How To Prepare for Your First Jump

Skydiving for the first time is an exciting adventure that many dream of, but it can also bring about a fair share of nervousness, especially if you don’t know what to expect. Properly preparing for skydiving – both mentally and physically – can help ensure that your jump is as safe and enjoyable as possible.

At Go Skydive Nashville, we specialize in first-time tandem skydiving and are dedicated to providing a premium skydiving experience for everyone. We emphasize exceptional customer service, attention to detail, and creating an empowering environment for every new skydiver. It all starts with the proper preparation! 

Here’s how you can get ready for YOUR epic skydive over Nashville, TN!

How to Mentally Prepare for Skydiving

1. Set Realistic Expectations

Before your jump, it’s essential to set realistic expectations to help prepare your mind and body for the experience. Understand that while skydiving is indeed a thrilling adventure, it is also a highly regulated activity with extensive safety protocols in place. So, while you’ll definitely have a great time … you might not exactly be able to accomplish certain unrealistic goals, like doing a double backflip out of the airplane door, for example.

2. Visualize the Experience

One of the best ways to prepare your mind for the all-encompassing adventure of skydiving is by visualizing the experience. As silly as it might feel in the moment, try your best to picture yourself in the process – from getting geared up, to the freefall, and the peaceful parachute ride back down to the ground. Visualization can make the experience feel more familiar and manageable.

3. Stay Present

Practicing mindfulness can help keep you focused and present during your jump. Techniques such as deep breathing, grounding exercises, or meditation can help you stay centered. Focus on the sensations around you – from the excited chatter on the plane ride up, to the cool breeze rushing past your face in freefall – fixating on external factors can help bring you out of your head and into the present moment. It really works!

4. Bring Moral Support

You don’t have to go it alone! Having friends and/or family at the dropzone with you can provide moral support and make the experience more enjoyable. Whether they are there to jump with you, or stand by your side, their presence can help calm your nerves and offer encouragement. Plus, sharing the experience with loved ones can make it even more memorable and bring you closer together!

How to Prepare for Skydiving, Physically

1. Health and Wellness

Before you book your skydiving reservation, it’s a good idea to make sure you are eligible to make a skydive. Tandem skydive participants must be in generally good shape and be somewhat flexible. 

Skydiving can be very physically demanding and certain medical conditions could be aggravated by the change in altitude, stress, or physical impact on the body. Medical issues such as cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, prior neck/back injuries, pregnancy, and diabetes could prevent you from skydiving. 

Additionally, if you are feeling unwell – especially with a cold or sinus infection – we recommend rescheduling your jump. Skydiving can temporarily impact or even permanently damage your eardrums. We want you to remember your Go Skydive Nashville experience for all of the right reasons!

2. Meeting the Physical Requirements

Before committing to a skydive, confirm that you meet the age and weight requirements for tandem skydiving. As a member of the United States Parachute Association (USPA), our dropzone requires all guests to be at least 18 to make a skydive. Please bring valid, government-issued picture identification to verify your age at check-in. 

The weight limit here at Go Skydive Nashville is 230 lbs, and any guest over 200 lbs may be subject to a fee of $50. Our weight-related fees and restrictions are by no means intended to be discriminatory or exclusive. They are in place for safety reasons and adhering to them helps minimize risk for tandem instructor and tandem student alike.

3. Dress for Success

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sneakers that securely fit to your feet. Avoid anything too loose or too restrictive. Your attire should allow for ease of movement and accommodate the tandem harness comfortably. Athletic clothing is best for this situation as are layers – the temperature will drop as you climb to altitude. Being able to add or remove layers based on comfortability is key!

4. Fuel Your Body

A lot of people think that eating before a skydive could make them sick – which couldn’t be further from the truth! Eating a light, balanced meal before you jump can help maintain your energy levels as you experience an awe-inspiring flood of adrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine during your jump. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, avoid excessive caffeine, and stay well away from heavy, greasy meals that tend to make you lethargic.

5. “Just Say No” (To Drugs/Alcohol)

Avoid consuming alcohol or drugs at least 24 hours before your skydive. These substances can impair your judgment and coordination, making it harder for you to properly execute the necessary tasks directed by your tandem instructor. If you are under the influence on arrival, you will waive your right to skydive until you are fully sober and competent – and that’s not just our rule; that’s the law. Save the celebratory libations for after your skydive!
With these tips, you’ll set yourself up for the thrill of a lifetime! Take a deep breath, visualize the jump, and remember: You Can Fly! Let Go Skydive Nashville make your dreams a reality and book your skydive today! Blue skies.