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FAQ’s

Below is a list of the questions that we are often asked by people who are contemplating jumping out of a perfectly good airplane for the first time! If having read through these questions as well as the information on this site, you still have questions, please feel free to call us on 046 973 0103 or use our website contact form.

All courses are available to people who are complete beginners. Your motivation for doing the jump may influence your choice of course. If you are looking to experience the thrill of skydiving maybe for charity or as a complete one off, with minimal training, then the Tandem Skydive course would the most appropriate choice. If you would like to add to the satisfaction by doing the jump yourself, then a Static Line jump or Accelerated Free Fall course would be better.

Can I jump with a disability?

Disabilities do not necessarily need to stop you from skydiving. Call us to discuss with one of our instructors and we will be able to best advice you.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Skydiving like all aviation activities is dependant on suitable weather conditions. Irish weather is notoriously difficult to forecast, especially more that 24 hours in advance. You can telephone the centre on 1850 260 600 / 046 97 30103 the day before your booked date if you have any concerns about the weather prospects. If necessary, we will reschedule your jump.

How long will I have to wait to jump on the day? Can you give me an exact time slot?

We understand that it is helpful to know when you are likely to jump especially if you have friends and family coming to see you jump. We will be able to give you approximate time slots, however please be advised that weather conditions can affect these times. If your supporters are travelling separately, we usually advise that they aim to arrive 1 hour – 1.5 hours after your designated arrival time.

What height will I jump from?

Static Line jumpers will exit the plane from 3,200 – 3,500 feet. Tandem and AFF jumpers exit at a minimum of 10,000 feet and at our centre we can fly as high as 13,000 – 15,000 feet, depending on local air traffic control restrictions and the cloud base.

Do I need insurance?

Skydive.ie | Irish Parachute Club requires that all individuals participating in Solo Skydiving must hold Third Party Liability insurance cover that is suitable for skydiving and parachuting.This is normally a very specialised form of insurance cover which is not typically included with an everyday insurance policy that is offered by insurance agents. It is therefore advised to take out an insurance policy with an insurance provider that specialises in this type of service.

Skydive.ie | Irish Parachute Club is not in itself an insurance agent and is not licensed to provide any advice or provide any insurance services.

Be advised that Skydive.ie | Irish Parachute Club and it’s affiliates, partners and skydiving clubs does not hold liability insurance coverage for participants. Participants must accept full responsibility for the risk associated with Skydiving from an aircraft and related activities. It is therefore necessary for all participants to complete and agree to a legally binding indemnity contract releasing the company from any and all liability.

How safe is skydiving?

Your safety is our top priority. All of our instructors are qualified, are extremely experienced and are current in accordance with the annual renewal policy. The equipment used is of high quality and maintained to meticulous standards. Training is to the highest standards and in the case of Static Line and AFF which involve solo descents, you must pass a written exam before being allowed to jump. We only jump when the weather conditions are suitable and safe to do so.

Equipment

Equipment used is regularly maintained in accordance with Irish regulations and is checked prior to every jump by our team. Each course requires the use of a dual parachute system consisting of a main and reserve parachute. Safety back up systems include an automatic reserve opening device (brand names include Cyprus and Vigil) which will operate in extreme circumstances. If you are a Static Line or AFF student you will be given a back up radio enabling an instructor on the ground to assist you during your canopy descent to the ground.

Can I jump if I wear contact lenses or glasses?

You will be issued with goggles that comfortably fit over glasses and help to keep contact lenses in place.

Can I breathe in free fall?

You may feel like you gasp for air on exiting the aircraft especially if it is particularly cold. However you will be able to breathe quite normally during your descent to the point you won’t even think about it!

What clothes should I wear?

Ensure that your clothes are comfortable and loose fitting. If it is a cold day, wrap up warm. In the summer you can get away with just shorts and a t-shirt. You will also be given a jumpsuit to fit over your clothes. The Static Line and AFF courses can get quite energetic, so layers that you can take off are advisable. Comfortable shoes preferably trainers are advisable. Open toes or shoes with hooks are not allowed.

Will I be able to jump with my friend?

If you are part of a group and have a preference as to who you share your experience with on the plane, make us aware of this at the time of your booking as well as remind the centre on your arrival. The centre will do their best to make this happen, however please appreciate that sometimes it is out of their control. Weight limits, the number of people requesting video plus the plane re-fuel schedule can sometimes affect the manifest system. If you can’t go up in the same plane as your friend, you can cheer them as they come in to land!

Can I get my skydive videoed?

If you are doing a Tandem Skydive or an AFF level 1 Skydive why not request for your jump to be filmed so that you can capture the memories to share with family and friends? Make us aware that you would like your skydive videoed at the time of booking or on the day. We can capture your thrilling experience with a professionally produced DVD and digital images from a professional videographer or a professionally produced DVD via a Hand Cam worn by your instructor. The additional charge for this service can be paid for on the day of your skydive.

Can I take a Go Pro on the jump and film the skydive myself?

We are often asked whether you can take a Go Pro or other small camera devise on your skydive. Unfortunately, these cameras can pose as an entanglement hazard and so you will not be allowed to take with you on the jump. It is worth noting that any footage gained by yourself using such devices would not be of the same quality as the footage gained by a professional videographer accompanying you on your skydive. Ask us for more details on video + stills packages at the time of booking.

Can I jump this weekend?

If you can’t wait to experience the thrill of skydiving, call us now on 1850 260 600 / 046 97 30103 and we will be able to advise if there are any places available. We do get booked up at the weekends very quickly, so if you have a particular weekend in mind, don’t delay and go to our Shop Page. If you are restricted to a particular date, please check availability with us first BEFORE booking.

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Ask us anything

Got a question not answered via our FAQ section ? Then simply get in touch. We’re here to help.

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Deputy Chief Instructor

shane-fester-walsh-sky-diver

Shane (Fester) Walsh

Maverick
Award Winning Jumper

I did my first jump (static line) on the 22nd of June 1995 and I remember every bit of it, I was hooked from then on.

While traveling over an 8 year period, I obtained multiple rating such as, Jump Master, Coach, Static Line Instructor, Tandem Master, Drop Zone Safety Officer, Reserve Packer and Chief Instructor.

These days I mainly do Tandems and Deputy Chief Instructor.

Why choose the Irish Parachute Club

We are a non-profit organization dedicated to the training of skydivers throughout Ireland. We offer full training from beginner level to advanced.

All moneys raised through the sale of our products goes back into maintaining and upgrading our facilities to ensure they are always kept to our high standard, and our custom built facilities are the best in the country, which is why we are the number one choice for skydiving enthusiasts and charities throughout Ireland.

  • Award winning Instructors
  • Training from beginner to advanced
  • Custom built facilities
  • Highest standards in safety
  • A Non-Profit organization
  • Supporting local charities
  • Number 1 choice for enthusiast
  • Skilled and experienced staff
  • Best facilities in Ireland
  • Best for first timers in Ireland