Skydiving for the first time can be exhilarating and nerve-wracking! Here are some tips to help you prepare and enjoy the experience:
Before the Jump
1. Choose a Reputable Skydiving Center
Research licensed and well-reviewed skydiving schools.
2. Dress Comfortably
Wear athletic, weather-appropriate clothing and snug-fitting sneakers. Avoid loose items that could get tangled or lost.
3. Eat Light but Don’t Skip Meals
A light meal helps prevent dizziness. Avoid heavy or greasy food before the jump.
4. Get Enough Rest
A good night’s sleep will help calm your nerves and keep you sharp.
5. Stay Hydrated
Drink water, but don’t overdo it right before the jump.
During the Jump
1. Listen to Your Instructor
Pay close attention during the pre-jump training. Trust your tandem instructor—they’ve done this hundreds of times.
2. Relax and Breathe
The initial freefall might feel intense, but after a few seconds, the parachute opens, and it becomes peaceful. Focus on breathing slowly.
3. Body Position
Arch your back, keep your head up, and legs slightly bent. Relax your arms unless instructed otherwise.
4. Enjoy the View!
The scenery is breathtaking. Try to stay present and take it all in!
Skydiving comes in various forms, each offering a unique experience and adrenaline rush. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of skydiving:
1. Tandem Skydiving (Best for Beginners)
Description: You’re harnessed to a professional instructor who controls the parachute and landing.
Experience Level: Beginner (no experience needed).
Highlights: Minimal training (usually 30 minutes), perfect for first-timers.
Freefall Time: 30–60 seconds.
2. Static Line Jump
Description: The parachute deploys automatically via a static line attached to the plane. You jump solo but with little freefall.
Experience Level: Beginner-Intermediate.
Highlights: Often part of military training; allows first-time jumpers to jump solo.
Freefall Time: None (immediate chute deployment).
3. Accelerated Freefall (AFF)
Description: You jump solo from the start, but with instructors holding onto you during freefall to assist.
Experience Level: Intermediate (requires ground training).
Highlights: Fastest way to become a certified solo skydiver.
Freefall Time: 30–60 seconds.
4. Indoor Skydiving (Wind Tunnel)
Description: Simulates freefall in a vertical wind tunnel. No planes or parachutes involved.
Experience Level: Beginner (great for practicing body position).
Highlights: Safe and fun way to learn skydiving techniques.
Freefall Time: Can fly multiple times.
5. Formation Skydiving (FS)
Description: Skydivers create formations during freefall by linking hands or legs.
Experience Level: Advanced.
Highlights: Requires coordination and teamwork. Competitive skydiving sport.
Freefall Time: 60+ seconds.
6. Wingsuit Skydiving
Description: Jumpers wear a wingsuit to glide horizontally, increasing airtime before deploying the parachute.
Experience Level: Expert (requires 200+ jumps).
Highlights: High-speed, long-distance gliding.
Freefall Time: 1–2 minutes.
7. BASE Jumping (Extreme)
Description: Jumping from fixed objects (Buildings, Antennas, Spans, Earth) instead of planes.
Experience Level: Expert (requires skydiving experience).
Highlights: High risk but massive adrenaline rush.
Freefall Time: Few seconds (depending on altitude).
8. HALO Jump (High Altitude, Low Opening)
Description: Skydivers jump from extreme altitudes (above 30,000 feet) and deploy the parachute at a low height.
Experience Level: Advanced (used by military forces).
Highlights: Long freefall, requires oxygen tanks.
Freefall Time: Over 2 minutes.
Basic Guidelines for Skydiving (First-Time or Beginner)
Health and Fitness Requirements
General Health – You don’t need to be an athlete, but good overall health is important.
Weight Limit – Most centres have weight limits (typically 220-250 lbs / 100-113 kg).
Age Limit – Minimum age is usually 18 years. Some places allow younger jumpers with parental consent.
Medical Conditions – Consult a doctor if you have heart issues, back problems, or other health concerns.
Training and Preparation
Tandem Jump (Most common for beginners) – Quick training (30 minutes). Instructor controls the parachute.
Static Line – Requires a few hours of training; parachute deploys automatically.
Accelerated Freefall (AFF) – Involves 4-6 hours of ground training before jumping solo (with instructors assisting in freefall).
Gear and Equipment
Jump Suit – Provided by the centre; protects your clothing.
Harness – Securely attaches you to the instructor (for tandem).
Helmet & Goggles – Protects your head and eyes. Goggles allow you to see during the freefall.
Parachute System – Includes a main chute and a reserve chute.
Pre-Jump Checklist
Rest Well – Get plenty of sleep the night before.
Eat Light – A light meal prevents nausea but keeps your energy up.
Wear Comfortable Clothes – Athletic wear and snug sneakers are ideal. Avoid jewellery and loose items.
Arrive Early – Give yourself time to relax, meet the instructor, and absorb the training.
The Jump Process
Briefing & Training – Learn body positioning, safety signals, and what to expect.
Gear Up – Get fitted into your jumpsuit, harness, and equipment.
Board the Plane – Enjoy the scenic flight as you ascend to jump altitude (typically 10,000-15,000 feet).
The Jump – Experience freefall for 30-60 seconds before the parachute deploys.
Parachute Descent – Glide for 5-7 minutes, enjoying the view until a gentle landing.
Safety Guidelines
Listen to Your Instructor – Pay attention during training and follow every instruction.
Arch Your Body – This is the key position during freefall (like a banana).
Don’t Grab the Instructor’s Hands – Let them handle the chute and navigation.
Emergency Procedures – Trust the reserve parachute and backup systems (which rarely need to be used).
After the Jump
Celebrate! Skydiving is a huge accomplishment.
Photos and Videos – Most centres offer video packages to capture your experience.
Reflect – Many people describe skydiving as life-changing consider going again!