Beginners Guide for a First Time Skydive

We’re not exactly the betting types, but we are willing to wager you’ve never jumped from an aircraft at 14,000ft before. (If you have, good on ya!)  

After all, skydiving isn’t exactly a run of the mill activity.  Of about the 74.2 million people over the age of 18 in the United States, only about 350,000 complete skydives each year. Though, once they take the leap, individuals often get the skydiving bug. In fact, those 350,000 people are responsible for completing more than 3 million jumps in a typical year!

At Skydive Orange, we’ve got first time skydiving down to a science. Considering skydiving? Don’t panic. We’ve got your back with a beginner’s guide for a first time skydive.

Read all about it!

One of the first steps in our beginner’s guide will help you get an idea of what you’re getting into.  Read up on the drop zone where you will be making your first skydive. Take some time to visit the webpage, read reviews from other customers, and check out their Facebook page. In this way, you can learn who the drop zone is, what they stand for, and how they treat their customers!

Get Some Shut-Eye the Night Before

Don’t plan an all-night rager before you are scheduled to make a skydive. Skydiving is an incredible experience and should be treated with a bit of respect. Rather than arriving in a fog, it’s better to get a good night’s sleep and arrive bright eyed and bushy tailed for the adventure of a lifetime!

Eat regularly

Both a rumbling tummy and a stomach full to bursting can generate a grumpy disposition. Before your skydive, these are both things to avoid! You’ll possibly be feeling a little nervous and might think avoiding eating is the way to go; however, the discomfort of hunger can cause you to feel queasy and won’t make the situation any better. Plan to have a nice moderate breakfast, and in case there is a wait, it pays to bring some snacks to keep hunger at bay.

Comfortable Clothes Are The Way To Go

When you come to make your skydive, be sure to dress for success. Pick clothing you can move freely in, and opt for close-fitting layers. Try to avoid items that are too loose or baggy.  Choose items that are appropriate for the weather on the ground. For example, in the spring and fall, it can be a little chilly, a base layer and a fleece can keep you warm and cozy, even at altitude! Plus, if necessary, we can provide a jumpsuit to cover your clothing, so you won’t have to worry about getting dirty.

Timeline

Talk to the drop zone ahead of time to get an idea of what to expect. It does a great deal to put you at ease if you know the process from check-in to landing. Knowing what is coming next and when to expect it helps you to feel a little more like you’re in the driver’s seat and less like a passenger.

Get It On Film!

If you don’t get a picture, did it even happen? You only have one first jump. The experience simply can’t be recreated. You’ve had pictures taken of every other first, why should this be any different!?

Breathe

Breathe in, breath out, calmly and slowly. From the moment you pull into the parking lot to the second you exit the aircraft and feel the bliss of freefall, remember to breathe! Mindful breathing can help manage the stress you might be feeling, and focusing on your breath will help you get the most out of the skydive. After all, if you can keep calm here, you can keep calm anywhere!

Now that you’ve gotten through the beginner’s guide to a first time skydive, are you ready to put the knowledge to work? Schedule a tandem skydive with Skydive Orange today!