If you decide to try skydiving, the cost of a tandem skydive may have you wondering what you're paying for. If it's just a simple jump from a plane, with someone else attached, what is so difficult about that? Why should it cost so much?

It Takes Time

Though the jump itself doesn't take that long, the training time is extensive. Training isn't taken lightly. It can be about six hours to go through "ground school," depending on the company with which you plan to jump – some places it is even longer and more extensive. In Ground School you will learn a lot of safely information – some that you will use that day, like how to buckle into your parachute and how to release the 'chute when it is time, and other stuff that you hope you don't need to use – such as what to do if something goes wrong during your tandem skydiving jump. The costs of not knowing what to do if something goes unexpectedly wrong is very high. These hours of time with the customer are expensive.

People Cost

During the entire experience, there are company employees involved. From the one who teaches the Ground School to the one who is hooked to you for your tandem jump, to the one driving the airplane, these people aren't along for the ride – they need to be paid.

Yeah, There's The Liability

Another thing that influences the cost of tandem skydiving is the liability that the company is undergoing by taking you up several thousand feet and kicking you out of the airplane. While it is considered "safe," especially by those who jump frequently, it is not without risk and needs extra, special, insurance on the part of the company. This cost is passed along to the customer, of course.

Using Their Equipment

Part of the cost of tandem skydiving is for the use of their equipment. Obviously, first time jumpers don't have their own parachute. Using their parachutes will result in, over time, the 'chute wearing out and needing to be replaced. Some of this cost is passed to tandem skydiving customers – those who are using the equipment.

And For Even More Excitement… A tandem skydiving experience can cost more or less, depending on the additional things you want. At the highest cost, the tandem skydiving experience can include multiple jumps, photos, or a video of your jump. These will cost up to hundreds of dollars extra.

Enjoy your tandem skydiving experience, regardless of cost! It could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!