There are some adventures in life that regardless of how long you try to prepare for them, you will never be fully ready to embark on the journey until the exact time comes. This rings true when it comes to parenthood, career moves, and marriage. Another adventure that you typically can’t really prepare for is jumping out of a plane.
That’s right, skydiving. Skydiving is an activity sought out by thrill seekers everywhere. So many people participate in skydiving as an activity to be don’t with like-minded and fearless friends and family.
And while many people try to mentally prepare themselves for the moment when they will, in fact, be throwing themselves out of a plane, the truth is that you can’t truly prepare for that moment. However, there are some important things to know that may aid you in keeping it cool, calm, and collected when you are actually tasked with the big jump.
1. Do Your Research
Make sure you research the company you’re about to dive with. Check that they have the correct certifications and high safety standards. While skydiving is typically a very safe sport, problems can arise and you want to make sure you have the most qualified people around you to guide you through any challenge.
After you’ve found a high-quality company, you should research total cost as well as best time to dive. Prices to dive in the states can be upwards of $300, so make sure you’re ready for it financially. Weather and time of day can also be a major factor, so before booking check out the forecast and even ask the company what they recommend. Also, understand that it is possible that your dive can be delayed or postponed. While not ideal, the skydiving companies want to provide you with the best and safest experience possible. So if there are unforeseen weather changes, don’t be blamed if you have to wait a few extra hours.
2. Decide What Type of Dive You Want to Do
You can choose between tandem and AFF, accelerated free fall when skydiving.
Tandem skydiving is when you are strapped to your instructor and they release the parachute and land for the both of you.
AFF, on the other hand, you are taught to release the parachute and land by yourself. If you do choose AFF, you will be required to take a course that lasts several hours before your dive.
Most beginners chose tandem, but if AFF is calling the daredevil within you – we say go for it!
3. Come Prepared
Before you book your trip, make sure you are healthy enough to do so. While people of all ages can sky dive, there are some cases when it is not recommended – for example if you are pregnant or have a heart problem.
The night before you dive, try and get a good night’s sleep. It can be nerve wracking knowing you’re jumping out of a plane the next day, but you want to be as alert as possible to take it all in.
The morning of, you should eat a healthy breakfast, just make sure you’re not too full. You’ll also want to make sure you’re wearing proper clothing – it can get cold during your jump so it is recommended you wear form-fitting layers.
4. It’s Normal To Be Nervous
You will be nervous. A lot of people try deep breathing exercises and other methods to calm down their nerves before the big jump. If you find yourself getting extremely scared, don’t worry! That is totally okay and everyone has a right to be nervous.
If that doesn’t help, a little dose of peer pressure doesn’t hurt. Whether it be from your instructor or your friends – they’ll help hype you up and get excited to jump out of a plane.
The hardest part is the anticipation, and like other things in life sometimes you just need to go for it.
5. Don’t Forget To Enjoy It!
Try to take it all in. Freefall typically lasts between 30 and 90 seconds, depending on how high you jump from. Some describe the experience as euphoric while others get so caught up that they actually end up forgetting the entire experience.
So embrace your fear, take the leap (literally), try to take everything in and be proud of the amazing feat you will have accomplished.