Skydiving is an aerial activity in which a person exits an aircraft, experiences a period of freefall, deploys a parachute, and completes a controlled descent to the ground. Modern skydiving uses high‑performance parachute systems that allow predictable navigation, precise landings, and a structured progression for both first‑time participants and experienced jumpers.
A skydive consists of several phases: aircraft climb, exit, freefall, parachute deployment, canopy flight, and landing. Each phase follows standardized global safety practices established through decades of development within the aviation and parachuting community.
Skydiving may be conducted as a recreational experience, as part of formal student training, or as a professional discipline. For most new participants, a tandem skydive provides the safest and most accessible introduction to freefall.
The origins of parachuting date back centuries, with early concepts appearing in the work of inventors and aviation pioneers. The first documented parachute descent occurred in the 18th century from a balloon, marking the beginning of controlled descent techniques. In the early 20th century, parachuting evolved further through aircraft‑based jumps, eventually becoming a structured discipline during military development.
Modern sport skydiving emerged as parachute equipment improved, freefall training became standardized, and civilian drop zones established formal instructional programs. Today, skydiving is practiced worldwide, supported by globally recognized procedures and equipment standards.
Cross-link: History of Skydiving.
A standard skydive follows a predictable sequence that ensures structure, safety, and clear expectations for participants.
The jump begins with boarding the aircraft, typically a Cessna 182 in Skydive Swahili’s operations. The climb to 10,000 feet provides views of the Kenyan coastline and lasts approximately 15–20 minutes. During ascent, instructors conduct final readiness checks and ensure all equipment is correctly positioned.
At the designated exit point, the door is opened and the instructor positions the pair for departure. The exit is controlled and deliberate, allowing a stable introduction into freefall.
From 10,000 feet, freefall lasts approximately 30–40 seconds. The sensation is one of smooth airflow rather than falling. Tandem instructors maintain control of body position and heading throughout this phase.
Tandem systems deploy a drogue soon after exit. The drogue stabilizes the pair and regulates fall rate to ensure safe deployment of the main parachute.
The main parachute is deployed at approximately 5,000 feet. Deployment transitions the skydive from freefall to canopy flight. Tandem systems include a dual‑parachute configuration: a main canopy and a reserve canopy.
Once the parachute is open, the descent becomes calm and controlled. The instructor navigates using steering toggles to direct the canopy. Canopy flight lasts approximately 5–6 minutes and offers clear views of the coastline.
Landings at Skydive Swahili occur on Diani Beach. The instructor manages the landing approach, speed control, and touchdown. Passengers follow simple instructions during the final approach to ensure a safe landing.
Cross-link: Skydiving Safety.
Tandem skydiving allows individuals with no prior training to complete a skydive under direct supervision of a licensed instructor. The participant is secured to the instructor using a purpose‑built harness system designed for stability and safety.
A tandem parachute system is designed to provide redundancy, stability, and controlled descent. Its primary components include: - The container system, which houses all parachute components - The main parachute, deployed during the skydive for normal canopy flight - The reserve parachute, packed to strict standards and used only if the main parachute cannot be safely flown - The drogue (tandem only), deployed shortly after exit to stabilize the pair and regulate fall rate - The Automatic Activation Device (AAD), which activates the reserve parachute automatically if necessary - The passenger harness, which securely attaches the customer to the instructor at multiple connection points
These components are designed according to global standards established by major equipment manufacturers. are designed according to global standards established by major equipment manufacturers.
The instructor controls the skydive from exit to landing. Responsibilities include: - Pre-jump briefing and safety preparation - Equipment checks - Body‑position management in freefall - Deployment of the parachute - Navigation under canopy - Landing procedures
Before the jump, customers receive a briefing on body position, equipment, and landing posture. During the skydive, the instructor manages all technical elements. The participant focuses on maintaining a stable body position and enjoying the experience.
Tandem skydives are the most accessible entry point into the sport because: - Minimal training is required - An experienced instructor manages all technical aspects - The harness system provides structural support and stability - The drogue‑regulated fall rate adds additional safety margins - The canopy descent is calm and predictable
Tandem skydiving enables individuals to experience freefall and parachute flight safely, without prior experience.
Tandem skydiving is accessible to a wide range of people. Despite being an exciting aerial activity, it is not an extreme sport in terms of physical requirements. You do not need special fitness levels, perfect vision, or athletic ability to participate. Most guests—across many ages, body types, and levels of experience—are able to enjoy a tandem skydive safely.
Eligibility is based on a few simple factors: general health, body size, and weight guidelines. Minors may jump if the harness fits securely, adults must fall within standard weight and BMI ranges, and participants should feel well enough to follow basic instructions during the experience.
It is also important to note that skydiving cannot be performed under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Arriving impaired or hungover affects judgment, physical coordination, and overall safety. All participants must be sober and clear-headed on the day of the jump.
For detailed age, health, and weight guidelines, see the dedicated article: Who Can Skydive? Health, Age, and Weight Guidelines.
Safety briefings at Skydive Swahili are available primarily in: - Swahili - English - Russian
Subject to instructor availability, briefings may also be provided in: - Spanish - French - Additional languages upon request
Skydiving combines structured safety practices with a unique airborne experience. Tandem skydiving offers a controlled, instructor‑guided entry into the sport, making it the most accessible form of skydiving for first‑time participants. The jump sequence—from aircraft climb to beach landing—follows globally recognized procedures supported by modern equipment.
Skydive Swahili conducts tandem skydives from 10,000 feet using dual‑parachute systems equipped with AADs. Eligibility requirements ensure safe participation for all guests, while clear instructional briefings prepare customers for each phase of the jump.
Cross-links: - Company and Services Overview - Skydiving Safety - History of Skydiving