What to Expect for Your First Jump
Before I set up my first jump, I made it a point to research as much as I could on what I could expect for my first time. The information I found was very helpful, so I want to share my point of view, and what I experienced on my first jump.
Before you do anything, you will first want to make a reservation with the drop zone of your choosing, “I recommend choosing a drop zone that supports the United States Parachute Association rules and regulations.” (Ready) You can find the USPA safety requirements here.
Then, before you leave your house, you will want to dress for the part: loose-fitting clothing, and sturdy, comfortable shoes—No flip flops.
Once you arrive at the drop zone you will want to lock all your valuable/personal items in your car, then make your way inside.
Once you get inside the hangar it will go something like this:
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You will sign in at the front desk, choose the options for your jump (do you want pictures taken, a video, etc.), then pay for the trip
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You will then watch a video on the dos and don’ts of skydiving, then take a test on what you just watched
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After passing the test you will get fitted for your jump suit/harness and meet your instructor, where you will then, if there are a lot of people jumping that day, be split up into groups and assigned a time on when your jump will take place
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Once you and your instructor are ready, you will walk out with the rest of your group and board the aircraft
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Once in the airplane you will sit on a bench, facing the back of the aircraft, with your instructor behind you
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At around 8.000 feet, the instructor will attach themselves to your harness
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At around 10,00 feet you and your instructor will move toward the door
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At the door, you will cross your arms, line up your feet at the edge of the door, lean your head back, and let your instructor know you are ready
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While you are in this position, your instructor might lean out of the door to see if you're over the drop zone
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Once over the drop zone, you and you instructor will push yourselves out of the plane
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You will now be in freefall — THE BEST PART — and falling at around "124 mph"(Speed) (if you are looking to do some flips and tricks, arrange that with your instructor beforehand)
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Your freefall will last approximately "30 to 60 seconds" (Skydive Utah), so take in as much of this experience as you can because it will go very quickly (Be sure to breathe through your teeth because you are traveling very fast and breathing regularly is a challenge)
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"At around 5,500 feet" (Great) the instructor will open the parachute (when this happens, expect there to be a sudden jerk)
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Once the parachute is open and stable the instructor will loosen the links around your hips allowing for a more comfortable experience
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At this point you will take control of the parachute for about "5-7 minutes," (Skydive Moab) or until it is time to set up and land
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Once you get close enough the instructor will take back the controls, set up on a glide path to land, and have you lift your legs so they’re sticking straight out
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During the landing be sure to hold your position, with your legs strait out, and let the instructor take care of the rest
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Once on the ground, the instructor will detach himself from you and take care of the parachute
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Then all you have to do is ride the wave of adrenaline and celebrate
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Works Cited:
“Great Info for a First Tandem Skydive.” Skydive the Wasatch. Web. 03 May 2016
“Ready To Go Skydiving? Helpful Tips For Your First Tandem Skydive | Fun Times Guide to Travel Tips.” Travel Tips. 2010. Web.
“Skydive Moab Prices & Rates for Tandems, Students, and Fun Jumpers.” Skydive Moab Prices & Rates for Tandems, Students, and Fun Jumpers. Web. 04 May 2016
“Skydive Utah.” – Frequently Asked Questions. Web. 04 May 2016.
“Speed of a Skydiver (Terminal Velocity).” Speed of a Skydiver (Terminal Velocity). Web.