Can I bring my phone on a tandem jump?

No. No unsecured personal item is permitted during freefall: phones, cameras, and similar devices must stay on the ground. If you want photos and video of your jump, purchase them through the school — they have qualified camera operators with equipment mounted safely.

What happens if the weather is bad on my jump day?

Weather conditions determine whether jumps go ahead: the school makes that call based on safety. In the event of bad weather, most schools will offer to reschedule to another date. Check the rescheduling and refund policy when you book.

Is there a weight limit for a tandem jump?

Yes, ENAC-certified skydiving schools apply weight limits that vary from facility to facility. A maximum limit generally exists, often around 100–110 kg, but the exact figure must be confirmed directly with the school at the time of booking. Don't wait until jump day to ask.

How old do you have to be to do a tandem jump?

Generally the minimum age for full independence is 18. For minors, some schools permit the jump with written parental consent and sometimes with the parent present on site. The exact limit depends on current ENAC regulations and the individual school's policy — ask when you book.

Do I need any athletic experience to do a tandem?

No. A tandem is designed precisely for people with no skydiving experience whatsoever. You don't need to know anything technical: the Tandem Master handles everything. You simply need to follow the instructions from the pre-jump briefing, particularly your body position on exit and at landing.

Does a tandem jump lead to a skydiving licence?

No, a standard tandem is not a licensing course — it's a guided experience with an instructor. If you want to earn a sport skydiving licence (issued by AeCI, the Aero Club d'Italia), you need to enrol in an AFF course at an ENAC-certified skydiving school. Some schools include a tandem as the first step in their training programme, but this must be arranged with the school in advance.

Your First Tandem Skydive: What to Wear, Bring, and Absolutely Avoid

For your first tandem skydive, you need to bring a valid photo ID, wear comfortable clothing and lace-up closed-toe shoes, and avoid accessories that can come off in freefall — such as hats, sunglasses, or scarves. The ENAC-certified skydiving school will provide all the technical equipment you need.

🤖 AI-assistedLuisa RampollaDidattica & licenze· 3,100 jumps· 26 Apr 2026· 6 min read

Wondering what to pack for your first tandem jump, whether there are things you can't bring, and how to dress so you don't show up looking completely unprepared? You're in the right place. I've seen hundreds of people arrive at the DZ — the dropzone — with all kinds of questions, and they're almost always the same ones. This article gives you straight, point-by-point answers with no fluff.

First things first: what exactly is a tandem jump?

A tandem is a jump in which you're harnessed to the front of a qualified instructor — the Tandem Master, a role that in Italy requires an operational licence issued by ENAC (Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile). You are the passenger: you don't pilot anything, you don't deploy any parachute, you don't make any technical decisions. The Tandem Master handles everything. Your job is to listen to the pre-jump briefing, follow the instructions you're given, and enjoy the experience. That said, there are things that are up to you — and they can make the day a whole lot smoother or a whole lot more complicated.

Documents: don't leave them at home

This is the most obvious point, and also the one that sends the most people into a panic on jump day. ENAC-certified skydiving schools are required to collect your details and have you sign paperwork before you board the aircraft. No valid ID, no jump.

Bring with you:

A valid national ID card or passport

Your tax identification number (some schools require it for their paperwork)

A medical certificate, if the school requested one in advance

Your booking reference or written confirmation of your jump

If you are a minor (generally under 18, but check the exact age threshold with the school, as ENAC regulations may set specific conditions), you will also need written consent signed by a parent or guardian, and in many cases the physical presence of the parent on jump day. Ask the school when you book — don't leave this detail to the last minute.

What to wear: the three C rule

Comfortable, Closed, Compact. That's the three C rule I always give anyone who asks me what to wear for a tandem.

Think about what happens during the jump: you exit the aircraft at around 4,000 metres, you go through freefall at roughly 190–200 km/h, then the canopy opens and you glide down to earth for a few minutes. The wind is strong, the cold at altitude can catch you off guard, and anything that isn't properly secured can become a problem.

Here's a practical clothing checklist:

✅ WHAT TO WEAR

Comfortable, not overly baggy trousers — jeans or athletic pants work well; avoid flared trousers or anything with huge pockets that can inflate

A long-sleeved top or light sweatshirt — even in summer: it gets cold at altitude, with temperatures that can vary significantly by season (often between 5°C and 10°C in summer, and even lower in spring and autumn)

Closed-toe lace-up shoes, properly tied — sneakers or trainers are ideal; laces should be double-knotted

Regular socks — it sounds obvious, but people who show up in sandals have to sort themselves out

Long hair tied back — not in a high ponytail, but low or in a braid: the wind is strong and hair in your face is a real nuisance

❌ WHAT NOT TO WEAR

Open-toed footwear (sandals, flip-flops, ballet flats, heels) — not permitted for safety reasons

Hats, beanies, caps — they come off on exit from the aircraft

Unsecured sunglasses — the school will provide jump goggles; your sunglasses will fly away

Scarves, foulards, external belts, suspenders — anything that hangs or catches can interfere with the harness (the harness is the strap system that connects you to the Tandem Master)

Bulky jewellery — long necklaces, dangling earrings, rings with protruding stones: risk of losing them or getting hurt

What to pack (and what to leave in the car)

The DZ is not an airport with secure lockers. Bring only what you genuinely need and leave everything else in the car or at home.

BRING WITH YOU:

Photo ID (as mentioned above)

A payment method — if you haven't paid in advance, check whether the school accepts cards or cash only

Water and a light snack — a day at the DZ can be long: jumps depend on weather conditions and how the loads are organised (the "loads" being the groups boarding the aircraft)

Sunscreen — if it's summer and you'll be waiting outside

A spare pair of shoes — if you're unsure about the ones you're wearing, bring a backup pair

Any personal medication — if you're prone to motion sickness, speak to the school beforehand: there are specific guidelines

LEAVE IN THE CAR OR AT HOME:

Bulky backpacks and large bags — there's nowhere safe to leave them

Laptops, tablets, valuables — same reason

Your personal camera — you CANNOT bring your own camera or phone on the jump. No unsecured object is permitted in freefall: this is a matter of safety, not bureaucracy. If you want photos or video, purchase them through the school — they have qualified camera operators

Physical requirements: what to know before you book

This is the part where I need to be straightforward, because it's a matter of safety — yours and the Tandem Master's.

ENAC-certified skydiving schools apply weight limits and physical assessments that vary from facility to facility, based on ENAC regulations and the instructors' evaluation. There is no single universal threshold, but maximum weight limits generally exist (often around 100–110 kg, though the exact figure must be confirmed with the school), and certain conditions may require a prior medical assessment.

A concrete example. Mario is 45 years old, weighs 95 kg, and is in generally good health, but had back surgery three years ago. Before booking, Mario needs to contact the school, explain his situation, and ask whether there are any contraindications. He should not hide anything, and he should not wait until jump day to mention it. The school will assess on a case-by-case basis, potentially requesting medical documentation. This is not an obstacle — it's protection for him and for the person going up in the air with him.

Some conditions that always require a prior assessment (this list is not exhaustive — always check with the school):

Heart conditions or uncontrolled blood pressure

Epilepsy

Recent surgery, particularly to the back, neck, shoulders, or knees

Pregnancy

Balance disorders or inner ear conditions

Use of medications that affect reflexes or balance

Jump day: how to arrive prepared

A few practical tips for the day:

Arrive early — at least 30 to 60 minutes before your scheduled time. There's paperwork to sign, a briefing to attend, and a harness to put on.

Don't eat a heavy meal in the 2–3 hours beforehand — a full stomach and freefall don't mix well. A light snack is fine.

Don't drink alcohol — flying under the influence is prohibited. If the school detects it, the jump won't happen and no refund will be given.

Listen to the briefing — the Tandem Master will explain your body position on exit, the arch during freefall, and how to hold your legs on landing. These instructions are not decorative: following them makes the jump safer and better.

Ask questions — there are no stupid questions before a jump. If you have a doubt, raise it before you board the aircraft.

In summary: the definitive checklist

Here's everything in one place — print it out or save it on your phone before heading to the DZ:

📋 PRE-TANDEM CHECKLIST

DOCUMENTS ☐ Valid photo ID ☐ Booking confirmation ☐ (If a minor) written parental consent

CLOTHING ☐ Comfortable, not overly baggy trousers ☐ Long-sleeved top or sweatshirt ☐ Closed-toe lace-up shoes (double-knotted) ☐ Long hair tied back low ☐ No hats, scarves, or sunglasses ☐ No dangling or bulky jewellery

IN YOUR BAG ☐ Water and a light snack ☐ Payment method ☐ Sunscreen (if summer) ☐ Any necessary personal medication

DO NOT BRING ON THE JUMP ☐ Personal phone and camera (these stay on the ground) ☐ Unnecessary valuables

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS ☐ You have informed the school of any relevant medical conditions ☐ You have not consumed alcohol in the hours beforehand ☐ You have eaten lightly

The ENAC-certified skydiving school takes care of the rest: the equipment, the jump goggles, a jumpsuit if needed, the briefing, and of course the Tandem Master who takes you up and brings you safely back down. Your job is to arrive prepared in the things that are within your control — and then enjoy every second from 4,000 metres down.

FAQ

Can I bring my phone on a tandem jump?: No. No unsecured personal item is permitted during freefall: phones, cameras, and similar devices must stay on the ground. If you want photos and video of your jump, purchase them through the school — they have qualified camera operators with equipment mounted safely.
What happens if the weather is bad on my jump day?: Weather conditions determine whether jumps go ahead: the school makes that call based on safety. In the event of bad weather, most schools will offer to reschedule to another date. Check the rescheduling and refund policy when you book.
Is there a weight limit for a tandem jump?: Yes, ENAC-certified skydiving schools apply weight limits that vary from facility to facility. A maximum limit generally exists, often around 100–110 kg, but the exact figure must be confirmed directly with the school at the time of booking. Don't wait until jump day to ask.
How old do you have to be to do a tandem jump?: Generally the minimum age for full independence is 18. For minors, some schools permit the jump with written parental consent and sometimes with the parent present on site. The exact limit depends on current ENAC regulations and the individual school's policy — ask when you book.
Do I need any athletic experience to do a tandem?: No. A tandem is designed precisely for people with no skydiving experience whatsoever. You don't need to know anything technical: the Tandem Master handles everything. You simply need to follow the instructions from the pre-jump briefing, particularly your body position on exit and at landing.
Does a tandem jump lead to a skydiving licence?: No, a standard tandem is not a licensing course — it's a guided experience with an instructor. If you want to earn a sport skydiving licence (issued by AeCI, the Aero Club d'Italia), you need to enrol in an AFF course at an ENAC-certified skydiving school. Some schools include a tandem as the first step in their training programme, but this must be arranged with the school in advance.