Skydiving 101: Things You Need To Know Before Your First Jump

Skydiving is one of the most exhilarating and thrilling activities for adventure-seekers. The moment you jump out of the plane, you'll feel the rush of wind, the adrenaline pumping, and the liberation of freefalling.

However, before you take the plunge, there are some things you need to know to ensure your first jump is a memorable and safe experience. This article will take you through the three things you need to know before your first jump.

Get Ready to Fly

First things first, you need to do a bit of preparation before your big jump. You'll need to fill out a waiver, which is a legal document that states that you understand the risks involved in skydiving. This is just a formality to protect the skydiving company and yourself, so read it carefully.

You'll also need to attend a training session on the day of your jump. During the session, you'll be taught proper body position and accuracy in your landing.

For instance, you'll learn how to keep your legs and arms straight, how to arch your back correctly in freefall, and the importance of accuracy when landing. This is an important part of preparing for your jump, so make sure you listen to your instructor and follow their advice.

Training will also include practicing how to exit the airplane and deploying your parachute. You will be trained to pull your own parachute or jump with an experienced skydiver. But don't worry –– most times, experienced instructors will be on the plane to help novices through their first jump. They can also give you tips on how to improve your form and accuracy if you're having any trouble.

Choose Your Skydiving Type

Once you've got the safety briefing and you know what to expect, it's time to choose your skydiving type. Here are three of the most popular skydiving types:

Tandem

This is the most common type of skydiving. You'll be strapped onto an experienced tandem instructor and jump from the plane together. The instructor will be the one to deploy the parachute and make sure you land safely. Tandem skydiving is ideal for first-timers who want to experience skydiving with minimal effort.

Static Line

This skydiving method requires you to be attached to a static line that deploys the parachute automatically after you exit the plane. You'll still need to learn how to use the parachute correctly and practice your form, but you won't have to worry about deploying the chute yourself.

Accelerated Freefall (AFF)

This method is the most advanced form of skydiving. Here, you'll exit the plane on your own, freefall for about a minute, and deploy your own parachute. You'll be accompanied by experienced instructors who will guide you through the entire process.

This type of skydiving requires extensive training and is only suitable for experienced skydivers who are comfortable with their freefall skills, so it's not recommended for first-timers. For more information on skydiving, contact a professional near you.

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