Frequently Asked Questions
Tandem Skydiving
What To Know Before You Go
These are our most frequently asked questions about tandem skydiving. Have others? Get in touch!
Where is Parachute Ottawa?
Our skydiving centre is located at the Arnprior Airport, right off Highway 417. We’re easy to get to from the National Capital and Greater Ottawa regions – get directions!
When are you open?
Can civilians jump at Parachute Ottawa, or only the Canadian Armed Forces?
All of the above! Parachute Ottawa caters to civilians of all levels and to military personnel. Our family has been skydiving at this airport for nearly 30 years, taking tandem students on first jumps, teaching people how to skydive, and training our country’s best of the best.
Is there a minimum age requirement for tandem skydiving?
Yes, in accordance with the CSPA (Canadian Sport Parachuting Association), the minimum age to jump tandem is 16. Anyone under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Is there a maximum age requirement for tandem skydiving?
No. If you are in general good health, age is just a number! We cater to people of all ages at Parachute Ottawa – from 16 to 96! If you have particular concerns, please consult with your doctor.
Is there a skydiving weight restriction?
Yes. For safety reasons, tandem students cannot weigh more than 250 lbs. Those weighing between 220 and 250 lbs must be height/weight proportionate. All tandem students are weighed at check in, and tandem instructors take tandem students at their own discretion. Our weight restriction is not intended to be discriminatory or exclusionary – we value safety above all else.
I have a disability. Can I make a tandem skydive?
If you think you can skydive, you probably can! The international skydiving community includes people of all abilities. At Parachute Ottawa, we respect that everybody is unique and we accept bookings from individuals with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Phone us to discuss your specific disability and we’ll see if we can accommodate you.
How much does skydiving cost?
Tandem skydiving price at Parachute Ottawa costs between $299 (9,000 feet) and $359 (12,500 feet). With skydiving, you get what you pay for; it’s an expensive activity for good reason. If you see bargain-basement prices, buyer beware.
What’s the difference between a 9K ft jump and 12.5K ft jump?
In a word: freefall. The higher you go, the longer you’ll be in freefall before your instructor deploys the parachute. A 9K foot jump yields about 20 seconds in freefall; a 12.5K foot jump yields about 60 seconds. (Those extra 40 seconds are priceless.)
What is an Advanced Tandem?
The Advanced Tandem experience is for those who have made a tandem or two and want to get a taste of what’s involved in learning how to skydive. Advanced Tandem students jump from 12,500 feet, stay altitude aware during freefall with an altimeter, and practice the basics of canopy flight following parachute deployment.
Is the skydiving video worth it?
YES. You only skydive for the first time once. Don’t land on cloud nine only to kick yourself for not getting video! Skydiving is an incomparable experience – you’re going to watch yourself in action over and over again! Plus, it’s social media gold! (#thatwasepic)
Basic Package | $170
Video and stills captured by videographer
Premium Package | $245
Video and stills captured by videographer and handcam
Do you have a marriage proposal package?
Yes – we have three awesome skydiving proposal packages to choose from. We’ll help you make your special day into one of the most epic and memorable occasions of your lives! Talk about starting off with a bang! Have a specific, super-secret idea you want to discuss – let’s talk.
Pop the Question Package | $100
Huge “Will You Marry Me?” banner in the landing area
Celebration Package | $215
“Will You Marry Me?” banner, bouquet of flowers
Ultimate I Do Package | $375
“Will You Marry Me?” banner, flowers, photographer
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes – we offer group and military discounts. Check out our skydiving prices page for all the details.
Group of 5-9 | $10 discount per tandem student
Group of 10+ | $30 discount per tandem student
Don’t see enough space for your group? Phone 1-877-OTT-JUMP
Military Tandem | $50 discount per tandem student
Must present valid CF-One or Active/Veteran Military ID
Can my friends and family watch me jump?
Yes! Like you, they should arrive at your reservation time – they won’t want to miss a minute of the action! Our landing area is big and unobstructed. Your buds and loved ones will have a great view of your landing just 50 feet from the spectator area!
How do I make a reservation?
Make your tandem skydive reservation online, or phone us if you want to discuss your particular circumstance (e.g. injury, disability, health concern) before you make your booking. A $50 deposit is required at the time of booking.
Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes. Cancel with at least 48 hours of advanced notice to avoid penalty. If you cancel within 48 hours of your reservation date, you will forfeit your $50 deposit.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Oh yea, no, for sure – and it might be the best gift ever to both give and receive! Check out our gift certificates page for more information.
When should I arrive for my jump?
Arrive at your reservation time. Once you check in, you’ll complete a brief training session before getting kitted out with your harness and waiting for your load to be called.
What if there is bad weather?
Skydiving is a weather-dependent sport, which is why you hear skydivers wish each other “Blue skies!”. Significant cloud cover or wind require that we suspend jump operations, but usually only temporarily. In the event weather shuts us down for the whole day, we will reschedule your jump without penalty to a date and time convenient to you. If the weather looks uncertain on the day of your jump, please phone us before you head to the dropzone.
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably, and according to the day’s weather. Athletic clothing and runners are best. Note that sandals, slip-ons, flip-flops, and heels are not permitted. Find more details on how to prepare for your first skydive with us here!
Can I skydive with my glasses on or contacts in?
You can, and you should! The views over Parachute Ottawa are not to be missed! We provide goggles that fit right over the top of most eyeglasses.
How fast is freefall?
Fast! Within seconds of exiting the aircraft, you hit terminal velocity – which for most is a little more than 200 km/h or 120 mph. Once you achieve terminal velocity, you’ll maintain your speed until the tandem instructor deploys the parachute.
Will I feel my stomach drop in freefall, like on a rollercoaster?
We’re happy to report: NO! When you skydive, you jump from a fast moving plane and begin to move even faster – no heart-stopping tummy drop! On a rollercoaster – or helicopter or bridge – you’re either still or moving slowly, so your heart jumps straight into your throat!
What does freefall feel like?
It’s hard to explain – you need to do it to know it! You don’t feel like you are falling, though; more like floating or flying. You’re so high up, you feel like you’re soaring above a map; you don’t feel “ground rush.” Wind resistance is holding you up, just as it would if you were indoor skydiving.
Can you breathe in freefall?
Yes – and it’s easy, too. Some people report after skydiving that they couldn’t breathe, but the truth is probably closer to wouldn’t breathe. Holding your breath is a natural fear response. The easiest way to avoid unintentionally holding your breath is to take deep breaths on the ride to altitude, and to shout at the top of your lungs on exit. You can’t shout without first taking a big breath.
Does the parachute open hard?
If you watch skydiving videos, you’d think they open really hard – but they don’t. The canopy opens gradually, your speed decreasing as it inflates. It looks hard in those videos because the camera flyer is still in freefall when the tandem instructor deploys the parachute!
Is it true that there is a second parachute?
Yes; always. Called a reserve parachute or an emergency parachute, this secondary canopy is deployed only if the main parachute malfunctions. This is rare, but not impossible. In compliance with CSPA rules, reserve chutes are carefully inspected and repacked every 180 days, regardless of their use.
What other safety measures are in place?
The Parachute Ottawa team is comprised of hyper-experienced skydivers – collectively, we have nearly 185,000 jumps and numerous specialized ratings. Many of us have been skydiving on this airfield for decades, and we take great pride in running an exemplary skydiving centre. Our aircraft is meticulously maintained; we use top-of-the-line Sigma tandem equipment; and every tandem and student rig is equipped with an Automatic Activation Device (AAD) and a UPT Skyhook. When it comes to safety, we spare no expense.
Do you have on-site food and beverage?
We don’t currently offer on-site dining. There are numerous convenient places to eat and grab supplies, though, including a Timmie’s less than 10 minutes away.
Do you have WiFi?
No, sorry.
Is the parking lot and entrance wheelchair accessible?
Yes! Come one, come all!
Can I get to Parachute Ottawa by public transportation?
Unfortunately, no – but our views are so worth the drive!
Can I SCUBA dive and skydive on the same day?
To avoid rapid decompression sickness in the aircraft, you must wait 24 hours after SCUBA diving to make a skydive. Note that it is considered safe to skydive first and then go SCUBA diving.
Can I bring my dog?
No, sorry.
