Skydiving is a unique and exhilarating experience that combines the thrill of adventure with a deep sense of achievement. The thought of jumping out of an airplane can be intimidating for many, but with proper preparation and guidance, it becomes an unforgettable and rewarding experience. If you're planning on taking your first skydiving lesson, understanding what to expect can help calm any nerves and make the entire process more enjoyable.
In this article, we will walk you through the entire process of your first skydiving lesson, from ground school to the exhilarating freefall. Whether you're a first-time jumper or just curious about the process, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what lies ahead.
Preparing for Your Skydiving Experience
Before you even step foot into the aircraft, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring that your skydiving experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Booking and Requirements
First, you'll need to book your skydiving lesson. Most skydiving centers offer various packages depending on your skill level. For first‑timers, the most common option is a Tandem Skydive , where you jump while attached to an instructor. Some centers also offer solo training courses like the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program, but these require more time and commitment.
Be sure to check the following requirements:
- Health and Fitness : You'll need to be in good health. Most centers have weight restrictions, so be sure to confirm that you meet these before booking.
- Age : The minimum age for skydiving is typically 18, but some centers may allow younger jumpers with parental consent.
- Height and Weight: Height and weight limits vary, but many centers have a maximum weight limit of 220--230 pounds (100--104 kg).
What to Wear
Wear comfortable, fitted clothing that allows freedom of movement. Avoid loose clothing that could flap in the wind or get caught on the equipment. Most centers provide a skydiving jumpsuit for you to wear over your clothes. You'll also need to wear closed‑toe shoes with ankle support , as well as skydiving goggles and skydiving gloves, which are provided by the center.
Ground School: Learning the Basics
The first part of your skydiving lesson is ground school, where you'll receive a thorough briefing on what to expect during your skydive. Ground school usually lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of jump you're doing. For tandem jumps, the instructions will be relatively short, while solo training programs like AFF will require more extensive preparation.
Tandem Skydive Ground School
For a tandem skydive, ground school is focused on:
- Basic Procedures : You will be briefed on how to exit the plane, the body position you should maintain during freefall, and how to react once the parachute is deployed.
- Equipment Overview : The instructor will go over the parachuting gear, including the harness and altimeter . They will show you how to position yourself in the plane and how the instructor will assist you during the jump.
- Safety Protocols : You will learn about emergency procedures, including what to do in case of an equipment malfunction (though it's highly unlikely to happen).
Accelerated Freefall (AFF) Ground School
For those who choose the AFF program, ground school will be more comprehensive and can take 4‑6 hours. You'll learn about:
- Parachute Equipment : Detailed instructions on how to use the main and reserve skydiving parachutes , and how the automatic activation device (AAD) works.
- Exit Procedures : How to exit the plane in various conditions and the techniques for maintaining stability.
- Freefall Positioning : Training on the correct body position for freefall, including how to manage your limbs and posture to ensure a stable descent.
- Emergency Training : In‑depth training on how to handle emergencies, including deploying the reserve parachute and dealing with potential malfunctions.
Boarding the Aircraft: The Calm Before the Storm
Once ground school is complete, it's time to board the aircraft. Depending on the location, the aircraft used for skydiving can range from small Cessna planes to larger twin‑engine aircraft. You'll be given a harness to wear, which will be attached to your instructor if you're doing a tandem jump or secured properly for AFF students.
The Flight Up
The flight to altitude can take anywhere from 10‑20 minutes, depending on the aircraft and the altitude you are jumping from. While you're in the air, take a moment to appreciate the view as the landscape below slowly grows smaller. Your instructor will likely check in with you, go over final instructions, and give you some time to mentally prepare for the jump.
The Altitude
For most tandem jumps, you'll be reaching an altitude of around 10,000 to 14,000 feet . At this height, you'll have around 60‑70 seconds of freefall time before the parachute is deployed. AFF students may jump from even higher altitudes (up to 15,000 feet), which gives a slightly longer freefall experience.
The Jump: Exiting the Aircraft
When the aircraft reaches the desired altitude, it's time to jump. This is where the adventure truly begins.
Tandem Skydive: The First Leap
As a tandem skydiver, you'll be securely harnessed to your instructor. When the door of the plane opens, you'll experience a rush of wind and a sudden drop in temperature. Your instructor will signal when it's time to jump. The most common exit positions are:
- Standing in the Doorway : Your instructor will help you move to the door of the plane and position you for the jump.
- The Exit : You and your instructor will jump together, leaving the plane at high speed. Initially, there may be a slight tug as the parachute harness stretches, but you'll quickly feel the rush of freefall as gravity takes over.
AFF Skydive: Solo or With a Coach
For AFF students, exiting the plane is a bit different. If you're jumping solo, you will exit the plane, stabilize your body in the freefall position, and then deploy your parachute after a set amount of time. If you're jumping with a coach, they will exit with you and help ensure you maintain proper body position and stability during freefall.
The Freefall: A Thrilling Descent
The freefall is the heart of the skydiving experience. During this phase, you'll experience the exhilarating sensation of free‑falling at speeds of up to 120 mph (193 km/h).
The Feeling of Freefall
During freefall, it may feel like you're floating due to the lack of solid ground beneath you. The wind resistance is strong, and the sound of air rushing past is deafening. Your body will be in a stable belly‑to‑earth position (unless you're trained for other positions), and you'll need to focus on keeping your body relaxed but controlled. Time seems to stretch as you fall, giving you a chance to soak in the breathtaking views.
The Instructor's Role
If you're doing a tandem skydive, your instructor will take control of the jump, ensuring your safety and guiding you through the process. They'll also deploy the parachute at the appropriate altitude, typically around 5,000 feet.
For AFF students, the coach or instructor may monitor your jump via radio, ensuring your posture is correct and assisting with the parachute deployment when necessary.
The Parachute Deployment: A Moment of Calm
After the exhilarating freefall, it's time for the parachute to deploy. When the parachute opens, there's a sharp jolt, followed by a sudden deceleration as you transition from freefall to a slower, more controlled descent.
Tandem Deployment
For tandem skydivers, the instructor will deploy the parachute at around 5,000 feet . After deployment, the feeling of floating is almost serene, and you'll have a chance to enjoy the panoramic views of the ground below.
AFF Deployment
For AFF students, parachute deployment typically happens after around 40‑60 seconds of freefall , and you'll have to deploy it manually (or with instructor assistance if needed). Once deployed, you'll enter a much calmer phase of the skydive, enjoying the view and navigating the canopy towards the landing zone.
The Landing: Touchdown and Celebration
As you approach the ground, your instructor will guide you in for a soft landing. For tandem jumpers, this will typically involve lifting your legs and allowing the instructor to land first. For AFF students, you will have received training on how to land on your own, using your body and the canopy to guide the descent.
Once you've safely landed, you'll be met with a rush of excitement and accomplishment. Many skydiving centers provide certificates or videos of your jump, so you can relive the experience with friends and family.
Conclusion: An Adventure to Remember
Skydiving for the first time is an unforgettable experience. From the initial briefing to the moment you touch down, every part of the process is designed to ensure your safety, comfort, and enjoyment. While the thought of jumping out of a plane can be intimidating, the sense of achievement, the thrill of freefall, and the breathtaking views make it all worth it.
So, if you're ready to take the leap, embrace the journey and prepare for a life‑changing adventure. Your first skydiving lesson will be the start of a new chapter filled with excitement, empowerment, and unforgettable memories.