Tandem Skydiving: Tips For an Amazing Experience!

Thinking about going skydiving for the first time? Before you head to the dropzone, check out these 11 expert first-time skydiving tips that are sure to help you prepare and give you an even more exceptional first time skydiving experience.

1. Choose the Right Dropzone

Selecting the right dropzone is critical for your first time skydiving experience. Research different “skydiving centers near me,” read reviews, check facilities and amenities, and consider their safety records.

We are proud to share that Skydive Paraclete XP has a stellar reputation, amazing safety record, highly-experienced professional staff, and fantastic facilities equipped with restrooms, locker rooms, and even an on-site restaurant. Plus, our indoor skydiving facility – home of the largest wind tunnel in the country – is right down the street!

Psst! Our DZ is so well-equipped and respected that we hosted the 2023 USPA National Skydiving Championships in September and will host the 2024 Canopy Piloting Nationals here too!

2. Make a Reservation

There’s nothing worse than working up the courage to go skydiving and then arriving at the dropzone just to be told there are no slots available. Boo! While we will do our best to squeeze you in, sometimes there just isn’t enough time in the day. That’s why we recommend making a reservation using our online booking system and choosing a day and time that works best for you. 

Be sure to consider the weather before making your reservation and keep an eye on it as your special day approaches. If you need to move your reservation for any reason, just give us a call!

3. Dress for Success

Just like any other physical activity, it’s important to be as comfortable as possible while skydiving. We recommend wearing comfortable, snug-fitting athletic clothing that is easy to move in and add layers to, if needed. Long sleeves and pants help protect your skin from the strong winds and grass on landing. Tennis shoes that will stay on your feet are a must! 

Remove any jewelry as it can snag or get lost to the skies forever. If you have long hair, you’re going to want to tie it back as tight as possible – a low bun or braids work best. If you wear glasses, it’s ok to wear them on your jump; we have special goggles that fit right over top of your glasses and keep them secure to your face.

4. Rest, Hydrate, and Eat Lightly

Many people forget about the importance of preparing their body for skydiving. You’re about to send a surge of adrenaline and feel-good hormones all throughout your body, so you’ll want to be sure your body is equipped to handle it. 

How do I prepare my body for skydiving? Eat foods that normally make you feel good and avoid foods that normally make you feel lethargic. Drink lots of fluids and don’t skimp on sleep! Liquid courage of the 21+ variety and other mind-altering substances will not help you skydive, and will very quickly get you prohibited from jumping altogether. No drinking and ’diving!

5. Prepare Mentally

Preparing your brain for skydiving is just as important as preparing your body. Research other people’s skydiving experiences or blog posts such as this one to gather all the knowledge you’ll need before your jump to help you mentally prepare. 

What should you not do before skydiving? (Besides drinking alcohol or consuming unprescribed drugs, that is.) Don’t overthink it! Know the facts; research safety statistics to help rid yourself of the worry and unproductive what-ifs.

6. Get the Video!

One of the biggest regrets we hear from first-time skydivers is that they wish they had gotten a video of their first skydive. Nothing quite compares to the first time you jump out of an airplane – it’s an experience even seasoned skydivers with thousands of jumps still remember. Having the ability to look back on your momentous achievement while reliving the bliss that skydiving brings is like the gift that keeps on giving! As a bonus, your skydiving video allows you to share the experience with friends and family. Get the video, you won’t regret it.

7. Listen to Your Instructor

Your tandem instructor is your guide to the sky! Pay close attention to their instructions during the briefing, the flight, and especially when it comes time to land. Their guidance is key to a smooth and successful jump. 

Your instructor is kinda like your new bestie; they’ll be there to support you, keep you comfortable, and cheer you on! Lean into your instructor for anything you need. Don’t be afraid to tell them how you’re feeling, physically or emotionally, ask questions, or request that they adjust something in particular. Trust us, they want you to let them know how they can better your experience!

8. Bring a Friend!

Skydiving is an incredible experience, and skydiving with friends is even BETTER! Bring a friend or a whole posse with you on the day of your jump for extra fun and extra support. Heck, maybe you can even convince them to jump with you! For safety reasons, tandem skydivers exit the plane one at a time with their instructor, but you can see about being on the same load. 

9. Embrace the Moment

Let go of control. Take it all in. Be present. The combined sensation of freefall with the tranquility and peace of the canopy ride is pure freedom. Enjoy every single moment and breathe it all in.

10. Celebrate Your Achievement!

Once you’ve landed, take a moment to reflect on your amazing accomplishment! You’ll feel euphoric. The glorious mix of adrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin you gave your body and brain will give you a surge of exhilaration and empowerment – you’ll be walking on air with straight-up stars in your eyes! 

Stop by our on-site restaurant, PK’s Grill and Pub, to celebrate and share your experience with our amazing community of skydivers. Maybe you’ll even feel inspired to jump again or, better yet, get your skydiving license at one of the best skydiving schools in the country! 

11. Enjoy The Afterglow

Once the buzz wears off that YOU WENT SKYDIVING TODAY, chances are you might feel like crashing. Honor your body and brain and give yourself a bit of self-care. Whether that means finding a quiet spot to journal or meditate about your experience, or get in a solid post-jump nap, do it! You’ve absolutely earned it!

Don’t put off til tomorrow the awesomeness that you can accomplish today! Book your tandem skydive with Skydive Paraclete XP and get ready for the best day ever! Blue skies.