Planning your first skydive? You’re already off to a good start. Knowing what to expect before you arrive can help you spend less time wondering what comes next and more time taking in the experience. From what to wear and eat to handling those completely normal pre-jump nerves, a little preparation goes a long way.
Whether your tandem skydive is already on the calendar or you’re still working up to hitting that “Book Now” button, here are our top tips for your first skydive at Skydive DeLand.
1. Make a reservation.
We warmly welcome walk-in clients, but hear this: For your first skydive, we highly recommend making a reservation. Clients with reservations generally find that their wait times are shorter and their experience is smoother. (Plus, they get to enjoy their anticipation to the fullest!)
2. Dress correctly for the occasion.
For skydiving, you should choose close-fitting, athletic layers and closed-toe athletic shoes that lace up securely. Bright colors–especially purples, reds, yellows, oranges, and pinks–really pop against the blue sky in photographs. Also: If you rock long hair, you’re going to want to tie it back to keep it out of your face in freefall.
3. Bolster your body.
Since it’ll soon be under the pressure of the waves adrenaline you’re about to bathe in, you need to take care of your body! Before your skydiving reservation, make sure to drink plenty of water, then eat moderately and nutritiously the day of your jump. Bring a few healthy snacks to keep your blood sugar on an even keel as you wait at the dropzone.
Finally: If you already know you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s best not to tempt fate. Take your motion sickness medication along, just in case.
4. Make time.
Skydiving is just that much sweeter when you’re not in a time crunch. Do yourself a favor and give yourself all the time you need to enjoy every aspect of the process. To do so, start early: Leave the house in time to make it to your reserved check-in time with a bit of margin. From there, plan to spend 3-4 hours with us at the dropzone. (Hot tip: Don’t make other plans after your jump. Between the variables of weather and general aviation, we can’t predict the exact time you’ll complete your day.)
5. Get that video!
We’re sad to say that so many of our clients come out of their first-time tandem skydiving experience with regrets–even though they stumble all over themselves to tell us that they just had the best time of their lives. Y’know what those regrets are about? The video. They just jumped out of an airplane for the first time, and they didn’t get the proof! Being able to relive your jump with friends, family, and coworkers offers more value than you might imagine. Don’t miss out.
6. Strengthen your mental muscles
There’s nothing like a skydive to stretch your concept of what’s possible. It’s mind-blowing in a way that you’ve never before been mind-blown…and the fact is that you’re going to need to do a little warm-up to enjoy it fully. It’s perfectly normal to be (very, very) nervous before your jump.
Our favorite cure for skydiving fear is the simplest one ever: the breath. Just breathe! Remember to take a controlled, deep breath every time you start to feel those butterflies clattering around inside. It’ll reliably push them back down again so you can keep your eyes–and heart–wide open to the present moment.
How’s that for helpful, y’all? We’re looking forward to seeing your ever-so-prepared self standing proudly in the landing area, and soon. …How about tomorrow? Book now!