Things You'll Need:
- Courage
-
Step 1
Find a local skydiving center. Depending on where you live, this may or may not be hard to find. The Midwest is one of the more dense areas for skydiving centers because of all the flat, grassy fields. It is important to research the locations thoroughly. Although the sport of skydiving is generally very safe, steer clear of a place that has had fatalities or many accidents.
-
Step 2
Do not eat too much or too little. If your scheduled jump is early in the morning, have a bowl of cereal and a small glass of juice. By contrast, do not have french toast, eggs, and bacon on your jump day. You may regret it later.
-
Step 3
Go with friends. You'd be amazed how something that can appear terrifying initially can become flat out exciting with a large group of friends. You all can have fun in doing something that extreme for the first time, and it makes it that much more fun!
-
Step 4
When you meet your tandem instructor and partner, make sure you are paying attention closely. Have you ever listened to your parents, teacher, or boss give you instructions and you start to drift off to "la la" land? Heed warning, this is not the time to go to your happy place! There are reasons for what they tell you, so follow their instructions!
-
Step 5
A good tandem instructor will always double-check that you are strapped comfortably and securely to them before the jump. If the straps are way too tight or too loose, do yourself a favor and mention it! After all, it is only your body that is flying through the air at terminal velocity (which is 120 miles per hour). If the straps are too tight, specifically around the shoulders, when the safety parachute goes off and pulls you up you can end up with pretty bad gashes. Likewise, if they aren't tight enough, you may be so scared of becoming detached that you faint in mid-air. That's not good either.
-
Step 6
If you aren't going for your solo license, then make sure to enjoy the ride first and far most. Your instructor will probably inform you on how to pull the cord to release the main parachute based on how far off the ground you are. They may give you something to place on your wrist that gives you this information. However, most first timers never pull the cord, and for good reason: it's an intense experience! Remember, the teacher will pull it if you don't, do not stress too much about it if it is your first time.
-
Step 7
Get the video package. Almost all skydiving centers offer some package of photos and videos. Do yourself a favor and get the video. You only can make a first tandem skydive once, and by all accounts it will probably be embarrassing and hilarious. Why would you not want to relive that over and over with your family and friends? It's worth the investment!
