There's a new trend in how people choose to go skydiving for the first time, said Barry Cyr, co-owner of SkydiveBC North.
More people are choosing to take the leap while attached to a more experienced jumper.
When jumping tandem, the rookie skydiver gets to climb up to 12,000 feet and enjoy a 30 second free fall before the tandem pilot releases the main parachute.
After a safety check, the pilot will hand over the controls to the diver, who will guide the pair to the landing strip.
Cyr says deciding to go solo or tandem for your first jump is all about personal preference.
"Solo is a confidence builder for sure, and it's mostly when people want to be in control of what's going on. You still have a lot of control when you go tandem, the instructor is just there for the technical side of things," he said.
The company has been offering first parachute jump courses in Northern B.C. since 1986 and the Yukon since 1994.
SkydiveBC North serves jumpers across Northern B.C., Alberta and the Yukon, and usually have around 100 people jumping each weekend.
Cyr says it doesn't matter if you jump solo or tandem, either way you'll have a truly spiritual experience.
"Everyone who goes has the time of their life. It's something I just can't describe in words, other than it you are brought to peace with yourself."
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