Nervous About Skydiving the First Time?

Your first time skydiving is a big deal. It’s perfectly natural to feel nervous or scared about your first jump. Here, we’ll explore what makes you nervous, why it’s totally normal, and how to face your fears.

Fear Of The Unknown

The fear of the unknown is the main thing that makes people feel nervous when skydiving for the first time. It’s an experience unlike any other, and you simply don’t know what to expect if you haven’t done it before.

Some people liken skydiving to being on a roller coaster. Some say it’s similar to bungee jumping in the first moments. But the truth is, it’s different to both of these things. It’s hard to describe the sensation of looking out of the door when you’re just about to jump, or freefalling through the air.

The day of your first skydive will be full of new experiences. From the moment you arrive at the airfield, you’ll be in a new environment with lots happening around you that you’re not used to.

Our friendly, experienced staff are on hand to help you feel as comfortable as possible. You can also help yourself by preparing in one or more of the following ways:

• Visit the drop zone prior to the day of your jump and watch what happens
• Watch videos of other skydives before you jump
• Find out more about what to expect on the day with our handy guide

Fear Of Heights

Another common reason that people feel nervous about their first time skydiving experience is a fear of heights. Here at Skydive Tecumseh, we jump from the highest altitude in the country – 18,000 feet – so it’s perfectly natural to be a little nervous.

Ask experienced skydivers, and many of them will say they still get butterflies in their stomachs as they make their way to the aircraft door.

However, what most find is that your perception of ‘height’ is altered by just how high you are. Unlike standing on the top of a ladder, for example, skydiving heights are so high, they feel surreal. Plus, you know you have the freefall and parachute ride to come, which is incredibly exciting.

It doesn’t feel like falling, either. Yes, there are moments where you are aware of the ground – especially if you look down – but on the whole, you feel cushioned by the air, as if you’re flying.

What you need to remember is that this is the closest thing you’ll ever feel to really flying. It’s unlike anything you’ve done before so jump and enjoy it!

How To Settle The Nerves

Your first-time skydiving experience should be a positive one. You’ve waited for this for weeks, months, even years, and we want you to enjoy every part of it.

Nerves are perfectly natural. You’re jumping out of a plane, after all!

On the day of your jump, you’ll be surrounded by first-time skydivers and experienced skydivers, many of whom are feeling exactly the same as you. One thing you can do to settle your nerves is to speak to your instructor or any of our staff, and they’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

You can also bring anyone with you to spectate. We have a really nice spectator area and facilities on-site, so why not make a day of it? They can watch you as you head off to the plane and again as you come into land. You can also add a video package to your jump, so they can watch the video afterward of you in freefall.

Make sure you eat normally and stay hydrated, no matter how nervous you feel. This will help your body manage the adrenaline rush you’ll get during your jump.

Remember, it’s perfectly natural to feel nervous when you jump for the first time. It’s an experience unlike anything you’ve done before; relax and enjoy! We look forward to welcoming you.
If you do have any questions or queries prior to your jump, feel free to get in touch and a member of our friendly team will be happy to help.