Tandem Skydiving FAQs
Answers to Your Tandem Questions
Let’s Get Into the Details
We’ve covered our guests’ most common skydiving FAQs below, but if you have some that we haven’t addressed, get in touch with us! The only thing we love more than skydiving is talking about skydiving.
How do I get to Skydive Coastal Carolinas?
Located in Southport, NC, Skydive Coastal Carolinas is easily accessible from many coastal destinations making it the premier choice for skydiving near Myrtle Beach, Wilmington, Surf City, Oak Island, and Jacksonville, NC. Vacationing in the area? There’s no better way to add adrenaline to your beach trip.
Our physical address is 4019 Long Beach Road, Southport, NC 28461 – click here for directions to our DZ.
Is there a minimum age requirement?
Yes. The USPA (United States Parachute Association) mandates that all first-time skydivers must be at least 18 years old. Bring your valid government-issued photo ID with you to prove your date of birth. Please note that a parent or guardian’s permission is NOT an acceptable substitute for personal identification.
Is there a maximum age limit?
No! If you are physically fit to jump, your age is irrelevant! If you have a health concern or are over the age of 70, consult with your doctor before making a tandem reservation.
I have some health concerns, how do you define “physically fit”?
Skydiving is an extreme sport. If you have health concerns that would keep you from participating in any extreme activity, skydiving may not be a wise option for you. Medical issues that typically prevent people from skydiving include hypertension and other heart conditions, diabetes, chronic pain, significant illness, or disability. Bottom line, talk with your doctor if you have any reservations.
Is there a weight limit?
Yes. Safety and equipment guidelines require that you weigh less than 250 lbs in order to jump tandem. Some exceptions can be made depending on body composition, but note that a $40 fee will apply for weights over 220 lbs. Get in touch with questions or concerns.
I have a disability, can I jump?
If you think you can jump, let’s talk! We have made a variety of accommodations for people who are not “typically abled” and would be happy to talk with you about your specific needs. If you have health concerns, be sure to talk with your doctor first.
What time should I get to the dropzone?
Arrive at Skydive Coastal Carolinas at your reservation time.
How long will I be at SCC?
It typically takes 1-4 hours to skydive. This depends on multiple factors: size of the party, day of the week, scheduled time, the amount of instructors on staff, the aircraft being used, and the weather.
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably. Athletic clothing and shoes are best. Jeans, longer shorts, and T-shirts are fine too. It’s about 30 degrees cooler at altitude, so consider packing an extra layer. Please, no flip flops, sandals, heels, or boots. Be aware that you should pull back long hair and remove jewelry as well.
Can I wear my eyeglasses?
Please do! We don’t want you to miss a thing! We’ll provide you with goggles to keep the wind out of your eyes, and your glasses or contacts in place. Goggles are sanitized between uses.
Should I eat and drink before I jump?
Eat and drink as normal to keep hunger and dehydration in check. No alcohol and drugs in your system on the day of your reservation.
Can I buy food and drink at the dropzone?
There are plenty of places nearby to grab food and drink, but there’s no food and beverage or vending available on site. Pack an alcohol-free cooler or check out some SCC faves:
What altitude will I jump from?
At SCC, we have three supremely cool aircraft, a King Air and two Cessna 182s. Our King Air primarily flies on the weekend when DZ traffic is highest. It’s quick to altitude and, weather permitting, allows tandems to exit from as high as 14,000 feet. Our 182s fly on the weekdays and busy weekends, and climb up to 11,000 feet on crystal clear days. Both models are ideal for skydiving and, for tandem students, the experience is much the same.
Can my family and friends watch me jump?
Absolutely! If you land at the airport, your crew can hang out at the DZ and watch you head up and touch down. If you land at the beach, your fan club can either drive to the beach and wait for your grand entrance or catch our beach shuttle and watch you come in.
Are there any activities at the DZ in the event there’s a wait?
Yes! Our back deck is a great spot to hang out or tuck into your cooler. We also have cornhole and, at dark thirty, we light the fire pit.
Do you have a shuttle from the beach back to the DZ?
Yes. If you’ve booked a beach skydive, our 12-passenger van is available to transport skydivers and their support team, if necessary, from the beach to the dropzone. It’s about a 10-minute ride.
Is parking free?
Yep! Parking is free at the DZ and at the beach.
Do you offer group discounts?
Yes. Each tandem jumper in a group of 5 or more receives $20 off their jump. Cannot be combined with any other offer.
Do you offer a military discount?
Yes. Military personnel receive $20 off a tandem jump. Bring your ID! Cannot be combined with any other offer.
Do you have a proposal package?
Most definitely. For an additional $50, we’ll stage a “Will You Marry Me Banner” in your landing area at the airport or the beach. Contact us to discuss a plan!
Can I host an event at the dropzone?
Skydiving provides a platform for memories that last a lifetime. If you have an idea for how to kick your event up a notch, whether that’s a milestone birthday, anniversary, gender reveal, retirement celebration, etc., we can be your co-conspirator! Contact us to hatch a plan.
Why should I get a video recording?
Skydiving is amazing. It could be the most mind-blowing, seeing-is-believing accomplishment of your life. Don’t let the adrenaline or anxiety make you miss it! Relive your skydiving experience again and again, share it with family and friends, and with the world!! Talk about solid social media gold! Just don’t forget to tag us #skydivecoastalcarolinas. An edited video will be emailed to you following your jump
Can I film my own jump?
For safety reasons, you are not permitted to record your skydive. In fact, you have to be a C-Licensed skydiver to sport any wearables. You can film before the wheels are up and after you land. Otherwise, leave the documentation to the pros. We offer hand-cam and videography packages.
Can I SCUBA and skydive on the same day?
We love double-stacking our adrenaline outlets too, but because of decompression sickness SCUBA and skydiving are not a safe combination. Wait 24 hours to skydive after SCUBA diving.
I need to reschedule, what’s your policy?
If your plans change, let us know at least 48 hours ahead of your reservation time. For groups of five or more, please give us a 72-hour heads up. Rescheduling is typically no problem, but note that reservations are non-refundable.
What goes into a beach jump and why are they not gaurunteed?
The beach takes a little more planning than the typical airport landing. Beach jump availability is usually limited due to three factors: low tide, winds, and the current size of the crowd at the beach. For the safest landing, we require that the jump is made during low tide. This allows us to have the maximum amount of landing area. Low tide is the most important factor, and for that reason, we can only jump two hours before and after low tide. High winds on the beach can also limit our availability. Flotation devices will be provided during the jump.
As we move into the summer months, landing space on the beach is limited due to the amount of people who frequent it. We will assess the amount of space on the day of the jump, and the decision can change the same day if space becomes unavailable. If you are booking a beach jump, we recommend that you give us a call in order to reserve the best time available.
Do you offer sunset jumps?
We do offer sunset jumps! However, due to the amount of time and the effort it takes to set up, we require a payment upfront with an extra $200 charge. Reservation and arrival time must be scheduled two hours prior to sunset. To inquire, please call (910) 457-1039.
Important consumer alert
Within our industry, many websites give the appearance that there is a skydiving center in a particular town or city but the website is a front for a booking agent or third-party operator.
Calling the published number, usually an 800 number, will direct you to a call center that takes payment for a skydiving dropzone in a different location. Not only is this a misrepresentation of the skydiving center’s location, but consumers are often charged a much higher rate so the third party can build a hefty margin.
When making a reservation, take care to note:
- Physical Location – Find an operation’s street address on the website and ensure it corresponds with an airport.
- Local Phone Number – An 800 number alone is not an indicator of a booking agent or third-party operator, but a direct number is a clue that the dropzone is legit.
- USPA Membership – Be sure the DZ you’re booking with is a member of the United States Parachute Association. The USPA sets our industry’s safety requirements and ensures compliance.
- Clarify – Before making payment, confirm the exact physical location of the skydiving center.
Skydive Coastal Carolinas is independently owned, located at 4019 Long Beach Road in Southport, NC operating out of the Cape Fear Regional Jetport. We are a member of the USPA and are passionate about our customers!
