Buzz
Imagine hurtling towards the ground at 120 miles (190 km) per hour right after leaping out of a perfectly fine airplane. While no aircraft is flawless, skydiving delivers a thrilling adrenaline surge that’s nearly impossible to describe—you’ve got to try it yourself! Here’s some essential advice to ensure your first jump goes smoothly, and hopefully, leads to many more.
Instructions
Visit the United States Parachute Association’s website to find the nearest accredited drop zone. Additional options for international jumpers include:
- Canada: The Canadian Sport Parachuting Association
- UK: The British Parachute Association
- Australia: The Australian Parachute Federation
Get in touch with the drop zone to inquire about their hours of operation and schedule your jump.
Make sure to ask all your questions before committing to the jump. Don’t hesitate to ask anything that's on your mind because chances are, they’ve already answered it for someone else.
Decide which type of jump you want for your first experience.
- The majority of people opt for a tandem jump. This involves jumping while securely attached to an instructor, who wears a parachute large enough for both of you. It requires minimal training, and you can simply "sit back and enjoy the thrill" as the instructor handles the technical aspects of the dive.
- Another option is an AFF (Accelerated Free Fall) Level One jump, available at most drop zones. The training involves about 5-6 hours of ground school followed by a jump with your own parachute. During the freefall, two experienced instructors will guide you by holding on to you as you exit the plane and fall, helping you with body positioning and triggering the canopy deployment. Additionally, an instructor on the ground will communicate with you via radio to help with your landing technique and flare.
- Another possibility is a "static line" jump, which shares the same training as an AFF Level 1 jump. However, when you exit the plane, your parachute is automatically deployed by a line connected to the aircraft. Static line jumps have become less common in recent years, with most first-timers opting for either a tandem or AFF Level 1 jump.
- The rest of this article focuses on the steps for a tandem jump, which is the most common choice for first-timers.
On jump day, dress according to the weather at the ground level and wear comfortable sneakers. You may want to bring an extra layer, but part of the excitement is feeling the rush of wind. Even though it’s colder at higher altitudes, you likely won’t notice the chill due to the surge of adrenaline.
Arrive early, but expect to wait for instructors to become available or for weather conditions to improve. Although the freefall only lasts about a minute, plan to spend the entire day at the drop zone just in case.
Stay focused. Before your jump, you’ll receive a detailed briefing and meet your instructor. This will help ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience. They will also fit you into a harness, which will connect you to both the instructor and the parachute.
Get on the plane and just take it all in. As you approach your jumping altitude (between 9,500 feet and 17,500 feet), your instructor will clip your harness onto theirs. At this moment, you’ll literally be attached at the hip.
Step out of the plane. Pay attention to your instructor's guidance on how to exit, as each plane and instructor-student pairing might require a different technique.
Embrace the moment! Feel the exhilarating rush of falling at 120 miles (190 km) per hour, soaring through the sky like a bird. The sensation is unmatched—it feels like floating, but the blast of wind reminds you that you’re plunging toward the earth.
Take in the view. Once your instructor opens the parachute, you’ll be treated to a stunning 360-degree vista from around 5,000 feet (1,524 meters). At this point, your instructor may adjust your harness for extra comfort. Don’t worry—they won’t let you fall!
Touch down safely. Follow your instructor’s instructions for landing. Depending on conditions, you might land on your feet or gently slide in. It all depends on a variety of factors.
Brag about it. You’ve just accomplished something that most people don’t have the guts to try. Relish the achievement.
Get certified. If you loved your first jump and want to do it again, speak to the instructors and staff at the drop zone about how to become certified. It takes a lot of time, money, and effort, but skydivers are some of the happiest people you’ll ever meet.
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Always follow your instructor’s instructions – they’re the experts. Skydiving instructors are fun and passionate, but they take safety seriously. They’ll give you all the information you need.
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Skydiving is very dependent on the weather – you’ll need clear skies, no rain, and minimal wind. Wherever you jump, make sure you have backup dates in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
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Get a video of your first jump. It might cost up to $100 extra, but it’s worth it to be able to share the experience with friends and family. Many people regret not recording their first jump. Don’t be shy—pose for the camera! You’ll be able to relive the thrill of your first dive over and over (and show it off to everyone!)
Warnings
- Skydiving is much safer now thanks to improved equipment and safety measures. However, if the very slight chance of something going wrong doesn’t sit well with you, then it might not be the right experience.
- Don’t let friends or family pressure you into jumping. If skydiving is something you’ve always wanted to do, great! If not, the cost and risk may not be worth it.
- Never make reservations with companies connected to "Skyride" or 1-800-SKYRIDE. This company has faced investigations for fraud and unfair practices. Always book directly through a legitimate drop zone by using uspa.org—avoid any third-party reservation services that don’t disclose exactly where you’ll be jumping before taking your credit card information.
Essential Items
- Sporty footwear (running shoes)
