HOW TO MENTALLY PREPARE FOR SKYDIVING

The ability to thrive in the face of uncertainty requires exceptional mental fortitude. For some, this trait is innate. For others, those muscles of mental endurance require a little flexing.

When a skydive is looming on the horizon, it can feel like a great big unknown. In order to seize all the benefits of the experience, you’ll want to be in the right frame of mind. This is how to mentally prepare for skydiving.

Why Mentally Prepare for Skydiving?

The mind is a powerful thing. The extent of the mind’s influence has caused philosophical debate since the days of the French philosopher, Descartes – are we a body with a mind? Or a mind with a body? A duality of mind and matter or merely a materialist monism of a complicated physiological organism?! The truth is we don’t really know, and we don’t intend to exhume the intricacies of the arguments here. Our expertise lies elsewhere – like with how pertinent it is to properly mentally prepare for skydiving. How you mentally prepare for skydiving can make all the difference in your experience.

7 Ways To Mentally Prepare for Skydiving

1. Do Your Homework 

Before scheduling your skydive, do a little research first. Take the time to investigate local dropzones, and strive to select a reputable facility that values safety and treats their customers like family. Do not make your decision solely on the lowest price tag – a skydiving rate that seems too good to be true, probably is. 

2. The Early Bird Gets the Worm

Scheduling first thing in the morning is a trick for keeping your cool. Long waits leave ample time for your mind to run wild and your anxiety to spike. At WSC we have an early bird special which lets you skip the queue and get in the air on one of the first loads of the day. Here’s the deal with an early morning skydiving: the air is crisp, the vibe is chill, and you’re surrounded by the serene dawn sky. You’ll be cool as a cucumber as you climb to altitude. 

3. Stay Curious: No Question Is Off-Limits

Instead of letting your frantic mind wander, occupy it with learning! Skydivers love talking about skydiving. From the intricacies of the incredible life-saving equipment we use and the safety measures we take, to the disciplines of skydiving we enjoy, there’s so much to cover. The knowledge you gain by being inquisitive with your instructor and other members of our staff will help you feel confident as you take those first brave steps into the wonder-filled world of skydiving.

4. Check the Skydiving Safety Statistics

It’s only natural to wonder: what are the chances of dying while skydiving? Typically, the fear of something going wrong on a skydive is one of the most ubiquitous anxieties that new skydivers have. Since 1961, the United States Parachute Association (formerly the Parachute Club of America) has been gathering statistics on skydiving incidents and fatalities. The findings will likely surprise you. Though there are risks involved with jumping out of an aircraft in flight, the chances of dying while skydiving for sport skydivers is a rate of 0.28 fatalities per 100,000 jumps and for tandem skydivers is one student fatality per 500,000 jumps. That’s safer than your daily commute.

5. Never Underestimate the Power of Mindful Breathing

When it comes down to the wire and it’s time to board that aircraft, you’ll want to know: how do I calm my nerves before skydiving? It’s a lot simpler than you think: just breathe. In and out. Slow and measured. Inhale for five counts and exhale for five counts. This type of focused breathing borders on a meditative practice and really helps to keep your anxiety levels at a minimum. 

6. Every Journey Begins With One Step

How do you get the courage to skydive? By recognizing that you don’t have to tackle everything at once. Every journey begins with just one step, and likewise, the destination is reached by taking one step at a time. 

Instead of focusing on the whole skydiving experience, which can be overwhelming, take it one section at a time and relish each moment. When you receive your pre-jump briefing, listen closely. As you gear up, take in those pre-jump jitters and recognize them for what they are: excitement! During the ride to altitude don’t fret about what comes next – look out the window, chat with your instructor, laugh and embrace the moment. As you freefall, enjoy the rush of freedom. While gliding through air beneath the parachute, bathe in the splendor of the world from a bird’s eye view. Each step on the journey is an accomplishment!

7. We’ve Got Your Back

The best part about tandem skydiving is you don’t have to go it alone! We’re here for you, from the research phase to jump day. You can always reach out to us. Whether you have questions or just need a little motivation boost to make your booking, don’t hesitate to give us a call! We’ve got your back…literally!