Can You Skydive If Scared Of Heights?

Should I go skydiving with a fear of heights? Absolutely! Being afraid of heights is not the same as having a fear of skydiving (which still doesn’t have to prevent you from taking the leap). Need more info? Let’s go!

Acrophobia

If you have acrophobia, i.e. a fear of heights, you may be scared of skydiving prior to your first jump – it’s normal! This phobia is often rooted in the fear of falling and the perceived danger that comes with it. People experiencing acrophobia often present symptoms of an anxiety attack, such as an increased heart rate, feeling dizzy, sweating, or nausea.  

A skydiving fear of heights is something we like to call an anticipatory fear; this means that our brains jump to conclusions about something we don’t really know about. In the case of skydiving: skydiving takes place high up in the sky … I will be high up in the sky … I am scared of being high up in the sky … so skydiving must be scary. 
BUT, when we skydive, we’re actually so high up that our brains and eyes struggle to make the depth-perception connection. This means that the spooky feeling of peering over a cliff’s edge or standing on the rim of a skyscraper is non-existent when skydiving. Why? You’re flying over the landscape, not falling to the ground!

What Is Exposure Therapy?

Exposure therapy entails voluntarily exposing yourself to whatever it is that you fear. Typically, exposure therapy is incremental and exponentially gets more intense. 

For example, someone afraid of skydiving may begin with a minimal exposure, such as reading about skydiving. Once the anxiety associated with this dissipates, the next step could be hanging out at a dropzone – watching skydivers and chatting with them about their experiences. The person would eventually book a tandem skydive, which allows a novice to make a skydive while attached to a professional skydiving instructor. This gradual exposure allows people to be in control when conquering their fears! 

So, how do you get over your fear of heights? You (slowly but surely) just do it!

Will You Be Scared Under The Parachute?

After a speedy freefall, you fly under a big, beautiful parachute, allowing you to comfortably take in the scenery and gently glide in for landing. 

But wait … will you feel nervous the closer you get to the ground? Will your eyes and brain start to make the connection, creating that icky feeling in your stomach? Nope. While we do naturally get closer and closer to the ground while under the parachute, we’re moving forward. The rush of the wind and the forward movement we experience under the canopy contradicts the experience we would typically have from a static-height, such as a building or rockface. 

So, will you be scared? We doubt it! The adrenaline, stunning sky, and all-encompassing awesome experience is likely to override any feelings of fear.

Is Skydiving A Fear Of Heights Cure?

If you’re researching strategies on how to overcome a fear of heights so you can enjoy the breathtaking views of a skydive, we suggest talking with your local dropzone. The best people to converse with about this common fear: skydivers! 

Because skydiving neglects to give you the “AH, I’m really high up!” feeling, it is rare that it would cure a fear of heights. BUT, it may help you cope with your fear of heights.

Skydiving allows us to be fully in the moment and boasts psychological benefits, like decreasing anxiety, which could tie into mitigating anxious feelings surrounding heights.

What If I’m Scared Of Skydiving?

Being afraid of skydiving is entirely natural. Skydiving is inherently a bit intimidating, and it’s new. Remember the first time you did something else nerve-wracking? We would bet that it was pretty scary, simply because you didn’t know what to expect – the possibilities of what could happen (the dreaded “what ifs”) were seemingly endless. But … did it all work out? YES! 

Skydiving is a wonderfully freeing experience that yields a host of opportunities … all of which rests on the other side of fear. You’ve got this! 

Our best preparation advice: 

• Gradual exposure: Research and learn about skydiving, talk to skydivers, and visit your local dropzone.
• Practice relaxing: When you feel skydiving-induced anxiety building, be kind to yourself and take some deep breaths. Listen to your body and do what works for you. 
• Communicate: When you get to the dropzone for your skydive, communicate your apprehension to your instructor. They’re trained professionals who can help ground you if your nerves begin to take over. Natural fear is nothing to be ashamed of – communicate!