First Time Skydiving Tips: What to Expect Before You Board

Skydiving for the first time is a mix of excitement, anticipation, and a few nerves. The experience begins long before you step out of the aircraft. Understanding what happens before you board can help you feel calm, prepared, and ready to enjoy the jump. This guide covers practical tips on how to prepare, what to wear, what to expect during training, and what happens from check-in to takeoff.

Before You Arrive: Physical and Mental Preparation

Your first skydive starts with a few simple steps before you even leave home. Proper preparation can make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Get a good night’s sleep. Being well-rested helps you focus and stay calm.
Avoid alcohol and drugs. These can impair your judgment and are usually prohibited before a jump.
Eat a light meal. An empty stomach can make you feel weak, but a heavy meal can cause discomfort during the flight.
Stay hydrated. Drink water before you arrive, but don’t overdo it.
Consider motion sickness. If you are prone to motion sickness, talk to your doctor about medication ahead of time.

Mentally, it’s normal to feel afraid. Acknowledge the fear and remind yourself that you’ll be with trained professionals. Ask questions and share any concerns with your instructor. Focusing on the experience rather than the fear can help you stay positive.

What to Wear and What to Bring

Comfortable clothing and secure footwear are essential. You’ll want to move freely and stay safe.

Clothing

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Layers are a good idea because temperatures drop at higher altitudes.
Avoid loose items like scarves, jewelry, or anything that could fly off.
If you have long hair, tie it back securely.

Shoes

Wear closed-toe athletic shoes with laces. They should be snug and secure.
Do not wear heels, sandals, flip-flops, or slip-on shoes.

Accessories

Remove all jewelry, watches, and loose accessories.
If you wear glasses, secure them with a strap. Contacts are generally fine.
Leave valuables at home or in a locked car. Most dropzones don’t have secure storage.

What to bring: a valid ID, comfortable clothes, a hair tie, and a positive attitude. Some operators offer photos or video, so you may want to bring money for that.

The Check-In and Training Process

When you arrive at the dropzone, you’ll go through several steps before boarding.

Check-in and paperwork. You’ll sign waivers and show your ID. Arrive early to avoid rushing.
Safety briefing. An instructor will explain the equipment, hand signals, body position during exit, and landing techniques. Pay close attention and ask questions.
Meet your instructor. If you’re doing a tandem jump, you’ll be attached to an instructor. For solo jumps, you’ll receive more extensive training.
Gear fitting. You’ll be fitted with a jumpsuit, harness, goggles, and helmet. Make sure everything feels secure but not too tight.

The training is designed to keep you safe. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification on anything you don’t understand.

Waiting for Your Turn and the Plane Ride

After training, you may wait for your turn. Wait times depend on weather, aircraft availability, and how many people are jumping.

During the wait, stay relaxed. Watch others land, chat with staff, or review your training. When it’s your turn, you’ll board the aircraft.

On the plane:

Listen carefully to instructions from the pilot or jumpmaster.
Sit in your assigned spot and fasten your seatbelt.
As the plane climbs, you may feel pressure in your ears. Yawn or swallow to equalize.
Use the ride to review your exit and landing procedures. Your instructor will do final checks.

When the door opens, you’ll feel a rush of cold air and noise. This is the final moment before your jump.

What to Expect During the Jump

Knowing what happens during the jump can help you stay calm.

Exit: You’ll arch your back and keep your head up as you leave the aircraft.
Freefall: You’ll experience about 30 to 60 seconds of freefall. The sensation is more like floating than falling. The wind is loud, but you can see for miles.
Parachute deployment: You’ll feel a gentle jerk as the parachute opens. Then everything becomes quiet.
Under canopy: You can steer the parachute and enjoy the view. Your instructor will guide you if you’re in tandem.
Landing: You’ll approach the ground, lift your legs for a slide, or stand up if conditions allow. Follow your instructor’s cues.

After the Jump

Once you land, you may feel a rush of adrenaline and a sense of accomplishment. Take a moment to breathe and process the experience.

You might feel dizzy or nauseous. Sit down and drink water.
Debrief with your instructor. They can answer questions and share feedback.
If you purchased photos or video, collect them.
Rest and hydrate for the remainder of the day.

Tips for a Smooth First-Time Experience

Choose a reputable operator. Look for certified instructors and well-maintained equipment.
Book in advance. Popular times fill up quickly. Check the weather forecast and have a backup date.
Communicate any medical conditions. Talk to your doctor and the operator about any concerns.
Listen carefully. Follow all instructions from your instructor.
Relax and breathe. Nervousness is normal. Focus on the experience and trust your training.
Don’t overthink it. The moment you jump, instinct and training take over.

Your first skydive is an unforgettable experience. By preparing physically and mentally, wearing the right clothing, and understanding what happens before you board, you can approach the jump with confidence. Remember to listen to your instructor, ask questions, and enjoy the ride. The memory will last a lifetime.

For more practical guides on everyday adventures and how-tos, explore other articles on our site.