TANDEM SKYDIVING TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME JUMPERS

The thought of skydiving thousands of feet in the air may feel exciting and possibly a little daunting. It is common to feel a little nervous before the unforgettable experience, as it isn’t every day you get to jump out of a moving plane. As you have never done so, you might be unsure what to wear, if you should eat, or how you can ease any potential nerves. We have all the answers to these questions below. Read the following top tandem skydiving tips for first-time jumpers. Beat Nerves by Raising Money for Charity Skydiving for charity will provide various benefits. It will raise vital funds for a worthy cause, as the money will help those who need your chosen organisation’s help and support. Also, raising money for charity will ease your nerves and help you descend from the plane, as you’ll be aware people have donated money to ensure you complete the challenge. Plus, if you embark on a charity skydive for Macmillan, it will support you during every step of the process. For instance, you can tandem skydive from one of the charity’s 17 locations across the UK, and it will send a helpful, free fundraising pack with training advice and tips. Wear Suitable Clothing Don’t allow your clothing choices to detract from an exhilarating tandem skydive. For this reason, avoid loose clothing that will flail in the wind at 120 mph and wear well-fitted, tight clothing instead. Also, avoid wearing loose-fitted footwear like sandals, as they’ll obviously blow away once you jump out of a plane. Eat and Drink Before a Skydive Many people avoid eating or drinking on the day of a skydive, as they might worry about feeling bloated or nauseous when high in the air. However, an empty stomach is a big mistake, as you may feel dizzy or lightheaded before a jump. Eat a normal-sized meal a couple of hours before a skydive, but avoid overindulging to ensure you don’t feel sick. If you’re too nervous to eat, treat yourself to a high-calorie smoothie to stabilise your blood sugar level. Also, drink plenty of water a few hours before a tandem skydive to prevent fatigue once you fly into the sky or float to the ground. Take Slow, Deep Breaths Nerves are natural once you’re in the plane, as you might suddenly realise you need to jump approximately 10,000 feet in the air. Banish nerves and avoid hyperventilation by taking slow, deep breaths once you’re in the air. Remember to breathe in from your nose and out from your mouth to lower your heart rate and overcome your fears. Also, listen carefully to your instructor, as they will offer tips to help you control your nerves and ensure you feel confident and safe before, during, and after a jump. It is natural to feel excited yet scared before your first tandem skydive. Also, you might fear making a mistake that will ruin the experience. If so, keep the above top tips in mind to ensure you feel confident, prepared and ready to take on the challenge. Author Bio: Elisabeth Sedgwick studied Creative Writing and Media at Edge Hill University. She’s spent the past 14 years in digital marketing, producing engaging content for various industries. As a proud mum, she enjoys writing about family, health, and self-improvement.