General First Jump Questions:  
 
Do I have to be 18?
YES.  Recent changes to the United States Parachute Association require all tandem passengers to be 18 years of age.  You also need to be 18 to sign our waiver as a binding contract.  You also must be 18 years of age to participate in AFF or Static Line Jumps.
 
Do I have to sign a waiver?
Yes, everyone signs a waiver of liability for Skydive Coastal Carolinas. You must be 18 years of age to sign such a contract, and as a result, you generally must be 18 years of age to skydive.
 
Should I do a Tandem jump, an AFF jump, or Static Line Jump?
We think that ANY skydive is a good one to do! Accelerated Freefall (AFF) is more for those that really want to learn all they can about skydiving. In static line training there is no freefall until your 6th jump.  
Tandem Jumps are more of an introduction, but do count towards your future training. If you only plan to make one jump ever, we recommend a tandem. If you think you might become a regular skydiver and pursue the sport, then try an AFF.
 
What kind of clothes should I wear?
You should wear comfortable sneakers and clothes appropriate for the season; shorts and a T-shirt on a hot day are fine and if it is a colder day, long pants and a comfortable long sleeve shirt. We have jumpsuits and goggles available for you.
 
What about if I wear glasses or contacts?
No problem, we supply goggles for everyone that jumps and they will fit over your glasses or keep your contacts in.  Bring an extra pair just in case though.
 
What if I am too old or in poor physical condition?
We look at people individually to assess their ability. We may not be able to take you if your weight exceeds 220 pounds, or you are in poor health. We have taken people as old as 90 years of age and have a lot of experience with paraplegics and quadriplegics. Skydiving is a very physical activity, and we will not let you jump if we do not feel that it is safe for you to do so.
 
How hard will I land?
'Ram-Air' (square) parachutes these days fly like airplanes or gliders and sail through the air. They can slow down a great deal, so most of our landings are soft stand-up landings or sometimes we 'sit-down' when landing. Very hard landings are extremely rare and injuries are even more rare.
 
Do you jump in all weather?
No, we will not be jumping when it is raining, very windy or when the clouds are lower than 9,000 feet.  We still can do your training, that way you can be ready to jump right away if you have to come back another day. Weather can cause unexpected delays, so please be patient, we will try to get you in the air as quickly and safely as possible.
 
What other extra costs are involved?
None. Our prices include everything you need to make the jump that you are paying for. Also, there is no tax on jumps. The optional items that are an extra cost to you are videos, pictures, and t-shirts.
 
Are customers expected to tip their instructors and pilots?
No, tipping is not required nor expected, but of course, it is always appreciated if you feel they did a great job.


Tandem Questions:
 
How old & what weight do I need to be?
 
Tandem Passengers must be 18 years of age. You must also weigh less than 220lbs to do a tandem. While it is possible to take somewhat heavier persons, it can be at a much higher risk and can be very uncomfortable for the ride down (an extra charge will be added for persons over 220lbs) . Many factors determine whether we can take you for a tandem skydive.
 
What is the training for Tandem?
You will be briefed on what tandem skydives are all about and how to perform during a normal tandem jump. After this is complete we will brief you on the equipment, the freefall, canopy control and landing. Then we will get you on an airplane as soon as possible.
 
How long will this all take?
This initial formality usually takes about 30- 45 minutes. With the training, preparation, aircraft ride, jump, and video dubbing, you should plan on being here for about 1/2 a day. Usually, we will have you on your way home in 2-3 hours.
 
After I have completed my tandem skydive what's next?
If you wish to continue to learn how to skydive, then Skydive Coastal Carolinas has an excellent staff on hand to teach you how to solo skydive through programs called AFF (Accelerated Freefall) or static line.
 
Do I have to do a tandem skydive for my first jump?
No, you can start right away in the AFF or static-line program which will begin with an initial 6 hours of ground school preparation before you actually jump. Please plan on spending the entire day to complete your first AFF or static-line jump.
 
Can I split a video with someone else?
Not really, the video person jumps with just one tandem or AFF and films just one person while in freefall. We cannot have tandems in freefall right along side of each other, but one camera can film you and your friends on the ground, in the aircraft, and landing on the same video. We cannot film two separate tandems simultaneously in freefall.
 
What if the parachute does not open?
All sport parachute systems contain two parachutes, a main and reserve. The tandem instructor is highly trained on the use of the system and while a parachute malfunction is very rare, it can and does happen.
 
Will I get sick?
Some people get a little motion sickness during the parachute ride, but not the freefall. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, then perhaps a Gravol or Dramamine will help. We can fly the parachute like the wildest roller coaster that you have ever been on or we can also fly it smooth, flat and slowly if you prefer.


AFF and Static Line Questions:
 
What is the training for AFF or Static Line?
You will generally arrive early in the morning (8:30-9:00am), complete your waiver and start the classroom training. Your day will be a mixture of classroom and practical training to prepare you for a skydive with your own equipment.
 
How long will this all take ?
Plan on spending a whole day here to complete your first jump. Your training is about 6 hours, so usually by mid-afternoon, you will be ready to jump. After the jump, your skydive will be reviewed by our staff, your paperwork completed, and you can be on your way. It is not uncommon to complete two skydives on the first day here. Please plan on being here the entire day.
 
Why all the training when a Tandem takes so little time?
AFF and Static Line assumes that you will be making a solo jump, even though two instructors jump with you during AFF. With the static line program, you will jump solo the very first time.  With either program you have to steer the parachute safely to the ground on your own. You need to know how to take care of yourself in freefall and throughout the parachute ride, so intensive training is required for that first jump. On a tandem jump, your instructor is with you from exit to landing.
 
After my First AFF or Static Line Jump, what's next?
AFF consists of nine levels of freefall training. Once jump #1 is completed, it usually takes only about an hour to prepare for each additional level. You can expect to do 3 levels in a day, if you have the time to spend at it. That means you can complete Jumps 2-9 and graduate in only 3 days.
With the static line, you will continue similar type jumps (minimum 15 jumps), until you can pull the parachute yourself and then gradually work your way up in freefall.
 
What must I do to get licensed?
To get a USPA license to skydive takes 25 jumps, plus many technical requirements, and demonstration of specific skydiving skills. It does cost money, and your best bet is to discuss options with your skydiving instructor. We have lots of information to help you!