Skydiving for WaterAid

Credit: WaterAid

Have you always wanted to jump out of a plane? Well here's your chance to freefall for free and raise money for WaterAid at the same time!

WaterAid have recently teamed up with Skydive Zone to offer this exciting opportunity.

No experience is required. You can choose from a tandem jump, static line jump or accelerated freefall course, taking place in over 20 locations throughout the UK.

Minimum sponsorship amounts:

• Tandem Skydive £390
• Static Line Parachute Jump £365
• Accelerated Freefall Level 1 £565

As long as you raise the minimum amount of sponsorship, WaterAid will receive at least £140, with the remaining amount paying for your skydive/parachute jump and deposit (£70). The WaterAid events team will be on hand with advice and support on how to raise the minimum amount (and more!) towards our vital work.

Choose from three different kinds of jump:

Tandem Skydiving

After a very pleasant flight climbing to an altitude of up to 13,500 feet, you will exit the aircraft with your harness securely attached to your instructor, who will immediately release a small parachute which effectively slows down your rate of descent.

After freefalling at up to 120 mph for around 40 seconds, your instructor will open the parachute, which is specially designed to carry the combined weights of two people.

This will occur at 5,500 feet, from which you will enjoy a comparatively slow drift down to earth whilst taking in some spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. All tandem instructors are highly qualified to British Parachute Association (BPA) standards and are very experienced.

Static Line Parachuting

If you're the adventurous type and prefer to jump independently, why not try the static line option? A static line is a cord connecting your parachute to the aircraft, which is designed to automatically open your parachute as you fall away from the aircraft. You'll be given training on everything you need to know to make a safe and exhilarating jump including the equipment used, how to exit the aircraft and how to control your landing. On completion of your jump, you'll be awarded an official British Parachute Association Static Line certificate.

Accelerated Freefall Skydiving (AFF)

If you would like to take up skydiving as a sport, then an Accelerated Freefall (AFF) course could be for you. As an introduction, you could try AFF level 1 with the option to continue. You can complete the course in 8 levels, after which you'll be able to go to 13,000 feet up on your own and jump!!

• The minimum age for anyone wishing to jump out of an aeroplane in the UK is 16. Anyone under 18 must have written consent from a parent or guardian. Anyone that is 40 or over must have a medical form both stamped and signed by a medical doctor.
• Skydive Zone are the organisers of the parachute jumps and receive a flat fee per participant.

For more information on booking a jump, or to order an information CD, please email jump@skydivezone.co.uk.

For support with your fundraising, please call the WaterAid Events Team on 0845 6000 433 or email events@wateraid.org.