A tandem skydive takes place from an altitude of 4,000 meters, and freefall lasts about 60 seconds, at a speed exceeding 200 kilometers per hour. Such a rush of air hitting you straight in the face determines what you can and cannot wear, because every loose item of equipment becomes a hazard to the jumper and to people below. It is worth learning the rules regarding glasses, contact lenses, and helmets before booking, not while standing in line for the plane.
What rules apply to a tandem skydive with glasses?
Prescription glasses do not exclude you from taking part in the jump, because standard skydiving goggles have a deeper frame than ordinary protective glasses and can fit the frames inside their casing. The price of every package at PL Strefa includes a jumpsuit and goggles issued for the duration of the jump, and sizing is done on site, together with fitting the harness and discussing the course of the jump during the briefing. When choosing skydiving in Elbląg, it is worth reporting the need to jump with glasses already when booking the date.
Safety during a jump with prescription glasses
The main risk is the frames slipping off under the force of the air, which is why the goggles must fit snugly to the face without gaps at the bridge of the nose and temples, fully covering the glasses. An additional safeguard is a strap or cord holding the frames to the head, although the final decision on whether a particular model is allowed is made by the instructor conducting the jump, who assesses its shape, weight, and how it sits on the face. Before boarding the plane, it is worth removing everything that could come loose in the air:
- earrings, pendants, and other jewelry,
- hats, scarves, and hairbands,
- phone, keys, and small items from pockets,
- watch and sunglasses without a securing strap.
Can you jump with contact lenses?
Contact lenses are allowed and for many people are a more convenient solution than glasses, as they do not require matching the goggles to the frames or worrying about damaging the lenses. The condition remains a tight seal of the goggles, because they protect the eye from the air stream hitting at a speed of over 200 kilometers per hour, at which even a small gap causes noticeable tearing. The fact that you wear contact lenses should be reported to the instructor before the jump, just as in the case of glasses, because the staff then selects a goggle model that minimizes air leakage, and the whole procedure takes a moment and helps avoid improvisation just before takeoff.
Recommendations and risks associated with contact lenses during a jump
The main risk is the lens shifting or falling out when air gets under the edge of the goggles, and the second factor is eye dryness, because during freefall the eyelids reflexively open wider, which speeds up the evaporation of the tear film. People wearing soft lenses usually do not feel discomfort as long as the goggles fit properly, and a spare pair left in the car is often a sensible precaution in case one is lost during landing. If you are prone to dry eye syndrome, it is worth considering a jump with glasses or consulting an ophthalmologist.
Helmet during a tandem skydive – requirements and comfort
The equipment issued to the participant as part of the package includes a jumpsuit and goggles, while the issue of headwear is decided by the instructor conducting the jump, in accordance with the rules in force in the given drop zone and the characteristics of the specific equipment. In tandem, the passenger is positioned directly in front of the instructor, which is why rigid constructions are sometimes replaced with soft solutions that do not limit the instructor’s field of vision and do not interfere with his chin at the moment of exit or during landing. All parachute equipment elements at PL Strefa are subjected to thorough safety checks, and the instructors hold licenses with qualifications issued by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Summary
- A jump with prescription glasses is possible because skydiving goggles fully cover the frames.
- Contact lenses are allowed, and the key thing remains a tight fit of the goggles to the face.
- The fact that you wear glasses or contact lenses is worth reporting to the instructor before the jump, preferably already when booking.
- The package price includes a jumpsuit and goggles, and the issue of headwear is decided by the instructor.
- All loose items, including jewelry and a phone, must be removed before boarding the plane.
FAQ
Can I do a tandem skydive with prescription glasses?
Yes, you can wear prescription glasses during a tandem skydive. The instructor provides special protective goggles that secure the glasses against being lost or damaged during the flight.
Are contact lenses safe during a skydive?
Contact lenses are allowed during a tandem skydive. However, it is recommended to use protective goggles to minimize the risk of them being blown out by the wind.
How should I prepare for a jump if I wear glasses or contact lenses?
Before the jump, tell the instructor that you wear glasses or contact lenses. You will receive suitable protective goggles that will protect your vision and ensure comfort during the jump.