Prepare For Your First Skydiving Experience

Knowing how to prepare for your first skydiving experience will help you be less stressed and have more fun on your jump. Skydiving is an exciting but dangerous sport if not done properly. Knowledge is power and being informed before your first skydiving experience will help you stay safe. Following the tips, below, will help you have a great time on your jump.

To prepare for your first skydiving experience, you will need;

• Access to a computer, for research
• Family physician, for physical
• Camera, if taking pictures

1. Check out the United States Parachute Association. This organization is a great reference place for learning about skydiving, finding schools in your area, qualified instructors, classes, and safety statistics. Uspa.org has been one of the main sources of information for skydivers since 1946.

2. Decide what style of jump you would like to experience. There are three main styles of skydiving jumps that you can try. A Tandem jump is when you jump with your instructor and they are responsible for directing the fall and pulling the cord at the proper time. An Accelerated free fall jump is one in which you dive with two instructors who hold your harness while guiding and observing the jump. A Static Line jump is when the cord is pulled from within the airplane.

3. Take Lessons. Avoid companies offering skydiving without any training. Skydiving classes can be as short as an hour for a tandem jump or as long as three days for more complex dives. Taking lessons will help you learn about the equipment used, deploying and landing techniques, the history of skydiving, theory of flight and it will help you have a safer dive. Make sure your instructor and school are properly certified to teach skydiving.

4. Get a physical. It is illegal to dive without having a physician’s clearance before your first jump. Having a health check up is always a good idea before any new highly physical activity. Skydiving is not recommended if you have heart problems, a serious illness, muscle or bone weakness or any other issue that could cause issue on your first skydiving experience.

5. Get proper rest the night before your first dive. Sleep at least eight hours the night before your first jump. Proper rest helps your body and brain function better, lowers your stress levels and helps you stay more alert.

6. Eat lightly at least two hours before your first skydiving experience. When you schedule your first skydiving experience consider when you usually eat meals during the day. Plan to eat at least two hours before your jump. Eat small portions that include a good amount of protein, fresh vegetables and salads are also good choices. Avoid acid producing foods like pizza and heavy meals. What goes down may come up while you are in mid flight.

7. Be mentally prepared. A good knowledge of skydiving will help you know what to expect on your dive and will give you the confidence you need to have a great dive. Meditating just before a dive will help calm your mind and allow you to focus on the dive itself.

8. Have Fun. Being prepared for your first skydiving experience will allow you to relax and have fun instead of stressing out about the dive. Don’t forget the reasons you wanted to learn to skydive in the first place. Consider taking a disposable camera to record your dive and share the pictures with your friends afterwards.

Now that you’ve prepared for your first skydiving experience get out there and let yourself feel the incredible adrenalin rush that comes from having a great dive.