The thought of skydiving is on many people's dream list. If you live in Riga and are looking for a way to make this dream come true safely and without a lot of training, then tandem skydiving is exactly what you need. It is designed specifically for first-time skydivers – without prior experience, but with maximum safety and unforgettable emotions.
In this guide, we will explain the entire process from A to Z in detail so that you can prepare for your first tandem jump safely and confidently.
How to do a tandem jump: a step-by-step process
Many people worry that the process is complicated, but in reality, most of the work is done by your tandem instructor. Your main task is to breathe and enjoy. Here's how it all works:
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Arrival and registration
You arrive at the airport at the appointed time. Our administrators will meet you, check your reservation, and ask you to fill out the necessary documents and a health questionnaire.
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Safety briefing
Your tandem instructor will introduce themselves and give you a 15-minute briefing. They will explain the main safety principles, how to properly bend your body during free fall (the famous “banana” position), and how to lift your legs upon landing.
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Putting on equipment
The instructor will help you put on a special passenger system, which is very durable and comfortable. It will be carefully adjusted to your height. You will also be given special safety glasses.
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Boarding the plane and flying
Together with your instructor and other jumpers, you will board our modern Pilatus Porter PC-6 aircraft – a STOL type aircraft with low landing speed and high reliability for skydiving. The flight to the required altitude (depending on your choice – 4000 m, 4800 m or even 5500 m) takes only 12-15 minutes due to our powerful aircraft.
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Final check and jump!
A few minutes before the jump, your instructor will securely strap you into his system with four extra-strong attachments. When the plane reaches the required height, the doors will open. You and your instructor will approach the edge and… jump!
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Free fall
The first seconds are amazing. You will experience free fall at a speed of around 200 km/h. Due to the great height we reach, it lasts from 60 to 90 seconds (depending on the height of the jump). Contrary to myths, breathing is easy – it feels like being in a strong wind.
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Parachute opening and flight
At an altitude of approximately 1500 meters, the instructor will open the tandem parachute. You will feel a strong but smooth braking, and then silence will set in. The flight part will begin, lasting 5-7 minutes. If you wish, the instructor may let you try to park the parachute.
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Soft landing
Before landing, the instructor will ask you to lift your feet so that they are the first to touch the ground. The landing is usually very soft, often just sitting on the grass.
Safety First: Who do you trust with your life?
The biggest question is always about safety. Tandem skydiving is statistically safer than driving a car, and this is due to three main factors: instructor qualifications, equipment, and procedures. You can learn more about safety in Skydive Latvia's full article on tandem skydiving safety .
1. Instructor qualifications
Our instructors each have several thousand jumps, and some of our team members have experience exceeding 10,000 jumps . Our team is constantly working on improving their skills and qualifications in skydiving. They are professionals whose work is regulated by both the Latvian Parachuting Federation (LIF) , of which we are members, international standards (for example, the United States Parachuting Association (USPA) ), and the Latvian Civil Aviation Agency . To obtain a tandem instructor license, a candidate must have:
- At least 3 years of experience in skydiving;
- Performed at least 500 jumps (as a minimum to start training);
- Obtained the highest “D” athlete license;
- Passed a special medical commission;
- Passed a very intensive training course and exams.
If you have any questions about qualifications, feel free to contact us on our contact page .
2. Modern equipment
Each tandem jump takes place with equipment that costs more than 10,000 euros and is equipped with a double safety system:
- Two parachutes: The system has a main parachute and a reserve parachute. The reserve parachute is checked and refolded by a certified specialist (rigger) at specified intervals, regardless of whether it has been used.
- AAD (Automatic Activation Device): Each system is equipped with an AAD – a small computer that will automatically open the reserve parachute at a certain altitude if the instructor has not done so for some reason.
Preparing for the jump: What to wear and what to bring with you?
No special preparation is required, but a few suggestions will make your experience more comfortable.
What to wear?
- Clothing: Comfort is key. Wear comfortable, athletic clothing that doesn't restrict movement (leggings, sweatpants, T-shirt, sweater). Jeans are not recommended.
- Layers: Dress in layers. The air is about 20 degrees cooler at altitude than on the ground. On a cooler day, a thermal underwear or fleece sweater will come in handy. We will also give you a special jump suit to wear over it.
- Shoes: Closed-toe sports shoes (sneakers, running shoes) are mandatory. No sandals, flip-flops or high-heeled shoes!
- Other accessories: If you wear glasses, they can stay under the large goggles. Contact lenses are also not an obstacle. It is better to leave all jewelry (rings, earrings, chains) in the car or at home.
What to bring?
- Identity document (passport or ID card).
- A small snack and water.
- Your friends and family! They will be able to watch your landing in a specially designated area.
- Good mood and readiness for adventure.
Can I jump? Health and weight restrictions
Safety is a priority, so there are some strict restrictions set in accordance with equipment manufacturer requirements and Latvian legislation .
- Weight: The maximum passenger weight is usually 105 kg . This is not due to discrimination, but to the certified total load of the parachute system (passenger + instructor + equipment). The weight can be checked on site.
- Height: The weight-to-height ratio is more important so that the passenger system can be adjusted safely.
- Age: The jump can be performed by persons aged 18 and over. For jumps from the age of 16 (written parental permission and presence required), please contact us separately.
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Health: You will need to sign a declaration stating that you do not have any specific health conditions. You may not jump if you have:
- Epilepsy or a history of seizures.
- Serious cardiovascular disease (e.g. recent heart attack).
- Serious spinal injuries.
- If you are pregnant.
Important: Alcohol or drug intoxication is absolutely prohibited. If the instructor suspects anything, the jump will be refused without a refund.
Weather conditions and seasonality in Latvia
Tandem skydiving is completely dependent on Mother Nature. The season in Latvia usually lasts from April to October . Three conditions are necessary for the jump to take place:
- No precipitation: We don't jump in the rain.
- Low wind: Winds that are too strong or gusty near the ground make landing dangerous.
- High cloud base: We need to see the ground from the jump height. If there is low, thick cloud cover, jumps don't happen.
We regularly monitor the LVĢMC forecasts . If the weather conditions are unfavorable on the day of your reservation, we will contact you and reschedule the jump to another time convenient for you.
Price factors and booking
The price of a tandem skydive may seem high, but it includes very expensive costs: the instructor's salary (a top-class professional), fuel and maintenance of the powerful turboprop aircraft, equipment and its regular maintenance, airfield maintenance, and other costs.
The main factors affecting the price:
- Jump height: We offer jumps from 4000 m, 4800 m and even 5500 m. This is significantly higher than other operators in the Baltics, who often use older aircraft and only jump from 3000 m. Higher heights mean longer freefall.
- Top-notch equipment: We use only the best, USA-made equipment from leading manufacturers. Each system costs between €10,000 and €15,000. Our instructors also regularly take expensive certification exams to maintain the highest safety standards.
- Photo and video services: The most popular option is a video filmed by an instructor with a handheld (Handycam) or a separate cameraman who jumps next to you.
Book your adventure today!
When planning a jump, especially during summer holidays, we recommend making a reservation in advance. The number of places on each lift is limited.
The most common mistakes in the first jump
- Don't eat breakfast. Many people think they'll feel sick, so they come on an empty stomach. This is a mistake. Adrenaline uses up energy. Have a light breakfast or lunch 2 hours before the jump.
- Forget about shoes. Arriving in sandals or high heels will make you look for someone to borrow shoes from, or in the worst case, refuse the jump.
- Not listening to the instructor. Your instructor has done thousands of jumps. When he says “lift your feet” upon landing, you must do it immediately. It is for your safety.
- Try to film with your own camera. For safety reasons, passengers are prohibited from bringing any objects, including their own GoPro cameras. They could fall out and become a hazard on the ground or get tangled in the parachute lines.
Logistics: How to get from Riga to the airport?
Our base airfield is Limbaži Airfield (Langači) , which is one of the most active small aviation centers in Latvia and is conveniently located within easy reach of Riga.
- By car: The drive from Riga city center will take approximately 1 hour (about 80 km). Use the A1 highway (Tallinn highway), then turn onto P11. It is most convenient to enter “Limbažu lidlauks” or “Skydive Latvia” in your navigation. Free parking is available on site.
- By public transport: You need to take the bus Riga–Limbaži and get off at Limbaži bus station. Be sure to call us in advance and we can take you to the airport from there.
We recommend that you plan your arrival with a little time to spare so that everything goes smoothly. You can find the exact address and map on our contact page .
About the author: Sergey Plotnikov
AFF instructor. Tandem instructor. Wind tunnel instructor. In the sport for 20 years. Over 2000 jumps.
Communication LinkedInFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long should I plan to stay at the airport?
Plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours at the airfield. Although the process itself (from briefing to landing) takes about an hour, sometimes you may have to wait your turn or for suitable weather conditions.
Is it difficult to breathe in free fall?
No. This is a very common concern. Although the wind is strong (around 200 km/h), it doesn't make it hard to breathe. It's like sticking your head out the window of a moving car.
What does it feel like to do a tandem jump? Is there a “falling” feeling?
Interestingly, no. You won't feel your stomach "lift" like you would on a roller coaster. Since you're jumping out of a moving plane, the feeling is more like floating on a very strong cushion of air than falling.
Is landing painful?
Modern tandem parachutes are very easy to control. The instructor will slow you down before landing. The landing is usually very soft, comparable to jumping off one or two steps. Your task is just to lift your legs.
What should I do if I'm afraid of heights?
Most people who jump experience some degree of fear of heights. But at 4,000 meters, the view is so abstract and expansive that the brain doesn't perceive it as a dangerous height (unlike standing on the edge of a balcony). Many admit that the jump has even helped reduce this fear.
Can I bring my GoPro camera?
No. Safety regulations (both ours and international) prohibit passengers from taking any of their own equipment with them. A lost camera can pose a serious risk. Entrust filming to professionals – order a video from us.
Is a tandem jump a good gift for a man or a woman?
It's a fantastic gift for anyone! It's an unforgettable emotion and adventure that both men and women appreciate. Our experience shows that absolutely everyone is excited. You can buy a gift card for a tandem jump on our website.
What to do if the parachute doesn't open?
Modern parachute systems have two parachutes: the main and the reserve. The reserve parachute is specially designed and packaged so that it always opens and is safe. In addition, each system is equipped with an AAD (Automatic Activation Device) - a small computer that will automatically open the reserve parachute at a certain height if the instructor has not done so. The risk is minimal, and tandem jumping is much safer than riding a motorcycle.