Skydiving Safety Tips for First Time Jumpers

Published: March 27, 2023

Skydiving safety. Sound like an oxymoron? Think again! Safety is actually one of the main pillars of skydiving culture. We can't keep doing this thing we love if we aren't careful about it! Decades of research and progress have ushered in the safest era of skydiving yet.

Advanced gear, training and education, and regulations all contribute to making skydiving safer than it's ever been before. There are even a bunch of first time skydiving tips that can help new jumpers take advantage of everything skydiving has to offer in the safest way possible.

Skydiving for beginners is especially rooted in safety. And the safest way to make your first skydive is by doing a tandem jump. Check out these skydiving safety tips to find out the best way to make your first jump a safety success!

It Starts With Us

Sure, skydiving is all about fun and games. But not, as the saying goes, until someone gets hurt. We take safety very seriously here at Skydive OC.

Choosing the right dropzone for your first jump experience is one of the most important parts of the skydiving process. It can make or break your entire perception of skydiving. You want a dropzone that's not only great at customer service, but is also doing the work behind the scenes as well. At Skydive OC, we are laser-focused on safety so that you don't have to.

All of our airplanes and gear are fully inspected and maintained in accordance with FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) rules and regulations. And that instructor you're strapped to? They have gone through rigorous education and testing in order to achieve the rank of tandem instructor.

Every one of our instructors has earned the privilege to take you on your first skydive. As mandated by the USPA, tandem instructor requirements include:

• Logging at least 500 jumps
• Earning a USPA D license
• Accruing a minimum of 3 years experience in the sport
• Possessing a current FAA Class III Flight Medical Certificate
• Completing the USPA tandem instructor rating certification program

If you're confident in the dropzone you choose, you can just show up and enjoy the ride!

Practice Self Care

You can focus on your own safety right from the start of your day. How you show up to the dropzone, mentally and physically, will have a huge impact on your jump. Skydiving is demanding on both your mind and your body. It's important that you show up at your best if you want to have the safest, most enjoyable jump possible.

Try to eat something the morning of your big day. Nerves and anticipation can make that difficult, but having energy and being mentally alert will help you safely participate in your jump. You can even bring snacks with you to the dropzone to keep your hunger at bay while you're here.

Being hydrated is important too. Everyone is constantly preaching how important it is to drink enough water, but this time we mean it! Hydration helps improve brain and muscle function, both things that you're going to need for your skydive. Taking care of your body will help you perform to the best of your ability.

Also, don't drink alcohol the day of your jump! We can't allow you to skydive if you've been drinking, so don't take the chance of missing out on one of the best experiences of your life. Even drinking alcohol the night before can put a damper on things. Being hungover doesn't exactly lend itself to the best possible skydiving experience.

There's going to be a lot of new information and feelings that come with your first skydive. Set yourself up for a safe experience by doing everything you can to increase your capacity to handle it all!

Dress the Part

Safety can even come down to what you wear the day of your jump. It might be tempting to get all gussied up, especially if you get video, but dressing for performance is key.

You want clothes that are comfortable to move around in. Think: gym outfit. Something with a little stretch that will allow you to crouch, arch, and easily move between positions. You don't want to be in the middle of climbing out of the airplane and realize your pants are too tight to bend over.

On the flip side, too loose can also be a problem. That 120 mph wind of freefall is going to whip at anything it can get some traction on. Too much drag can make it harder for you and your instructor to be stable in freefall.

Plan to wear comfortably fitting clothes with a little bit of play, and you'll be crowned best dressed in our book!

Gearing Up

Getting geared up for the jump is one of the most exciting parts of the process. Besides the actual jump, of course. This is when things start to get real. With all that anxious energy, it can be tempting to try to take things into your own hands. But skydiving gear can be quite complicated if you aren't trained in how it works.

The most important thing you can do while gearing up is follow your instructor's directions. They will guide you through the process and explain what certain parts are for. In fact, those parts are going to do most of the work for you!

Remember, don't touch the gear unless you're asked to. The whole process will be easier - and safer - for both of you if you just sit back, relax, and let your instructor take the lead. You can even use this time to get into a good headspace or ask questions you might have about the jump ahead.

Communication is Key!

As much trust as you are putting into your instructor, you're still an active participant in the skydive! You and your instructor are working together to make your jump as much fun and as safe as possible. It's important that you have open communication before, during, and after the jump.

Your instructor knows what they're talking about. That's how they became an instructor! Follow their instructions and pay attention to what they say. Chances are, there's a reason they're saying it. It could very well be a matter of your safety.

But that goes both ways! If you have concerns about something you're doing or questions about an instruction you received, make sure to tell your instructor. It's important that you understand what's expected of you and that you're comfortable with everything you have to do during your skydive.

Even if you're just curious about something, say it! Your instructor is there to guide you and welcome you into the incredible world of skydiving. They want to teach you as much as you want to learn. So don't be afraid to speak up!

Are you ready to see just how much goes into making a skydive? We can't wait to show you the ropes. Come visit us and make a skydive today! Blue skies!