FEELING SCARED ABOUT SKYDIVING? HERE’S WHAT TO DO!

First, we want to start by saying that it is totally normal to feel scared of skydiving. We’re not here to invalidate your feelings or make you NOT feel scared of skydiving – we’re here to help you manage those fearful feelings in order to have an incredible first time skydiving experience!

The fear of skydiving, or fear of heights, is called acrophobia and has been a thing for quite some time. Humans weren’t actually made to fly, although we may feel like we were born to fly … we don’t have real-deal wings! And if you’re worried if skydiving is safe – there are plenty of statistics floating out there that say odds are pretty good for your tandem skydive. Not to be too morbid, but it is actually statistically more likely to die from a lightning strike than to die on a tandem skydive. Not to mention, we take the risk every day while driving in our cars or walking down the street.

If you’re scared to skydive or have a fear of heights, you might be wondering if you should even go skydiving or if skydiving is worth it – and the answer is YES! Tandem skydiving is a great way to conquer your fears, overcome anxiety, and gain a new perspective on life. The experience alone is a good reason to go skydiving but it’s the life-long lessons you’ll learn along the way that make skydiving totally worth it!

We’ve put together a thorough guide to help you get through that first flight fright and get the most out of your skydive.

SCARED OF SKYDIVING: WHAT TO DO BEFORE THE SKYDIVE

It seems that the anticipation of the skydive can be the one of the scariest parts of skydiving. As soon as you schedule your skydive, the nerves and excitement begin. Your imagination will go into overdrive with all of the scenarios, possibilities and trying to figure out what to expect while on your skydive. Give yourself a break – it’s natural to be a little nervous about something you have never done before!

Here are a few tips to help ease your anxiety in the moments leading up to your big day:

• Watch tandem skydiving videos and do some research. Videos can help you visualize what the experience will be like and help you feel more prepared. Be sure to avoid the “scare” videos out there on the internet and focus on the truth of the statistics.

• Call or visit the dropzone ahead of your jump. We love to talk about skydiving – we’ll answer any questions you may have and we especially love visitors! Getting comfortable around the team and familiarizing yourself with the facility will help keep you at ease on the day of your jump. If you can, watch some fellow tandem jumpers and ask them about their skydive!

• Take care of yourself in the days leading up to your scheduled jump. Skydiving is a sport and we treat ourselves like athletes before a big game. That means getting good rest, eating healthy, and drinking plenty of fluids (non-alcoholic, of course). This will help prepare your body for that surge of excitement and adrenaline.

SCARED OF SKYDIVING: WHAT TO DO DURING THE SKYDIVE

The day is here! You’re boarding the airplane that will take you 14,000+ feet in the sky and your adrenaline will most definitely start to kick in.

Here are a few tips to help you keep calm and fly on:

• Breathe. Take slow, deep breaths – in through your nose, out through your mouth. Focus on your breaths as you take them, it’ll help you stay calm.

• Lean into your instructor. Your instructor is like your new best friend. They’ve performed many skydives with all kinds of people. They have ways of keeping you informed, comfortable, and calm the whole way through. If you feel like you need more support, just ask! We want you to have a good time and enjoy the experience from the time you check in to the time you head home.

• Embrace the moment. Laugh. Take it all in! The plane ride up to altitude is a laid-back and joyful atmosphere. Skydivers are very serious about safety but we’re also light-hearted, fun-loving people! Try your best to laugh at all the jokes and smile through it all. We’re all one big, happy family!
• Always be honest. Feeling scared? About to throw up? Need a window seat on the plane? Speak up! We’re here to help you maximize your experience and will always do our best to accommodate your needs. We encourage our guests to not feel pressured to do anything they don’t want to do. If you’re unsure or decide that you absolutely do not want to go through with your jump, please let us know!

The best thing to note is that all of your anxiety and fear will melt away as soon as you leave the plane. Take it all in. Enjoy this moment and remember to celebrate your incredible accomplishment when you land back on the ground! Woohoo! After your first skydive, the only thing you’ll have to beware of now is the skydiving addiction!

Conquer your fears with us and book your skydive with Oklahoma’s most experienced dropzone, Oklahoma Skydiving Center! Blue skies.