What to Bring Skydiving: First-Time Jumper Checklist & Prep Tips
Table of Contents
What Do You Need to Go Skydiving?
What to Bring to the Skydiving Dropzone
What You Don’t Need to Bring
Skydiving Preparation Tips
Skydiving Checklist for First-Timers
Key Takeaways
For your first-time skydiving, it’s most important to bring a valid, government-issued photo ID, and payment for your skydive, and to wear comfortable athletic clothes with closed-toe shoes. Don’t bring anything you don’t want to lose, and it’s not necessary to bring a camera, as only our experienced instructors and videographers can record your freefall.
What Do You Need to Go Skydiving?
Skydiving is a unique, thrilling adventure sport that most people don’t know very much about. It makes sense for anyone thinking about taking that leap to be wondering, “What do you need for skydiving?” The good news: not much! At Skydive Cross Keys, we provide you with almost everything you need for a skydive, so all you really need are your ID, proper clothing, and light snacks in case it’s a long day. Keep reading for more specifics on what to bring skydiving.
What to Bring to the Skydiving Dropzone
If you’re wondering what to take before skydiving, you don’t need to bring much! The most important things to bring are a valid, government-issued photo ID and payment for the jump. When you arrive at Skydive Cross Keys, you’ll head straight into the hangar to the Manifest desk, where you’ll present your ID, sign your waiver, and pay for your skydive.
We also recommend bringing light snacks and water, as it could be a long day depending on the weather. Expect to spend at least half your day at the dropzone. We do have water fountains available, as well as vending machines. During the summer season, sometimes food trucks come by on the weekends.
Now: what to wear when skydiving for the first time. For skydiving, you should wear comfortable, athletic clothing in layers and secure, closed-toe shoes. While the temperature at altitude will be cooler than on the ground, we generally recommend dressing for the weather on the ground. You’ll spend most of the day on the ground, and we wouldn’t want you to overheat in the summer!
What You Don’t Need to Bring
While you might want to look your best for your big day, it’s important not to bring any jewelry, hats, or anything else you don’t want to lose during your skydive. It’s also possible for those extraneous things to be a snag hazard on the skydiving gear.
Keep your outfit simple and your accessories to the bare minimum, with the exception of prescription glasses. We have special goggles that fit over your glasses so you can take in the beautiful view from 13,500 feet!
You also don’t need to bring any video cameras or your phone. People ask us a lot: Can I hold my phone while skydiving? Not only are you not allowed to bring your phone while skydiving because of safety rules, but you also wouldn’t physically be able to hold it in 120 mph winds!
Our instructors are specially trained and meet the experience requirements to bring camera and video equipment on a skydive. If you want video or photos of your epic adventure, our videographers are experts at capturing the moment perfectly. Get the video – it’s SO worth it!
Skydiving Preparation Tips
Being anxious before skydiving is totally normal! In fact, for many people it’s the anticipation of skydiving that’s the most anxiety-inducing part of the whole experience. Getting in the right head space and taking care of your body ahead of your jump can make all the difference – and practicing breathing techniques is a great place to start.
Try box breathing, also known as square breathing. Breathe in for four seconds, hold for four, exhale for four, hold for four. This technique is great if you’re feeling panicky or overwhelmed. If you feel like you can’t breathe during freefall, scream! You have to take in a big breath to scream!
It’s important to eat before skydiving, too. Skydiving on an empty stomach is no good – you run a higher risk of becoming lightheaded, dizzy, and just not enjoying the jump. However, you don’t want to eat a giant feast before your jump either. After all, you will be freefalling at 120 miles per hour for a full minute! We recommend eating balanced, healthy meals the day before and morning of your skydive. Don’t overdo it, but make sure your body has the nutrients it needs.
Hydration is also key. Drink water in a balanced manner throughout the day of your skydive. Once you’re in your student harness, you may not get another chance to use the restroom, so chugging too much water right before your jump isn’t such a good idea.
Skydiving Checklist for First-Timers
So, what do you need to bring to a skydive? One more time for the people in the back!
- Valid, government-issued, photo ID
- Payment for your skydive
- Comfortable, snag-free athletic clothes
- Closed-toe shoes (sneakers are best)
- Light snacks and water
- Hair tie for longer hair
- Book or other activity in case of weather delays
- Sharpie (to write a message on your hands!)
- Tip for your tandem team (not expected but always appreciated!)
- Your best smile!
One Item Left to Check Off: Booking Your Skydive!
Now that you know the deal, are you ready to schedule your jump? Head over to the happiest dropzone in the northeast for the adventure of a lifetime! Book your tandem skydive today!