[Top 5] Mistakes First-Timers Make and How You Can Avoid Them

Skydiving for the first time? Yep! Just like everything else that’s worth doing, there are definitely pitfalls to avoid. We’ve put together a list of some of the top mistakes we see first-time tandem skydivers make and charted you a course to avoid them. Easy-peasy, right?

Mistake #1: Solely price-based decision making

Lots of things in life are just fine to buy on discount. …But a skydive? We’re pretty sure that if you take a moment to think about it, you’ll agree completely that this is really not the place to rummage around in the bargain basement.

The variations in price around tandem skydiving tend to hinge on a few quality factors that really matter: the safety and comfort of the aircraft, the professionalism and experience level of the instructors, the quality and maintenance of the equipment and the willingness of the dropzone to prioritize volume over individual experience. Doing skydiving right isn’t a cheap undertaking.

Here’s the upshot: When you choose your skydive based on quality, experience, and service, you’re much more likely to love every minute of your skydive experience and to feel safe and supported throughout. (Spoiler: You want that.)

Mistake #2: Not thinking about nutrition and hydration

Nutrition for a first-time tandem skydive is tricky for many new jumpers. We get it! It can be challenging to eat normally on the day of your jump, what with the butterflies occupying your stomach, and you might be worried about motion sickness during your jump, motivating a (not-so-great) decision to stay empty.

Here’s the reality: Eating a moderate, nutritious meal before you make your skydive is one of the best things you can do for your experience. Managing your blood sugar will deliver the energy to keep you alert and smiling. If you’re having trouble eating, grab a big smoothie on the way to the DZ, and if you’re worried about nausea, bring along your motion-sickness meds. Problem solved!

Mistake #3: Not doing your homework

A research process into the skydiving dropzone you choose will be time well spent.

Here’s the best way to approach it:

1. Check out third party reviews from previous tandem skydivers to get a feel for the vibe. You want to jump at a dropzone with a sterling reputation. This is your life, after all, in one of its most memorable moments! Don’t entrust that to just anyone.
2. Find out what aircraft the skydiving center is using: How high it goes, how fast it gets there and how many people the aircraft can hold. (In skydiving aircraft, bigger and faster is just better, for plenty of reasons — which is why we operate a fleet of big, fast aircraft at Skydive Paraclete XP.)
3. Reach out to the skydiving center to ask your questions and feel out the safety- and customer-service culture.
4. Do you live nearby? Do one better: Visit in person before your jump.

Mistake #4: Foregoing the video

Your tandem skydive might be a one-time adventure, sure, or it represents the start of a brand new hobby that will launch you into hundreds upon hundreds of repeat performances. No matter which path you end up on, one thing’s for sure: You’ll never make that first leap again. That’s why we always recommend our first-time skydivers make sure to have us shoot a video of the momentous occasion.

It’s easy: Choose one of our video packages and you’ll have your own personal skydive videographer join you on your jump and capture every moment. Not only will your videographer capture the memories for you to watch and re-watch yourself: You’ll be able to share them with your jaw-dropped friends and family, too.

Mistake #5: Putting it off

The chief regret we hear from first-time tandem skydiving students at Paraclete XP is that they waited so long to do it! Do yourself a favor: Don’t wait any longer (you’re already doing #5!). Make your reservation today!