Frequently Asked Questions

Restrictions

Safety, for both our students and our instructors, is our number one concern. Therefore, we reserve the right to refuse anyone permission to participate at our dropzone. Below are some common restrictions that you should be aware of.

Weight restrictions: Only those that are in good physical condition and are below 230lb. This is due to limitations on the gear that we use for students.

Age: At least 16 years. If under 18 you must have parents at dropzone to sign for consent.

Previous Injuries: Please inform us of any injuries that may be of concern.

Medical Conditions: Any medical condition must be brought to the attention of your instructor. Also, if you are taking any medications, including over the counter drugs, please inform your instructor. This is for your own safety and the safety of your instructors, confidentiality is assured.

Alcohol/Drugs: No alcoholic beverages of any kind will be permitted on the dropzone during skydiving activities. There is a 100% no Drugs policy.

Sensations

What does it feel like?
In Freefall you will have the sensation of floating rather then falling. You will not experience the same sensations that you know from a roller coaster ride. The parachute ride is more tranquil, take a look at the landscape and enjoy the ride.

What if I am afraid of heights?
This is no problem. Many skyduvers suffer from the same phobia. Once you pass a few hundred feet the sensation of height is generally unnoticable.

Weather

If it rains, should I still come out?
Yes, Skydiving is a weather dependant sport and operations will cease while it rains. However, classroom training will continue in all weather conditions. If the rain stops, as it often does, operations will continue as soon as it is determind safe to proceed.

What weather can't i jump in?
• We can not skydive in snowy conditions, however we will skydive as long as it is above -10ºC on the ground.
• Students are not permitted to jump in winds greater than 15mph(~24kph). Also any winds that are considered turbulent may also ground student parachutists.
• We can not skydive in low cloud cover. Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) have limitations about flying in and around clouds. Our pilots must follow these regulations and as a result parachuting activity may not be possible.

Clothing

What should I wear for my first Jump?
Footwear: Running shoes or boots without hooks. Sandals will not be allowed
Clothing: wear something comfortable
Goggles will be provided for those who wear glasses or contact lenses.

Equipment

What kind of parachute will I use?
All student gear is equipped with square ram-air parachutes. These are large, gliding parachutes designed for consistent openings, steering control and a soft tiptoe landing. The size is just under 300Sq'.

Why does the equipment make a difference?
Modern equipment is very maneuverable and less prone to malfunction then that old ex military gear. The modern square canopy allows for extreme and precise control while under canopy as well as beautiful soft landing. Unlike the old movies that show people landing where the wind blows them, landing hard and rolling when they hit the ground, modern parachutes can be guided to a tip toe soft landing to an area the size of a dime

Kinds of skydives a beginner can try

Instructor Aided Jump
This skydive has you climb out yourself with your instructor at the same time. The instructor deploys your parachute as you let go!

Tandem
This skydive you are attached to the front of your instructor using a parachute built for two. You uget to enjoy freefall for about a mile, and 30 seconds later, the instructor will open the parachute, and you will land together.

How safe is skydiving?

Modern skydiving has evolved into a much safer sport than it used to be. With the use of Automatic activation Devices and steer able Canopies (parachutes), the sport has moved from one that only the tough or daredevils would do to a sport where families with older children now do together!

Who regulates Skydiving in Canada?

Skydiving is a self regulated sport in Canada, however the CSPA is recognized by the FAI as the governing body for skydiving in Canada. All skydive centers in Canada belonging to CSPA follow their recommendations as far as training students, instructors, and skydiving in Canada. There are very few skydive centers in Canada that are not members and those centers operate on their own rules. A person should make sure they learn from a CSPA associated drop zone to be assured of consistent training and safety regulation. All of our instructors are current CSPA rated instructors.

Where is Edmonton Skydive Centre?

40 minutes North of St. Albert, up highway 2, very near to Westlock.- Check out the map on our website www.edmontonskydive.com/map.html