FAQ
Most people have lots of questions they can't wait to ask us.
Here are answers to the most common ones....
Related Info
How do I tell a good Drop Zone from poor one?
Where can I try Skysurfing or BASE jumping?
"How do you breathe in freefall?" and
other Whuffo questions
Movie Myths
Appendix of skydiving terms
What
are the age requirements?
You must be at least 18 years of age to make
a skydive at Skydive Jersey Shore. There are no exceptions to this
requirement.
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What
are the physical requirements?
We evaluate each student on an individual
basis.In general, you should be in reasonably good physical shape,
this *is* a sport after all. Problems may arise where a prospect
is too heavy (over ~220lbs) or if they have medical conditions
which may impair them during the activity. Very few people have
medical or physical conditions which actually preclude jumping.
If you have a question, ask your doctor. You may be surprised at
the relatively few physical constraints involved.
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How
much does it cost?
Skydive Jersey Shore's prices are as follows:
- Tandem (Monday - Friday) - $195.00 / $185.00 (cash)
- Tandem (Saturday/Sunday) - $215.00 / $205.00 (cash)
- AFF Level 1-7 Skydives - Class
$85.00 / Jumps $190.00
*Pease call for further details.
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Will
I have to sign a waiver?
Yes. Everyone at Skydive Jersey Shore is required
to sign a waiver. Tandem students sign an additional waiver releasing
Tandem equipment manufacturers from liability. Skydiving is not
an amusement park ride. Nothing can guarantee that if you jump from
a plane you won't get hurt. Skydiving can seriously injure or kill
you. On the bright side, Accidents are extremely rare in skydiving
(about 1 in 80,000 jumps, and we do everything possible to ensure
your safety. See our safety page and ask
us about our safety record.
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What
if the weather is bad?
High winds, low clouds, or rain may prevent
us from jumping, but classes are held regardless of the weather.
This way you'll be prepared to jump right away if we have to reschedule
you.
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How
long does it take?
The tandem class is under an hour. After your
class you will get on the first available skydive. Waiting times
can vary greatly depending on business and weather. We'll try to
get you on your way as soon as possible, but we ask that you be prepared to spend the whole day with us. Feel free to bring Frisbees,
soccer balls, etc. We appreciate your patience and work hard to
get everyone in the air as fast as possible.
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What
should I wear?
Dress comfortably for the weather on the
day of your skydive. Shorts and T-Shirts are fine for warm weather.
We provide jumpsuits to protect your clothing. Please wear sneakers,
no boots allowed.
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If I wear contacts or glasses?
No problem, we have goggles that will fit
over your glasses.
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Will
I get sick?
If you don't suffer from motion sickness
normally, it is unlikely that skydiving will make you nauseous.
Be sure to be well rested and eat a healthy breakfast. You'll be
much more likely to get sick if your stomach is empty.
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What
if I chicken out?
It doesn't happen very often, but it's your decision
to jump or not to. Nobody will ever force you to jump, and we'll
gladly land the plane with you inside it. If you decide not to jump
before you are geared up, we'll be happy to give you a refund.
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What
if your parachute doesn't open?
Clearly, this is the most Frequently-Asked-Question
posed by all prospective jumpers. By law (FAA regulations), all
intentional parachute jumps must be made with a single harness,
dual parachute system with both a main canopy *AND* a reserve canopy.
In other words, you have a second (or spare) canopy in case the
first one fails to open properly. However, it must be noted that
the technology utilized in today's sport parachuting equipment is
light years ahead of the old military surplus gear used in the '60s
and '70s. The canopies are DRASTICALLY different from the classic
G.I. Joe round parachutes. The materials are stronger, lighter and
last longer, the packing procedures are simpler, the deployment
sequence is much more refined, etc. The reserve canopies are even
more carefully designed and packed. The reserve parachute must be
inspected and repacked every 120 days by an FAA rated parachute
Rigger - even if it has not been used during that time. The student's
main canopy is always packed either by a rigger or under a rigger's
direct supervision by experienced packers. There are also additional
safety features employed to ensure canopy deployment such as Automatic
Activation Devices (AAD) and Reserve Static Lines (RSL) which add
still more layers of safety. Check out our Safety
Page
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How fast do you
fall?
When you leave the aircraft, you are moving
horizontally at the same speed as the aircraft, typically 90-110MPH.
During the first 10 seconds, a skydiver accelerates up to about
115-130MPH straight down. (A tandem pair uses a drogue chute to
keep them from falling much faster than this). It is possible to
change your body position to vary your rate of fall. In a standard
face-to-earth position, you can change your fall rate up or down
a few (10-20) miles per hour. However, by diving or "standing
up" in freefall, any experienced skydiver can learn to reach
speeds of over 160-180MPH. Speeds of over 200MPH require significant
practice to achieve. The record freefall speed, done without any
special equipment, is 321MPH. Obviously, it is desirable to slow
back down to 110MPH before parachute opening. Once under parachute,
decent rates of 1000ft./min. are typical. A lighter student with
a bigger canopy may come down much more slowly, and, obviously,
a heavier person may have a somewhat faster decent. Experienced
jumper's canopies descend (in normal glide) at up to 1500ft./min.
During radical turns, the decent rate can go well over 2000ft./min.
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How
hard is the landing?
The canopies used today bear little resemblance
to the classic round canopies of years gone by. Today, nearly all
jumpers and jump schools use "square" canopies for parachuting.
These canopies are actually rectangular in shape, and when open,
act like an airplane wing (or an airfoil). They are more like gliders
than umbrellas. The aerodynamics of the square canopy provide it
with exceptional maneuverability, allowing the jumpers to land almost
anywhere they wish. This wing shape also provides tippy-toe soft
landings for even the novice jumper. The days of landing like a
sack of flour are history. Most students land standing up on their
first jump.
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Should I tip my instructor?
Tipping is not expected, but is always greatly
appreciated. If you feel your instructor or pilot has done an especially
good job, let them know about it. Everyone at Skydive Jersey
Shore works hard to help make your first jump safe and enjoyable.
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Related Information
How
do I tell a good Drop Zone from poor one?
Most Drop Zones that provide regular student
training are "USPA Affiliated". The United
States Parachute Association (USPA) is the representative body
for sport parachuting within the US, and a member of the FAI (the
international equivalent). The USPA defends the sport's interests
before the FAA and other regulating/lawmaking bodies at all levels
of government. It also develops and monitors safety and training
doctrine for the sport. Other benefits include liability insurance
for students and DZs in the case of damage to property, the monthly
magazine "Parachutist", etc. The USPA has had tremendous
success instituting rating programs for Jumpmasters, Instructors,
and Instructor-Examiners to ensure that only properly trained and
qualified personnel work with students. You should insist on USPA
Instructors and Jumpmasters. Do not be afraid to ask to see your
Instructor or Jumpmaster's rating card. It should show the appropriate
rating and expiration date. USPA affiliation is not required,
and does not *guarantee* a DZ to be a "good" DZ, and non-affiliation
does not mean the DZ is "bad". However, the USPA, through
their diligence and caution, has compiled an excellent safety record
over the years. Skydive Jersey Shore is proud to be a USPA Group
Member. Check out our Safety Page
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Where
can I try Skysurfing or BASE jumping?
You can't -- unless you're already a very
experienced skydiver. "Skysurfing" or "Skyboarding" refers to skydiving with a small board, similar to snowboard, attached
to your feet. This allows for some radical maneuvers in freefall.
However, such jumps should only be attempted by expert skydivers,and
preferably after long discussion with one of many skysurfers who
have experience. Some board manufacturers and experienced sky surfers
offer instructional classes or videotapes. BASE jumping involves
jumping off of fixed objects (like Buildings, Antennas,Spans (bridges),
or Earth (cliffs)), and landing under a parachute. While being an
expert skydiver isn't an absolute requirement, you need a great
deal of experience in parachute packing, canopy control, quick reflexes,
and body position awareness before this can be attempted with any
real safety. Start with skydiving, and then go from there. Furthermore,
there are very few places where one may BASE jump legally, as most
locations are private property.
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"How
do you breathe in freefall?" and other Whuffo Questions
"How do you breath in freefall?"
Through genetically developed gills. This falls
into the realm of urban folklore. One CAN breathe in freefall
- if it were necessary. However, due to the high speed of terminal
freefall (and much higher speeds in vertical freefall dives),
the jumper's body is exposed to O2 molecules at a much higher
rate than someone walking around on the ground. The body is able
to absorb the necessary O2 through the skin. This is why jumpers
flap their cheeks in freefall, it presents a larger surface area
to the air stream for oxygen osmosis. Once under canopy, the jumper
resumes breathing normally. This is also why jumpers do not jump
on cloudy days or when they might risk going through clouds. The
moisture in the clouds can condense on their exposed skin surfaces
preventing the absorption of the necessary oxygen resulting in
suffocation. AADs are recommended for jumpers in climates where
weather is a factor.
- "Don't your ears pop on the
way down?"
"Yes, we're not ignoring you, we're deaf."
- What if you have to go the bathroom
in the plane?"
"Go ahead!"
- "Can you steer your parachute?"
"No, one time I landed in Jamaica."
- "Does it hurt?"
"Yes, that's why we jump all the time!
Masochism!"
- "What if your parachute doesn't
open?"
"Gee, I never thought of that..."
- "Why do you jump?"
"Why do *you* breathe?"
- "Where do you jump?"
"O'Hare, Midway, LAX, Dulles, where ever
I happen to be."
- "How many times can you jump
in one day?"
"I'll be happy to answer that for
$18."
- "Who packs your parachute?"
"My ex-wife."
- "What's the longest amount
of time you can free fall?"
"Until the ground stops you."
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Movie
Myths
- Myth #1: Freefall conversation.
Talking in Freefall is virtually impossible. The wind is too loud.
- Myth #2: 4 minute freefalls.
Without taking Oxygen on the plane with you, freefall time is
limited to about 80 seconds on a single jump.
- Myth #3: First-jump freefall acrobatics
Learning to fall stable and to fly while in freefall takes practice
-- it's not realistic to do this on your first jump.
- Myth #4: Low-pull contests
This virtually never happens. Everyone tends to deploy around
2000-2500. Skydivers fall at about 5.5 sec/thousand feet.
- Myth #5: Diving out and catching
someone without a parachute
Stunts similar to this have been done, however, it almost impossible
to hold onto someone during the opening shock of the parachute
when at terminal velocity.
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Appendix
of Skydiving Abbreviations, Terms, and Colloquialisms
AAD Abbr. n, "Automatic Activation
Device". A altitude sensing device used to automatically activate
the opening sequence for a parachute. Most commonly refers to their
application to sport reserve parachutes, but also used in other
non-sport scenarios such as ejection seats, etc.
AFF Abbr. n, "Accelerated FreeFall".
A training program for first jump students where the skydiving skills
development rate is accelerated over that of the older static line
program.
Boogie n, A gathering of jumpers
for the purposes of jumping and socializing. Typically, boogies
will have large aircraft, unusual aircraft (balloons, helicopters),
special events (record attempts), or some sort of competition as
a focal point to attract jumpers from widely diverse regions.
Bounce Colloquialism v, term for
landing, after freefall, without the aid of a parachute. Also: hammer
in, frappe, go in, burn in.
Canopy n, parachute.
Chop v, see "cut away"
CFS Abbr., "Canopy Formation
Skydiving". The new "official" term for a discipline
of skydiving in which jumpers *under canopy* fly their parachutes
together to form various formations. However, most skydivers still
refer to it as "CRW". (See CRW.)
CRW Abbr., "Canopy Relative
Work". Describes the maneuvering done by jumpers *under canopy*
to fly their parachutes together to form various formations. Sometimes
referred to as CReW (Crew). See CFS.
Cut away v, To release an improperly
functioning parachute, before deploying a backup parachute. From
the dark ages when parachute lines had to be literally cut in order
to release them.
DZ Abbr. n, "Drop Zone".
A place where parachuting operations take place. This is may be
a designated area, or frequently, a commercial business which supplies
aircraft, instruction, gear sales and services.
Flare v, to pull down on both of
the canopy's steering toggles in order to lower decent rate and
forward speed just prior to landing. The forward speed is traded-off
for lift. A flare performed too late has no effect, a flare performed
too early can result in a stall in which the canopy looses forward
speed and drops straight down. A correctly performed flare results
in an exceptionally soft landing.
FS Abbr., "Formation Skydiving".
The new "official" term for a discipline of skydiving
in which two or more jumpers fly relative to each other *in freefall*
in order to form various formations. However, most skydivers refer
to it as Relative Work, or "RW." (See RW.)
Free Fly v. A discipline of skydiving in which the jumper falls
sitting, standing, or on their head (also known as "head down")
Hook turn n, A high-speed turn with
either the steering toggles or the front risers performed at very
low altitude in order to build up speed before landing. See "turf
surf."
JM Abbr. n, "JumpMaster".
A jumper trained and certified to supervise students and/or novices
during their jump.main n, the primary parachute.
Main n, The primary parachute. This
parachute is the one all skydivers intend to use.
Mal n, Short for "malfunction",
hopefully referring only to the main parachute.
Malvina n, Also short for "malfunction"
- "whoaa!"
Opening shock n, The force experienced
by the jumper due to the sudden deceleration from terminal velocity
due to the deployment of a parachute. Also what many skydivers experience
when the window shade is opened before 8 am.
Parachute n, An aerodynamic deceleration
device. (Federal Aviation Administration)
RW Abbr., "Relative Work".
Describes the freefall maneuvering whereby two or more jumpers fly
relative to each other *in freefall* in order to form various formations.
See FS.
Reserve n, the secondary, or backup,
parachute.
Round n, a class of parachutes designed
to simply decelerate a body in a fluid medium. The classic parachute.
Square n, a class of parachutes designed to inflate and take the
shape of an airfoil. These are more accurately rectangular in shape
and are semi-rigid wings.
SkyGod n, We've heard about these, but have never actually seen
one. We're not sure how to identify one properly.
Turf surf v, (also, to "surf
it") a high-speed style of landing. The jumper builds up speed
(see Hook Turn) and then flares mere moments before touchdown, resulting
in a spectacular landing in which the jumper skims mere inches above
the ground at 30-40mph, for up to 100 yards. Or, if the jumper flares
too late, resulting in a spectacular landing in which the jumper
impacts the ground, leading to medical bills, orthopedic surgery,
and/or death. Attempt this maneuver at your own risk!
USPA Abbr. n, "United States
Parachute Association".
Whuffo Colloquialism, n, A person
who is not a skydiver (from the often-asked phrase "Whuffo
you jump out of them airplanes?").
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