Top 5 Ways to Be Prepared for Your First Jump

Ozarks Skydiving Center, Missouri

Your first skydive is right around the corner!

You’re about to skydive into the unknown. We get it — it can be scary! When coming to Ozarks Skydiving Center for your first jump, however, there are a number of precautions you can take and things to know that will help to ensure you have the best experience possible. Every time!

If you follow this guideline and show up relaxed, we guarantee you’ll have the time of your life. Remember, you’re coming to us because you want to have fun. Let’s make that happen!

Be flexible

Much of the skydiving experience is spent on the ground. Weather holds, bad winds and a number of other factors can cause jumps to be delayed and planes to stay on the ground.

Keep that in mind as you come for your first skydive. Out of an overabundance of caution, we recommend not scheduling an event immediately after your jump. We’d rather you not have to stress out that you’re going to be late for your next obligation if things get delayed.

Dress for success

Check the weather! Is it supposed to be 90 degrees or 60 degrees outside? Windy or humid? That all makes a huge difference for those several minutes you are in the sky.

Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers. You want to make sure that you’re going to be warm, but also be aware that if you wear something too hot you may be uncomfortable during the ride to altitude.

Drink water

Your adrenaline is pumping and your nerves are going haywire. This is a high-intensity sport, so make sure you’re consuming a lot of liquids to stay hydrated. It’s important to eat something before you come as well. Don’t overdo it on the meal so your blood sugar plummets and you want to fall asleep on the plane. But eat something to give you sustained energy.

Bring a friend

Driving to the dropzone and gearing up for your first jump is scary enough, why make it worse by trying to conquer it on your own? We think it’s a great idea to bring a friend, a whole group of friends, or loved ones. They can not only help keep you calm and offer support, but they will also be there to take photos as you land and to share your once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Relax

We can’t stress this enough. While skydiving requires a set of skills to be able to maneuver your body and pilot your parachute, much of skydiving is mental. It requires a relaxed state of mind from the moment you board the plane to the moment you touch down on the ground.

We realize that may sound impossible to you. Relax??? You’re about to jump out of a freaking airplane! But a relaxed state of mind will make for smoother moves in the sky and a more enjoyable experience overall for both you and your tandem master.

Don’t forget this is supposed to be fun! Smile and relax. See you at the Ozarks Skydive Center, you’re ready!