As someone who got their tandem rating with just over the minimum (560 jumps, mostly belly) then spent the last season struggling and everytime someone asked how tandems were going my response was "it's harder than I thought it would be" I'd have to agree that more jumps/experience is better. Perhaps it's the fact that I'm 5'4", 145 lbs or a girl that made it more challenging for me but I feel like more jumps would have been beneficial as well. Either way, best of luck to you and don't get it just because you have the 500 jump minimum - make sure you're confident in your ability and then some!
