow instructions
Your instructor may decide to abort the jump and return to the ground.
If this happens after take-off for safety reasons, the jump is considered used and no refund will apply. If the aircraft is required to land due to weather or operational issues, you will be refunded or rescheduled.
Your Role in a Safe Skydive
We take care of the technical side, but your behaviour still matters.
When you skydive with us you agree to:
- Follow all instructions from your instructor
- Stay aware and responsive during the experience
- Act in a way that does not put yourself or others at risk
Skydiving works best when we’re all focused on the same thing: a safe, unforgettable experience.
Health & Medical Considerations
Before booking, you should make sure skydiving is right for you.
- You must be physically fit to participate
- Our team are not medical professionals and cannot assess individual conditions
- You should seek medical advice if you have concerns
Conditions that may increase risk include:
- Heart or respiratory issues
- Neck, back, or joint injuries
- Ear or sinus conditions
As part of you accepting our risk disclosure you confirm that you are fit to skydive and able to participate safely.
If needed, our team will provide basic first aid, but you are responsible for your health and suitability.
Travelling to New Zealand?
If you’re visiting from overseas, we strongly recommend having comprehensive travel insurance, including medical cover, before undertaking your skydive.
Final Word
Skydiving is one of those experiences you’ll never forget and it’s designed to be done safely.
With the right preparation, the right people, and the right systems in place, you can step out of your comfort zone with confidence.
Ready to jump?
If you’ve got questions about safety or what to expect, our team is here to help.