THE DAY OF: EAT NORMALLY, AND DRINK WATER!
Many people believe it’s best not to eat, because they fear they will get sick while skydiving. This is simply not true, it’s actually best to have a little something in your stomach. You are less likely to feel nausea if you eat on your normal schedule.
More importantly, drink water! If you’re hydrated, you will be less likely to feel uncomfortable in the airplane, or light-headed under the parachute. Do not, under any circumstance, consume alcohol before your skydive. You will not be allowed to jump, and in some cases, may not be able to get a refund.
THE DAY OF: ARRIVE ON TIME
Be sure to look up the skydiving center location ahead of time, and build some buffer into your travel schedule. The last thing you want is to get lost and miss your appointment, or arrive flustered and rushed. These things can start your day off on a stressful note, which makes it much more difficult to enjoy the jump experience.
Most skydiving centers will ask you to arrive earlier than the time you selected for your reservation. This is to ensure enough time for the check-in process, filling out paperwork, completing your pre-jump orientation, and giving you time to go to the bathroom before you board the plane. Your appointment time indicates the time your process starts, and we build this buffer in for a reason. Arriving later than advised delays your take-off time, and mostly likely the flights of others.
ONCE YOU ARRIVE: RELAX AND LISTEN
There will be some wait time. Arrive with that expectation. Bring something to do if you can’t stand waiting. There are a lot of moving pieces to juggle when it comes to skydiving operations. Trust that the team is doing their best to get you in the air. Once your name is called, try not to freak out.
You will meet your instructor, they will go over a few basic jump procedures with you, and get your equipment on. Breathe, relax, and listen to what they are saying – this is the most important person in your life for the next few minutes. Your instructor will tell you what you need to know, and won’t stress you with every little detail. That said, if something is unclear, or doesn’t seem right – speak up! It’s ok to ask questions.
Do your best to relax throughout the pre-jump process. The people around you are just as nervous as you are. The skydiving staff all remember what it’s like to be a first timer. Just remember that when you step on the plane together, you’re all the same – SKYDIVERS! Make a conscious choice to enjoy the experience even if you feel nervous (that’s natural). Breathe, put a smile on your face, and trust the process.
WHEN THE PLANE DOOR OPENS: SMILE AND GO!
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Breathe, smile, and jump! You can only experience the magic of your first skydive once. Enjoy it!