How to Work Up the Courage to Skydive

To have courage is not to experience the absence of fear. Rather, courage is the ability to confront one’s fear and move forward regardless. If you’ve found yourself amidst these words, it’s likely because you don’t want to let your fear stop you: you want to figure out how to get the courage to skydive.

It’s quite natural to feel nervous about skydiving. After all, we weren’t made with wings, and flight isn’t the most natural thing to us bipedal beings. But, rest assured there’s no need to let a little ol’ biological roadblock get in the way!

If you’re especially nervous about skydiving, you may need to lay the groundwork with a few basic steps. Knowledge is power, and before you get the courage to jump, it’s best to have all the information you can in your arsenal!

1. Do a little research on skydiving facilities in your area. Instead of picking a dropzone solely based on price, check out the reviews and visit the website. One of the easiest ways to get the courage to skydive is to pick a facility that you feel like you can really trust.
2. Read about what to expect while skydiving. Because expectation anxiety is far more nerve-wracking than the actual skydive, the more familiar you can be with the process, the better off you will be.
3. Look at photos and videos from the skydiving dropzone you have chosen. Seeing the excitement and fun that others are having while skydiving will show you that there is nothing there to fear.
4. Take a trip out to the dropzone ahead of time. If you thought the videos and photos helped, just wait until you see the joy on folks’ faces as they come in for landing in real-life high definition.
5. Be sure to ask questions. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. At Skydive Carolina, our instructors and staff are happy to answer any pressing queries you might have. Answered questions build confidence, and confidence helps give you the courage to skydive!

Getting the courage up to schedule a skydive is a feat in and of itself, but it’s only half the battle. This is how to keep your cool when the day of jitters hit.

1. Put your best foot forward. On the day of your skydive, you’ll want to be well-rested, so be sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep the night before. It’s also important for you to eat a nice well-balanced meal prior to heading to the dropzone. Throughout the day, try and stay hydrated. Your skydive is, essentially, an athletic event, and you’ll want to feel physically tip-top when the time to jump comes.
2. Stay tuned in. It can be easy to let your mind run rampant, gallivanting off with every stray thought, but it is important that you listen carefully when it’s time to skydive. Between the directions you are given at check-in and the instructions that you are given during your tandem training class, there’s a lot of information that needs to be stored away in your brilliant noggin. Likewise, while on the plane, in freefall, and during landing, listen intently to your tandem instructor. Not only will they help keep your mind focused on the task at hand but the calm, professional manner that they use can be very reassuring.
3. Breathe! Although we take roughly 20,000 breaths a day, this tip is one of the more difficult for people to employ. This is because, as we get ramped up, many of us hold our breath. The restricted oxygen intake then exacerbates the anxiety and discomfort that we feel. To keep yourself comfortable and focused, take slow deep breaths. Slowly count to 4 with each inhale and exhale, and feel the tension melt away.
4. Take a look around. While you’re on the plane, engage with the people around you. It’s okay to take part in the laughs and conversation. Often, it will help you loosen up a little if you do. When you get close to altitude, don’t be shy. We generally take part in celebratory high-fives before it’s time to exit. You’re a skydiver now, so join in!
5. Think about how far you’ve come. The only thing that stands between you and complete freedom is just one door. You’ve made it here. What’s one more step? Within moments of scooting toward that open door, you’ll find yourself outside in freefall, supported on a cushion of air, with a first-person bird’s eye view! Now that is something to look forward to!

Feeling courageous? You owe it to yourself to step up to the challenge. Will you embark on this adventure or will you let fear limit you? It’s all in your hands, and the choice is just one click away.

Related Article: Scared of Heights, But Want to Skydive