Frequently Asked Questions

Operations, Hours & Directions

When are you open?

Our office is open everyday from 9am-9pm.

Our jumping season begins the first weekend of April and ends on the last Saturday of October. We’re open on all Alberta public holidays.

How do I get to Alberta Skydive Central?

Alberta Skydive Central is Alberta’s mega skydiving center, conveniently located within an hour of both Edmonton and Calgary, at the Innisfail Airport just outside of Red Deer.

Address:
Innisfail Airport
HWY 54, Markerville, Red Deer County, Alberta, Canada

GPS Coordinates:

Latitude: 52.0786 | Longitude: -114.027

Get directions directly from your location to our skydive center

Please note that the skydive center is not accessible by public transit.

How long should I expect to be at the skydive center?

Typically, first time jumpers spend between 1-3 hours at the skydive center on weekdays and 2-4 hours on weekends.

Our operation is very efficient so we’re typically on the quicker to midrange of the those estimates. However, it is a skydiving and aviation activity, and thus, some variables such as weather or peak season (June-August) can extend total time until the longer estimates.

We do have some great facilities to make your time with us, even the non-skydiving part, enjoyable and comfortable. We have a full service restaurant, bar and entertainment area.

Why should I jump at Alberta Skydive Central?

While freefall operates the same everywhere, skydive centers don’t. We do the highest skydives in Canada, have amazing facilities, rock star instructors and a great customer service team that takes a once in a lifetime experience to the next level. On clear days, you can even sneak views of the Rocky Mountains on the horizon and Sylvan Lake.

The largest skydiving operation in the country is conveniently located in between Calgary and Edmonton. Explore Alberta Skydive Central to discover all of the reasons to jump with us!

How high do you jump from?

As high as air traffic control lets us! More freefall, higher exit altitude altitudes means you get the most out of your first jump experience. In fact, you’ll get almost double the freefall time than any other skydive center in Alberta! Our normal jump altitude is from 14,000’ above the ground. From time to time, weather may prevent us from getting full altitude.

What kind of aircraft do you use?

We’ve got a massive fleet and the largest skydiving airplane in Western Canada. Our main aircraft is a King Air but we also operate a Navajo, Cessna 206 and a Cessna 182.

Can I bring friends/family to watch?

Yes! Friends and family are welcome. We have a large spectator area directly in front of customer registration building with a viewing area.

We do have a strict NO PETS policy. Please make sure your friends and family leave their pets at home. They will not be allowed on the premises.

Can I bring my pet(s)?

Absolutely NOT. Parachutes, skydivers and airplanes do not mesh well with pets. Safety for our guests and staff, and respect for life saving equipment supersedes everything.

Pets are not allowed at Alberta Skydive Central or the Innisfail Airport. They will not be permitted anywhere near the premises.

Should I bring anything to the skydive center?

Alberta Skydive Central is a self-contained adult playground. Everything you really need is here. We have a restaurant for meals or snacks, a bar for beverages and an entertainment area should you encounter a weather hold. Of course, bring the essentials: your ID, forms of payment, cameras and your adventurous and curious spirit.

Weather

What is good skydiving weather?

Blue skies and/or broken clouds, and light consistent winds are best. Sometimes we are able to jump with an overcast sky if the clouds are high enough, or even during seemingly strong winds depending on their consistency.

Weather changes frequently and dramatically in the prairies. Often the weather in Edmonton or Calgary is different than it is at the dropzone so just because there’s less than ideal clouds or winds in the city, it may be great skydiving conditions at the airport. Specifically for skydiving, we are only concerned about a cone of airspace, a small area directly above where we’ll drop jumpers. We often have a thunderstorm cell roll through with gnarly hail and winds, then be back up in the air 30 minutes later.

We understand that’s a lot of “ifs” and “depends” and you’re probably just looking for a straight answer. Well, your best procedure should you have concerns about the weather the night before or day of your jump is to call the office before leaving for the skydive center. This allows us to do a weather check as close as possible to your reserved skydive time.

What if the weather doesn’t allow us to jump on the day of our booking?

Then we’re as bummed as you are! Skydivers are meant to be in the air

We’ll monitor weather closely the day prior, and on the day, but ultimately safety is paramount. If we cannot jump on the day, we’ll rebook you for another day that’s convenient for you. Your deposit will remain on file. You will never lose your deposit or be charged a rebooking fee for any weather related delays.

Restrictions

What are the age restrictions to do a skydive?

You must be at least 16 years of age, or older, on the day of your jump to jump with Alberta Skydive Central. A special exemption for 14 and 15 year olds does exist if a parent or legal guardian accompanies them on the day of the jump and cosigns the waiver.

What are the weight and physical restrictions to skydive?

Weight restrictions of 235 LB for men and 200 LB for women are in place for those 6 feet or under. Taller individuals may be subject to higher weight restrictions due to differences in weight distribution and build. In these cases, please email or call us with details for an individual assessment. Please note that weight restrictions are assessed on an individual basis with your safety as the paramount deciding factor.

Can I skydive if I have a medical condition, injury or disability?

You might be surprised that we can safely take people skydiving with medical conditions of varying degrees from partial paralysis to heart conditions. For more common issues like shoulder or knee issues, we typically advise that if you could do a light jog for 10 seconds and step off a stool, you’ll probably be fine to jump.

For more complex and serious conditions there are two important considerations. First, it truly depends on the nature of the condition. We cannot guarantee a jump is possible until we get details of the condition and limitations, and even then, we may need to do an in-person assessment for physical tests and harness fitting.

Second, we will most likely require doctor approval. We can assess what we see but there could be other issues that may cause problems during a skydive. We are not doctors nor do we play doctor on the internet so we cannot provide medical approval for such an activity.

Your best course of action should you or someone you know have a medical condition that might prevent them from skydiving is to contact us with as much detail as possible. We may have a follow up questionnaire to get further details if so warranted.

Are alcohol and drugs prohibited prior to skydiving?

Yes. Anyone that consumes alcohol or drugs within eight hours prior to their skydive will not be allowed to jump. Please be respectful of the safety of yourself, our team and other parachutists. This rule is strictly enforced, and if not adhered to, will prevent participants from skydiving activities. Only after you’ve completed your skydive and are finished jumping for the day may you consume alcoholic beverages

While you might think having a drink will help reduce anxiety or “take the edge off”, alcohol actually has a negative effect in that regard. It inhibits memory, coordination and the brain’s ability to communicate with the body. This is an incredible experience – you want to be of 100% sound mind and body to fully immerse yourself in the sensations.

Can I skydive hungover?

Please make responsible choices the day prior to your skydive booking and avoid alcohol and drugs. This will make for a significantly better experience.

We outline several ways to maximize the skydive experience in our First Jump Tips section. Many of those talk about physically feeling your best when you arrive since you’re going to be exposed to a variety of emotions, chemical/neurological reactions and sensations for the first time. The worst way to approach that is to be suffering from the effects of a hangover.

Also, you might experience flipping, turning and feel some G-forces during the experience. While typically enjoyable under normal circumstances, they can cause nausea if you’ve predisposed yourself to it. In Overcoming First Jump Fears, we talk about how nausea is mostly a myth and rarely ever happens. The truth is, on those rare occasions that it does, a hangover is a common denominator. In the interest of completing enjoying what might be a once in lifetime experience, and for the courtesy of our instructors (think about where that goes), please do not show up to your skydive appointment hungover.

Can I jump if I have a cold?

No, you should not skydive if you have a sinus cold on the day of your jump. We will be climbing to high altitudes in an unpressurized cabin and then rapidly descending at freefall speeds. You’ll be subject to changing air pressure at a rapid pace. Under normal circumstances, it ranges from not noticeable to a minor inconvenience. However, without the ability to naturally equalize you could do some damage to your sinuses. If you’re suffering from sinus cold or pain, it’s best to play it safe and rebook your jump for a later date.

Pricing & Reservations

How much does tandem skydiving cost?

Tandem skydives start at $329/person. We do offer higher altitude and longer freefall upgrades for an additional $50/jumper. Please check out our pricing page for more details.

Do you have group rates, specials or discounts?

We do offer group rates starting at groups of two. For more information please visit: Group Rates, Pricing, or Video and Picture Packages. 

Do I need to make a reservation?

Reservations are not mandatory as we do accept walk-ins. However, we strongly recommend that you make a reservation so that you can jump on the day and time that you want. Also, making a reservation ensures that we know you’re coming and thus we’ll know to advise you if the weather is not suitable for jumping and to ensure we have appropriate staff on site.

Same day reservations are welcome. For same days, please be sure you give us a call before heading out to get details on the weather and time slots available.

How far in advance should I book?

Our best advice is to book as early as possible. That ensures that you’ll get the day and time slot that’s most convenient for you. Bookings tend to fluctuate and we are not able to predict the number of bookings during a specific time period.

Based on previous history however, most people usually book 2-3 weeks in advance. Our peak times are on the weekend in June-August so booking a little earlier during those times is recommended.

All that being said, Alberta Skydive Central has the capacity to take up to 100 customers per day. So, rest assured, we’ll find a date and a time to unleash your inner superhero.

How do I book my jump?

You’re totally stoked to try 200 km/h human flight and want to lock it down now. Well, fortunately, the first two methods are 24/7 online so go for it!

1. On our website: www.albertaskydivecentral.com
2. On Facebook: www.facebook.com/albertaskydivecentral
3. Or by phone, between 9am-9pm: 587-892-5867

Please have a credit card ready as we do require a $50/person deposit. For those that do not have a credit card, please call us as we can make arrangements for an email transfer for deposit.

Is a deposit required?

Yes, we require a $50/person deposit to confirm a booking. Your deposit confirms your time slot and ensures you do not get bumped by walk-in reservations.

We accept VISA and MasterCard online or over the phone, and can accept an email transfer if you call us.

>What time should I arrive?

Your booking or reservation time is your arrival time. It is better to arrive a little earlier than later. Planning to arrive 10-15 minutes early means that if you encounter some unexpected traffic delays, or other delays, you won’t be stressed or drive carelessly on your way to the dropzone. If you do arrive early you can take a couple of minutes and explore our world or check in (we might be able to get you on an earlier flight).

Please call us before leaving if you have any concerns about the weather. We can provide current jump status and forecasted weather conditions.

How do I reschedule my jump?

We can reschedule your jump, free of charge, provided you contact us a minimum of 72 hours prior to your booking/reservation time. For more information, refer to our reservation policies. To reschedule, simply give us a call at 587-892-5867.

We can save you a few seconds if you have your booking ID number (found in your confirmation email) when calling. No worries if you can’t find it; we’ll track you down in our reservation system by some other credentials.

If you’re jump is cancelled on the day, or even the day prior, due to un-jumpable weather conditions, we will reschedule your jump for a day that is convenient for you and transfer your deposit without charge.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

Cancellations, or change in reservations, must be made at least 72 hours in advance otherwise your deposit will be forfeited.

In the event of a rescheduling or cancelation due to inclement weather, we will rebook you for another date and transfer your deposit to that date. No charges will apply.

Skydive

What is a tandem skydive?

A tandem skydive is a method of skydiving that pairs an experienced, professional skydive instructor with a first time or student jumper. The student is fitted with a harness that attaches to the instructor. The parachutes are specially designed for a tandem pair.

Tandem skydiving has become the defacto method for first jumps because it allows the student to experience all aspects of skydiving in the safest first jump environment, while providing the opportunity to anyone in reasonable physical condition.

What is an Accelerated Freefall (AFF) skydive?

AFF is an advanced skydiving training program to teach student skydivers to become licensed, solo jumpers. It is a “harness hold” program in which the student wears and deploys their own parachute with instructors gripping each side of the student at their harness to ensure stability and provide coaching and feedback during freefall. There are 9 levels in the program and each has specific criteria to achieve prior to moving on to the next level. More details on the program can be found here.

What does freefall feel like?

Incredible, amazing, like nothing you’ve ever experienced before! More specifically though, it feels like you’re weightless on a column of air. It’s a sensational combination of floating in water and being in space. We’ve detailed how and why skydiving feels like it does in our Skydiving Myths section if you want to understand the science behind it all.

Is skydiving scary?

One of the most common things first time skydivers say immediately after they land is that it wasn’t nearly as scary as they thought it would be, and it wasn’t scary at all once they left the airplane. We like to say that we leave all of the fear inside the airplane.

That being said, most people experience some form of fear sensation during the experience. It is completely normal and to be expected. But much of the fear is caused by misinformation and mismanaged expectations. Most people fully adopt the common skydiving myths. We’ve addressed many of them here and also discuss many approaches to reduce anxiety and stress for the jump in our First Jump Tips.

What organization are you affiliated with?

We are a member organization of the Canadian Sport Parachute Association, the governing body of sport parachuting in Canada.

Our airplanes adhere to all of service, maintenance and protocols set forth by Transport Canada.

How fast do we fall in freefall?

During the first 12 seconds of the jump you will accelerate and fall about 1500’. After that, you’ll have reached your “terminal velocity”, which is a term that indicates the maximum and constant speed at which you’ll fall until the parachute is opened. Terminal velocity during a tandem skydive is 120 mph or 200 km/h.

How long is the freefall?

It’s the longest in Canada when you jump at Alberta Skydive Central. No other skydive center in Canada jumps from a higher altitude above the ground than we do.

From our jump altitude of 14,000, the freefall typically last 60-65 seconds. That’s almost double the freefall than anywhere else in Alberta!

How long does the parachute flight last?

Parachute descent speed, and thus, time varies depending on how aggressive the parachute is flown as well as the amount of suspended weight underneath it. If you do a lot turns under the parachute, it will descent faster and quicker. Heavier tandem pairs will descent slightly faster.

Typically, a normal parachute descent lasts about 4-5 minutes. If you’re having lots of fun and doing many turns, the descent will be about 3-4 minutes.

What altitude do we open the parachute during tandem skydives?

On a tandem skydive, your instructor will open the parachute at about 5000’ above the ground.

What should I expect during the parachute landing?

Tandem landings are typically soft and gentle. Your instructor will ask you to lift your legs a few seconds before touching down so that he can put his feet down as the landing gear for the tandem pair. You’ll slide on your bottom like a toboggan as you gently come to a stop.

How experienced are your instructors?

Alberta Skydive Central is a team of full-time, professional, experienced skydive instructors.

To become an instructor, you need a minimum of 500 skydives, three years in the sport, an expert solo license and complete all of the instructor course requirements. So even the least experienced instructor is a highly experienced and skilled skydiver that has acquired all of the necessary flying proficiencies.

Most of the team here has several thousand jumps and impeccable safety records. As one of the largest skydiving companies in the country, we get inundated with applications. Not only do we hire the best and most experienced, but we also get the luxury of hiring people with the best vibes as well!

How safe is skydiving?

Skydiving is proven to be a very safe activity; much safer than what is generally considered as “safe”, every day activities such as cycling, hiking and kayaking

That being said, there is the potential for injury or worse. Statistics indicate that 1 in 350,000 people die doing a tandem skydive. In Canada, there has not been a tandem skydive fatality in almost 40 years. In that time frame, we would estimate there was probably somewhere in the neighborhood of 2,000,000 tandem jumps completed.

We’ve compiled an extensive list of studies and data to demonstrate that many activities that you consider extremely safe are more dangerous than skydiving in an order of magnitude. Ultimately, it is a personal choice. Just make sure that choice is actually informed by facts and not a false narrative created by uninformed media and friends.

Has anyone ever got sick during a tandem skydive?

It occasionally happens but it is rare. We estimate about 1 in 2000 people get nauseous from a skydive but the number would be even significantly less with a little more information and communication.

Here’s the Coles Notes version to avoid it: don’t come to do your skydive hungover, eat a good meal before you leave, be well hydrated, look straight out on the horizon in freefall and under parachute, and if you’re prone to motion sickness or you’re not feeling well at any point, let your instructor know so he doesn’t do a lot of spins or turns. For the extended, deeper explanation on this topic check out the Overcoming Skydiving Myths section.

Will I be able to breathe in freefall?

Despite popular belief, you can breathe in freefall. If experienced jumpers can do it, then most certainly a first timer can as well.

We did the science and fully smashed this myth in our Overcoming Skydiving Myths section.

Can I wear my glasses?

Yes. And please do so. If glasses are a part of improving your daily vision, then please wear them during your skydive so you can appreciate the visuals. On clear days, you can see the Rocky Mountains and Sylvan Lake – we want you to take it in, in the best possible way! We have specially designed goggles that fit overtop of your glasses and secure them in place for freefall.

How am I attached to my instructor?

The tandem skydiving system is designed with four connection points: two near the shoulders and two near the hips. The top connection points are designed to handle a pull force of 5000 LB each while the bottom are engineered for 2500 LB each. One connection point would be strong enough to hold you during a skydive, but as with all components of skydiving gear, there are multiple points of redundancy for increased safety.

What if the parachute doesn’t open?

Every tandem skydive system contains a main and a reserve parachute system. The short answer is if the main parachute does not open, then the instructor will release it and open the reserve parachute

Encountering a parachute malfunction is rare. Although it could potentially happen on any skydive, the probability it will happen on your jump is only about 1 out of 2000. And in that event, tandem skydive instructors are so well trained in parachute malfunction procedures, that they considered it an “inconvenience”. They deliberately expose themselves to these situations with simulations and physical rehearsals so that when the situation arises it’s second nature.

The reserve itself is a specially designed parachute (with the main function being a quick, smooth opening) that is only packed by a certified parachute rigger. If not used every 180 days, it is opened, inspected and repacked by a rigger.

All tandem skydive systems also come equipped with an onboard computer called an Automatic Activation Device (AAD). It is yet another redundant safety feature. It detects altitude and speed, calculating if it’s traveling at freefall speed at parachute opening altitude. If it is, it creates a reaction that automatically opens the reserve parachute.

What if I don’t jump?

This is another common skydiving myth and definitely a frequently asked question. However, it rarely happens. Our numbers indicate about 1 out 1500 people that board they airplane for their first jump, don’t. This is also a case where educating those that are especially prone to have fear or anxiety would reduce that number further. Check out Overcoming Skydiving Myths to get our tips and tricks.

In the event that you are not able to jump, we cannot refund you. The cost for the airplane, pilot, fuel and instructor has already been incurred. This is an industry-wide standard that every skydive center has to apply.

What should I wear to make my first skydive?

Costumes, onesies, or maybe your superhero cape! Need to convey a message? Take the sharpie to skin or paint your face with a bucket list item getting checked, making a proposal or the always classic “Sorry Mom”. If you love costumes or those kinds of things, we totally encourage you to rock it out on the jump (we’ll need to take a look to make sure it doesn’t compromise safety in anyway).

More practically, you must wear closed toe, lace up shoes such as running shoes or skate shoes. You cannot jump with hiking boots or high heels. In emergency, “I forgot my runners at home” situations we have some spare pairs available.

We recommend you wear casual, form fitted, clothing such as T-shirts, fitted long sleeve shirts and yoga pants or athletic pants. This is the best functional apparel for jumping and also is best for video and pictures as form fitted clothing reduces flapping in freefall which can be a bit of distraction on the video. We also recommend dark or really bright colours (basically just not white or blue) for great contrast in your video and/or pictures. Jeans and jackets are also acceptable but a little less functional.

The temperature will be colder at altitude then on the ground regardless of the season. During spring and fall, bring a hoodie or a heavier layer.

We will provide jump pants and goggles for your skydive. If you wear contact lenses or glasses to drive, read or magnify distant objects, please bring them. It’s incredibly beautiful up there and you should see it as clearly as possible! We do have special goggles that are designed to fit over your eyewear.

Can I jump with my friend(s)?

Yes, but let us clarify. For the jump itself, you’ll be attached to your own, professional tandem instructor as will your friend. You’ll be on the same flight as your friend(s) but you will exit the airplane about 5-10 seconds apart so as to provide safe, separation between the groups. You’ll be too far away during freefall to see each other. You’ll land in the same landing area only a few moments apart from each other.

Can I get videos and pictures of my skydive?

Yes, of course. And then prepare for social media to blow up! They’ll be the year’s top performing post for sure.

We offer video and pictures packages. We capture the entire experience from meeting the instructor, airplane boarding, in-flight, freefall, parachute descent, landing and post jump celebrations, and from multiple perspectives and angles.

We guarantee 60 high resolution pictures but almost always deliver around 100 pictures. The video is shot in HD, utilizing our skydive story board with a run time of about five minutes. Your media files will be delivered to you on a 8GB USB drive within a few minutes after landing.

Video or pictures packages start at $125/person. See video and picture examples or to get more information.

Can I bring my own camera on the jump?

No. The Canadian Sport Parachute Association (CSPA), the governing body of sport skydiving and parachuting in the country, mandates that student skydivers can not skydive with a camera. There are safety considerations to account for when jumping with cameras. Student skydivers are not trained or endorsed as such. For public safety, and for the safety of you and your instructor, tandem and student jumpers can not take cameras with them on the airplane or during the skydive.

We do offer fantastic video and picture packages. Our team uses HD action cameras, a specially designed storyboard and are experts at shooting in freefall.

We encourage you to take your camera or phone and take as many pictures on the ground as you’d like.

Can I share a video or picture package with my friend?

Tandem groups exit the airplane about 5-10 seconds apart from each other in order to provide safe, adequate separation of airspace. That separation also means that you won’t be able to see the group that exited prior or after you in freefall. Thus, you can’t share a media package because there will be no pictures or video of the other person in freefall or under parachute.

Can I do a solo jump on my first jump?

At Alberta Skydive Central our philosophy is to show you the best of skydiving in the safest manner. A tandem skydive is the only way for you to experience exit, freefall and parachute descent on your first jump – and to do it from the highest altitude in the country! Therefore, you must complete at least one tandem jump with us within the last three years before entering into our solo program.

What if I want to continue to skydive after my tandem jump?

Then that makes you an awesome person!

Alberta Skydive Central was custom built as a student training center. We have the largest student program in Canada.

We use a program called Accelerated Freefall for solo license training. It’s an advanced, 9-level program designed to teach you the fundamentals of being a safe, solo skydiver. We offer courses every week. There’s detailed information on the program here.

Can I do a second jump on the day?

As long as we still have daylight and flights going up, absolutely! And, you save money on your second jump of the day. Ask about our High Flyer program.

What are the temperatures in freefall and under parachute

The temperature at full altitude (14,000 feet) is colder than on the ground. Typically, the temperature gets colder the higher you go. As a rough measure, it gets about 1/2 to 1 degree colder every thousand feet we go up.

In the summer when its hot on the ground, it’s very refreshing up top. Lots of jumpers will wear T-shirts or light clothing. During the spring and fall, temperatures can vary greatly (it is Alberta after all). We recommend you wear multiple layers and make sure you bring a hoodie or jacket with you just in case.

Are Skydivers Crazy?

People that seek out adventurous sensations are often not stereotypical thrill seekers. Skydivers have high levels of self-control, are achievement oriented and have a low reactivity to stress. Despite popular belief, meticulous preparation, avoiding unnecessary risks, rigorous physical and mental training, and a strong desire to enjoy similar experiences through vis-a-vis self preservation strongly trumps reckless abandonment.