Skydiving Advice For Future Skydivers

Table of Contents

• Why Good Skydiving Advice Matters
• “What Do I Wish I Knew Before Skydiving?”
• The Part Nobody Tells You About Jump Day

Key Takeaways

Good skydiving advice can significantly impact your overall experience, so it’s essential to follow guidance that prioritizes your safety and well-being. Simple habits like eating a normal meal, staying hydrated, dressing comfortably, and avoiding alcohol beforehand can help you feel more physically and mentally prepared. Practicing mindfulness and breathing techniques can help in managing nerves and staying calm during the jump. Finally, doing your research and knowing what to expect on jump day can ease anxiety and help you approach the experience with confidence.

With the internet, Reddit and AI chat bots at our fingertips, it can be hard to decipher between sound and sketchy skydiving advice. 

Why Good Skydiving Advice Matters

Good skydiving advice can make or break your skydiving experience. For example, if you’re wondering about the dos and don’ts for skydiving and someone encourages you to not eat, party the night before your jump, and not worry about dehydration, you probably won’t have a very enjoyable skydive! In contrast, if someone encourages you to eat as you normally would (in moderation), hydrate, and get a good night of rest the night before your skydive, you’re set up for success in the sky!

“What Do I Wish I Knew Before Skydiving?”

Professional skydivers are often asked about what they wish they knew when they first started. Here are six skydiving tips and a few skydiving facts from the pros to set yourself up for the best possible jump.

Eat before you jump.

Eating may be the last thing you want to do when you’re feeling nervous, but it’s a must! The best thing to do is eat as you normally would, but hold off on anything super spicy or greasy. We don’t recommend anything that is prone to not settling well, for obvious reasons.

Pro tip: Bring snacks for your big day, and if eating feels too intimidating, drink your nutrients! Smoothies and protein shakes are a skydiver’s best friend when they’re feeling jittery.

Stay hydrated.

Hydration helps to regulate your nervous system. When you have enough water, your nervous system can more efficiently focus on the task at hand (staying calm), rather than worrying about your “innards” being dehydrated. When we’re anxious, drinking water isn’t top of mind. But, that doesn’t mean we can ignore it.

Pro tip: Get a water bottle instead of a cup, that way you can see how much you’re actually drinking.

Don’t drink alcohol until after your jump.

Can you have a little liquid courage before skydiving? No. When it comes to alcohol, save it until after you jump. It’s important to be alert and clear-headed during your jump. Plus, it’s illegal to drink eight hours or less before a skydive. 

Dress comfortably.

There is nothing worse than feeling physically uncomfortable when you’re already putting yourself out there emotionally and mentally. Dressing for successful skydiving looks like flexible layers of clothing. Think: leggings, sweat pants, athletic shorts or comfy jeans, and t-shirts, pullovers, and sweatshirts for tops.

Skydiving is chilly in the moment, but the exhilaration (and summertime heat, depending on the season) adds to the high temps on the ground – it’s important to be comfortable in both settings. 

Practice mindfulness.

What is the hardest thing about skydiving? Letting go! Not physically, but emotionally. We’re sure you’ve heard it before, but mindfulness is important, especially in a high-adrenaline activity like a skydive. Practicing breathing techniques and making them second-nature when you’re stressed can help you combat the jitters on the plane ride to altitude or during your jump. Plus, teaching your body to breathe when your natural response is to hold your breath will make it feel easier to take deep, intentional breaths during freefall.

Many people ask, “Can you breathe during a skydive?” And the answer is – absolutely! We like to say: There’s plenty of air up there, and it’s self-serve! The gusty wind of freefall makes some people feel like they can’t, but it’s all about controlling the breath.

Pro tip: SCREAM if you feel choked-up when trying to take in air. This triggers an automatic response in your body to take a big breath in.

Do your research.

How high is the chance of dying skydiving? Extreme sports are inherently risky, which is why the skydiving community does everything possible to mitigate risk – like using top of the line skydiving gear and technology, completing rigorous training, and complying with the highest of safety standards.

Some people rely on facts, while others look to good vibes for reassurance. When learning about the sport, spend some time with the annual “How Safe is Skydiving?” report issued by the United States Parachute Association (USPA). This summary enables skydivers to better track how the safety of the sport is progressing. Of the approximately 3.47 million skydives made in 2025, 16 ended in a fatality. This means that there were 0.46 deaths for every 100,000 skydives made, or a rate of 1 in ~217,000.

When researching a particular dropzone, check out their website, social media, and online reviews. Give them a call and consider visiting the dropzone before you book for a vibe check.

The Part Nobody Tells You About Jump Day

Before you head to the dropzone, do a mental check of the tips listed above. Did you pack water and snacks, dress comfortably, and take some deep breaths? You’re good to go! 

This is the thing most people don’t know about skydiving: arriving at a dropzone is just as intimidating (if not more) than the skydive itself! It’s totally foreign territory! We were all in your shoes once, and we remember that it’s the anticipation of jumping out of a moving airplane that’s most unnerving. Don’t stress; we’ll take excellent care of you. We want you to feel confident and equipped, so you can have an awesome skydiving experience. 

Here’s the play by play:

• Welcome and check in
• Set up to watch a tandem skydiving video (it explains everything)
• Fill out a waiver
• Attend a briefing for what to do and expect in the airplane and during the jump
• Meet your instructor
• Get kitted out with your tandem harness
• Feel free to ask questions and tell your instructor what’s on your mind
• Board the plane and head to altitude; exit the aircraft
• Experience about 60 seconds of freefall 
• Enjoy 5-10 minutes peacefully flying under the parachute
• Land back at the dropzone
• Celebrate your phenomenal accomplishment

Pro tip: Tell your instructor if you’re worried about passing out or getting motion sick. Fainting and throwing up is rare, but they can help you combat both and put your mind at ease. You’ve got this!

Are you ready to experience the thrill of human flight? Book your jump today! Still have questions? Reach out, that’s what we’re here for! Blue skies!