Tandem instructor with a passenger exiting the plane
scenic flight Olomouc

Skydiving: The ultimate guide from Da Vinci's first sketch to freefall at 300 km/h

So what exactly is skydiving?

Skydiving is the premier discipline of air sports, combining physics, total concentration and an indescribable feeling of freedom. In its purest form, it is a process in which a person leaves an aircraft at a safe altitude and returns to solid ground with the help of a parachute system. But it isn't just about “jumping”; it's about mastering the airspace with your own body.

The whole experience is precisely divided into three key phases, each of which offers a completely different kind of emotion:

  • Freefall: This phase begins the moment you exit. It is a moment of pure adrenaline, as you accelerate to your terminal velocity within a few seconds. In this phase you are not falling “into the void”; the air around you forms a dense medium that you can lean on and that lets you perform acrobatic maneuvers or link up in formations with others.
  • Flight under an open parachute: As soon as the canopy opens at the set altitude, the deafening roar of the wind gives way to absolute silence and calm. Modern “wing”-type parachutes are fully steerable aerodynamic machines that let you glide over the landscape, make sharp turns and enjoy bird's-eye views.
  • Landing: The final phase, which calls for judgment and precision. The goal is a safe return to the ground, ideally in the marked landing area, where the skydiver puts their canopy-control skills to use for a soft, controlled touchdown.

Skydiving has long since ceased to be the preserve of the military or daredevils. Thanks to strict safety standards and modern materials, it is a highly organized sport that is open to the general public – from recreational tandem passengers to professional athletes who pursue extreme disciplines.

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A skydiver in a blue jumpsuit in freefall with an altimeter on the wrist during a group jump
Comparison of Leonardo da Vinci's historical parachute sketch and a modern skydiver above a mountain landscape

From visionary sketches to a modern sport

The history of skydiving goes back further than you might guess. Did you know that the first sketches of a parachute were made by Leonardo da Vinci between 1485 and 1495?

  • The first heroes: The first documented jump was made by Faust Vrančić in Venice in 1617.
  • Origin of the name: The term “parachute” (which translates as “protector against a fall”) was introduced by Louis-Sebastien Lenormand in 1783 after a jump from an observatory tower.
  • Saving lives: The first person to use a parachute to escape from a balloon was André-Jacques Garnerin in 1797.
  • Military boom: During the world wars, parachutes became a key means of transport for airborne troops, which opened the way to sporting use after 1945. The first World Championships then took place in 1951 in Yugoslavia.

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Jump technique: Physics in practice

A jump is not just an uncontrolled fall. It is a precisely defined process in which both altitude and aerodynamics play a role.

  • Altitude and speed: Jumps are usually made from 700 to 4,000 meters. During freefall you reach speeds of 180–300 km/h, depending on the body position you choose.
  • Safe opening: So that the sudden opening of the parachute doesn't “snap you in two,” a component called a slider is used. It dampens the opening shock and ensures the canopy inflates gradually, usually at an altitude of around 1,000 meters.
  • The perfect landing: You always land into the wind, which reduces your forward speed. At about 5 meters above the ground, the skydiver brakes the parachute (the so-called “flare”) for a soft touchdown.

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Infographic of a skydiver in freefall with an altimeter on the glove and arrows illustrating the aerodynamics
A close-up of skydiving gear, lines and digital instruments on the airfield

Equipment: What does your life depend on?

Today's equipment is the pinnacle of engineering. Modern parachutes are made of Ripstop – a lightweight yet extremely durable nylon fabric that doesn't let water through and won't tear easily.

What does a parachute system consist of?

  1. Main parachute: Usually of the “wing” type for good maneuverability.
  2. Reserve parachute: Your backup in case of trouble.
  3. Harness: Which keeps you securely attached to the parachute.
  4. AAD (safety device): An electronic guardian (e.g. m2 AAD) that automatically opens the reserve parachute if the skydiver fails to react at a critical altitude.

The essential gear is rounded out by an altimeter, a helmet, a hook knife and sturdy footwear.

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How to get started? Training methods

You don't have to jump on your own right away. There are several ways to get up into the clouds:

  1. Tandem skydive: The easiest way in for the general public. You are strapped to an experienced tandem instructor. All you need is to be at least 8 years old, over 120 cm tall and weigh no more than 120 kg.
  2. AFF (accelerated training): For those who are serious about it. You jump from 4,000 meters right from the start, but with the assistance of two instructors.
  3. Static Line: The classic method, in which the parachute opens automatically by means of a line attached to the aircraft.
  4. Basic training: Requires roughly 10 hours of theory and dry-run practice on the ground.

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A skydiving instructor explains the AFF and Static Line methods to a group of students in front of information boards
BASE jumping from a high cliff overlooking mountains and water, with skydivers in various flight positions

From acrobatics to BASE jumping

Skydiving has many faces. You can take up accuracy landing (hitting a target 2 cm in diameter!) or group acrobatics (RW), or try modern disciplines such as:

  • Wingsuit Flying: Flying in a winged suit.
  • Swooping: Extremely fast landings just above the ground.
  • BASE jumping: Jumps from fixed objects (buildings, cliffs), which are, however, among the most dangerous.

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Safety first (Regulations in the Czech Republic)

In the Czech Republic, skydiving is strictly regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (regulation V-PARA-2). If you want to jump on your own, you must have:

  • A minimum age of 15.
  • A valid certificate of medical fitness.
  • The relevant category (from Ž – student to D – expert).

Specialist roles such as instructor or parachute packer require a special state authorization, which guarantees a high standard of safety at our airports.

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Pre-flight briefing of skydivers with a police officer on the grass of the airfield next to a white airplane
A skydiver jumping out of a plane above the landscape with the text The sky won't wait any longer: Take the first step

The sky won't wait any longer: Take the first step

Skydiving is a sport that will change your perspective – literally and figuratively. Since the days of Leonardo da Vinci, we have come a long way toward maximum safety and technological perfection. Whether you choose a one-time tandem or professional training, the experience of freefall will stay with you forever.

Want to experience an adrenaline rush?

Would you like to find out what it's like to fly in freefall at over 200 km/h ? With us you'll experience a real skydive – a parachute jump from up to 6,000 meters with a professional instructor. Safely, from a modern aircraft and at a transparent price with no hidden fees. You'll remember this moment for the rest of your life!
We jump from March to November.

What you get

Tandem skydive from 4,200 m
20-minute scenic flight
1 minute of freefall
Speeds over 200 km/h
7 minutes of parachute flight
Safe landing
Videos & photos
Tandem instructor with a passenger during freefallBlue sky with white clouds
See what awaits you. It will be worth it!

We take care of everything so you can fully enjoy your tandem skydive.

Professional quality photos and video

Keep the memories of this amazing experience in a tangible form. We provide professional-quality video footage and digital photos of your entire skydive. We will hand over the video and photos to you within 5 minutes of landing. You can share the joy with your loved ones or show off on social media right away.

TIP: Not sure if you want to pay extra for the video? Ask at the reception or check with your instructor directly if there is space available on the plane. After the jump, we can show you a short edit, and you can decide for yourself whether you want to purchase the video or not.

Professional photographer and videographer
Over 100 photos
Full skydive video
Highlight video

The ideal gift for others and for yourself

Forget ordinary paper vouchers. For this experience, paper alone just isn't enough.

With your skydive you can order a stylish metal tin containing your voucher in a premium finish. A perfect gift that makes an impression the moment it's handed over – and, unlike paper, it stays as a lasting keepsake of your jump.

Whether you put it on a shelf or in your office, every glance at it will remind you of that unforgettable moment of freefall.

Practical info

You don't have to worry about missing the gift deadline.
We'll send you the voucher instantly by email, and also in a high-quality tin.

White clouds in a blue skyOrange Jump Tandem tin

Safety guarantee

Your safety is our top priority. Our instructors are absolute professionals with thousands of jumps under their belts.

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We use audited parachutes and regularly tested equipment. We are members of the United States Parachuting Association and the Czech Parachuting Association. We are authorized by the Civil Aviation Authority, the Ministry of Transport, and certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency according to European Commission regulations.

‍We are the only skydiving center in the Czech Republic that is also an air operator.

Blue sky with white cloudsTandem instructor with a female passenger before a tandem skydive

What you need to know before your jump

Tandem instructor with a passenger exiting the plane
Weather

Jumps are not performed in bad weather conditions, rain, or fog. Cloud cover is not an issue; in fact, you'll get to experience flying through the clouds.

Clothing

We will provide everything you need for your tandem skydive. Just wear comfortable sportswear and sturdy shoes (sneakers).

Health

Jumping is not permitted for those with epilepsy, heart conditions, or severe mental disabilities. If you are unsure, please consult with us or your doctor.

When to arrive at the airport?

Please arrive at the airport 45 minutes beforehand.

Weight

The maximum weight for a tandem is 110 kg. Over 90 kg and over 100 kg we charge a surcharge on top of the base price of the jump.

Age

Jumps are possible from 8 years old. For those under 18, a legal guardian's signature is required.

Photo Gallery

The atmosphere will captivate you

Passengers before boarding the plane for a tandem skydive, Příbram airport
Tandem instructor with a passenger in freefall
Tandem instructor with a passenger on the plane
Tandem instructor with a passenger in freefall
Tandem instructor with a passenger after landing
Tandem instructor with a passenger in freefall
Tandem instructor with a passenger after landing
Tandem instructor with a passenger in freefall
Passengers before boarding the plane for a tandem skydive, Příbram airport
Tandem instructor with a passenger in freefall
Tandem instructor with a passenger on the plane
Tandem instructor with a passenger in freefall
Tandem instructor with a passenger after landing
Tandem instructor with a passenger in freefall
Tandem instructor with a passenger after landing
Tandem instructor with a passenger in freefall
People in Jump Tandem jumpsuits on the plane
Tandem instructor with a passenger in freefall
A man standing in front of the airport in Příbram with the Jump Tandem logo
Tandem instructor with a passenger in freefall
Tandem instructor with a passenger on the plane
Tandem instructor with a passenger before boarding the plane
Tandem instructor with a passenger boarding the plane
Tandem instructor with a passenger exiting the plane
People in Jump Tandem jumpsuits on the plane
Tandem instructor with a passenger in freefall
A man standing in front of the airport in Příbram with the Jump Tandem logo
Tandem instructor with a passenger in freefall
Tandem instructor with a passenger on the plane
Tandem instructor with a passenger before boarding the plane
Tandem instructor with a passenger boarding the plane
Tandem instructor with a passenger exiting the plane
White clouds in a blue sky
A white cloud in a blue skyA white cloud in a blue sky
Frequently asked questions
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What should I look for when choosing a tandem skydive?

1. Hidden fees. At JUMP-TANDEM there are no hidden fees; everything is included in the price. Elsewhere you'll run into fuel surcharges, parking fees, equipment rental fees and more.

2. The altitude. If you do a jump from 4,200 m with us, you really will exit at 4,200 m. Elsewhere you may find that you buy a jump from 4,200 m, pay a fuel surcharge when you arrive at the airport, and then jump from only 2,900 m.

3. The number of airports on offer. JUMP-TANDEM is the only company in the Czech Republic that owns 2 jump planes, which is why it jumps regularly at two airports. A company that rents one plane and offers, say, 10 airports can logically jump at each airport only 1 to 2 times a year. If the date doesn't suit you or the weather happens to be bad, you're simply out of luck.

Can I add photo and video at the drop zone?

Yes, you can, but if we don't know in advance, there may no longer be room on the plane for a cameraman. We recommend requesting it when you book, by phone, or at the latest during online check-in.

What happens if the weather is bad?

We carefully monitor the weather forecast at all times. If the forecast is unfavorable, we will contact you to let you know that the tandem skydive cannot take place and arrange an alternative date. Even with the best and most accurate evaluation of the weather data, the weather may still change suddenly on the day of the jump, making a safe jump impossible – possibly even after you have arrived at the airport.

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Can I jump with glasses or contact lenses? I have poor vision without glasses and I’m worried I won’t see anything.

Prescription glasses are not a problem. We provide special skydiving goggles that can be worn over regular glasses to protect your eyes from airflow. Contact lenses are also safe to wear during the skydive.

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What are the restrictions for a tandem skydive?

The following conditions apply to a tandem skydive: the maximum weight of a tandem passenger is 115 kg and the minimum age is 8. Anyone under 18 may take part in a jump only with the consent of a legal guardian. However, the jump is not suitable for people with epilepsy, serious heart conditions or severe mental disabilities. For jumps from 6 km these conditions are stricter - the maximum weight is 95 kg and the permitted age range is 18 - 50.

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When is the season for tandem skydives?

From April 1 to October 31, every week at both airports according to the jump calendar.

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How do the jumps from 3,000 m, 4,200 m and 6,000 m differ?

The best option is 100% the jump from 4,200 m. It is the maximum altitude that can be reached without breathing apparatus, and the freefall - the most beautiful part of the jump - lasts about one minute.

The jump from 3,000 m is the minimum option. The freefall is cut down to the bare minimum - approx. 20 seconds. It's better than not jumping at all, but we recommend paying a little extra and experiencing the jump to the fullest from 4,200 m.

The jump from 6,000 m is demanding both physically and mentally, because the pressure up there is only half of what it is on the ground. For mountaineers this is the so-called death zone – breathing apparatus is already needed. You will have breathing apparatus available on the plane; during the jump itself it all comes down to your physical condition. According to the Civil Aviation Authority, special requirements apply to this jump. Before the jump you need to have a BMI in the range of 17-30, be within the age limit of 18-50 and weigh no more than 95 kg.

Watch out: many dishonest agencies and companies offer a jump from 3,000-4,000 m, but such a jump will always take place from just 3,000 m.

What equipment will be provided for my tandem skydive?

For your tandem skydive, we will lend you a jumpsuit and skydiving goggles free of charge, plus a hood and gloves if the weather is cold.

How do I book a date?

Here in the booking section or by phone at 724 175 175 or 724 002 001.

Can I pay by card?

Card payments are not possible at the airport or at our office in Brno. Please have cash ready.

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Can the validity of a tandem skydive voucher be extended?

The validity of the voucher can only be extended by one additional year at the time of purchase. Once the voucher has been purchased, it is no longer possible to extend its validity.

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How long is the “Dose of Adrenaline” tandem skydive voucher valid for?

If the gift voucher is purchased between January 1st and March 31st of the calendar year, it is valid for use until October 31st of the same year.

If the gift voucher is purchased between April 1st and October 31st of the calendar year, it is valid until the same date of the following calendar year.

If the gift voucher is purchased between November 1st and December 31st of the calendar year, it is valid until October 31st of the following year.

The voucher can only be used during the skydiving season, which runs from April 1st to October 31st each year.

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Do I need a medical certificate for a tandem skydive?

No, a medical certificate is not required to participate in a tandem skydive.

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What should I wear for a tandem skydive?

For a tandem skydive, we recommend comfortable sports clothing and suitable sports shoes, such as sneakers or trainers.

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Is tandem skydiving safe?

At JUMP-TANDEM, we work only with professionals who have completed thousands of successful jumps. Many of our instructors are current or former members of the national skydiving team. All of our tandem parachutes are equipped with an automatic activation device that can deploy the parachute in an emergency. Every tandem system also includes a fully functional reserve parachute.

I would like to do a tandem skydive. However, I noticed on your website that the maximum weight limit is 115 kg. Why is there a weight limit for tandem skydiving?

The total load of the tandem system must not exceed 235 kg. A tandem parachute system weighs approximately 30 kg, and our tandem instructors have an average weight of up to 90 kg. This means that the remaining weight allowance for the passenger is 115 kg.

I have knee problems. I’m honestly worried about the landing and whether my knees will handle it.

There is no need to worry. This is one of the advantages of choosing experienced professionals like JUMP-TANDEM. Just before landing, the tandem instructor slows down the descent enough that the impact on your knees is comparable to stepping down from a single 20 cm high step. Any harder impact is absorbed by the tandem instructor, who touches the ground first.

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Wondering what weightlessness feels like during the longest freefall? Experience it. You'll see it's worth it.
With us you're absolutely safe. We're the largest skydiving company in the Czech Republic.  

Airplane on a grass fieldWhite clouds in a blue sky