Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license or passport, for everyone in your group. By law, we need to verify everyone’s identity and age before they jump – no exceptions!

Yes – complete your waiver online before you arrive! We'll send it to you via email after you book your jump. It can also be found here – https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5a9443a13095d/web A few things: Use the email you provided during the booking process. Spell-check your name and date of birth, as this is a legal document. We can't have any errors, and we don't want you to have to fill it out again.

Yes, the weight limit for skydiving is 220 lbs, which includes clothing and shoes. Every individual is weighed during check-in, and these restrictions are in place for safety purposes. The equipment is designed to handle a specific weight limit, which accounts for the weight of both the tandem instructor and the tandem student. We do accommodate passengers weighing between 220 lbs and 240 lbs, but an additional $20 overweight fee is charged due to the increased wear on the equipment. Various factors such as physical fitness, height, and build contribute to this limit. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the instructor to assess the safety and comfort of the skydive accurately. If you believe you may be close to this weight limit and still wish to skydive, please contact us at (515) 243-1711, and we can discuss your situation further. The overweight fee will be determined when you arrive to make your skydive.

Lace-up sneakers or closed-toe athletic shoes are best. For safety reasons, any open-toed or open-heel shoes (sandals, flip-flops, crocs, etc.) are not allowed.

Yes, 18. Des Moines Skydivers is a proud member of the United States Parachute Association (USPA), which mandates that individuals must be at least 18 years old to skydive. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID with you; drivers license or passport ideally. Parental consent will not suffice.

Des Moines Skydivers is located at Knoxville Municipal Airport: 1563 IA-14, Knoxville, Iowa 50138.

Yes, reservations and deposits are required. Deposits are non-refundable. If you fail to show up for your scheduled skydive, your deposit will be forfeited. Due to high demand and limited availability, we recommend booking your slot well in advance. Booking deposits must be used within the calendar year of booking or the following calendar year, or they will be forfeited.

Deposits are non-refundable. You may postpone/reschedule your jump up to 7 days before your scheduled jump date for no additional charge.

Book your tandem skydive online in just a few clicks! Here's how: Visit our "Plan Your Skydive" page to explore available jump options and pricing. Alternatively, click any "Book Now" button conveniently located throughout our website. After you book your skydive, you'll receive an email with a waiver to complete. This waiver is a legal document outlining the terms and conditions of your jump. The waiver starts with a short video that explains everything in a clear and concise way. Once you've watched the video, you'll be directed to the fillable waiver form. The waiver should be filled out prior to your arrival at the dropzone! Tandem Waiver – https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5a9443a13095d/web A few things: Use the email you provided during the booking process. Spell-check your name and date of birth, as this is a legal document. We can't have any errors, and we don't want you to have to fill it out again.

We want you to arrive at your scheduled time, not before. If you have made a reservation for 8 am, then please be here at 8 am, not at 7:30. Upon arrival, you will need to fill out a waiver (if not already completed online), watch a training video, and then participate in a short training session before your skydive. We have factored these steps into our scheduling. While arriving early may seem like a good idea, it will only contribute to your waiting time.

Plan to be on-site for half a day. Sometimes we run like clockwork, other times clouds and wind need a little time to pass on through. Should the weather ground us for the day, we will reschedule your jump.

Weather is a major player in our sport – wind, clouds, rain, you name it. Unfortunately, it's something we can't control. Some days we will have weather holds, and other days, jumping might get canceled altogether. While we share your enthusiasm for jumping, safety remains our utmost priority for both students and jumpers. If we need to cancel due to weather, no worries – we'll get you rescheduled. No new deposit will be required.

Absolutely! Skydiving is often accessible to individuals with a wide range of ability. We have highly experienced instructors and specialized gear allowing us to work with tandem passengers living with everything from fear of heights to conditions as limiting as paraplegia. However, we advise consulting with your doctor beforehand. Please reach out to us at (515) 243-1711 to discuss your specific needs further!

Oh, yes! The larger your party, the better – groups of 6 or more can enjoy a per-person discount. Please refer to our prices for specific details. If you find that there aren't enough available slots for your group in our online booking system, don't hesitate to reach out to us, and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

For safety reasons, we do have to spread everyone out across the sky. Turbine aircrafts have different capacities: the Caravan can accommodate up to 12 skydivers, while the Otter can carry up to 22, so you're likely to be on the plane with some members within your group. Keep in mind, these numbers do include your instructors & videographers. Additionally, you can certainly be featured in each other's before and after videos!

Due to the nature of tandem skydiving, each tandem student will need to purchase their own video package in order to get footage while in freefall. However, we can always get group shots together on the ground, in the aircraft, and upon landing.

Yes, you can reschedule your tandem skydive up to seven days before your scheduled jump. If your jump is more than seven days away, you can log in here using the email address provided during booking. Simply click on the "Forgot Password" link to receive a new password via email. From there, you'll be able to manage your booking. However, if you need to reschedule within seven days of your skydive, it will require a new booking, including a new deposit.

Wear a good pair of tennis shoes (no open-toed shoes) and appropriate clothing for the temperature. If it's chilly, consider bringing a sweatshirt as it can get quite cool at altitude, with temperatures dropping 2-3 degrees per 1,000 feet. For safety reasons, we recommend leaving jewelry at home to prevent loss or potential injury. You can wear your glasses; we provide special goggles designed to fit over them. If you have long hair, we strongly advise securing it with a ponytail, braids, or similar methods.

Although we adore our furry friends, the dropzone isn't a suitable environment for them. Please leave your pets at home.

Per USPA's Skydivers Information Manual section 2-1 : F states: ​ No person may make a parachute jump, or attempt to make a jump, if that person is or appears to be under the influence of either; a. alcohol. b. any drug that affects that person’s faculties in any way contrary to safety. We reserve the right to refuse service if we suspect you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Motion sickness isn't common, but it can happen, particularly during the canopy ride. If you're prone to motion sickness, consider taking medication beforehand and having a light meal. Don't be shy, let your instructor know if you're prone to motion sickness, and if you prefer a "mild" or "wild" canopy ride experience!

Absolutely – we have a fantastic spectator area! Bring chairs, hats, sunglasses, and a cooler to enjoy while watching. For safety reasons, all spectators must remain behind the designated barriers and signs unless accompanied by an instructor or club member. We recommend they arrive no later than 15 minutes after the scheduled arrival time.

First, it’s important to understand the difference between MSL (Mean Sea Level) and AGL (Above Ground Level). Different skydiving centers may advertise their jump altitudes using either MSL or AGL. For example, Des Moines Skydivers lists their jump altitudes in MSL. MSL (Mean Sea Level): The altitude relative to sea level. AGL (Above Ground Level): The altitude relative to the ground level. According to the FAA, in unpressurized aircraft (which includes all skydiving planes), jumpers must use supplemental oxygen at altitudes above 15,000 feet MSL. This is the highest altitude from which we can legally jump without oxygen. Turbine aircraft are powerful enough to reach 14,000 feet MSL in about 15-20 minutes. In contrast, the slower Cessna 182 takes around 20 minutes to reach 10,500 feet MSL. Reaching 14,000 feet MSL in a Cessna 182 would take too long and consume too much fuel, making it impractical. Iowa’s elevation is above sea level, with sea level being referenced as zero feet MSL. For instance, Knoxville Airport is approximately 928 feet MSL. This means that when the plane is on the ground at Knoxville Airport, its altitude is 928 feet MSL. Here are some examples showing the difference between MSL and AGL: Skydive Deland - Deland Airport, Florida: Airport Elevation: 79 feet MSL Jump Altitude: 13,000 feet AGL or 13,079 feet MSL Des Moines Skydivers - Knoxville Airport, Iowa: Airport Elevation: 928 feet MSL Jump Altitude: 13,000 feet AGL or 13,928 feet MSL Mile Hi Skydiving - Longmont Airport, Colorado: Airport Elevation: 5,055 feet MSL Jump Altitude: 12,500 feet AGL or 17,055 feet MSL (waivered)

We offer a variety of jump options at different altitudes to cater to various preferences! To find the perfect fit for you, visit our Tandems page. It provides details on the aircraft we use and the altitude options available for each jump experience.

In 2024 there were 9 skydiving related fatalities in the United States out of an estimated 3.88 million skydives. This translates to a fatality rate of 0.23 per 100,000 skydives. This includes all of the high risk skydives taken by highly experienced jumpers under aggressive canopies. A tandem or accelerated freefall skydive is by far much safer than these numbers, which includes experienced high risk sport jumpers. Des Moines Skydivers have never suffered a fatality. We remain committed to safety; we stay updated on all the newest safety practices and equipment protocols within the industry to ensure our safety record remains unblemished. Check out the statistics at USPA.

For tandem skydives, no prior class is required! Our experienced instructors will provide all the training you need before your jump, ensuring a safe and fun experience. Ready to take the leap to solo skydiving? Our First Jump Course (FJC) is the perfect place to start. Head over to our Learn to Skydive page for more details!

Our parachute systems are designed with your safety as the top priority. Here's what you can expect: Main and Reserve Canopies: Every system has a primary (main) canopy and a backup (reserve) canopy in case the main one doesn't deploy properly. Automatic Activation Device (AAD): This electronic device acts as a safety net. If the main canopy fails to deploy at a predetermined altitude, the AAD automatically triggers the reserve canopy for you. Regular Reserve Maintenance: All reserve canopies undergo a thorough inspection and repack every 180 days by a certified FAA rigger, regardless of prior use.

The exact duration depends on your jump altitude, but typical freefall times range from 30 to 60 seconds. Once your parachute deploys, prepare for a scenic 4-5 minute canopy ride down, soaking in the breathtaking views of Lake Red Rock.

While some people might mention difficulty breathing during skydiving, it's usually due to the excitement and sensory overload of the jump itself. Here's the key: focus on normal breathing!

Many people associate skydiving with that "stomach drop" feeling, but that's actually caused by weightlessness. During skydiving, you're constantly falling with the force of gravity, so you won't experience weightlessness.

Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for a fantastic experience! While your instructors and videographers are compensated for their jumps, a tip lets them know you truly enjoyed their expertise and guidance.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. There is a 2.95% convenience fee for using a credit card.

After the video editing is complete and all files are uploaded, you'll receive an email containing a unique link to view and download all the media from your jump. You can expect the email to arrive in your inbox approximately 1-3 days after your jump. Feel free to share the unique link with family and friends so they can also view and download the content.

Many of our videographers each have thousands of skydives and thoroughly enjoy what they do!

​According to the United States Parachute Association, licensed skydivers with a minimum of 200 skydives are allowed to wear a camera with the proper training and safety measures in place. However, for tandem skydives, bringing along phones or cameras is strictly prohibited due to safety concerns for both participants and instructors, as well as individuals on the ground.

Your skydive will be documented by a highly experienced videographer using multiple high quality digital cameras to capture not just the skydive, but your entire experience!

The videographer typically has one still camera and one video camera securely attached to their helmet. The still photos are taken using a 'tongue switch'—a switch positioned in the videographer's mouth. When the videographer's tongue contacts the switch, it triggers the camera to capture a photo. This innovative setup enables the videographer to snap hundreds of high-quality photos while still performing their skydiving duties seamlessly. Pretty cool, right?

Most people only go skydiving once in their lifetime. Hiring a videographer to document your skydive is a good way to share your experience with friends and family. Plus you can use that awesome freefall photo as your profile picture on social media!