First Time Skydiving, Tandem Skydiving Guide

At Piedmont Skydiving, we specialize in creating unforgettable experiences for first-time tandem skydivers.

The Ultimate Guide to your Skydiving Experience

If you’re a first-time skydiver, you probably have a ton of questions about the process. How do you prepare? What’s it like? Is it scary, safe, expensive? This guide was created to give you peace of mind and get you excited about this incredible adventure!

We’ve done our best to answer any questions you might have in this guide, but if there’s one we missed, please contact us and we’ll do our best to answer it right away! Want to view the virtual tour? Click here!

About Tandem Skydiving

First and foremost, you won’t be in this alone. To skydive for the first time, you must be with a tandem skydiving instructor. That means that you won’t actually be the one doing the work. It’s the job of the tandem instructor to keep you stable in the air, pull the parachute at the right altitude, and steer you back for a soft and safe landing.

If you’re looking to level-up and skydive solo, you’re looking for something called an Accelerated Freefall Program. These programs are designed to get you certified to skydive by yourself. Even these programs, however, must begin with a tandem skydive.

Skydiving Requirements for your First Skydive

The first step to a successful skydive is to make sure that you can skydive in the first place! Almost anyone can skydive, but there are a few requirements that exist for the safety of both the skydiver and the instructor.

You must be at least 18 and weigh under 230lbs to skydive at Piedmont Skydiving

For the safety of both the instructor and the student, we require that all skydivers must be at least 18 years of age and weight under 230lbs. Passengers over 200 lbs. may also be required to be physically fit in order to jump. We require a photo ID to prove your age.

The Piedmont Skydiving Experience

While we know how exciting this adventure is, we also know how scary it can be for first-timers, especially when you have no idea what to expect. So, we created a step-by-step walkthrough of exactly what it’s like to go skydiving at Piedmont!

This visual guide will give you a step-by-step tour of exactly what it’s like to go skydiving at the highest-rated dropzone in North Carolina.

Skydiving Experience Virtual Walkthrough - What is it like to go skydiving?

Click on the image above (or click here) to check out the virtual skydiving experience! You can also take a look at some of the videos and photos that our awesome customers have posted to get a better idea of what the experience will be like!

Frequently Asked Questions

At Piedmont Skydiving, our goal is to make your adventure as carefree and exciting as possible. We don’t want you to worry about anything, so we’re here to take care of everything. Below you’ll find answers to some of our frequently asked questions about skydiving. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to us via email or phone! Find our contact information here.

Tandem Skydiving Prices

At Piedmont Skydiving, we’re proud to be one of the most affordable options for Tandem Skydiving on the east coast!

Tandem RatesPrice Per Person
Monday – Thursday$229
Friday$249
Saturday – Sunday$269
High-Altitude (17,500ft) | Click Here for more info$399
Experienced jumpers click here for lift & block ticket pricing. Click here for more information on our Accelerated Freefall Progression Program, including rates and packages.
Recording OptionsCost
Photos – Includes 150+ high-quality photos of your skydiving experience. Delivered directly to your email inbox and easily sharable to social media!$99
Video – Includes a 4 to 6 minute edited high-definition video of your skydiving experience. Delivered directly to your email inbox and easily sharable to social media!$119
Video and Photos – Includes a 4 to 6 minute edited high-definition video AND 150+ high-quality photos of your skydiving experience. Delivered directly to your email inbox and easily sharable to social media!$218 $119
Video and Premium Pictures + Social Media Package – Includes a 4 to 6 minute edited high-definition video AND 200+ high-quality photos of your skydiving experience AND 45 second Instagram Edit, 60 second unedited freefall video. Delivered directly to your email inbox and easily sharable to social media! $238 $139
Want to see some examples? Check out our photo and video library!
DiscountsDiscount Rate
Student Discount$20 off
First Responders$20 off
Active Duty Military$30 off
*One discount per person per visit. The discount amount is taken off of the total price and may only be combined with a group discount, no other discounts or promotions. Must be an active student/first responder or active duty military and show current, valid student/military ID. For a list of accepted documentation for first responders, click here. Does not apply to sport jump or AFF rates. Applicable discounts are applied at check-in.

Our Location & Contact Information

Piedmont Skydiving is located in Salisbury, North Carolina, between Charlotte and Greensboro. We’re just 6min off of I-85 S. Our central location makes us the perfect place for a day trip or as an activity on a weekend adventure. To get directions, copy the address below, or click on one of the direction buttons:

Piedmont Skydiving, 500 Airport Rd, Salisbury, NC 28147

We’re here to help!

Questions? Comments? Just feel like chatting? Contact us via email or phone! Click here to view the contact page.

Give the Gift of a New Adventure

The perfect gift? A dream delivered. Skydiving Gift Cards are the perfect way to create an unforgettable experience for someone you care about.

  • Christine Dvorscak Avatar
    Christine D.
    This was one, if not the most exhilarating experiences I've ever had! Being a "first timer" I was nervous to say the least. My instructor, Matt K. was absolutely awesome! He was informative, patient and best of all funny. He eased my nerves and I had an absolute blast. I'm totally hooked. I would recommend Piedmont Skydiving to anyone who asks.
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    5 years ago
  • Steven Stewart Avatar
    Steven S.
    It was awesome experience my instructor was great, made me feel very comfortable through the whole process. If your seeking a heart pounding, adrenaline rush this is something you should definitely do. Bucket list Check!
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    4 years ago
  • Liz Alex Avatar
    Liz A.
    It was absolutely amazing. Great staff. Quick service. Close parking. Bathroom facility. Seating area. A blast from above and beyond!!!! Thanx Allen!! He was calm, encouraging and a great and inviting smiLe! He put me at ease about it all!!!! Whoooooooooooooooh!!!! I may go at it again...
    read more
    3 years ago
  • Renee Walker Avatar
    Renee W.
    Instructor Derek and every aspect of Piedmont Skydiving was totally AWESOME! As a first-timer, Derek made me feel safe, comfortable, confident and best of all he made it so much fun! For someone who took months to decide whether or not to even do this, I would do it again in a heart beat and will be back sometime. Thanks for a day we'll remember always!
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    3 years ago
  • Megan Goode Avatar
    Megan G.
    This weekend was the 3rd time I've been to Piedmont Skydiving & it just never gets old! It still remains the coolest thing I've ever done. They have continued to do an outstanding job at making the experience nothing short of awesome! I'll continue to recommend them to everybody! Shout out to the owner, what an amazing business! ????
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    2 years ago