1) Decide if you want to jump solo or with an instructor (tandem). On a tandem skydive, you will be strapped to an instructor in a special harness. The two of you will jump from an altitude of about 10,000 feet. After exiting the aircraft, you will have a freefall of about 30 seconds. Freefalling does not feel like falling! It feels more like floating on air. At a certain designated altitude, the instructor will pull the ripcord and then steer the parachute to the landing field. If you're feeling adventurous, you can have your instructor do some flips and turns while you're in the air. All you have to do is enjoy the ride!
You can also decide to jump solo for your first jump. For this type of jump, you will be attached to the aircraft by a cord known as a static line. You will jump from a lower altitude, around 3,500 feet. After you jump, your static line will open your parachute for you. You will receive training on what to do if your canopy does not properly open, or how to handle any other complications that may arise during the jump. This training will last an entire day in order to ensure your complete preparedness. The cost for a tandem skydive or your first static line jump will probably be about the same. (Once you have completed your initial training, subsequent static line jumps will be cheaper.) The main factors to take into consideration are, do you want to control your own canopy, or do you want to experience a freefall? I recommend doing a tandem jump first so that you know what the experience is like. If you want to continue doing more skydiving, you can then decide to invest the time you need to train for static line jumps.
2) Find a skydiving center in your area. Be sure to check out their credentials and safety record.
3) Contact the skydiving center for jump times. You may need to make an appointment. Be aware that it can be difficult to estimate jump times, so you will probably want to devote an entire day to your skydive. You may end up waiting around the center (or "drop zone') for a while until the planes and instructors are ready for you. Bring a lunch and some binoculars so you can watch the other skydivers.
4)Speak up! If there is anything you are unsure about, talk to your instructors. They are there to make your first jump a fun and enjoyable experience.
5) Trust your equipment. Your skydiving rig will be outfitted with a main parachute and a reserve parachute. If for any reason the main chute does not properly open, you (or your instructor) will be able to pull the reserve chute. Your rig will also have an automatic activation device that will deploy the parachute at a certain altitude if for some reason it does not open before then.
6) Just do it! When your time to jump comes, take a deep breath and go for it. By the time your feet are back down on the ground, you'll be ready to make your next jump!
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You can also decide to jump solo for your first jump. For this type of jump, you will be attached to the aircraft by a cord known as a static line. You will jump from a lower altitude, around 3,500 feet. After you jump, your static line will open your parachute for you. You will receive training on what to do if your canopy does not properly open, or how to handle any other complications that may arise during the jump. This training will last an entire day in order to ensure your complete preparedness. The cost for a tandem skydive or your first static line jump will probably be about the same. (Once you have completed your initial training, subsequent static line jumps will be cheaper.) The main factors to take into consideration are, do you want to control your own canopy, or do you want to experience a freefall? I recommend doing a tandem jump first so that you know what the experience is like. If you want to continue doing more skydiving, you can then decide to invest the time you need to train for static line jumps.
2) Find a skydiving center in your area. Be sure to check out their credentials and safety record.
3) Contact the skydiving center for jump times. You may need to make an appointment. Be aware that it can be difficult to estimate jump times, so you will probably want to devote an entire day to your skydive. You may end up waiting around the center (or "drop zone') for a while until the planes and instructors are ready for you. Bring a lunch and some binoculars so you can watch the other skydivers.
4)Speak up! If there is anything you are unsure about, talk to your instructors. They are there to make your first jump a fun and enjoyable experience.
5) Trust your equipment. Your skydiving rig will be outfitted with a main parachute and a reserve parachute. If for any reason the main chute does not properly open, you (or your instructor) will be able to pull the reserve chute. Your rig will also have an automatic activation device that will deploy the parachute at a certain altitude if for some reason it does not open before then.
6) Just do it! When your time to jump comes, take a deep breath and go for it. By the time your feet are back down on the ground, you'll be ready to make your next jump!
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