The question of what to wear for a tandem jump comes up in every conversation before arriving at the drop zone, and it is not without reason, because the conditions up high have little in common with what we feel on the airfield apron. Air temperature drops with altitude by roughly 6 degrees for every kilometer, so with 25 degrees on the ground, it is already close to zero at 4000 meters. On top of that comes an airspeed exceeding 200 kilometers per hour, which cools the skin much faster than the temperature alone would suggest.
What clothing should you choose for a tandem jump in different seasons?
The basis is sportswear: long pants, a long-sleeved sweatshirt, and clothing close to the body, over which the jumpsuit issued at the drop zone is put on. The jumpsuit protects clothing from abrasion, but it does not replace an insulating layer, which is why clothing is chosen according to the weather on a given day. Skydiving in Wrocław takes place seasonally from April to October, so participants encounter extremely different conditions: cool mornings in early spring and heat in the middle of summer. The jumpsuit and goggles are included in the price of every package, just like the training, equipment, flight, and instructor support.
Differences in clothing for a tandem jump in summer and winter
In summer, a long-sleeved T-shirt, a thin sweatshirt, and light long pants are enough, because despite the heat on the ground, the air at altitude remains cold, and the jump is too short to get properly chilled. In spring and autumn, it is wiser to add a thermal layer under the sweatshirt, and for morning flights also thin gloves, which are not mandatory but clearly improve comfort during freefall. Longer hair is best tied back with a hair tie, because in the rush of air loose strands can effectively block your view. Throughout the season, one rule applies: nothing loose, nothing hanging, and nothing that could slip out into the air.
What shoes are best for a skydiving jump from 4000 m?
Shoes must first and foremost stay on the foot, because during exit and landing footwear is subjected to jerks, and losing it in the air poses a danger to people on the ground. The best choice is lace-up sports shoes with a flat, flexible sole, well secured at the heel and fastened along their full length. During landing, the instructor guides the tandem so that it touches down on the feet or on the buttocks, so footwear with good cushioning genuinely makes the last seconds of the jump easier, while tight and stiff models can be just as problematic as overly loose ones, as they make it harder to lift the feet into the landing position.
What to avoid: types of footwear not allowed during the jump
All shoes that can come off or that make it difficult to control the foot during landing are out, regardless of how comfortable they seem in everyday use. This group includes:
- flip-flops, thong sandals, and sandals without a heel strap,
- high heels and wedge shoes,
- slip-on footwear without laces or fastening,
- high boots that restrict ankle movement,
- shoes with protruding hooks that could catch on lines.
If in doubt, it is better to leave the questionable pair in the car and arrive in ordinary sneakers than to count on the instructor accepting them.
How to prepare for the low temperature at 4000 m?
The ascent in a Cessna Grand Caravan to an altitude of 4000 meters takes only 12 to 15 minutes in Wrocław, so the body will not have time to cool down on the way up, provided we are not sitting there in just a T-shirt. The greatest chill appears in the first seconds after exit, when the air hits the face and penetrates exposed areas, which is why it is worth covering the wrists, neck, and ankles. After the canopy opens, the rush of air almost completely stops, and over the next roughly 6 minutes of calm descent with a view of Lower Silesia, the cold stops mattering, because the tandem is getting lower and lower.
Summary
- Temperature drops by about 6 degrees for every kilometer of altitude, so at 4000 meters it is clearly colder than on the ground.
- The basis of the outfit is long pants, a long-sleeved sweatshirt, and close-fitting sportswear under the jumpsuit.
- The jumpsuit and goggles are included in the package price, but they do not replace your own insulating layer.
- Only lace-up sports shoes with a flat sole that hold the foot well are suitable for the jump.
- The ascent to altitude takes 12 to 15 minutes, and the greatest chill is felt in the first seconds of freefall.
FAQ
Can I jump in shorts or a T-shirt?
It is not recommended to jump in shorts or a T-shirt, even in summer. At 4000 m, the temperature is much lower than on the ground, so it is worth wearing long pants and a sweatshirt.
What shoes work best during a tandem jump?
The best are comfortable sports shoes with a flat sole that hold the foot well. Avoid sandals, flip-flops, and high heels.
Does the organizer provide extra clothing for the jump?
Most drop zones offer protective jumpsuits, but it is worth having your own comfortable clothing underneath, adapted to the weather conditions.
Do I need my own gloves for a skydiving jump?
Gloves are not mandatory, but in lower temperatures it is worth bringing them to protect your hands from the cold during freefall.
Can I bring a companion with me?
Yes, you can come with a companion who will watch your jump from the ground.