Embarking on your first skydive is a thrilling and life‑changing experience. The excitement of jumping from thousands of feet above the ground can be both exhilarating and nerve‑wracking, but understanding the gear required can help calm your nerves and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. When renting equipment for your first jump, it's essential to know which pieces of gear are necessary and why. While some of the equipment may be provided by the skydiving center, there are key items that you should understand and consider when preparing for your jump.
This article will explore the must‑have skydiving gear items that you'll either rent or use during your first skydive. Knowing what each item does and how it contributes to your safety and experience will help you feel more confident as you prepare for your jump.
Jumpsuit
A jumpsuit is one of the first pieces of equipment you'll be provided when you rent gear for your skydive. The jumpsuit serves several important functions and is a must‑have item for your first jump.
Why You Need It:
- Safety and Comfort : The jumpsuit protects your body from the wind, as well as from potential abrasions during landing. It also helps you maintain the right body position during freefall by reducing wind resistance.
- Visibility : Skydiving centers typically provide brightly colored jumpsuits to make it easier to spot jumpers in the air, which can be critical in tandem jumps or group formations.
- Temperature Control : The jumpsuit helps to keep you insulated from the cold at high altitudes, especially if you're jumping from a higher plane. It's designed to provide a layer of protection from both the elements and the force of wind during freefall.
What to Look for:
- Choose a jumpsuit that fits comfortably but isn't too tight, allowing you to move freely.
- Make sure it has adequate ventilation if you're jumping in warm weather, or thicker material if the weather is cold.
Harness and Container System
The harness is the most crucial piece of safety equipment you'll be using during your skydive. The harness is what keeps you securely attached to the parachute system. Whether you're doing a tandem skydive or jumping solo for the first time, you will either rent or use the skydiving center's harness system.
Why You Need It:
- Safety : The harness ensures that you remain securely connected to the parachute system throughout the jump. For tandem skydivers, the harness will connect you to the instructor, while solo jumpers will have a harness that connects them to both their main and reserve parachutes.
- Comfort : A well‑fitted harness distributes the load across your body during freefall and landing, minimizing the risk of injury.
What to Look for:
- The harness should be well‑padded, particularly around the shoulders, legs, and hips.
- Ensure the harness is adjustable to fit securely but comfortably, allowing for a full range of motion.
Altimeter
The altimeter is a crucial piece of gear that measures your altitude during the jump. While it's not a required piece of equipment for tandem jumpers (since the instructor has one), solo jumpers absolutely must have an altimeter. Some centers offer rental altimeters, while others might include them with the parachute rental package.
Why You Need It:
- Altitude Awareness : The altimeter provides real‑time feedback on your altitude, so you know when to deploy your parachute.
- Safety: In the event of a malfunction, the altimeter is critical for determining your altitude and ensuring that you pull the ripcord at the correct time.
What to Look for:
- Digital vs. Analog: While both types serve the same purpose, digital altimeters are often more accurate and easier to read. However, analog altimeters are sometimes preferred by more experienced jumpers for their simplicity and reliability.
- Ease of Use : Make sure the altimeter is positioned where you can easily read it while in freefall or under canopy.
Automatic Activation Device (AAD)
An Automatic Activation Device (AAD) is a safety feature that can be lifesaving, especially for first‑time jumpers. This device automatically deploys your reserve parachute if it detects that you have reached a certain altitude and have not deployed your main parachute.
Why You Need It:
- Emergency Backup : In the rare event that you are unable to deploy your parachute in time, the AAD will automatically take over and deploy your reserve parachute, giving you a second chance at a safe landing.
- Peace of Mind : For first‑time jumpers, the AAD provides an added layer of security and peace of mind, allowing you to focus on the experience rather than worrying about every step of the jump.
What to Look for:
- The AAD should be part of the rental package if you're jumping solo, though many tandem skydiving setups come with this device as well.
- Make sure the device has been inspected and calibrated before use, ensuring that it's in working order.
Helmet
Helmets are required for every skydive for safety reasons. They protect your head in case of an accidental bump or if there's any impact with the aircraft or other skydivers. While helmets are generally provided at most skydiving centers, it's worth understanding the reasons why you need one.
Why You Need It:
- Protection : Helmets are essential for protecting your head during freefall, especially if you're jumping solo or in a group.
- Wind Resistance : They help reduce wind resistance during freefall, making your jump experience more comfortable and manageable.
What to Look for:
- A properly fitting helmet that sits securely on your head.
- If you're renting a helmet, check that it's well‑maintained and has no visible signs of damage.
Goggles
Goggles are crucial to your comfort and safety during the jump. They protect your eyes from the intense wind speeds during freefall and ensure that your vision isn't obstructed. Without goggles, your eyes would be exposed to high‑speed winds and potentially debris, which could lead to discomfort or injury.
Why You Need It:
- Eye Protection : The high speed of freefall (around 120 mph or 193 km/h) makes goggles essential to protect your eyes from windburn or other irritants.
- Clear Vision : Goggles help ensure that you can see clearly during the jump, allowing you to enjoy the experience and stay aware of your altitude.
What to Look for:
- Goggles should fit snugly without being too tight, and they should offer full visibility and UV protection.
- Make sure the goggles are compatible with the helmet you'll be wearing.
Reserve Parachute System
The reserve parachute is another critical piece of safety equipment that comes with most rental packages, especially for solo jumpers. While the main parachute is the one you intend to use for landing, the reserve parachute is there as a backup in case of any issues with the main chute.
Why You Need It:
- Safety Backup : The reserve parachute serves as a fail‑safe in case your primary parachute does not deploy properly or malfunctions.
- Confidence : Knowing you have a reserve parachute will give you added confidence as you make your jump.
What to Look for:
- Proper Packing : The reserve parachute should be packed and inspected by a certified rigger before each jump to ensure it's in optimal condition.
- Proper Fit : The reserve system should be checked to make sure it's compatible with your harness and that it's securely packed.
Conclusion
Renting skydiving gear for your first jump is a great way to experience the thrill of the sport without committing to purchasing expensive equipment. However, knowing which items you'll need and why they are important for your safety and comfort can help you prepare for the experience. From the jumpsuit to the reserve parachute, each piece of gear plays a vital role in ensuring a successful and safe skydive. Be sure to ask questions at your skydiving center and check that all rented equipment is properly inspected and fitted before you make your leap into the skies. The right gear, paired with proper training, will help ensure that your first skydive is an unforgettable experience---for all the right reasons.