Why You Should Choose a High Altitude Tandem Skydive and What to Expect

High altitude skydiving, often referred to as a HALO jump, is conducting a skydive from an exit altitude of 15,000 feet or higher. Is the extra altitude worth it? Absolutely. Let’s dive in! 

What Does HALO Mean?

HALO stands for: High Altitude Low Opening. Does this mean we’re deploying our canopies dangerously low after jumping from super high? Nope. HALO jumps actually entail a ‘normal’ deployment altitude (right around 5,000 feet) – it’s just considered low compared to the higher exit altitude. 

The Benefits of Doing A HALO Tandem Skydive

Choosing a high altitude tandem skydive over a standard tandem skydive has tons of benefits. Here are the top reasons to opt for a HALO skydive! 

1. More Freefall Time = More Intentionality
   A HALO jump offers well over a minute of freefall time! This is invaluable for first-timers. Skydiving for the first time may be overstimulating and charged with adrenaline (understandable!), which can make truly appreciating the experience somewhat difficult. The additional seconds in freefall feel like a lifetime and they give your mind and body a moment to adjust to all that’s going on around you. 
2. Extra Time to Soak in the Views
   Speaking of more time spent up there … jumping from a higher altitude means you’ll not only experience the incredible birds-eye views for longer, but they’ll be different than that of a standard skydiving experience, because you’ll be higher! At higher altitudes, you can see further in every direction, giving you an unmatched and unique vantage point. 
3. Bragging Rights
   Doing a HALO jump is a bucket-list achievement many avid skydivers aspire to check off! The higher altitude makes it a more exclusive experience, and it gives you a story to share for years to come. Which brings us to our next point … 
4. Longer Video
   If you opt for a video package (which you absolutely should), your video will include more time in freefall – more smiles, more hand signals, and more time to capture all the wild expressions going across your face! PLUS, you can share it. It’s physical proof that you did it and can supplement any story-telling you do in the years to come. 
5. A Sense of Accomplishment and Inspiration
   Skydiving takes courage and choosing to do it from the highest possible altitude only amplifies that, making the post-skydiving confidence boost that much better. 

Do HALO Jumps Require Oxygen? 

Yes! Skydiving centers that conduct HALO jumps are required to have an oxygen system on board the airplane, and in some cases skydivers are required to use supplemental oxygen bottles after leaving the plane. The higher we go, the more the air thins out and the less oxygen we have available, making supplemental means of oxygen an absolute necessity. 

What does Piedmont Skydiving do? We are equipped with an oxygen system on the airplane and supply everyone, including the pilot, with nose cannulas to ensure a steady and efficient flow of sweet O2. 

Fun fact: The thinner air can actually be felt in freefall. Avid skydivers describe the HALO-level air as more “slippery” than what they’re used to!

What Should A Skydiver Do For High Altitude Jump Preparation?

Prepare as you normally would! Stay hydrated, eat right, and avoid alcohol while getting plenty of rest the night before your skydive. 

Due to the air being thinner way up there, it’s important to ensure you’re taking steady and controlled breaths while in the plane and minimizing unnecessary movement, as it will take up more energy, and therefore, more oxygen. 

A pre-jump practice specific to HALO jumps is to bundle up. Due to the extended amount of time in freefall and the heightened exit altitude – the air is cooler for a longer period of time, and it’s important to dress accordingly. It’s not necessary to wear winter coats, but one could wear gloves or an extra under layer to ensure comfort while flying through the chilled air! 

What Altitude Should Tandem Skydiving Be? Some Common Questions

How high do you skydive from? The average altitude for skydiving takes place between 10,000 and 13,500 feet. The minimum skydiving height for a tandem is right around 8,000 feet and the minimum deployment altitude is 5,000 feet. 

What is the difference between 12,000 and 15,000 foot skydive … compared to a 17,500 foot skydive? More freefall time! The higher up we jump from, the longer we’re in freefall. Is the time under the parachute longer? Well, it can be, but it’s pretty chilly way up there. Remember, the higher we jump from doesn’t typically affect what altitude we deploy our parachute at. If a tandem skydive leaves from 10,000 feet and another leaves from 17,500 feet, and they both deploy their parachutes at 5,000 feet, there’s a stark difference in the time spent in freefall!  

Is a 10,000 foot skydive worth it? Absolutely. Any skydive is worth it. That being said, the benefits of a higher jump are magical and many jumpers would take the option of a higher exit altitude when given the opportunity! 

Are you ready to soar to new heights? Jump at Piedmont Skydiving today! Blue skies!