Can You Get Motion Sickness Skydiving? Tips to Prevent Nausea

Table of Contents

• Can You Get Motion Sickness Skydiving?
• Causes of Nausea While Skydiving
• Tips to Prevent Motion Sickness Before Your Jump
• Is Motion Sickness a Reason Not to Skydive?

Key Takeaways

Yes, it’s possible to experience motion sickness while skydiving – especially during the parachute ride – but it’s relatively rare and usually easy to manage. With a few simple precautions like eating a light meal, staying hydrated, and communicating with your instructor, most people can enjoy their jump without issue. Don’t let the fear of nausea hold you back from the adventure of a lifetime.

You might be feeling butterflies in your stomach just thinking about going skydiving for the first time, so it’s only natural to wonder if those nerves could turn into nausea. Can you actually get motion sickness while skydiving? The answer? It happens – but not to everyone, and it’s usually easy to manage. Let’s break down what causes skydiving-related nausea, how to avoid it, and whether it’s something that should hold you back from going skydiving.

Can You Get Motion Sickness Skydiving?

Motion sickness during skydiving is possible, but it’s pretty uncommon, especially if you’re not prone to it in everyday life. Let’s break down what skydiving feels like and where you might experience motion sickness. 

Exit & Freefall

When you first jump out of the plane, the transition into freefall is surprisingly smooth. You don’t get that stomach-drop feeling like on a rollercoaster. Many people say it feels more like floating than falling. Still, for some, the rush of wind and fast descent can be overstimulating and lead to mild nausea – though that’s rare.

Canopy Ride

If motion sickness does happen, it’s usually during the canopy ride where it kicks in. After the parachute opens, you’ll spend about four to five minutes floating back to the ground. Compared to freefall, this part is much slower and quieter – but it also involves gentle swinging, turns, and changes in speed and direction. These motions are what tend to trigger motion sickness, especially if you’re looking down, spinning, or tense. The good news? Your instructor can usually make the ride smoother if you let them know you’re feeling off color. 

Causes of Nausea While Skydiving

There are a few reasons someone might feel nauseated during a skydive, and most of them have to do with how your body and brain respond to unfamiliar sensations. If you’ve ever felt queasy on a boat, plane, or rollercoaster, the same systems are at play here, though skydiving tends to affect people differently.

The most common cause of nausea in skydiving is motion sickness, especially during the parachute ride. If your inner ear senses movement that doesn’t match what your eyes see – like in fast canopy turns – it can trigger that uneasy feeling. Adrenaline and nerves can also play a role, particularly if you’re tense or holding your breath without realizing it. While the exit and freefall usually feel smooth and don’t cause that stomach-drop sensation, the slower, swaying movements under the canopy are where motion sickness is most likely to show up, especially for those already prone to it.

Tips to Prevent Motion Sickness Before Your Jump

If you’re worried about getting sick, you’re not alone. How do you not throw up skydiving? It’s a common question – and fortunately, it’s pretty easy to avoid nausea with a little preparation. Here are a few tried-and-true tips to help you feel your best before and during your jump:

Eat a light meal beforehand.

If you’re worried about getting sick, you might think skipping food is the safe move, but going skydiving on an empty stomach can actually backfire. Low blood sugar can lead to dizziness, nausea, and a general feeling of unwellness. Aim for a light, balanced meal 1–2 hours before your jump.

Stay hydrated.

Dehydration makes motion sickness worse, so drink water throughout the morning.

Avoid alcohol

This one’s obvious: don’t drink before your jump. But even the night before matters. A hangover is one of the fastest ways to ruin your skydiving experience. You’ll enjoy it a lot more if you show up well-rested and clear-headed.

Keep your eyes on the horizon

Looking straight down can really mess with your sense of balance. Focusing on the horizon helps your brain and body stay in sync, especially under canopy.

Communicate with your instructor

. Let your tandem instructor know if you’re nervous or prone to motion sickness. They can help by avoiding spins under the canopy and giving you extra reminders to breathe and relax throughout the jump.

Breathe

It sounds simple, but it’s easy to forget. If you tense up and hold your breath, you’re more likely to feel lightheaded or nauseous. Slow, steady breathing helps regulate your nervous system and keeps the adrenaline rush from overwhelming your body.

If you’re especially susceptible to motion sickness, you might consider taking an over-the-counter remedy like Dramamine. Non-drowsy formulas are best for skydiving. Just be sure to test it on the day before your jump to make sure you don’t have any unexpected side effects. It won’t eliminate motion sickness, but it can help take the edge off.

And if you’re congested or battling a cold, it’s best to reschedule. Blocked sinuses can make altitude changes extremely painful and can increase your chances of experiencing nausea during descent. 

Is Motion Sickness a Reason Not to Skydive?

Skydiving is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for many people. Don’t let the possibility of motion sickness keep you grounded! 

Motion sickness is manageable – and for most people, it’s mild, temporary, or doesn’t happen at all. If you’ve experienced nausea in cars, boats, or planes, it’s worth being prepared, but it’s not a reason to avoid skydiving altogether.

Tandem instructors are used to working with first-timers who are nervous or unsure how their bodies will react. By taking a few simple precautions – like eating a light meal, staying hydrated, and communicating with your instructor – you can set yourself up for a smooth, memorable experience.

If you have more questions, check out our frequently asked questions or contact us. If you’re ready to skydive, we’re ready to take you on an epic adventure! Book now!