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 $219
Friday$249
Saturday – Sunday$269 $259
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 high-quality photos of your skydiving experience. Delivered directly to your email inbox and easily sharable to social media!$99
Video – Includes a edited high-definition video of your skydiving experience. Delivered directly to your email inbox and easily sharable to social media!$99
Video and Photos – Includes a edited high-definition video AND 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 edited high-definition video AND 200+ high-quality photos of your skydiving experience AND a Instagram Edit, edited freefall only 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.

  • Alexi Jarman Avatar
    Alexi J.
    We had the best time! We felt completely safe and well taken care of. Highly recommend Piedmont Skydiving... We’ll be seeing you guys again soon.
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    4 years ago
  • jim cooley Avatar
    jim c.
    Well the wait was a little long because of the storm but well worth it! Josh, my instructor, was awesome to say the least. I will be doing a beach jump soon and getting my license so I can jump alone ASAP. This experience was beyond my expectations and can’t wait for the next jump next month. For anyone who hasn’t, just do it. No regrets and just commit! Free fallin for life!!!
    read more
    5 years ago
  • Gabriel Arrandt Avatar
    Gabriel A.
    Had an awesome experience here! Our whole group had nothing but positive things to say about the jump, the staff (shout out to Kyle), the reasonable prices, and the friendly dogs were an added bonus!
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    3 years ago
  • Monica Hatchett Avatar
    Monica H.
    Kyle was an awesome instructor and shared so much knowledge of the area while we were in flight as well! Can’t wait to jump again in the fall when the leaves are their most colorful.
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    2 years ago
  • Tiffany Streuber Avatar
    Tiffany S.
    Went skydiving for the first time yday and it was AMAZINGGGG!!!!! Everyone at Piedmont were so understanding of my fear and wanted to give me the best experience ever and they DID!!!! I couldn’t thank them enough for this experience! I loved my instructor Dan...he was awesome and sooooo PATIENT! Lol! Loved it so much took the plunge and already have a second one paid for!! If you even think you will enjoy it DO IT!!! I promise it will be the best time of your life! It’s an experience that you’ll never be able to tell others about until they do it themselves! Take my advice and DO ITTTT!!!!!! Thank you for an amazing day! You guys rock!!!!! ????????????
    read more
    6 years ago