Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is skydiving a safe sport?

Skydiving is a sport that inherently carries a certain level of danger and risk. Statistically speaking, you are more likely to be injured in a car accident than during a skydive. In 2008 there were more than 150,000 skydives made in Canada and around 6.1 million skydives made around the world.

At GO Skydive, we operate with the safest methods possible, and we try to eliminate most of the risk. There are backups to every system and highly trained, qualified and certified instructors to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Having said this you must be aware that if you skydive, you could be seriously or fatally injured.

Is GO Skydive a safe dropzone?

GO Skydive is a Canadian Sport Parachuting Association (CSPA) Member Group and Skydiving School.

We adhere to the strict regulations and recommendations of the CSPA. The CSPA, through affiliation with the Aero Club of Canada (ACC), is Canada's representative to the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), and is thereby the official sport organization for sport parachuting in Canada.

All of our Instructors and Coaches are CSPA rated and certififed.

Why Skydive at Gatineau Ottawa?

Here are our reasons for jumping at GO Skydive.

Allow plenty of time!

We train tandems shortly after the arrival time, and then we start skydiving with one or more Tandems on a plane load. Allow of period of four (4) hours for your jump. For example, if you are scheduled for for noon, plan to be on-site until 4 pm. The last of a group to arrive may not get to jump till just before dark.

What if I am late?

Arrive on time. If you are late, and we cannot accommodate your jump, it is your responsibility to reschedule and come back to make your skydive. We brief groups at the scheduled arrival time, and some of each group will go first, others will have to wait while we get these first student skydivers up and repack our parachutes. But it is still necessary that everyone arrives on time for the scheduled briefing.

What about my friends coming along to watch?

Sure! Ensure they understand that they may be waiting around a while. Skydiving being an outdoor sport, we are sometimes at the mercy of weather, and there is a possibility that we may need to reschedule your jump due to weather

Do I get an Automatic Parachute Opener?

All our rental, student, and Tandem parachute systems are equipped with the state of the art Automatic Activation Devices (AADs) for the reserve parachute.

What about weather conditions?

We jump only when it is safe to do so!

In the event that you come out and the weather is bad (High winds, turbulence, clouds, rain), or if it causes the day's jump schedule to be backed up so that you cannot jump that day, it is your responsibility to reschedule your jump (no refunds).

We will do everything we reasonably can to work with you to reschedule, and we will give you priority when you return to try again.

Do you jump when it is cold?

Yes, we do. You need to dress appropriately. We don't know what the temperature will be at jump altitude until we get there. It could be significantly colder than on the ground. It is relatively warm in the aircraft, though. If it is a really cold day, dress warmly. You can even wear gloves or mits.

How far ahead do I need to reserve my jump?

“As early as possible” and “It depends”. We never know how far ahead a given day will be fully reserved. If you have your heart set on a certain day, it is a good idea reserve and schedule the jump a month or more in advance. We can also sometimes accommodate at a moment's notice. It depends. Don't hesitate to contact us to find out if there is room on short notice.

Smoking?

Since our dropzone is outdoors, you can smoke near manifest. Please no smoking near the packing tents, or near any parachute equipment.

Alcohol?

No alcoholic beverages within 12 hours prior to training or jumping. Our staff does not drink and jump.

What do I need to bring?

Picture ID with date of birth
Cash or Credit card (No personal cheques)

Can I bring a lunch?

Yes, as long as you don't bring alcohol.

How to dress?

Skydiving is an outdoor sport. Wear relaxed, comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather with either running shoes or light hiking boots. In cold weather, bringing warm clothes.

Prescription Eyewear?

Contact lenses are preferable. If you need the use of prescription eyewear, we will give you goggles that fit over your glasses.

Age restrictions?

16 to 18 year olds must obtain permission from both parents. Both parents must sign the waiver form before the jump.

Can I get just Still Photos of my skydive?

Yes, the price is the same for either still photos only or video. Visit the Video Options page for more information.

Weekday Skydiving?

We skydive all day long almost every weekend of the season and can usually arrange weekday Tandem jumps. Contact us by phone for details.

Can I ask you questions?

Yes, please do! Email us with your questions:

And especially during your training, we want to ensure you understand completely, so ask away.

What does it feel like?

Skydiving defies description. It is not a falling sensation like being in an elevator. It is more like lying on a bed of air. You have to experience it to find out!

What is the landing like?

Usually pretty soft, especially for tandem skydives.

When can I jump by myself?

After completing a tandem skydive, you can follow our Solo Certification Program and jump solo.

Can I bring my Dog or Cat?

Please don’t bring you pets. GO Skydive is on the grounds of the Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport and an airport is not a good place for them.

Children at the Drop Zone?

Children are welcome at GO Skydive. We even have a play structure for them. Even though we love children, please don’t leave your children unattended. When it is time for your training or for a jump, someone else needs to be able to take care of your children.

Please see our cancellation policy.