Do I have to do a tandem first?

No, our Learn To Skydive class will train you to jump on your own without doing a tandem first.

Can I bring/wear a video camera on my first jump?

You cannot bring a camera on your skydive.   You are welcome to bring a camera and have friends take photos or video of your landing.  The United States Parachute Association (USPA) recommends that a licensed parachutist have 200 jumps before wearing a camera.

Do you have gift certificates?

Sorry, we do not offer gift certificates at this time.

When do I pay for my skydive?

You pay for your skydive on the day that you come out, please remember to bring your payment method on the day of your jump.  Credit Card is preferred, as we may not be able to make change.

What does Club Membership entail?

Since Skydive Fargo is a non-profit club, everyone that jumps here is required to become a club member. Annual dues are included in your first jump price ($50), and membership expires at the end of the calendar year. Club renewal dues on immediate subsequent years are $25. This means if you were a club member the prior year, the price of a tandem jump and static line course are discounted by $25.

Along with the privilege to skydive, club membership provides you many other benefits such as attending weekly social functions, club meetings, Halloween and year-end parties, as well as voting for our board of directors.

What’s a “Static Line” jump?

A static line jump is made from about 3,500 feet, after you, following commands from an instructor, climb outside the airplane, hang from the strut below the wing, and let go! A static line is attached to the airplane and to the parachute container on your back. As you fall away, the static line pulls open your container and extracts a pilot chute which then extracts your canopy. After about 5-7 seconds, a rectangular parachute should be open. You will then fly this parachute and land it, generally with assistance via radio from a coach or instructor speaking to you from the ground (into a receiver mounted on your helmet).

What’s a “Tandem Jump”?

A tandem jump involves two people (you and an instructor), harnessed together, free falling together, and landing under a single parachute built for two. You’ll exit the plane around 10,000 feet and free fall for nearly a mile before opening the parachute. You will be belly-to-earth, the instructor will be on your back, and the parachute will be worn by the instructor.

How much does it cost to make a jump?

The price for either the static line course or a tandem jump is $295 (AFF is slightly more expensive). Other rates my apply at other locations, so please see the details found on the Tandem Reservation Page

Is there a weight limit for someone to be able to make a jump?

Yes our limit is 235 pounds. This is for your safety and for that of your instructor. (Tandem passengers over 210 lbs. have a $30 additional fee)

Is there an age limit?

Yes, Skydive Fargo! Inc. requires jumpers to be at least 18 years of age.

What kind of training is involved?

a) To make a static line jump, you must first take the Static Line First-Jump Course. Most courses begins at 6:30 pm on Friday evening, and continues until about 10:00 pm. The course continues the following morning at 8:00 am for another two hours or so. If the weather permits, the first load of students will jump about 10:00 am that morning.

b) To make a tandem jump, only about 30 minutes of briefing and gear-up is required, but the wait time may vary.

Which type of jump is right for me?

If you wish to “do it yourself,” or you intend on eventually making a solo free fall, then you must take the static line/AFF Learn To Skydive course. If you simply want to make one skydive, then we recommend a tandem jump, both for the free fall experience, and for the benefit of having an experienced skydiver along.

If I take the static line course, what do I have to do to make a free fall jump?

You will generally make at least 5 static line jumps. On 3 of those jumps, you’ll pull a practice ripcord. If you perform properly on all 3 of those practice-ripcord-pull jumps, you’ll move on to your first free fall. That first free fall takes place from about 3,500 ft. You’ll gradually move up to higher altitudes for longer free falls depending on your skill progress. Some people get up to “the top” on about their 13th jump.

I understand the first static line jump is included in the $295 course fee (slightly more for AFF). How much are subsequent jumps?

Subsequent jumps are $100, see PRICES page for more information.

Is video available for my tandem or static-line jump?

This service is not always available. Please let us know that you would like video when contacting us for scheduling, and we may be able to discuss options.

Can my friends jump with me?

The aircraft holds 4 jumpers. So, an instructor and 3 static-line students would comprise one load. Or, 2 tandems would comprise a load. Or, 1 tandem and a videographer and a solo experienced jumper would comprise a load. Riding the plane together can be fun, but staying on the ground to watch your friends land is also fun, as you get to see more.

Can I make another jump that same day?

Possibly. It depends on the weather and how busy we are.

How does the weather affect jumping?

We cannot conduct static-line jumping if the winds are over 14 mph or the drop zone is muddy. Also, minimum cloud altitude for jumping is 3500 feet. Tandem jumps are not under any specific wind restriction, but the instructor may still decide to not jump, depending on wind speed. Tandem jumps are also subject to specific cloud restrictions.

If I make a tandem jump, can I take the static line course later?

Yes. Once you have made a tandem jump, the price of the Learn To Skydive course is reduced by $50, if you take it before the end of the calendar year. Likewise, if you’ve made a static line jump and then wish to have the experience of a tandem jump, the fee for the tandem is reduced to $245.

How do I become a licensed, independent skydiver?

To earn the United States Parachute Association’s (USPA) lowest level license, more commonly known as the “A” license, you must take a formal first-jump course. Then, you’ll need at least 20 free fall jumps after your initial static line jumps. There are also a number of free fall, landing, and other skills you must demonstrate, and you must learn to pack your own parachute. In fact, you must progress through Categories A through H of the USPA’s Integrated Student Program, which is exactly what the training at Skydive Fargo consists of. Completion of that training allows you to receive your A license document from the USPA. Though it varies by individual, it may be possible to obtain your license after about 25 jumps. To expedite your progress, keep in mind that currency is important; until you have an A license, not jumping for a 30-day period will require you to make one static-line jump before you can return to free fall jumps.

How much does parachute gear cost?

If you buy used gear, you’ll spend at least $2,500. New gear runs close to $8,000 or more.

What does the $295 cover?

Annual club membership dues in Skydive Fargo! (we are a non-profit club), gear rental, instructor services, pilot services, gear repack, altitude, manifest services. In other words, everything you need to make a jump, except you.

How do I sign up?

Please see our reservation page on this site. Questions? Email us at info@skydivefargo.com, or call us at (701) 281-0149.

What clothes should I wear?

Regular clothing. For footwear, avoid sandals. Tennis shoes are fine, so are boots, except those with hook laces. Take all jewelry off. We provide jumpsuits that fit over your regular clothing. We also provide helmets and goggles. All you need to bring is yourself and your payment.

When can I see some skydiving?

Weather permitting, you will find us at the drop zone some evenings (typically Mondays and Fridays during the season starting around 4:00 pm) and on weekends starting around 10:00 am. “Jumping Weather” is whenever we have clear to partly-cloudy skies with winds under 20 mph (14 mph for students). We make more jumps in warm weather, of course, but Skydive Fargo members jump year round. Like us on Facebook; we try to post when we are jumping.

It’s a good idea to try emailing, or calling before you come out if driving long distances.

Where does this insanity take place?

West Fargo Airport, approximately 4 miles west of I-29 (exit 67) on 19th Ave. N. Hanger #8. See “ABOUT” page for detailed directions.