Frequently Asked Questions about Skydiving in Ghana

Curious about skydiving in Ghana? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the sport and tandem skydiving in general.

If you don't find the information you're looking for on this page, please don't hesitate to contact us directly.

What is skydiving?

Skydiving is the exhilarating sport or activity of jumping out of a perfectly good aircraft and performing acrobatic maneuvers in the air under free fall before landing by parachute. It's a thrilling way to experience an adrenaline rush while taking in breathtaking views of the world around you. While it might seem scary, skydiving is a safe and fun choice for adventurers of all ages.

What is Tandem Skydiving?

Tandem Skydiving is a skydiving experience where two people jump out of an airplane together, strapped to one another during the entire descent. One person is the certified Tandem Instructor, who guides you through the entire jump from exit through freefall, piloting the canopy, and landing. The other person is you, the "newbie" or student. Come join us for this breathtaking experience!

Is skydiving safe?

Yes, skydiving is a safe sport when done correctly. Our drop zones follow all Safety Rules and Regulations set by both the Civil Aviation Authority in Ghana and the United States Parachute Association. Statistically, skydiving is safer than driving in a car. All our skydiving instructors are professionals and always follow appropriate procedures. We also teach our students to execute their skydives with an emphasis on safety. While accidents can happen, more than 99% of them are due to human error, typically when a skydiver becomes careless. Our instructors have thousands of jumps and lots of international experience, but it's important for every skydiver to stay current, and modest, and not try to impress others with their skill level, no matter the number of jumps.

Can I do a skydive jump without going through extensive training?

Yes, you can! It's called a Tandem Skydive. A tandem skydive allows you to feel the adrenaline rush of skydiving without ever having any previous experience. You'll wear a special harness that enables you to be attached to a highly qualified and experienced tandem instructor who will be responsible for all necessary procedures during your skydive. All you have to do is enjoy the ride and the rush of falling through the sky.

What is a Tandem Instructor?

A tandem instructor is a specially rated skydiver who is extensively trained to skydive with non-skydivers. During his special training, he learns how to freefall and fly with people whose reactions can vary in all kinds of unexpected ways. Tandem instructors are also trained to work with people's fears or over excitement in order to ensure that your jump goes as smoothly and safely as possible. The primary goal of a tandem instructor is a SAFE skydive jump, and then it is all about the tandem candidate's fun and thrill.

Can I jump alone after I have done a Tandem skydive?

In order to jump alone, you have to go through skydiving courses called Accelerated Free Fall or Static line. Call us for more details on this. However, doing a tandem skydive is always the best way to see if you have what it takes to be a skydiver. You will encounter all the new situations like flying in a plane or under a parachute so You can decide whether that scares or excites you. In conclusion, we are recommending a tandem skydive before deciding on a skydiving course.

What can go wrong during tandem skydiving?

All of our operations are primarily focused on safety. Nonetheless, skydiving is an extreme sport so there is always a possibility that something could go wrong. All our tandem instructors are aware of that and are always fully prepared to execute emergency procedures. For example, airplanes are machines, and as such, they can experience a malfunction. If such a thing happens, your tandem instructor will get you out of that plane at a safe height so you can both land safely, no need to worry about that part. The only thing that is important for you is to do a good body position during the landing so you don't hurt your legs. If you do not put your legs up during the tandem parachute landing, not only will you hurt them but your tandem instructor will land on top of you since he is at your rear. If you have difficulties getting your legs up, your tandem instructor will help you, but be sure to let him know so he can prepare the proper procedure.

What do I wear for my tandem skydive?

Wear something comfortable. We recommend athletic apparel. You can also jump bare feet if you choose to. You should avoid shirts with buttons, jewelry such as big earrings or necklaces, and open toes shoes. You can wear the watch but we do not recommend it since there is always a possibility of it getting damaged in the airplane. Your tandem instructor will inspect you before going to the plane and recommend what you should leave on the ground. Also, it is prohibited to jump in high heels or flip-flops. For women, we do not recommend dresses or skirts as it is really difficult to put a tandem harness over them. Avoid jumping with glasses, but if they are corrective glasses and you need them, then we have skydiving goggles that go over them. Bear in mind there is always a slight possibility of you losing them during free fall.

What if the weather is bad?

Our skydiving season is mostly dominated by good weather. In the unlikely event of bad weather, we will reschedule your tandem skydive for the first possible day you are available. If you are not able to do the skydive another day, we will refund your deposit. As we said a couple of times, safety is our first priority, and if the weather does not allow it, we can not do anything against it. Fortunately, our location blesses us with good weather throughout the whole season.

Is fear of heights a problem when skydiving?

Some people mistakenly believe that fear of heights, or vertigo, is the same thing as the fear of falling. However, fear of heights is actually a rare condition that causes a spinning sensation and can make a person faint when they're high up. The fear of falling, on the other hand, is a natural sensation that everyone experiences when looking down from a height. While this sensation can be intense, it typically doesn't cause problems during skydiving, as the brain doesn't perceive the risk of falling when at high altitude. Additionally, skydivers have an experienced instructor to guide them through the jump.

How fast do you fall during a skydive, and is it cold?

The speed of a skydiver's free fall can vary depending on body position, but tandem skydivers typically fall at around 135 mph (220 km/h). The tandem parachute is equipped with a drogue, a small parachute that slows down the descent to prevent speeds of up to 185 mph (300 km/h). While the temperature can decrease with altitude, adrenaline and body heat typically keep skydivers from feeling cold.

Is it difficult to breathe during free fall?

Breathing during free fall is just as natural as it is during everyday activities. While you may feel like you're performing complex movements, you're actually just falling and experiencing a rush of adrenaline, which can make breathing feel easier.

How long does a skydiving experience last?

The duration of a skydiving experience can vary, but it typically takes around 1 hour and 30-40 minutes. This includes time spent filling out paperwork, getting a briefing, suiting up, traveling to the airport, boarding the plane, jumping, and landing. After landing, you can enjoy some time at the beach club and watch your video, which typically takes less than 30 minutes to be ready.

Can I eat and drink before skydiving?

It's best to eat normally and avoid coming on an empty stomach to prevent fainting or feeling sick. Avoid overeating, as well, as you don't want to feel uncomfortably full during your skydive. If you're jumping later in the day, give yourself at least an hour after eating before jumping. Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited, as they can impair judgment and make the experience more dangerous.

Is skydiving equipment safe?

Parachutes and skydiving equipment have come a long way since they were first invented. With safety as the primary goal, each new feature added to the parachute serves to improve the safety of the equipment. For those who aren't familiar with skydiving equipment, here are some basic features to help you understand. All parachute systems consist of two parachutes - the main parachute and the reserve parachute. Reserve parachutes must be repacked every 6-12 months, depending on the skydiving center's jurisdiction. Each parachute includes an automatic activation device (AAD), which is a small safety instrument that opens the reserve parachute if the skydiver has not done so before reaching a certain altitude. Tandem parachutes have two deployment handles for the main parachute, in case the tandem passenger blocks the instructor's access to one of the handles. If the main parachute malfunctions and we need to cut it away, the reserve static line (RSL) will immediately open the reserve parachute. These are just a few of the many safety features included in our skydiving equipment, which prove that our parachutes are safe and well-maintained.

What is the minimum age for skydiving?

Skydiving is available to those who are 16 years old and above, with the consent of a parent or guardian for a tandem skydive. There is no maximum age limit as long as the person is physically fit and able to do the activity. If unsure about one's physical condition, it is best to consult a doctor and discuss it with the skydiving center before deciding to jump.

What are the weight restrictions for a tandem skydive?

There are weight restrictions for a tandem skydive to ensure the safety of both the jumper and the equipment. For male candidates, the weight limit is 110 kg or 240 pounds, while for female candidates, the weight limit is 100 kg or 220 pounds. However, additional charges will apply for male candidates who weigh over 100 kg or 220 pounds and for female candidates who weigh over 90 kg or 200 pounds. It is best to check the skydiving center's price list for more information.

Do I need to present a medical certificate before skydiving?

No, a medical certificate is not required for tandem skydiving. However, if one has an existing medical condition that may pose a risk, it is advisable to consult with a doctor and inform the skydiving center. The center may ask for a certificate from the doctor confirming that the person is fit to jump.

Can I record my skydiving experience?

For safety reasons, only experienced skydivers are allowed to bring cameras during a jump. The center's tandem instructors are equipped to record the jump and offer video and photo options for an additional charge.

Can I buy a gift voucher for a tandem skydive?

Yes, the skydiving center offers gift vouchers for a tandem skydive, with options for additional features that can be added at the time of redemption. Prices for the gift vouchers and additional features can be found on the center's website or price list.

What are the rules to follow when at the skydiving center?

To ensure safety, the skydiving center has rules that should be followed, such as not approaching the aircraft without an escort, refraining from smoking or consuming alcohol near the equipment or other skydivers, supervising children at all times, keeping pets away from equipment, being cautious when near parachutes, and directing any concerns to the tandem instructor during the jump.