A tandem skydive attaches a passenger to a qualified instructor on a single harness-and-container system, under one large parachute designed for two. The instructor is responsible for the exit, freefall stability, deployment and landing.
Why most people start here
A tandem needs a briefing measured in tens of minutes rather than a training course, so it is the shortest path from arriving at a drop zone to actually jumping. It is also the only way to skydive with no prior training at all.
Many drop zones offer a tandem progression, where repeated tandems build toward solo training — useful if you are unsure whether you want to commit to a full course.
Limits worth checking before you book
Weight limits are the most common reason someone is turned away on the day. They vary between operators and typically fall somewhere in the 220 to 250 lb range, sometimes with a sliding surcharge, and they exist because of equipment certification rather than preference.
Minimum age is 18 at most U.S. drop zones, but this is not universal — some states set it higher. Nebraska is one example, where the minimum is 19.
Because these vary by operator, confirm directly with the drop zone rather than relying on any directory, including this one.
These pages explain what things are so the language makes sense. They are not instruction and cannot substitute for it — skydiving is taught in person by rated instructors at a drop zone, and anything involving equipment handling or emergency procedures belongs there rather than on a web page.