Skydiving For The First Time: What To Know

In Summary

Skydiving for the first time comes with plenty of questions. This guide has you covered! From what to expect on jump day to what to wear, eat, and how to manage nerves, you’ll find everything you need to feel prepared and confident before your first tandem skydive.

Trying something new for the first time is always exciting – especially when it’s as awesome as jumping out of a perfectly good airplane! It’s normal to have a million questions about what to know before skydiving, so we put this no-holds-barred guide together. Keep reading for our best first-time skydiving tips!

What Happens When You Skydive for the First Time?

At Wisconsin Skydiving Center – whether you want to skydive once or plan to get your skydiving A License – your first jump will be a tandem skydive. This means you’re securely attached to an experienced, professionally-rated instructor who’s flying you from start to finish. 

Here’s how your first day at the dropzone will unfold:

Check In

When you arrive, you’ll check in with manifest to fill out a waiver. (Make sure you bring your ID.) We’ll then pair you with an instructor who will be happy to answer any questions you may have! Due to winds, clouds, and other factors out of our control, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to jump right after check-in. You should expect to be at the dropzone for two to three hours on a weekday and three to four hours on a weekend. 

Training

Before your skydive, you’ll receive a short but thorough briefing – typically about 30 minutes long. You’ll learn about the proper body position to maintain during freefall, what to expect, and how to help your instructor prioritize safety and keep you comfortable.

Gear Up

Make sure you stay within earshot of your instructor. When it’s time to gear up, they’ll call your name and get you fitted with a tandem harness. After, you’ll go through final safety checks before boarding the airplane.

Plane Ride

You’ll take off in one of our three Cessna 182s. The 182 is a small but powerful plane that’ll climb to about 10,000 feet before you jump out. The plane ride takes about 20 to 25 minutes, during which you can take in the gorgeous views of southern Wisconsin.

The Jump

Get ready for the moment you’ve been waiting for! Freefall lasts 45 seconds to a minute as you reach speeds of 120 miles per hour. After the parachute opens, you’ll enjoy a peaceful five to seven minute canopy ride back down to Earth.

Land & Celebrate!

You’ll land right back at the dropzone, take some photos, and probably feel a mix of adrenaline, joy, and pride that you just did that!

What to Wear When Skydiving for the First Time

Comfort is key. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Wear flexible, weather-appropriate layers. On hot days, a T-shirt with athletic shorts or leggings are fine. Cooler weather? Opt for warm layers, such as joggers, long sleeves, and a windbreaker.
• Choose secure shoes. Sneakers are perfect. Flip-flops, sandals, and boots with lace hooks are not permitted.
• Avoid accessories. Your jewelry and hats might perfectly complete your outfit, but you might lose them if you take them with you on a skydive. It’s best to leave anything that could fly off, or present a snag hazard, on the ground.

Need a deeper dive? Check out our full guide on what to wear when skydiving.

What (and When) to Eat and Drink Before Skydiving

Is it okay to eat before skydiving? Yes, and you absolutely should. Just don’t go overboard; stick to what your body is used to. Avoid greasy foods or trying that new all-you-can-eat buffet the night before.

We recommend a moderate meal a couple of hours before your jump to prevent lightheadedness. Think: a sandwich, a banana, and some water. Hydration is especially important – it helps with everything from your mood to motion sickness. Start drinking water the day before your jump, and sip regularly the morning of.

Pro tip: Water through a straw makes it easier and more mindless to drink while you’re hanging around the dropzone waiting for your turn to jump.

Avoid alcohol before your skydive – this absolutely falls under the category of what you should not do before skydiving. Not only is it unsafe, but it also disqualifies you from jumping.

How Scary is Skydiving for the First Time?

The short answer to this question: it depends! That being said, most people feel scared or nervous before their first jump. However, we commonly find that once you’re in the air, the fear factor dissipates. It might be hard to believe, but unlike looking over the edge of a building, there’s no real depth perception when you look out of the plane. It feels more like floating than falling.

Tandem instructors have many hundreds, if not many thousands, of skydives. They are trained to guide you calmly and confidently through every step. Read up on how to breathe while skydiving if you’re worried about fear – it really helps.

Is Skydiving Safe for Beginners?

Skydiving is an extreme sport, and like any sport, it carries inherent risks. But, tandem skydiving is the most beginner-friendly way to experience the skies, and we do everything in our power to mitigate the associated risks.

At Wisconsin Skydiving Center, every tandem jump follows strict safety precautions, including:

• Two parachutes: A main parachute and a reserve parachute. 
• Automatic Activation Device: The AAD is a safety device that deploys the reserve parachute automatically if needed.
• Experienced instructors: Every tandem instructor meets strict training and credential requirements. Learn more about how much experience instructors have here.

If you’re still feeling unsure, that’s okay! We encourage you to ask any and all questions before your jump and during your time at the dropzone.

Can You Skydive by Yourself for the First Time? 

At some dropzones, yes – you can begin the curriculum required to learn how to skydive without having to do a tandem first. But at Wisconsin Skydiving Center, we believe you’re far better equipped to responsibly handle a solo jump after you’ve had first-hand experience as a tandem passenger. Doing a tandem before going solo significantly decreases your overwhelm and increases your likelihood of success. 

Final Thoughts: What to Know Before Skydiving

Looking for the short answer to “How do I prepare for my first skydive?” Before you arrive for your first jump:

• Sleep well the night before.
• Eat like you normally would.
• Drink water.
• Dress for the weather.
• Arrive on time and bring an ID.
• Ask all the questions you want!

Ready to experience the thrill? Book your first tandem skydive with Wisconsin Skydiving Center today!