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GENERAL QUESTIONS
CLUB'S RIGHT TO REFUSE TO ALLOW A PERSON TO JUMP: The club reserves the right to refuse anyone to jump. Alcohol and drug use prior to jumping will not be tolerated. This includes hangovers! Other reasons for not allowing someone to jump may include: sleeping in class, poor performance on drills, cannot grasp the material, and medical or physical conditions.
WILL I GET TO SKYDIVE THE SAME DAY I TAKE THE COURSE? Our club does all it can to ensure that each student can make their skydive on the same day as their instruction. However, there are times when the student can't make that first jump on any particular day. If the weather is bad, please remember that the instructors cannot change or predict the weather! Winds usually quiet down towards the evening. Below are some conditions that prevent skydiving activities: 1. Low clouds - a minimum of 3500 feet is required 2. High winds - 14 mph is the maximum ground wind speed for students.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? All students should dress according to the weather. If you are a static line student, you will be provided with a jumpsuit to go over your clothes when you jump. No boots or shoes with any hook can be worn by anyone jumping. No sandals, clogs, heeled shoes, or cowboy boots. Wear something comfortable and a good pair of tennis shoes! Don’t wear hooded sweatshirts.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO IF I WEAR PRESCRIPTION GLASSES? We provide “over the glasses” goggles that fit over your glasses comfortably. However, during freefall, these goggles can lift off your face. On rare occasions, the glasses may lift also and could be lost. We suggest you bring an older pair or spare glasses, a sports strap for extra security (Croakie™ or Chums™), use contact lenses, or go without glasses if your uncorrected vision is adequate.
CAN MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS WATCH? We have a spectator area that your family and friends are welcome to enjoy. Family and friends can observe the jump preparations and watch the landing.
CAN I BRING MY DOG OR PET? We love dogs, but PLEASE LEAVE YOUR PET AT HOME!
WHAT IS THE WEIGHT LIMIT? There is a 230-pound weight limit for tandem or static line.
WHAT IF I AM IN POOR PHYSICAL CONDITION? We assess each person’s condition individually. You may not be able to skydive if you are in poor health. We have taken people as old as 95 and people with disabilities; however, skydiving is a very physical activity. USPA recommends either an FAA medical certificate, a certificate of physical fitness by a physician, or the completion of the USPA medical statement on the waiver form. Skydive Wissota retains the right to refuse to allow a person to jump.
You will be asked to sign a medical fitness statement. You may be required to consult a doctor about any medical conditions that may preclude you from skydiving and bring a doctor’s note clearing you for skydiving activities. This is especially true if you have any cardiac or pulmonary conditions, nervous disorders, fainting spells, blood pressure issues, shortness of breath, kidney disease, diabetes, or any health problem that could pose an issue during the dive. Medications such as blood thinners will need your doctor’s permission. We cannot give medical advice.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE? You must be at least 18 years or older to skydive. No exceptions. Photo ID Required.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM AGE? There is no maximum age. We have taken individuals as young as 95 years old. Jumpers need to be in good physical condition. Contact us ahead of time if there is any question about the physical condition of a jumper. We are honored to be part of a “bucket list’ jump, but we must ensure that it can be done safely.
ARE THERE GROUP DISCOUNTS? Yes. Note: A group deposit for five or more people may be required. Please contact us for more information.
1-4 people = regular price
5-9 people = $5.00 off each person
10-14 people = $10.00 off each person
15-20 people = $15.00 off each person
Jumpers can include those taking the static line class, tandems, or a mix of both. You MUST provide us with a deposit unless you make your reservation less than a week ahead. The Deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE! We need $30 per person paid upfront before we can make a group reservation. You do NOT receive the group discount if you do not pay the deposit.
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DOES ISPC ACCEPT? We accept cash or checks. We do not have the means to accept credit cards at the Drop Zone; however, we can accept PayPal, Visa, and MasterCard through our website prior to your appointment. A PayPal account is not necessary. There are numerous local area ATMs in which cash can be withdrawn. Stop for cash before arriving at the Drop Zone to speed up paperwork. Note that there will be NO refunds for PayPal payments made online.
WHAT ABOUT VIDEOS OR STILL PICTURES OF MY JUMP? Students CANNOT take their own photos or video due to safety concerns. This includes all small POV cameras like GoPros. Occasionally, a static-line jumpmaster may take a short video of a static-line student's exit - a few seconds worth. Freefall students are also occasionally videoed to monitor their progression.
TANDEMS
SCHEDULING QUESTIONS:
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WHEN CAN I SCHEDULE A TANDEM JUMP? We take tandem students from April through early November. We schedule tandems on Wednesday/Friday Evenings (4 PM) and all day on Saturday and Sunday at 10 AM, Noon, or 2 PM. Times are flexible.
WILL I GET TO SKYDIVE THE SAME DAY I TAKE THE COURSE/CLASS? Our club does all it can to ensure that each student gets a chance to make their skydive on the same day as their instruction. However, there are times when the student can't make that first jump on any particular day. If the weather is bad, please remember that the instructors cannot change or predict the weather! Winds usually quiet down towards the evening. Listed below are some of the conditions that prevent skydiving activities: 1. Low clouds and 2. High winds. We will be in contact if it is an obviously bad weather forecast for tandem appointments. Tandem appointments can be rescheduled at your convenience. Static Line classes are held rain or shine.
DO I NEED TO MAKE A TANDEM JUMP IN ORDER TO TAKE THE STATIC LINE COURSE (JUMP BY MYSELF)? You are not required to make a tandem before taking the static line course. A tandem jump helps the static line (solo) jumper understand the process but is not required. We give the tandem jumper a $40 discount towards the static line course.
WHAT TIME DO I SHOW UP FOR MY APPOINTMENT? Your appointment time is your arrival time. 10 AM = 10 AM arrival time. Jumping will start as soon as paperwork, training, and payments are processed. Paperwork and training are approximately 45 minutes. Occasionally, delays may occur due to weather or group size. Please arrive on time or call to give an approximate arrival (715) 726-1616. Occasionally, we can take the next group earlier than the appointment time.
WHAT IF I CANNOT MAKE MY APPOINTMENT OR MEMBERS OF MY GROUP WILL NOT BE SHOWING UP? We normally don’t take deposits and expect people to honor their appointment. We do understand that ‘things come up’ and ask that the group leader notifies us as soon as possible if the group size changes or cancels. This can be done via email: info@skydivewissota.org or call 715-726-1616.
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I PLAN FOR MY TANDEM JUMP? Plan at least half of a day to do your tandem jump. If you have a morning appointment, plan to be at the drop zone until mid-afternoon. If you have an afternoon appointment, plan to be at the drop zone until sunset. We try to hold to the appointment times but can get delayed/ behind schedule due to weather concerns. We also need time for paperwork, training, gearing, and packing between each jump. Tandem students have priority for the airplane, but sometimes there is a slight delay in waiting for the aircraft. Think about the size of your group -- the more people, the longer it will take for all members to jump. We suggest scheduling your tandem on a Wednesday or Friday evening since the schedule is lighter.
PAYMENT – COST:
WHAT DOES A TANDEM COST? The Tandem jump is $225/person + Additional/Optional $75 for Video.
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DOES ISPC ACCEPT? We accept cash or checks. We do not have the means to accept credit cards at the Drop Zone; however, we can accept PayPal, Visa, and MasterCard through our website prior to your appointment. A PayPal account is not necessary. There are numerous local area ATMs in which cash can be withdrawn. Stop for cash before arriving at the Drop Zone to speed up the paperwork process. Note that there will be NO refunds for PayPal payments made online.
ARE THERE GROUP DISCOUNTS? Yes. Note: A group deposit for five or more people may be required. Please contact us for more information.
1-4 people = regular price
5-9 people = $5.00 off each person
10-14 people = $10.00 off each person
15-20 people = $15.00 off each person
Jumpers can include those taking the static line class, tandems, or a mix of both. Large groups will be required to provide us with a deposit. The deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE! We need $50 per person paid upfront before we can make a large group reservation.
WHAT IF I DECIDE I DON'T WANT TO JUMP? Please tell your tandem instructor prior to training if you have any doubts. There will be NO refunds for online PayPal payments. NO refunds once you are geared up.
WHAT ABOUT A VIDEO? The video is an extra $75. It generally includes parts of your groundwork preparation such as training, gearing up, or asking you to say a few words before you get in the plane. The videographer will usually get footage of you in the plane and video your exit and freefall. The videographer will also video your landing and immediate post-jump reactions. Once at the drop zone, you may ask to see an example of a tandem video. Please remember that all videos vary in content.
NOTE: Due to safety concerns, tandem passengers cannot take their own cameras or phones on the skydive. Students CANNOT take their own photos or video due to safety concerns. This includes all small POV cameras like GoPros and phones.
The video is high quality. Screen shots can be taken from the video for photos/stills.
AGE—WEIGHT-FITNESS:
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE? You must be at least 18 years or older to skydive. No exceptions. Photo ID required.
WHAT IS THE WEIGHT LIMIT? There is a 230-pound weight limit for the tandem passenger. It is recommended that the passenger not be taller than 6’4”. Since the passenger needs to assist in climbing out of the aircraft while hooked up with the tandem instructor, the passenger needs to be physically fit. The tandem instructor may exercise the right to refuse to take someone who is too heavy, too tall, and/or not physically fit. While it is possible to take somewhat heavier persons, it is at a higher risk and can be an uncomfortable ride down. Many factors determine whether we can take you for a tandem skydive. We look at people individually to assess their abilities. (See “What is Height/Weight Proportional?”)
WHAT IS HEIGHT/WEIGHT PROPORTIONAL? Even if you are within the weight limit, your Body Mass Index and body shape may make any skydive more of a risk to you. When you make a skydive, you are outfitted with a harness designed to adjust to fit a wide range of body types. There is a limit to how far straps and pads can be adjusted and stay properly secured. If we can’t achieve a proper harness fit on the ground, it could cause catastrophic problems in the sky. Short, stocky individuals may be difficult to fit in a harness.
WHAT IF I AM IN POOR PHYSICAL CONDITION? We assess each person’s condition individually. You may not be able to skydive if you are in poor health. We have taken people as old as 95 and people with disabilities; however, skydiving is a very physical activity. USPA recommends either an FAA medical certificate, a certificate of physical fitness by a physician, or the completion of the USPA medical statement on the waiver form. Skydive Wissota retains the right to refuse to allow a person to jump.
WHAT DO I NEED IF I WEAR PRESCRIPTION GLASSES? We provide “over the glasses” goggles that fit over your glasses comfortably. However, during freefall, these goggles can lift off your face. On rare occasions, the glasses may lift also and could be lost. We suggest that you bring an older pair or spare of glasses, bring a sports strap for extra security (Croakie™ or Chums™), use contact lenses, or go without glasses if your uncorrected vision is adequate.
HEARING AIDS OR HEARING PROBLEMS: For a tandem - because of the cost of hearing aids and it is not essential to hear during the skydive, we recommend removing hearing aids before the jump and leaving them on the ground. During the training with the tandem instructor, with the hearing aids on, discuss hand signals or alternative means to communicate. For static lines, it is important that you communicate with your jumpmaster and hear radio commands. Discuss the best options with your instructor.
WHAT IF I WEAR DENTURES: You can skydive with dentures, but we recommend that since you will be smiling so much that you fix them with strong glue! If you think you could lose the dentures, they can be left on the ground.
CLUB'S RIGHT TO REFUSE TO ALLOW A PERSON TO JUMP: The club reserves the right to refuse anyone to jump. Alcohol and drug use prior to jumping will not be tolerated. This includes hangovers! Other reasons for not allowing someone to jump may include: sleeping in class, poor performance on drills, cannot grasp the material, and medical or physical conditions.
WHAT/WHOM TO BRING:
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? All students should dress according to the weather. If you are a static line student, you will be provided with a jumpsuit to go over your clothes when you jump. No boots or shoes with any type of hook can be worn by anyone jumping. No sandals, clogs, heeled shoes, or cowboy boots. Wear something comfortable and a good pair of tennis shoes! Don’t wear hooded sweatshirts.
CAN MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS WATCH? We have a spectator area that your family and friends are welcome to enjoy. Family and friends can observe the jump preparations and watch the landing.
CAN I BRING MY DOG OR PET? We love dogs, but PLEASE LEAVE YOUR PET AT HOME!
IN SUMMARY:
Everyone must be 18 or older, be physically healthy, and weigh less than 230 lbs. Wear comfortable clothing and a good pair of tennis shoes with no hooks. We only take cash or checks at the drop zone. If you wish to pay with a credit card, you can do so through our website (see the "Buy Now" page www.skydivewissota.org ). If you do that, don't forget to print the confirmation page for a receipt to bring as proof of payment. We accept electronic proof of purchase also.
STATIC LINE CLASS
WILL I GET TO SKYDIVE THE SAME DAY I TAKE THE COURSE? Our club does all it can to ensure students can make their first skydive on the same day as their instruction. HOWEVER, there are times when the student can't make their first jump on any particular day. If the weather is bad, please remember that the instructors cannot change or predict the weather! Listed below are conditions that prevent skydiving activities.1. Low clouds-a minimum of 3,500 ft required 2. High winds-14 mph is the maximum ground wind speed for students. Winds usually quiet down towards evening 3. No airplanes - very unlikely - we have three planes. 4. Lack of rigs - also unlikely - first-time jumpers have priority over everyone, and we have 13 student rigs.
WHAT HAPPENS IF WE CAN'T JUMP ON THE SAME DAY WE TRAIN? Once you have been trained at our drop zone, you can come back anytime the drop zone is open to make your first-time or subsequent jumps. We give you a ticket to prove you have paid for your jump(s).
HOW MANY JUMPS CAN WE MAKE IN A DAY? The number of skydives that a student can make in one day is affected by the weather, number of other students, and the student's own attitude (fatigue, hunger, etc.). Three jumps are usually the most a beginner student can make in a day.
STATIC LINE PROGRESSION: Five static line jumps, including three practice ripcord pulls (PRCPs), are required before advancing to free-fall Plan your last static line jump the same day as your first freefall. Your free-fall progression will be in increments of 5-10 second delays, with your altitude increasing with the longer delays. Please plan time for your jumpmaster to debrief you on your last jump and to brief you on your next jump. This is CRUCIAL to advancing in the sport. Beginning free-fallers are more susceptible to malfunctions and mental errors.
WHAT IF I DECIDE I DON'T WANT TO JUMP? or WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY? A limited opportunity to get a refund for those who have paid by check or cash is offered after you have a very clear idea of what is expected of you and the performance standards you must meet. This is your last chance for a refund. After this point and at any point, you may decide not to jump but will NOT receive a refund for the course and jump. You are paying for the training whether you jump or not. If you cannot make it back to make your jump(s), even if it was impossible to jump on the same day you were trained, there will be NO refund. There will be NO refunds for PayPal payments made online.
IS LUNCH INCLUDED? No, you will need to bring your own lunch. There will be short breaks throughout the class, but no time to leave to buy food. Please plan on bringing food that you can eat during breaks or in class. The club has a pizza oven, a microwave, and a gas grill for use.
WHAT IS THE WEIGHT AND HEIGHT LIMIT? The weight limit is 230 pounds, and there is no height limit. See Height/Weight Proportional FAQ.
WHAT IS HEIGHT/WEIGHT PROPORTIONAL? Even if you are within the weight limit, your Body Mass Index and body shape may make any skydive more of a risk to you. When you make a skydive, you are outfitted with a harness designed to adjust to fit a wide range of body types. There is a limit to how far straps and pads can be adjusted and stay properly secured. If we can’t achieve a proper harness fit on the ground, it could cause catastrophic problems in the sky. Short, stocky individuals may be difficult to fit in a harness.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A STATIC LINE COURSE AND AN ACCELERATED FREEFALL (AFF) COURSE? A static line student makes his/her first jumps from a lower altitude. The static line is attached at one end to the aircraft and temporarily attached to the parachute rig with the other end; it opens the parachute after the jumper is clear of the plane. Five static line jumps are required to make a freefall jump. For the last three static line jumps, the student pulls a practice ripcord while the static line is still attached to the airplane. Once cleared for freefall, the student learns to pull his/her own parachute and jumps from higher altitudes as the skill increases. Students usually jump from full altitude (10,000’) by 10-15 jumps.
An AFF student takes his/her first jump at full altitude exiting with two experienced jumpers holding on to him/her. The student will get the chance to pull their own parachute, but if they fail to do so by a designated altitude, the instructor may pull for him/her. The student continues to jump with experienced jumpers until he/she learns how to fly solo. Both techniques are good ways to learn to skydive, and in the long run, there is little difference in how a jumper was trained. AFF students tend to learn freefall skills a little faster but are uncomfortable jumping at lower altitudes which prevents them from jumping in certain weather conditions.
Static line students, on the other hand, can jump with lower cloud levels but do not get to jump from full altitude until they have some jumps under their belt. Another major consideration is cost; AFF is more expensive because each student jump needs two instructors as opposed to static line, where one instructor can safely assist several students.
RETURNING STUDENTS
HOW DO I MANIFEST TO JUMP? When you arrive, find the Jumpmaster of the Day (JMD) or manifest person and tell them you are here to jump. Have your logbook handy. All returning students must attend a brief safety session with the JMD. This includes watching a video and going through a harness refresher. We open at 10 AM on Saturday and Sunday and around 4 PM on Wednesday and Friday. YOU MUST PAY OR PRESENT YOUR TICKET WHEN WE PUT YOUR NAME ON THE MANIFEST TO JUMP!
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR STUDENTS TO MAKE A SKYDIVE? Mornings are best to capitalize on staff time and weather (lower winds). The worst time to plan to jump is about 2 p.m. on a Saturday with the class or late Sunday afternoon. First-jump students have priority. PLEASE do not have "tight timetables" when you come out to jump. You must attend the briefings, jump, and learn to pack. If you race out to the drop zone, race through the skydive, and race out of the drop zone, accidents will happen. Avoid showing up within 1 hour of sunset also.
WHY IS THE LOGBOOK IMPORTANT? Your logbook contains a lot of important information; PLEASE READ IT! The logbook proves that you have trained, are current, what you have done in the past, and what your next progression level is. The logbook is for your safety and our liability. NO LOGBOOK = NO SKYDIVING
BEING "CURRENT" AND RETRAIN PROCEDURE: Thirty days is the longest you can go between jumps without retraining. After 30 days, an instructor will review the basics with you and have you practice your safety procedures. This will cost you $25. After 60 days, you must attend another complete class. This will cost you $50. The 30 or 60-day retrains must be scheduled in advance. You are welcome to monitor the class - at no charge - prior to the 30-day period. IT IS IMPORTANT TO STAY AWARE AND PRACTICE ALL YOUR SAFETY PROCEDURES - THE LIFE YOU SAVE BY DOING THIS WILL BE YOUR OWN!
WHEN WILL I LEARN HOW TO PACK PARACHUTES? We want you to start to learn to pack after your second jump. Training for packing is provided free of charge. You are expected to be able to pack your own parachute with supervision by the time you get to free-fall. If you don't pack or help pack your parachute once you are on free-fall, you will be charged an extra $10. You must have your packing card filled out prior to being allowed to pack without supervision. The packing card is in your original logbook. Training materials include hands-on instruction, videos, manuals, and step-by-step photos.
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I PLAN FOR? Students have priority, so we will get you into the air as soon as possible, weather dependent. Before you make your first jump of the day, you will need to watch the malfunction video and be put through the harness drill. You will also need to be briefed before and after your jump. This means you must plan to be at the drop zone for several hours. The longer you stay, the more training we can give you, and the faster you can become a licensed skydiver.
SHOULD I COME OUT EVEN IF IT IS RAINING OR WINDY? YES! Weather can change quickly, and you obviously cannot jump if you are not here. Rain days are also excellent times to have one-on-one instruction and acquire the groundwork knowledge necessary for your A-license.
CAN MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS WATCH? We have a spectator area that your family and friends are welcome to enjoy. Family and friends can observe the jump preparations and watch the landing.
CAN I BRING MY DOG OR PET? We love dogs, but PLEASE LEAVE YOUR PET AT HOME!
IN SUMMARY:
Everyone must be 18 or older, be physically healthy, and weigh less than 230 lbs. Wear comfortable clothing and a good pair of tennis shoes with no hooks. We only take cash or checks at the drop zone. If you wish to pay with a credit card, you can do so through our website (see the "Buy Now" (https://www.skydivewissota.org ). If you do that, don't forget to print out the confirmation page for a receipt to bring as proof of payment. We accept electronic proof of purchase also.