If you are a fan of adventure activities, your bucket list cannot be termed complete without having experienced the joy of skydiving. Skydiving is one of the top recreational activities enjoyed by people all around the world. The thrill of the skydiving arises partially from the risks involved with it such as parachute malfunction, landing injury, elevated heart rate, etc., which of course can be avoided with proper practice. First-time skydivers should therefore carefully follow a few skydiving tips to make sure that their experience is unsullied and worth remembering. Follow our carefully crafted list of seven essential tips to learn how to prepare for your first sky dive.
#1 Research Beforehand
The first and most foremost tip for skydivers is to thoroughly research about the activity before deciding to go ahead. The fact you are reading this article suggests that you are already on the right track. First-time travelers must not forget to carry things that they may require during the exercise- their valid IDs, a water bottle, some snacks, and most important of all- your adventurous self. Prepare yourself mentally as if you are going to sit for an examination or a seminar. Choose an appropriate skydiving drop zone, preferably one affiliated with the United States Parachute Association (USPA) by reading online reviews from trusted sources.
#2 Keep Calm
Remember to breathe in and breathe out properly throughout the exercise to manage any anxiety. Make sure that you get a quality sleep the night before your jump so that you are rested enough for the event. Get yourself a mattress under 500 USD that is comfortable and supports your body properly at www.insidebedroom.com. Know what to expect on the day so that you remain calm even if there are delays due to bad weather. Do not hesitate at any point to ask your instructor about anything you are unsure about because that is what you are supposed to do on your maiden trip. Remember that the rewarding experience of skydiving is worth the risk.
#3 Eat Wisely
A lot of first timers are under the impression that the stomach drop that you feel during skydiving can make your stomach sick and lead to you throwing up. However, it’s important to eat a balanced meal before going ahead with the exercise. Eating too little can make your blood sugar levels go down during the drop and reduce your alertness. While food can provide the right amount of adrenaline, too much of it can lead to a cloudy brain function due to a lack of proper blood supply in the brain, which is in fact being directed through your abdomen to process your oversized meal.
#4 Don’t Engage with Drink and Drugs
While thrill is the best part of the entire activity, being overenthusiastic can sometimes go against you. Do not take drugs or alcohol on the day prior to skydiving as this can not only cloud your judgment but also rob you of the sense required to experience the thrill properly. There should be a gap of eight hours between your last drink and the time when the activity begins. If you fail to follow this rule, your instructor is likely to call off the exercise.
#5 Dress Suitably
The kind of clothes you wear for the activity will make a lot of difference in the comfort and experience you receive. Close fitting clothes, and tight-fitting shoes – such as sneakers or tennis shoes instead of sandals, boots or flip-flops – are recommended. A jumpsuit is considered a better alternative to gym clothes as they provide protection against the wind.
#6 Make the Most of it
Enjoy the activity as much as you can because it is not every day that you get to drop from an altitude of above 10,000 feet. If possible, take photos of the jump too, so that you can relive this life-changing experience. Of course, why stop there? Go ahead and purchase the full video of the jump, especially if it is your very first one.
#7 Get Familiar
A good way to lessen the fright associated with skydiving is to get as familiar with the process as possible. Exposing yourself to videos, movies, and instructional sites on the internet should be a good start. From the initial check-ins to all the paperwork, tutorials and videos can help you get an idea of what to expect at every level and what kind of briefing you will get from your instructor. Watching other people taking the dive can help you place yourself in their shoes and picture how things might go for you.
Bottom line:
When it comes to skydiving, it’s important not to take up the activity just because all your friends are doing it. Follow the tips above, and everything your instructor tells you, and put some faith in yourself. Do not hesitate to seek professional help or even back out if things seem too complicated at any point. We hope that these tips help you achieve an experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.
