What is Solo Skydiving?
Solo jumps are done by skydivers who have experience & training in freefall. While making a solo jump, the skydiver leaves the aircraft from a certain altitude & has a freefall his body at approximately 200km/hr. The skydiver then opens his own parachute & descends to the landing zone.
What is Tandem Skydiving?
Tandem skydiving refers to a type of skydiving where a novice skydiver (“student” or “passenger”) is connected via a harness to an experienced skydiver (“tandem master” or “tandem instructor”). The instructor controls the whole jump from exit through freefall, piloting the canopy and landing. The student or passenger needs only minimal instruction before making a tandem jump. More than a million tandem skydives are made each year around the world for pleasure. It is also a popular training method for first time skydivers. It exposes first-time jumpers to the skydiving routine with minimal expectations from the student and maximum safety. The tandem master is responsible for safe and correct time of parachute deployment. The weight limit for Tandem skydiving is 95 Kg.
Equipment
Tandem skydiving requires equipment with some differences from sport skydiving rigs. All modern tandem skydiving systems use a drogue parachute, which is deployed either from the aircraft or shortly after leaving the plane in order to slow the freefall speed of two people down to that of a single skydiver. This is necessary for proper parachute deployment, lengthening the duration of skydive, and allowing the skydivers to fall at the same speed as videographers. Tandem skydiving systems also use larger main parachutes (360 square feet and larger) to support the extra weight of two passengers. The three most common tandem skydiving systems in use are the Strong Dual Hawk, the Relative Workshop Vector Tandem, and the Relative Workshop Sigma Tandem. Pokhara Skydive is using the Dual Hawk System made by Strong Enterprises, and Tom Noonan, the Chief Technical Director of the event is overseeing all tandem operations.
Instructor certification
Tandem instructors are required to pass an instructor certification course for the system they jump before skydiving with students. All our instructors and tandem masters are Everest Skydive crew members. They are qualified under British, American and Australian regulations to meet the manufacturers’ stringent requirements.
Where do the jumps take place?
The Skydive jumps and landings take place at a wide grassland in Pame Lauruk, 11 km northward from Pokhara lakeside. The place, which is strictly a ‘no- alcohol zone’, is next to a river and surrounded by hills.
Do I need previous skydiving experience to complete a tandem jump?
No. Your skilled tandem instructor ensures your safety and provides all the training, fun and excitement.
Is it safe?
Skydiving is an extreme sport, and therefore, like any other adventure sports, has certain risks. However, your tandem instructor has all the skills and experience to make your tandem jump as safe as possible. The equipment is state-of-the-art and when used properly, skydiving can be as safe as or safer than any other extreme sports.
What kind of plane is used for the event?
We use AS 350 B3/B2 Helicopter (which is also the leading rescue helicopter in the upper Himalaya region) supplied by Fishtail Air and piloted by experienced skydiving aviators.
Do I need to get the whole package or I can jump separately?
We offer two types of services: ‘9 day package’ and ‘Individual Jump’. You can choose any of our services as per your requirement.
What is included in ‘Individual Jump’?
One jump and drop zone transfers are included in ‘Individual Jump’ (in fixed schedule).
Can I jump any time of the year, at my convenient time frame?
As of now, we are doing it just once a year in November with fixed schedule.
Can I skydive if I am differently-abled?
Generally being differently abled is not necessarily a barrier. Tandem skydiving has made it possible for many people to participate, who would otherwise be unable for solo parachute training. So, if are differently-abled and would like to skydive, do not hesitate to contact us.
Our Everest Skydive Expedition location does require 3 days of gentle trekking and acclimatization. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
I wear spectacles / contact lenses. Will this be a problem?
No. Goggles to fit over spectacles will be provided, and these will securely retain your spectacles in place. Goggles will also protect contact lenses and prevent them from being displaced. Contact lenses would be preferable, so bring them along if you can. We believe it would be much scarier if you could not see what was going on!
What if the weather is bad on the day of my jump?
All aviation activity is mostly dependent on suitable weather conditions. Historically we manage weather constraints by getting up early and being patient. If the weather doesn’t permit, we will shift the jumps to next day.
What do I need to take with me to the drop zone?
You’re going to have fun so in order to do so, be comfortable. A comfortable pair of running shoes is recommended and clothing that suits the weather of the day. If you have long hair, bring something to tie it up for your jump!
Is there any promotional scheme?
We do not offer any promotional schemes.
Is passport needed for Indian Clients?
Though Indian Clients’ do not need visa for their stay, passport or national identification card or Voting identification card is compulsory for skydiving and other travel needs.