Tandem Skydiving Kopaida: 14,000 Feet Near Athens

Our first class tandem skydive takes you to 14,000 feet above Kopaida Airfield at Kastro Viotias, about an hour and a half from central Athens. You jump attached to a certified tandem instructor, fall for up to 60 seconds, then fly under the parachute for five to seven minutes before landing on the grass. No experience is needed, and the jump costs €270 per person.

What is a tandem skydive from 14,000 feet?

A tandem skydive is the way first-timers jump. You wear a harness that clips to the front of your instructor, who controls the exit, the freefall and the parachute. Your job is to hold the body position you learn on the ground and enjoy it.

Fourteen thousand feet is a high exit altitude for a tandem jump, and height is what buys freefall time. From here you get up to a full minute of falling at around 200 km/h before the canopy opens. That extra time is the difference between a blur and a minute you can actually take in.

Where is the drop zone?

The jump runs from Kopaida Airfield next to the village of Kastro Viotias, about 1.5 hours by road from Athens. The landing area is a grass strip at the airfield, so you come down where you started. You need valid photo ID to enter the airfield, so keep it with you.

What happens on the day?

Plan on about two hours at the airfield. The exact time of your jump depends on the weather, and we keep you informed on the day.

• Check-in: meet your instructor, complete the paperwork and listen to the safety briefing.
• Lesson: a short training session on body position and how you leave the plane.
• Gear up: your instructor fits the tandem harness and checks it.
• Climb: the plane takes about 15 to 20 minutes to reach 14,000 feet.
• Freefall: up to 60 seconds at around 200 km/h.
• Canopy: five to seven minutes under the parachute, then a smooth landing on the grass strip.

Can I get photos and video?

Yes, there are two camera packages. The handycam package is filmed by your instructor with a wrist-mounted camera and costs €99. The outside camera package uses a professional freefall camera flyer who jumps with you and films from the front, for €200. The outside camera gives the classic shots of your face and the exit, while the handycam is the budget option. Both are booked in advance so the right people are on your load.

Is it right for me?

Tandem skydiving suits anyone curious about freefall who is happy to follow simple instructions. You do not need to be an athlete. The real limits are these:

• Weight: maximum 85 kg. Please give an honest weight when booking, as the limit is set by the equipment.
• Age: no fixed limit as long as the harness fits correctly.
• Under 18: a consent form signed by a parent or guardian is required.
• ID: valid photo ID is needed to enter the airfield.

If you have a medical condition, back or neck problems or recent surgery, tell us before you book so we can check with the instructors.

When is the best time to go?

Skydiving needs good visibility and moderate wind, so every jump depends on the weather. Clear, calm days give the best views across the plain and the surrounding mountains. Because conditions can change during the day, leave some room in your plans and do not book a tight connection afterwards. If we cancel for weather or safety, you choose a new date or a full refund.

How to get there from central Athens

There are three ways to reach the airfield.

• Private driver: a driver collects you in Athens and brings you back after the jump in a four-seat car, €220 round trip for one to four passengers.
• Bus: take the KTEL bus from the Liosion station, Liosion 260 in Athens, to Kastro Viotias. Message us at least 30 minutes before you reach Kastro and we arrange a taxi for the last 3 km to the airfield, €15 each way.
• Own car: the drive takes about 1.5 hours, and we send directions after booking.

Good to know

• Wear comfortable clothes and closed trainers.
• Eat a light meal beforehand and bring water.
• Friends and family can watch the landing from the airfield.
• Bring your photo ID, or you cannot enter the airfield.