Tandem Skydiving at Perris Valley

Tandem skydiving at Perris Valley is a first-jump skydiving experience offered by Skydive Perris at 2091 Goetz Rd in Perris, Riverside County, California, about 75 miles (120 km) southeast of downtown Los Angeles. The drop zone, at Perris Valley Airport, is regarded as one of the largest and busiest in the United States. In a tandem jump, a first-time skydiver is harnessed to a professional instructor who controls the freefall, parachute deployment and landing. The jump from about 14,000 feet gives roughly five minutes of freefall before a canopy ride of several minutes, and the listed prices start at about $199 for 14,000 feet and $399 for 18,000 feet, with photo and video packages costing extra.

No prior experience is needed. Participants are expected to be in reasonable health, able to follow instructions and to meet the operator's age, weight and fitness limits, which are set by the drop zone and the United States Parachute Association rules for tandem jumping. In the United States, minimum age is generally 18, and weight limits apply because of equipment ratings, so visitors should confirm these requirements when booking. People with certain medical conditions, such as heart problems, may be restricted. Participants should not jump after drinking alcohol or while unwell.

A jumpsuit, harness and goggles are supplied, and jumpers wear closed-toe athletic shoes that fit securely. Clothes should be comfortable and weather-appropriate. A briefing and training session is given before boarding, covering body position, exit, freefall, the canopy ride and landing. Instructors use modern tandem rigs that include automatic activation devices as a backup. Aircraft and rigs are maintained under Federal Aviation Administration requirements, and instructors hold tandem ratings issued through USPA. Rescue and emergency response rely on ground crew and local emergency services, and landings take place in a designated landing area on site.

Skydive Perris operates year-round, with clear weather the main requirement. Cloud cover, high winds and low visibility cause delays or cancellations. Summer afternoons can be very hot, and early mornings often have the calmest air. The whole visit usually takes a half day, including check-in, waiting for a slot, the jump and any photo or video pick-up. Spectators can often watch landings from the ground, and the drop zone has food service on site.