speedy3k 0 #1 June 10, 2011 Hi everyone. I've been thinking about taking that first jump for years. Now, I think I'm ready. It appears that a tandem jump is usually the way to go for a first jump. I have a few questions, so please don't laugh! I've read that after the the chute is deployed, that the instructor will loosen the harness. This has me a little worried, as I don't want to be dropped! Are there safe guards to prevent that from happening? Also, another concern harness failure. I would hate to be dropped because the harness breaks. That would suck too! Would AFF be a safer option? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydude2000 3 #2 June 10, 2011 Hi there!! Welcome to the forums, and the sport :) I have done several tandems as a passenger so I understand your concern. The instructor should explain everything you need to know for the jump, but they will only loosen the harness for the sake of comfort. You should still be well fastened into the harness after the canopy opens. As to your second concern, I haven't personally heard of a tandem harness failure, and I am told that the attachment points on the harness are generally rated to hold up to 5 or 10 thousand pounds each. (Engineering nerds please correct me if I'm wrong). But certainly don't be afraid to ask these questions and voice your concerns to your instructor. Most important!!! SMILE! BREATHE!! HAVE FUN!!!PULL!! or DIE!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PiLFy 3 #3 June 11, 2011 Hi, I too, had major concerns about the harness & hardware. I took the time to learn about them. Then, I didn't fear them anymore. The weakest point in the harness, by far, is you. The four attachment points have hardware rated for 5,000lbs each. They're rated for 5K#s, meaning it takes (I think) 3-4x as much weight to actually break one. The webbing (harness) is rated for 8,000lbs. Normal opening shock is very brief, & about 3Gs. So, if you weigh 150#s. You'll weigh 450#s for a couple seconds. You have 5,000 lbs X4 holding you in place. You're not going anywhere... Some TIs loosen the two waist connections. Others unclip them altogether. You'll still have 10,000lbs holding up your 150# Butt. Tandems started in '83-'84. There are 300K-400K tandems a year in this country. I don't think there has ever been a single broken harness/hardware incident. In other words, "Shaddup N Jump!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
speedy3k 0 #4 June 11, 2011 took my first jump today and it was freaking awesome! Loved every second of it! The people at the drop zone were awesome and I will be back! Between this forum and the staff, my mind was at ease! I'm looking forward to my next jump! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpsalot-2 3 #6 June 12, 2011 I hope your not planning on driving to the drop zone in a car......Those things are the real killers.Life is short ... jump often. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
