What is a USPA Group Member Dropzone?
The United States Parachute Association (USPA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and safety of skydiving. USPA represents more than 34,000 people who enjoy the sport of skydiving. USPA also represents nearly 300 skydiving clubs and businesses nationwide that offer skydiving and skydiving instruction. USPA's sole business is the sport skydiving. Since its inception in 1946, USPA has worked to promote, grow, and develop the sport, with skydiving safety as one of its most critical missions.
As a USPA group member dropzone we have taken a pledge to provide service and conduct business within accepted ethical guidelines. We have made a committment to comply with the USPA Basic Safety Requirements (BSRs) in connection with all skydiving activities and ensure that all of our employees and staff are appropriately qualified and trained in accordance with USPA Recommendations and (where applicable) hold USPA ratings and/or FAA licenses and certification commensurate with their duties.

How long will it take to make my first jump?
Plan for a 1/2 day, but be prepared to spend the whole day in the event of bad weather.
Static line students should plan on a first jump course that lasts 3-4 hours. Post instruction training and your first static line jump will begin after training.
Tandem students should plan on a half hour of instruction followed by the skydive.

What time should I be there?
The first jump class for static line students starts at nine.
Tandem students need to arrive a few minutes before reservations to allow for paperwork.

Is there a weight limit?
Yes, weight limits are a restriction of the equipment we use. The equipment is designed, tested, and certified by the manufacturer for a certain maximum suspended weight as well as a maximum opening force.. Our weight limit for student jumps is 220 pounds.

How old do I have to be?
You must be at least 18 years of age with a current photo ID.

What do I need to wear?
Comfortable clothing for temperatures and sneakers (no boots or sandals, please).

Can I get pictures and video of my skydive?
Yes, Skydive Walterboro has several professional videographers. We will capture your thrilling experience with a professionally produced video

Do I need to make reservations to make a skydive?
Reservations aren't required but they are highly recommended for tandem students as it is the only way to guarantee your slot. We require a $50 deposit per person, either a Discover, Visa, or MasterCard over the phone. You can cancel or change your reservations up to 72 hours before your scheduled appointment without losing your deposit. Deposits are recommended for static line students only for groups of 5 or more.

Can I go solo my first jump?
Yes!! After your static line training, you and your experienced USPA instructor will take the ride to 3500 feet. You will exit the aircraft and fly the canopy down by yourself.

What does free fall feel like?
The sensation of freefall is more like flying than falling. There is no stomach churning acceleration, just the exhilarating feeling of dancing on the wind.

What does the parachute ride feel like?
The parachute flight is peaceful and will allow you to take in the beauty of the South Carolina low country. On a clear day you can see the ocean city of Charleston.

How fast do you fall?
The average human body falls approximately 120 miles per hour.

What does the drouge chute do?
A tandem pair has twice the mass but the same surface area as a free falling skydiver. The drouge chute slows the tandem pair to about the same speed as a single skydiver.

What kind of parachute will we use?
The parachutes used are specially designed, modern square parachutes built just for student jumps.

What happens if the parachute doesn't open?
This is probably the most Frequently-Asked-Question posed by all prospective jumpers. By law (FAA regulations), all intentional parachute jumps must be made with a single harness, dual parachute system with both a main canopy AND a reserve canopy. In other words, you have a second (or spare) canopy in case the first one fails to open properly.
The student's main canopy is always packed either by a rigger or under a rigger's direct supervision by experienced packers.
The reserve canopies are even more painstakingly designed and packed. The reserve parachute must be inspected and repacked every 120 days by an FAA rated parachute Rigger - even if it has not been used during that time.
There are also additional safety features employed to ensure canopy deployment such as Automatic Activation Devices (AAD) and Reserve Static Lines (RSL) which add still more layers of safety.

How long does the skydive last?
Up to 60 seconds of freefall and 5 to 7 minutes under the parachute.

What is the landing like?
The new "ram-air" parachutes of today, when used in accordance with the training provided, allow landings that feel equivalent to stepping off a curb.
These canopies are actually rectangular in shape, and act like an airfoil when open. They are more like gliders than umbrellas.
The aerodynamics of the square canopy provide it with exceptional maneuverability, allowing the jumpers to land almost anywhere they wish.