More than a decade ago, Jay used his FAA Master Rigger expertise to develop specialized harness systems for better leg control during tandem landings. Motivated by his son, who has cerebral palsy and is a Special Olympics athlete, he recognized a gap in the sport and designed a solution to make skydiving safer and more accessible.

Today, his accessible tandem harness design has become the blueprint for certified riggers around the world building adaptive systems of their own, which leads us to Mr. Ryan Kramer.

Our FREEDOM Harness was made by Ryan Kramer; an accomplished FAA Master Rigger, Tandem Instructor, and Accelerated Freefall Instructor. And most importantly, our good friend!

Kramer is another Tandem Instructor who wants to share skydiving with the world, a mission we share. Making the sky accessible to everyone is why this harness exists.

Double amputee Harry Shaw makes a tandem skydive with Stokes over Skydive Spaceland Houston in Rosharon, Texas, in 2010. Photo by Alex O'Connor.

Raul (DZO) takes MCpl (Ret'd) Mike Trauner on his 105th skydive and first jump since losing both of his legs in Afghanistan. The two fought together in Afghanistan, 22C, Double Deuce, 3RCR, TF 3-08.

Raul (MTM) gears up MCpl (Ret'd) Mike Trauner for a tandem skydive.

We started Airborne Petawawa with a simple belief: to share skydiving with the world. We are proud to offer Accessible Tandem skydiving so that individuals who struggle to walk can still experience what it feels like to fly.

Skydiving is empowering. It builds confidence, resilience, and a renewed sense of possibility. Through specialized equipment and highly trained instructors, individuals with paralysis, amputations, mobility restrictions, or other physical disabilities can safely participate in a life-changing Accessible Tandem skydive.

Whether you are seeking skydiving for wheelchair users or a fully supported inclusive skydiving experience, our team is trained to deliver professional tandem skydiving for differently abled individuals in a structured and safety-focused environment. As a USPA drop zone in Ontario, we are committed to expanding accessible skydiving and helping lead the way in accessible skydiving in Canada, ensuring that the thrill of freefall is available to those with limited mobility who have always wanted to experience the sky.

Our FREEDOM Harness 

Our specialized system, originally designed by Jay Stokes, supports skydiving for individuals in wheelchairs or with limited lower body mobility and provides safe, professional skydiving for everyone. We are utilizing a purpose-built harness created for true adaptive skydiving which we have given the moniker, the FREEDOM Harness.

Our adaptive FREEDOM Harness uses custom harness pants that secure the tandem student’s legs to the instructor’s legs during freefall. This provides stability and a controlled body positioning throughout the skydive. Once the parachute is deployed, the same system is used to carefully lift and support the student’s legs for landing, allowing for a smooth, and controlled touchdown.

| “Dedicated Jumpmaster support for enhanced safety and control.”

These specialized tandems are conducted only by our most experienced instructors and require the involvement of a dedicated Jumpmaster for enhanced safety and control throughout the entire skydive. The Jumpmaster assists the Tandem Instructor and Tandem Student during aircraft boarding, gear checks and hookup procedures, and during the exit from the aircraft. The Jumpmaster is also present to provide additional support and coordination during landing. Because of the added personnel, equipment, preparation, and operational oversight required with Jumpmaster support, there is an additional $335 charge for Accessible Tandems out of our Cessna 182. The aircraft is reserved exclusively for the tandem pair.

Video Package Included

This fee also includes our Deluxe Video Package, featuring both handcam and outside video (OV), ensuring your experience is professionally captured from multiple angles. The full media package is included with every Accessible Tandem at no additional cost beyond the required Jumpmaster support. In addition to enhanced safety and oversight in the air, you’ll walk away with high-quality, cinematic footage that reflects the magnitude of what you accomplished. 

We recognize that everyone has unique needs and abilities, which is why we encourage you to contact us before booking if you require an accessible tandem skydive.

Safety is our highest priority. In certain cases, if we determine that the risk is too high, we may not be able to proceed with the jump. These decisions are made carefully and professionally, always with your wellbeing in mind.

Skydiving is more than an adrenaline rush, it is a statement. It is proof that limitations do not define capability. At Airborne Petawawa, we are honoured to help more people step beyond the boundaries placed on them and into the sky.

If you have questions about our Accessible Tandem Skydive, or our FREEDOM harness, please reach out. We’re here to help get you airborne.

Featured to the right is our FREEDOM Harness, specifically designed to make skydiving accessible to individuals with limited lower-body mobility.

This system was developed by master riggers, including Kramer and industry leader Jay Stokes, whose expertise in design, stitching, and assembly ensures both safety and functionality. Every element of the harness is purpose-built to provide support, stability, and confidence throughout the entire skydive.

Constructed from durable Cordura fabric, the harness is built to withstand the demands of repeated use while maintaining comfort and security. Once under canopy, a pulley system, fully controlled by the instructor, assists in safely positioning the legs for landing.

This isn’t just equipment: it’s the result of innovation, experience, and a commitment to making the sky accessible to everyone.

Because skydiving shouldn’t be limited by mobility, it should be defined by possibility.

More about our FREEDOM Harness

The most incredible thing about skydiving isn’t just the view, it’s the people. The adaptive tandem harness we use for students with limited mobility was designed by a fellow Tandem Instructor who believed the sky should be open to all: Jay Stokes.

Inducted into the International Skydiving Hall of Fame in 2018, Jay Stokes is a FAA Master Rigger, USPA Instructor Examiner, Tandem Instructor, AFF Instructor, Pilot, and former Green Beret. Inspired by his son, he set a Guinness World Record on his 50th birthday for the most skydives completed in a single day to raise awareness for cerebral palsy.

Ryan Kramer swoops his canopy after filming a tandem skydive at Skydive Indianapolis. Photo courtesy of his son, Tyler Kramer, who is also a licensed skydiver.

Featured Above: Barb’s (Tandem Student) friends broke her out of hospice for one last adventure. Raul (TI) jumped with her just eight days before her passing.