How To Prepare For Your First Jump

Decide to go skydiving. Done. Book your jump. Done. Have a mini freak out when you realize you are actually going to jump out of an airplane. Done and done. And done again. 

So now what?? How do you prepare to do something you know nothing about? Skydiving is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced, both mentally and physically. And knowing how to get ready to jump out of an airplane can feel like reading a car manual in a foreign language. 

But there are certain tips and tricks that are consistent across the sport of skydiving to help you get ready no matter where you’re planning to make your first jump.

Get Your Mind Right

The part of this whole experience that you have the most control over is your mind. It’s also one of the only things you can prepare ahead of time. If you can get your head ready to leave the airplane, your whole jump will be a lot easier. And more fun! 

Spend some time researching other people’s experiences. The internet, and more specifically, YouTube, is a seemingly endless source of information. With the technology we have nowadays, you can even watch videos of someone’s entire tandem jump from the ground up (and back to the ground again). Watching other people successfully jump out of an airplane, and feel exhilarated by every moment of it, should help quell some of your own hesitancies you might be feeling. 

Read up on skydiving equipment and procedures, too. The sport has evolved by leaps and bounds since it first began a half century ago. Each and every skydive has multiple redundancies and backups built in to help ensure skydivers make it to the ground safely. The more you understand what you’re getting yourself into, the calmer you’ll be the day of your own skydive. 

Once you get an idea of what your jump will look like, spend some time in meditation over it. Visualize yourself leaving the airplane and having the time of your life. Get your mind’s eye used to the sights and feelings that come with skydiving, and your real eyes won’t be wide with shock when the big day finally comes.

What to Bring

Besides a cool, calm, and collected mind, what else is there to bring to the dropzone? 

Well, your valid, government-issued, photo ID is a must have if you have any hopes of going skydiving. This is usually your driver’s license or passport. In America and several other countries, the age requirement to jump out of an airplane is 18 years old. Other places permit younger jumpers to skydive, typically with a guardian’s permission. So, you’re going to need (and your guardian, if applicable) documentation to prove you fit the bill. Dropzone management will also want to confirm that you are who you say you are before you go signing any legal documents. 

It’s also helpful to bring snacks and water to keep your body in tip top shape throughout the day. Between training, waiting for your turn, and the actual jump, you could be at the dropzone for a while. Staying fed and hydrated is going to make your experience more enjoyable, and can even make it safer! The adrenaline spike you’re going to experience during your skydive is no joke. Having the proper nutrients in your body will help with regulating all the fluctuations you’ll go through. Plus, who wants to skydive when they’re hangry?? 

A spare set of clothes might also be a good idea to throw in your bag. It’s a bit cooler at altitude than it is on the ground, so having different layers will give you more options for comfort depending on the weather and where you are in the skydiving process. You can never be too prepared in extreme sports!  

Self Care

This skydive is all about you! Treat yourself, and treat yourself right. Eat a full and balanced breakfast the day of your skydive. Just like having snacks throughout the day helps your body stay regulated, starting out with a good meal will set you up for success. 

Getting a good night’s sleep the night before is also important. There’s certain things you can be groggy for, but skydiving isn’t one of them. Being alert and at the top of your game will optimize your skydiving experience. And it will keep you safer. Tandem skydiving isn’t just a carnival ride. You’re an active participant in your jump and you need your body and your brain ready to go!  

A good stretch before climbing in the plane is another way to prep for what’s to come. You’re going to find yourself in many different positions throughout your skydive, and some that you’ve never been in before. Loosen up those joints so you can focus on the amazing experience instead of any discomfort in your body.

Other Things to Know

It’s a good idea to arrive at the dropzone a little bit early. Skydiving is stressful enough. You don’t want to add the pressure of rushing around or being late. Give yourself plenty of time to check in and chill out before jumping right into it. 

You should also check with your chosen dropzone about any weight limits they have before booking your jump. Most dropzones set their limit around 250 lbs, but each location is different. Checking before you book helps avoid confusion or disappointment. 

And don’t drink the day of your jump! Or really even the night before. You will not be permitted to skydive if you are under the influence, so don’t even think about showing up with some liquid courage pumping through your veins. Even drinking the night before can impact your reaction time, and skydiving with a hangover doesn’t even sound fun. Save the celebrations for after you’ve landed! 

Now that you know all the ins and outs of going skydiving, you’re ready to enjoy the sky with confidence! Let’s go!