How much does it cost to skydive for the first time?

The shorthand answer for how much it costs for a tandem skydive is “between $200 and $300”. But you get what you pay for, so be sure to do your research. Here’s what you should be looking for as you scan the interwebs for your ideal dropzone:

1. Location
2. Type of aircraft
3. Exit altitude
4. Reviews

As you’ll quickly learn when you get to digging is that the cheapest option isn’t necessarily the best investment. Making a tandem booking based on price is straight-up unwise. Skydiving is expensive for good reason – from planes to parachutes, there’s big-ticket equipment to acquire and maintain. Beware the slice of fried gold that looks like a dream come true.

Here’s what you’ll spend on a tandem skydive at Skydive Tecumseh:

• Training & First Tandem Skydive 9000 feet: $225
• Training & First Tandem Skydive 14,000 feet: $265
• Training & First Tandem Skydive 18000 feet: $370

OK, let’s dig in:

SKYDIVE LOCATION

There are a number of tricksters out there who are keen to pull the wool over your eyes. When you find a dropzone that catches your fancy, do yourself a favor and map it. If the DZ is at an airport, you’re likely golden. If it’s within city limits or out in the burbs, you might be on your way to being hoodwinked. Skydive Tecumseh is located at the Napoleon Airport in Jackson, MI. As the longest-running dropzone in Michigan, we’re ideally located to serve Detroit, Ann Arbor, Toledo, and Jackson metro areas.

AIRCRAFT

This is everything. The type of aircraft available to you as a tandem jumper gives you some clues as to what kind of experience you’re in for. At Skydive Tecumseh, we are proud to have a few planes, include our prized megabeast – the Beechcraft King Air. Seating 12 with the ability to ascend to 18,000 feet, not only can you jump with all of your pals but you can also enjoy maximal freefall time. Different aircraft offer different benefits. Skydive Tecumseh also has the known workhorse of the skydiving industry, the Cessna 182, which seats four and quickly reaches 14,000 feet – perfect for smaller loads and hop and pops.

EXIT ALTITUDE

Directly related to your aircraft research: altitude. The more sky-high, the longer the fall. When doing your research, make sure that exit altitudes are clearly stated and be cautious if you see the phrase “up to”. There’s a big difference in the freefall experience from, say, 10,000 feet and the standard 13,500 or 14,000 feet – as much as 30 seconds. That seems piddly from the ground, but from the clouds it’s significant. At Skydive Tecumseh, we offer exits at 9,000 feet, 14,000 feet and, the highly coveted, 18,000 feet.

REVIEWS

Oh man, this is critical. Q: Who takes the time to post reviews? A: Super happy and mega unhappy people. Scouring reviews reveals a whole lot about the dropzone you’re considering. As you skim, carefully consider reviews that address customer service and safety.

Some people get bitten by the skydiving bug and jump again and again (and again!); others make it an epic once-in-a-lifetime event. Stellar customer service and attention to detail should be evident at every turn during the booking and day-of experience. If you notice negative trends in online feedback, think about heeding words from the wise.

Case in point – check out these reviews received by Skydive Tecumseh in the past 30 days:

Best experience of my life! Definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a good time or just wanting to try something crazy and new. My instructor Tyler was a total badass and his energy nothing short of fantastic. He made me feel totally safe and when fear tried to creep in, he quickly reassured me that there wasn’t anything to be afraid of. I also loved the shots that my videographer Alan took. Thanks a million to Tyler, Alan and Skydive Tecumseh for making a 2 year dream of mine come true and being everything I had hoped for. I’ll never forget my jump and I will absolutely be back to do it all again in the future.

In my ‘year of yes’ I decided to skydive. My brother agreed to take the leap with me. Skydive Tecumseh was perfect in every way. Their professionalism, great energy and facilities, made it an AWESOME and UNFORGETTABLE experience!! Thank you.

I made my first jump with Skydive Tecumseh in 2017. I was very nervous but the positive and welcoming energy the crew brought to the table made my time there so much better! The whole time my instructor made me feel very safe and comfortable. I made my second jump in 2018, which is something I will make a habit of! Skydiving is the most blissful and fulfilling experience! I recommend it to anyone who wants to overcome their fears or who is an adrenaline junkie! Can’t wait to be in the clouds again! 😀

Having been operating for 54 years, Skydive Tecumseh is also a Group Member of the USPA (United States Parachute Association). USPA membership and licensure is important as it assures that the dropzone operators and skydiving instructors are committed to safety standards of the highest caliber.

Now that you are an educated consumer, come and jump with us! (Or if you’re just here for reassurance because a loved one is planning to jump, get a gift certificate and make a bucket-list wish a reality!) And if you still have questions about skydiving with us or the sport in general, reach out! There’s nothing we love more than spreading the love. Blue skies!