Preparing for a tandem skydive is simple. You do not need special training, previous experience, or athletic fitness. The most important things are to arrive on time, feel physically well, wear suitable clothing, listen carefully to your instructor, and allow flexibility for weather or air traffic delays.
At Skydive Swahili, the team guides you through every stage of the experience. You will receive a full briefing before the jump, be fitted with equipment by your instructor, fly to altitude in a Cessna 182 aircraft, exit from 10,000 ft, experience freefall, fly under parachute, and land on Diani Beach.
This article explains how to prepare so your jump day is smooth, safe, and enjoyable.
Before choosing a date and time, review the basic eligibility guidelines. Tandem skydiving is accessible to many people, but certain age, weight, BMI, health, and safety restrictions apply.
Before booking, check:
Your preferred date and time.
Your general health and physical readiness.
Your weight and BMI suitability.
Whether you need parental or guardian consent for a minor.
Whether you have enough flexibility in your schedule for possible weather or airspace delays.
Skydiving is weather-dependent. Booking a time slot does not guarantee that the jump will happen at that exact time. Wind, cloud, visibility, rain, aircraft checks, and Air Traffic Control clearance can affect operations.
For full eligibility details, see: Who Can Skydive? Health, Age, and Weight Guidelines.
It is normal to feel nervous before a first skydive. Most first-time jumpers feel a combination of excitement, anticipation, and fear. This is expected. Good preparation helps you manage these emotions and enjoy the experience more fully.
To prepare well:
Sleep properly the night before.
Eat normally, but avoid heavy meals that may cause discomfort.
Stay hydrated.
Avoid arriving hungry, weak, or light-headed.
Do not jump if you are sick, dizzy, nauseous, or recovering from food poisoning.
Avoid overthinking the exit. Your instructor will guide you step by step.
Focus on breathing slowly and listening to instructions.
A clear mind and comfortable body make the experience easier. You do not need to feel fearless. You only need to be willing, attentive, and able to follow your instructor.
For emotional preparation, see: First-Time Jumper Fears and Feelings.
Skydiving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited. This applies to all participants.
You must not arrive impaired, intoxicated, or hungover. Alcohol, recreational drugs, and other impairing substances affect judgment, coordination, balance, reaction time, and your ability to follow instructions. These effects create risk for you, your instructor, other participants, pilots, and ground staff.
Skydive Swahili reserves the right to refuse service without refund if a participant appears intoxicated, impaired, unsafe, or unable to participate responsibly.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows free movement. Clothing should be practical, secure, and suitable for aircraft boarding, freefall, parachute flight, and beach landing. It should not be very loose, baggy, floppy, or likely to flap excessively in freefall.
Recommended clothing:
Comfortable athletic clothing.
T-shirt, light long-sleeve shirt, leggings, shorts, or similar activewear.
Clothing that does not restrict movement.
Secure, closed shoes with flat soles.
Avoid:
Loose scarves.
Flowing dresses or clothing that may flap in freefall.
High heels.
Sandals or flip-flops.
Heavy boots.
Shoes with hooks, studs, or loose parts.
Large jewelry or accessories.
Long hair should be tied securely. Loose items must be removed before the jump.
Good eyesight improves the experience because the view from the aircraft, freefall, and parachute flight is a major part of the jump.
If you normally wear glasses, you may wear them during the jump. Skydive Swahili provides larger skydiving goggles designed to fit over eyeglasses.
If you wear contact lenses, you may use them as well. Standard skydiving goggles protect the eyes from airflow during freefall.
Bring only what you need for check-in and comfort while waiting.
Recommended items:
Government-issued photo ID.
Booking confirmation.
Parental or guardian consent documents for minors, if applicable.
Any medical clearance if previously requested.
Sunscreen if you expect to spend time outside.
Avoid bringing unnecessary valuables. Skydive Swahili staff will explain what can and cannot be taken into the aircraft.
Tandem passengers are not allowed to carry phones, cameras, GoPros, or loose personal items during the jump. This is a safety rule.
Loose objects can become dangerous in the aircraft, during freefall, or under parachute. Even small items can create risk if dropped or released in the air.
If you want photos or video, choose a professional media package. Media options are designed to capture the experience safely, including preparation, aircraft boarding, freefall, parachute flight, and beach landing.
Arrive at least one hour before your scheduled jump time unless instructed otherwise. This allows enough time for check-in, waiver completion, briefing, equipment fitting, airport procedures, and operational preparation.
A typical visit may take approximately 2–4 hours. This can vary depending on:
Weather conditions.
Air traffic control clearance.
Group size.
Operational delays.
Do not schedule another fixed appointment immediately after your skydive. Allow enough time so you are not rushed.
Friends and family may come to support you and watch your landing from the beach landing area. They may take photos and videos from the ground, provided they follow staff instructions and stay clear of the active landing area.
Friends and family are not allowed to enter the airport or accompany participants to the aircraft. When the Skydive Swahili vehicle leaves the beach office for the airport, only jumpers, instructors, and authorized Skydive Swahili staff travel to the aircraft.
At the beach landing area, spectators must follow the instructions of the ground staff at all times. The landing area must remain clear for skydivers and instructors.
Skydiving depends on suitable weather and safe aviation conditions. Conditions may look good from the ground while the situation at altitude is unsuitable. Wind, cloud, visibility, rain, and air traffic restrictions can all affect whether a jump can proceed.
Skydive Swahili may delay, pause, or reschedule jumps due to:
Strong or shifting winds.
Low cloud or unsuitable cloud cover.
Rain or storm activity.
Reduced visibility.
Air traffic restrictions.
Aircraft checks or technical considerations.
These decisions are made for safety. Staff will monitor conditions and provide updates when delays occur.
For more details, see: Safety Protocols and Conditions Affecting Jumps.
The typical day-of process follows a clear sequence:
Arrival and check-in
Staff confirm your booking and required information.
Waiver and document review
Required forms and identification are checked.
Instructor briefing
Your instructor explains the equipment, aircraft process, exit, freefall, parachute flight, and landing.
Gear-up and harness fitting
You are fitted with a tandem passenger harness and goggles.
Drive to the airport
Skydive Swahili transports participants to the airport in the company vehicle. The drive usually takes approximately 10–15 minutes.
Airport process
You proceed through airport procedures and approach the aircraft with staff.
Aircraft boarding
You board the aircraft and sit in the instructed position.
Climb to altitude
The aircraft climbs to 10,000 ft. Your instructor completes additional checks and connects your harness to the parachute system.
Exit and freefall
Your instructor guides the exit and manages freefall.
Parachute opening and canopy flight
The parachute opens and the experience becomes calm and scenic.
Beach landing
Your instructor guides the landing and performs a soft touchdown at the Skydive Swahili beach landing area.
Completion and media
After landing, staff assist with equipment and provide instructions on how to receive your media if you ordered a media package.
Before arriving, confirm:
You have your ID.
You have completed or are ready to complete required waiver documents.
You are sober, rested, and physically well.
You are not hungover.
You are wearing secure, comfortable clothing.
You are wearing suitable shoes.
You have removed unnecessary jewelry and loose accessories.
You have allowed enough time for possible delays.
You are ready to listen carefully and follow your instructor.
Preparing for a skydive is straightforward. Arrive rested, sober, well, and on time. Wear practical clothing and secure shoes. Bring your ID and required documents. Do not bring loose personal items into the aircraft. Expect possible delays because skydiving depends on weather and aviation conditions.
Most importantly, listen to your instructor. Skydive Swahili will guide you through each stage so you can enjoy the freefall, parachute flight, and beach landing safely and confidently.
Cross-links: