Skydive Austral Mauritius

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Tandem Skydiving at the SkyDive Austral dropzone
Got a question or two about tandem skydiving at SkyDive Austral dropzone? Have a look here and please contact us if your question isn’t here.
 
What’s the minimum age limit?
There is no age limit as such. It is more dependent on the confidence/height and weight of the child and how the harness fits. Children under the age of 12 need to come out to the dropzone, meet the staff and be fitted in a harness before we can confirm that they can jump. Anyone who is under 18 years of age will need the written consent of a parent or guardian.

What’s the maximum age limit?
There is no age limit as such... Our oldest passenger was 92 !! Can you beat that?! So long as you are in good physical health and have a sense of adventure we encourage you to come and see us for an unforgettable experience!!

Where is SkyDive Austral’s Dropzone?
SkyDive Austral is based at MonLoisir Sugar Estate next to Riviere du Rempart village, a 20 minute drive from Grand Baie, nestled in the heart of the northern sugar fields of Mauritius. SkyDive Austral is only one hours drive from the south.

How long will my skydive take?
Your whole tandem skydive experience will take around 2 hours. Allow 2 hours and you’ll have time to watch your DVD as soon as you have landed!

What do I need to bring?
You don’t need much more than a smile and sense of adventure! We provide a jumpsuit and goggles... But please wear shoes that won't fall off in summer!!! sandals, flip flops etc and bare feet are a no no. You need something that will stay on your feet during your 200kph Freefall! And in winter you’ll need to wear warm clothes – layers rather than something bulky, please.

What do I wear for tandem skydiving?
SkyDive Austral will provide your tandem skydiving jumpsuit and goggles. You will need to wear sensible, secure footwear and warm clothing for the Mauritius winter. You can wear either glasses or contact lenses for your tandem skydive without any problem.

Can I wear glasses/contacts?
Yes, you can wear your glasses/contacts – you’ll want to be able to take in the views! We give you goggles that will fit over your glasses or contacts. (Please let your instructor know if you are wearing contact lenses.)

Can I jump barefoot?
No. For health and safety reasons everyone must be wearing closed in footwear.

Should I eat before I jump?
Just eat normally! Skydiving should not make you feel sick!

Can my friends and family come and watch me Skydiving?
Yes. We have excellent facilities at our SkyDive Austral Dropzone, so bring as many friends and family to watch and take pictures!

Can I take my camera in the plane with me and during my skydive?
For safety reasons you are not able to take anything in the plane with you... Cameras can come out during the freefall and hit the instructor on the head! You could end up with a very annoyed or unconscious instructor and neither is desirable. So for safety reasons we say no to taking up personal camera equipment

Can I go in the plane if I am not jumping?
No. Sorry. Again for safety reasons: everyone in the plane must wear a parachute. And once the door is open everyone in the plane has to jump out, this is why we are not able to take up observers!

Is there any sport skydiving at SkyDive Austral?
Yes. If you are a sports skydiver you must have a A licence and minimum of 50 freefall jumps. You must bring your current log-book, licences and skydiving equipment.
International skydivers must have valid licenses from there home of jumping. Your skydiving equipment must have a reserve that has been packed within the last 180 days.
SkyDive Austral is a small tandem skydiving operation, so sports jumps are on a sub-load basis. Please contact us for further information or if you are seeking employment opportunities at SkyDive Austral email us.
 
 
Timing & transport?

Do you pick up?
Sorry we don't, we are just a small company operating.
There are lots of bus companies that offer transport between Riviere du Rempart and Grand Baie Taxis are the best way though.

What time are your flights?
We don't have any set time as we are dependent on weather, air traffic, bookings, etc. We'll give you a booking time that suits you and you will need to allow at least a couple hours to be with us at the airport.

What time do we have to be at the dropzone?
Please call One hour before your booking time to check on weather conditions and that we are running to schedule. If everything is good then please arrive at your booking time and allow 2 hours for your whole skydive experience.

What time are you open?
The phone lines are manned from 8am - sometimes 7am in summer - until 8pm winter or 9pm in summer. We can jump during daylight hours, as long as the weather is good & we have bookings. Please call anytime and leave a message or e-mail.


Weather issues?

Do you know what the weather is going to do? Today, tomorrow, next week?
The weather in Mauritius is usually pretty good! SkyDive Austral is famous for clear sunny days, we do have clouds but they are not around long.
If you would like to see when it may be great to go skydiving then check out our weather page for information and weather links. Remember it is always best to book in advance rather than wait to see what the day holds; we do not skydive if the weather conditions are not favourable!
Remember the weather in Mauritius changes very quickly! So keep an eye on our weather page for regular updates or call.

What if the weather is bad?
We do not jump if the weather is not good: simple. If you are not able to skydive when you are booked we can re-book you later on during the day, or the following day depending on the weather and your schedule. We advise you if you can to be flexible around the time of your jump just in case the weather is not favourable. But the weather in Mauritius is usually pretty good – one of the reasons SkyDive Austral is a great place skydive!

What sort of weather effects tandem skydiving?
Tandem skydiving is very weather dependent and cannot be undertaken in strong winds, or if there is complete cloud cover. Mauritius weather can often change quickly, so we ask that you call us One hour before your jump, to confirm conditions are suitable for tandem skydiving.
 
The Tandem Skydiving experience?
Can we all jump at the same time?
We can jump 2 tandems in our plane. Where possible we try and jump you with your friends or family - we can discuss the options with you further when you come out to skydive.

How many fit in the plane?
We can fit 2 tandems in the plane.

How much can I see?
A lot! You have chosen the most visually spectacular skydive in Mauritius... From jump altitude – ESPECIALLY 15,000 feet – you will have 360 degree views of Mauritius’s mountains and the Indian ocean you see the whole island with the Indian ocean all around it.

Is it cold?
The plane flight to altitude is not cold. We often recommended to wear shorts and a T'shirt, we have jump suits which we roll up the legs on hot days which is most days!! Winters can be a bit chilly so a sweater or hoodie will normally keep you warm enough.

What does freefall feel like?
You might think there will be a sensation of falling. Freefalling is more like floating on a bed of air - you have no sensation of actually falling. Freefall is a unique feeling... you just have to do a tandem skydive to experience it!

How long is the freefall?
• From 15,000ft  – 60 seconds
• From 12,000ft  – 45 seconds
• From 10,000ft  - 35 seconds

We recommend that you go to the highest altitude that your budget will allow, especially if you are having a freefall DVD/pictures combo or tandem skydiving instructor handi-cam DVD.

Is the tandem skydive landing hard?
SkyDive Austral use state of the art tandem parachutes that are designed for tandem skydiving. These tandem skydiving parachutes are highly manoeuvrable and allow slow, soft parachute landings.

What happens if I get up there and I decide not to go?
It is extremely rare that this happens – maybe 4 times in 15 years! But if you decide not to jump there will be no refund, sorry. You and your tandem master will both come back down in the plane. We ensure that before you go skydiving, you are prepared and happy with what will be the best experience of your life!


Safety?

Has anyone been hurt? How many people have died?
SkyDive Austral has THE BEST safety record in Mauritius. During our operation we have never had a serious incident or injury. We have an exemplary safety record and we are committed to keeping it that way. SkyDive Austral currently has the BEST safety record in Mauritius.
We are an experienced team of dedicated professional, our attitude towards personal service and safety means you skydive with the best. We use the latest state of the art parachute equipment which is well maintained and our instructors are hand-picked for their experience and attitude.
 

DVD and Photography Options?

Can we both be filmed at the same time?
No, sorry, it is impossible to film more than one person in freefall. Our camera flyers are good. But you’d have to be faster than a speeding bullet to fly between two tandems falling at terminal velocity. We’ll be sure to employ anyone named Clark who applies for a job whose address is Smallville, Kansas, but until then...
We are very happy to film 2 people on the ground and in the plane. It is best that each person has their own video - be the star you always wanted to be! Why share the limelight?

Why Should I pay more and get the freefall DVD or picture options?
Tandem skydiving will be the highlight of your Mauritius adventure! A freefall DVD and digital pictures means that you can relive your tandem skydive over and over again. It is your proof and chance to show the world you have done it! Your smile in freefall is priceless!

What is the difference between the freefall DVD/Picture CD combo and the tandem handi-cam freefall DVD?
The freefall DVD and picture Combo is taken by one of our creative, experienced cameraflyers who falls with the tandem pair. Our cameraflyer has 2 cameras mounted on their helmet (one video and one photographs). This is the option to choose if you wish to have freefall pictures and an overall perspective of your skydive and scenery. The freefall DVD is fully edited with a funky soundtrack and comes complete in a case with your CD of over 40 digital pictures.

The Tandem Handi-Cam freefall DVD is a freefall DVD taken by your tandem master with his wrist mounted camera with a very wide angle lens. Your Tandem Master is with you every step of the way including your first reactions once the parachute is open and some of the parachute ride. This is a great option for those on a budget or who do not want any digital freefall pictures.

Can we choose the music for our DVD’s?
Your editor makes your music selection for you. Our editors are experienced in putting together the best movie for you. If you have any particular music requests though, please let us know before you jump, and we will try our best to get your tunes on your DVD.

Can I write stuff on my hands?
You can! PLEASE DO!! But depending on the temperature you will most likely be sweating and the writting may come off. You may be able to film your hands before getting in the plane.


Payment & Gift Vouchers

How do I book my tandem skydiving experience?
The fastest way to book your tandem skydive is to book online using our secure booking form or call SkyDive Austral directly - (+230) 499 5551/ (+230) 421 4987
Book your skydive online. Most Mauritius accommodation providers will assist you in making a booking for tandem skydiving.

What type of payment do you accept?
SkyDive Austral accept credit card payments via Visa and Mastercard, cash in Mauritius rupee, american dollars and Mauritius Travellers Cheques.

What sort of discounts do you offer?
Our group discounts start at 10 people, a great excuse to get lots of friends to come and skydive with you! And – if you catch the skydiving bug that plagues us – we can offer multi-jump discounts. Contact us to discuss all options.

If I pay online and we don’t jump, do we get refunded?
We ask for your credit card details to secure the booking. We don't actually charge your card as we are weather dependent. You will pay just before you jump. If for some reason you fail to show up or did not cancel giving at least 12 hours notice we will charge your card with the full amount.

Can I buy a tandem skydiving gift voucher?
Yes. SkyDive Austral offer tandem skydiving gift vouchers and you do not have to be resident in Mauritius. Simply complete contact us we will make the necessary arrangements with you, and we will post your gift voucher anywhere in the world within 24 hours.

Your question not here?
Get an answer now phone (+230) 499 5551/ (+230) 421 4987 or contact us.

address: Z.I. Mon Loisir Sugar Estate, Riviere du Rempart

tel: (230) 5421 4987

website: s k y d i v e m a u r i t i u s . c o m

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