After jumping from a good airplane, there's nothing quite like rushing to the earth at 120 miles an hour.There are no perfect airplanes.Skydiving is an exhilarating and intense thrill that can't be described.If you want to go about it the right way for your first jump, here is some advice.
Step 1: The nearest drop zone can be found on the United States Parachute Association's website.
The Canadian Sport Parachuting Association is an alternative to other countries.
Step 2: To schedule a skydive, call the drop zone and inquire about their hours.
Step 3: Before you pay for the jump, get all of your questions answered.
They've probably already heard your question from someone else so don't be afraid to ask.
Step 4: The method of your first jump is up to you.
A majority of people make a tandem jump.The instructor wears a big enough parachute for both of you to jump out of the plane.The instructor handles all the technical parts of the skydive and you can just "sit back and enjoy the ride".A Level One jump called an AFF is offered at most drop zones.The training for this skydive involves a ground school course followed by a jump with your own parachute.On this type of jump, you will have two experienced instructors holding onto you during your exit from the plane and subsequent freefall in order to assist you with proper body positioning as well as opening the canopy.An instructor on the ground who is in communication with you via radio will help with your landing pattern and proper "flaring" for landing.A "static line" jump is an additional option.Upon exiting the plane, your parachute is automatically deployed by a "line" attached to the aircraft, which is the same training as an AFF Level 1 jump.Most first-timers end up making a tandem or AFF Level 1 jump, because static line jumps have generally decreased in popularity in recent years.The most common first time jump is a tandem jump.
Step 5: On the day of the jump, dress for the weather on the ground and wear sneakers.
You probably won't notice the difference if you bring an extra layer but part of the fun is feeling the rush of air at high altitudes.
Step 6: Arrive before your appointment time, but be prepared to wait for instructors to become available, the weather to break, etc.
You'll only be able to fall for a minute, so plan on being there for the entire day.
Step 7: Pay attention.
Before your jump, you will get a briefing and meet your instructor; this will help you enjoy your skydive more.They will fit you with a harness that will connect to the instructor.
Step 8: Take the plane and soak it in.
The instructor will clip your harness onto theirs if you reach the jumping altitude between 9,500 feet and 17,500 feet.You are joined at the hip.
Step 9: You have to exit the plane.
Every plane and every instructor/student combination is different, so listen to your instructor on how they want you to do this.
Step 10: Enjoy it.
Enjoy the feeling of falling at 120 miles an hour and feeling free as a bird.It feels like you are floating in the air, but the rush of air tells you that you're falling.
Step 11: Enjoy the view.
Once the instructor deploys the parachute, you can see the beautiful earth from a distance.At this point, your instructor may loosen your harness for you.They won't let you go.
Step 12: Land safely.
You should listen to your instructor on how to land.You can either stand up for the landing or slide in softly.There are a lot of factors.
Step 13: It was a brag.
Most people don't have the courage to do things like that.Enjoy the achievement.
Step 14: Get certified.
Talk to the people at the drop zone about how to get certified if you enjoyed your first skydive and want to do it again.Skydivers are among the happiest people on the face of the earth, because it takes a lot of time, money, and effort.