Skydiving With A Fear Of Heights

We hear it all of the time, “I can’t skydive, I’m scared of heights”  – we’re here to tell you that that’s poppycock! We understand the fear and anxiety associated with heights – I mean, we jump from airplanes for crying out loud! Trust us when we say: you can do this.

So, take our hand and let’s walk through all the feels that come with skydiving when you have a fear of heights, and how you can persevere!

Is it Normal to Be Scared Before Skydiving?

Yes, it is completely normal to be scared before skydiving. Honestly, we’d be concerned if you weren’t a little bit afraid. Even seasoned skydivers can experience fear or feel nervous before skydiving.

The fear of heights is literally ingrained into our brains from a very young age. Heights alert “danger!” and send our bodies into its natural fight or flight mode. You actually want this to happen because it is this response that causes the release of all those beautiful chemicals that bring many benefits to your body.

Oh yeah, we’re talkin’ dopamine, serotonin, adrenaline, and endorphins. These lovely chemicals improve brain function, increase oxygen uptake, improve memory and attention, and give you superhuman powers!

Fear of Heights While Skydiving

Okay, this might sound a bit wild but you might be surprised to know that you might not even experience the typical fearful feelings associated with heights while on your skydive!

As you stand in the door of an airplane from 10,000 feet in the air, the altitude is so high that sometimes your brain has a hard time registering exactly how high you are. It almost doesn’t even feel real!

Once you jump, you won’t get that falling sensation as if you were to jump from a cliff or go bungee jumping. It will feel more like you’re being pushed up by the 120 mph winds — it’s an amazing and unique sensation that you’ll never forget. You’ll feel free and all of a sudden your fears will melt away.

Should You Go Skydiving With a Fear of Heights?

Absolutely! Skydiving is great therapy to use when coping with anxiety or fears. Ironically enough, many skydivers begin skydiving to get over their fear of heights.

One of the best ways to overcome your fears is by exposure – little by little, you’ll come to get a bit more comfortable. Now, we’re not saying that skydiving will cure your fear of heights, but it will for sure help you learn to cope with the anxiety you have attached to that fear and give you the strength to push through.

Just imagine the sense of accomplishment you’ll receive from conquering your fears and achieving your dreams! Maybe this brave feat will even inspire you to tackle other seemingly unbearable tasks in your life.

How to Get Over Your Fear of Heights

If you do start to feel the anxiety and nerves filling you up, don’t fret! We’ve got 3 quick tips on how to get over your fear of heights when skydiving.

1. COME PREPARED

Research what to expect on the day of your skydive and imagine yourself going through the motions. Look up some statistics to keep in mind on the day of your jump. That way, if you start to feel anxious you can remember that Skydive Key West has a perfect safety record and that the fatality rate of tandem skydiving is one in 500,000 jumps on average over the past 10 years –- and, with always-improving technology and training, the stats are only getting better. The more you can mentally prepare for your skydive, the greater chance of success on your special day.

2. BREATHE

Breathing techniques are one of the best ways to reign in anxious feelings and regain control of your body. Take slow, deep breaths in an even rhythm – breathe in through your nose, feel your belly expand, hold a moment, and exhale through your mouth. Focus on the breath and tell your body who’s boss!

Maybe even using a mantra will help, repeat one of these phrases in your head as you breathe (or come up with your own phrase):

• “I feel the fear and persist.”
• “I choose calm.”
• “I am a bad*ss, I can do this!”

3. FOCUS ON THE MOMENT

You’ll hear it all the time: “Relax” –- easier said than done, right?! But really, getting wrapped up in your anxious thoughts is not the way to combat your fears.

Try to shift your focus outwards rather than inwards. Really live in this moment, take in the beautiful sights of the Florida Keys while riding in the airplane up to altitude. We’ll try to keep things chill with our island vibes. Chat it up with your instructor, crack a few jokes, and remember to laugh!

The more you distract yourself by focusing on what’s going on around you the less likely you’ll spend your time listening to those pesky negative thoughts. We can do this!

Are you ready to conquer your fear of skydiving and do something amazing? Book your skydive with one of the most beautiful skydiving destinations in the world –- Skydive Key West! We believe in you –- blue skies!