What To Expect The Day Of Your Skydive

You might have butterflies in your stomach, or you might feel an exhilarating calm as your first tandem skydive draws near – it’ll be an experience that sticks with you forever. We’re going to jump into more detail. But for starters, here’s a quick prep list for your first-time skydiving: 

• Wear comfy, weather-appropriate clothing. Closed-toe shoes are a must! 

• Skip the heavy meals and the booze (until after)! Staying satiated and hydrated will keep your blood sugar in check and help prevent any potential motion sickness. 

• Bring a government-issued ID, like a driver’s license or passport. Proving you’re 18 years of age is a non-negotiable requirement! 

• Arrive on time. Punctuality is key! 

• Expect nerves! Skydiving is a daring feat, but it’s not something you need to be fearful of. Where does personal growth happen? Definitely not in your comfort zone…

Everyone’s skydiving experience is different, but we’ve been in this game long enough to form some pretty educated guesses on what skydiving for the first time may look like for you. In this article, we’ll take a deeper dive into what you can expect on the day of your tandem dive. 

First things first …

Do You Have To Tandem Skydive Your First Time? 

Generally speaking, yes, a tandem skydive is required for first-timers. Some places allow novices to take a super long class and send it solo for their first jump, but not here. Why? We are 100% focused on the tandem skydiving experience – our tandem gear is the best of the best, our tandem instructors are highly trained professionals, and the seats on our airplane are reserved just for tandem students. 

Tandem skydiving for your first jump offers numerous benefits. With expert guidance from a seasoned instructor, you’ll enjoy a shorter training time, significantly less stress, and no need to worry about managing equipment. Without the distractions of pulling the parachute or focusing on the landing, you can truly embrace the thrill of the moment and soak in the stunning Key West scenery below! 

How To Prepare For Your First Tandem Skydive: What To Expect 

We’ve covered how to prepare for your first jump, by addressing things like what you should not do before skydiving – such as having one too many margaritas the night before! Although these prep steps are critical, part of making sure you have the best experience possible is giving you the ins and outs of the nuances throughout the day. Let’s get into it. 

Arrival. 

Trust us when we say that arriving at the dropzone is way more intimidating than the actual jump. Once you work up the nerves to get here, we’ll take care of the rest! 

Briefing. 

We’ll give you a briefing on exactly how the jump will go and what YOUR JOB is during the skydive. This time gives you ample opportunity to ask any questions or voice any concerns.

Boarding. 

Climbing into the plane is where the excitement really starts to build. You’ll shuffle in, exchange a nervous grin with your instructor, and feel the buzz as the propeller starts to spin. This is when many people have their, “THIS IS HAPPENING” moment. 

Ascending. 

As the plane climbs higher, the world seems to shrink below. Lucky for you, the Keys are just as stunning from above. The ride up is noisy, but it’s still possible to chat with your instructor. It’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on what you’re about to do.

Exit. 

Just before exit, your instructor will ask if you’re ready to skydive, with the affirmative, the door will open, the wind will blast in, and then it’s go time. 

Freefall. 

Nothing prepares you for the rush of freefall – it’s just you and the sky. This feeling is why people choose to jump again! 

Canopy flight. 

Once the parachute opens, everything slows down. You’re floating now, steering through the air with a bird’s-eye view of the world below. It’s peaceful, nearly surreal, and the best contrast to the excitement of freefall. 

Landing. 

Your instructor will guide you both in for landing and before you know it, you’re standing tall – triumphant – and absolutely buzzing from the thrill. You did it!

After. 

The adrenaline rush will cease and you’ll crash in a wave of near euphoric contentment. The world may start to look a little different now that you’ve seen it from way up there, and you’ll likely think of other challenges with a new perspective.  

Ready To Experience It For Yourself? 

Your first tandem skydive is more than a check on the bucket list, it’s a story you’ll tell (and show!) for decades – you’ll be that friend or family member who went skydiving! Book your jump today and experience the freedom of the flight for yourself!