Top Skydiving Tips for Beginners: What Pros Wish They Knew

Skydiving is an unforgettable experience that combines adrenaline, adventure, and pure exhilaration. If you’re gearing up for your first jump, preparation is key to making the most out of it. To help you have a smooth and enjoyable experience, we’ve gathered essential skydiving tips for beginners, including common mistakes to avoid, skydiving techniques, and expert advice.

Preparing for Your First Skydive: Tips Before Skydiving

The good news is, you set the tone for your skydiving experience – preparation is key to an enjoyable and comfortable skydive. Before you take the leap, there are a few things you can do to set yourself up for success. Here are some essential tips before skydiving:

• Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Rest is crucial for focus and energy, giving you the best opportunity for success and ensuring you’re in the best shape for your jump.

• Eat a Balanced Meal

Most first time skydivers think they should avoid eating before their skydive – but the opposite is true! Jumping on an empty stomach is a sure way to completely drain your body and make yourself ill on your jump. While you shouldn’t avoid eating, you should avoid heavy, greasy foods that might cause digestive discomfort. Eat foods that typically make you feel good and give you the energy you need!

• Dress Appropriately

Wear comfortable, easy-to-move-in and snug-fitting clothes that are appropriate for the weather at the time of your jump. Keep in mind that it can be 30 to 40 degrees colder up at altitude, so you may want to add a layer or bring an extra layer just in case. Having secure, closed-toe shoes are extremely important for protecting your feet while on your skydive and especially during landing.

• Listen to Your Instructor

Your instructor is a skydiving professional with hundreds, maybe even thousands, of jumps. Their guidance is based on experience and safety, so be sure to follow their instructions closely. Feel free to ask any questions you may have and voice any concerns before the jump.

• Arrive Early

Give yourself plenty of time to check-in, complete paperwork, ask questions, and get suited up before the jump.

Mastering Skydiving Techniques for a Smooth Experience

While first-time, tandem skydiving doesn’t necessarily require advanced skills, understanding basic freefall and landing techniques can make your skydive even more enjoyable:

• Arch

To perform the arch position, keep your hips forward, chin up, and legs slightly bent at the knees. This stable body position helps maintain control during freefall. As always, seek guidance from your instructor if you have questions.

• Relax and Breathe Slowly

Many first-timers instinctively hold their breath, but breathing naturally is the best way to keep your body calm and focused. Do your best to relax and take nice, slow breaths in through your mouth and breathe out forcefully through your nose.

• Follow Hand Signals

Your instructor will teach you hand signals that they will use during your skydive – since you won’t be able to hear their instructions in freefall. Pay close attention and respond accordingly to the best of your ability.

• Lift Your Legs

When it comes time to land, your instructor will guide you on what to do. Usually, the instructor will tell you to lift your legs as you approach the ground in order to take the impact smoothly, avoiding any unnecessary strain.

Skydiving Tricks to Enhance Your Experience

If you’re a beginner, you won’t exactly be doing backflips in the sky. However, there are some simple skydiving tricks that can make your jump even more fun:

• Smile for the Camera

If you’re getting a video or photos of your jump (which you definitely should), then you’ll want to remember to smile. Throw up a peace sign, heart hands, or stick your tongue out to make the best of your skydiving video or photo – you’ll have it forever!

• Keep Your Eyes Open

This once-in-a-lifetime view is absolutely breathtaking – don’t miss out by closing your eyes!

• Send a Message

Celebrating a special occasion or want to make an impact with your skydiving photo? Wear a custom shirt, a costume, or write something special on your hands to deliver a message in a powerful way. Just make sure to get it cleared with your instructor before doing so.

• Savor the Moment

The rush of freefall and the peaceful canopy ride are both incredible – enjoy every single second and embrace the process!

Common Mistakes First-Timers Should Avoid

It is completely natural to feel an overwhelming sense of anticipation and nerves before your first skydive. In the mix of excitement, first-timers can sometimes forget the essential rules of skydiving that should never be ignored. Here are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure the best experience possible:

• Overthinking the Jump

Remember the safety statistics, trust the process, lean on your instructor and go with the flow – overanalyzing can create unnecessary stress. 

• Ignoring Weather Considerations

Weather delays happen. Be patient and flexible, keep in mind that this is for the safety of you and everyone else involved in the jump. We are in the business of mitigating risk, and jumping in bad weather conditions is simply not worth the risk.

• Not Paying Attention to the Pre-Jump Briefing

Even though tandem skydiving is pretty straightforward, the pre-jump briefing contains important safety information that you will need to know before you take to the skies.

• Being Under the Influence of Drugs/Alcohol

Many think having a treat before skydiving is a way to knock off some of the nerves, but really, it’s a quick way to get denied. Skydiving is not a roller coaster ride and you will play an active role in the jump itself, which means you are required to be as alert as possible. Dropzones have the right to refuse anyone suspected to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Other Skydiving Tips for Beginners: What to Expect

One of the best skydiving tips for first timers is to come prepared with knowledge. Knowing what to expect is a huge way to reduce anxiety and maximize excitement. While the details of the skydiving process may differ depending on which dropzone you jump at, here’s a quick breakdown of your potential first-time experience:

• Pre-Jump Training

After check-in, you will attend your pre-jump training. Your instructor will walk you through the process, safety procedures, and what to expect every step of the way.

• The Plane Ride

Depending on which altitude you’re jumping from and the plane you’re in, the plane ride could take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes to reach your destination in the sky.

• The Exit

This is the most thrilling part! On your instructor’s cue, you’ll exit the airplane and experience the feeling of complete freedom.

• Freefall

The freefall experience lasts anywhere from 30 to 60 seconds long, depending on your exit altitude, at speeds up to 120 mph. It’s an adrenaline rush like no other!

• Parachute Deployment

At around 5,500 feet, your instructor will deploy the parachute, slowing you down for a blissful five to seven minute canopy ride back down to Earth.

• Landing

Follow instructions and allow your instructor to handle the landing for a smooth touchdown – feel an overwhelming sense of euphoria and accomplishment rush over you!

By following these skydiving tips for beginners and avoiding common mistakes, you will set yourself up to have a life-changing skydiving experience that you’ll never forget. Now that you’ve got all of the information you need, it’s time to book your skydive and discover the thrill of freefall for yourself! Blue skies.