Talk to experienced skydivers about the best place to learn

Skydivers are a phenomenally friendly bunch and will always be more than happy to give advice to newcomers to the sport including the best places to go to learn to skydive.

Talk through everything with an experienced skydiving jumper

Your first few jumps you may be a daunting experience but that is only natural. Never forget that every skydiver you meet was a beginner once too so don’t be afraid to ask for any tips or advice as they will more than happily help you in anyway they can.

Sleep well and don’t drink alcohol before a skydiving course

You must be mentally and physically in good shape to undergo any skydiving tuition as there is a lot of information to take on board. Before you attend any course make sure you are well rested and avoid drinking for a few days too as you will need all of your senses at full function!

Don’t rush out and buy all the skydiving gear

It is very tempting when trying out any new sport for the first time to rush out and buy all the gear. However, all the equipment you need as a student will be provided. Once you have qualified as a skydiver you can then try the different disciplines or styles of skydiving before fronting the sizable investment needed for all your equipment.

Watch some skydiving films

Don’t buy a cheesy ‘Hollywood’ movie about skydiving! Get hold of some actual skydiving footage – this will really help you to know what to expect and make the whole experience less daunting when you have your first go.

Expect aircraft noise when skydiving

Most of us have traveled overseas on holiday or on business, but the aircraft we will have flown in will be well insulated from the extreme noise that aircraft engines generate. When you skydive for the first few times the sheer noise from the engines coming through the open aircraft door can be daunting — be prepared for it and just block it out …

Visit a wind tunnel before skydiving

Wind tunnels offer an awesome opportunity to rapidly advance your skydiving skills and are a great environment in which to learn. On average the progression you will achieve during a ten minute wind tunnel session will be equivalent to having completed 50 solo skydives!

Experiment with skydiving techniques

Once you have become a qualified solo skydiver, have a go at each of the various disciplines available (described in other sections). Some people will get a buzz from jumping solo, performing mid-air gymnastics or jumping as part of a formation team.

Focus on your skydiving

The most important tip has been left until last and that is to focus on your jump. When you make your first ever skydive a million thoughts will be crashing through your brain. Just focus on one thought and one thought alone … all that matters is getting a good stable ‘arch’ position as you exit the plane. As you approach the door that is all you should think about and you will enjoy the perfect skydive.