Jumping out of a plane at 10,000 or more feet can be a terrifying thought. However, once your adrenaline is pumping and you feel the wind rushing past your face, that fear melts away, and in its place, you are left with a euphoric feeling.
Having that initial fear on your first jump is not uncommon, but you should not let it prevent you from skydiving. Here are few things you can do before your first jump that will help you realize that skydiving isn’t that terrifying after all.
Do Your Research
Often with skydiving, the fear of falling to your death is the first thing that comes to mind. Before jumping to that conclusion, do your research. According to the United States Parachute Association, in 2016 out of 3.2 million jumps there were only 21 fatal skydiving accidents. That is 0.0007% chance of you dying.
As safety technology, as well as training policies and programs, have evolved, the percentage of deaths has continued to fall. Most incidents that do occur are due to human error. Taking the right precautions and following the set guidelines will help ensure you to have the safest jump possible.
Go Indoor Skydiving First
Indoor skydiving is a great way to get the experience of skydiving without the full commitment of jumping out of a plane. Indoor skydiving is accomplished with the help of a wind tunnel. The wind tunnel itself is about two or three stories tall and has a massive fan at the bottom of it. The fan is what helps to stimulate the skydiving experience, by creating so much force that it lifts you off the ground and helps you to levitate.
While levitating, the force of the fan is continually pushing up the air against your body. While skydiving enthusiasts will argue that it is not the same experience as the real thing, it will help to prepare you for a similar feeling.
Consult Other Skydivers
Whether you know someone that previously jumped, or talk to the staff at your nearest skydiving facility, consulting others can help keep your worries at bay. Experienced jumpers can give you a better image of what to expect. If you don’t know anyone firsthand, look to the Internet for guidance. Many YouTubers have uploaded their first time skydiving experiences. Again, their reassurance will help you gain a better understanding.
Skydiving is an experience like no other. As scary as it may seem, conquering that fear, and taking that first jump will give you an experience of a lifetime that you will not regret.