What to Eat Before Skydiving (And What to Skip)

Key Takeaways
If you’re wondering whether you should eat before a skydive, the answer is yes. Most tandem students feel their best when they eat a normal, light meal one to two hours before arriving at the dropzone. Foods like oatmeal, fruit, yogurt, sandwiches, granola bars, and smoothies provide steady energy without leaving you feeling overly full. Heavy, greasy meals and alcohol are best avoided before your jump, while staying hydrated is important throughout the day. If nerves make eating difficult, a small snack or protein shake is often enough to help you feel more comfortable.

Table of Contents
Can You Eat Before Skydiving?
What to Eat Before Skydiving
When Should You Eat Before Your Jump?
What Not to Do Before Skydiving
What If You’re Too Nervous to Eat?
Does Your Stomach Flip When You Skydive?
What to Eat After Skydiving
Fuel Up & Get Ready for an Incredible Adventure

You’ve booked your skydive, your excitement is building, and then a key question pops into your head: Can you eat before skydiving?

The short answer is yes – and for most people, it’s a good idea. Eating a normal, light, and balanced meal before your jump can help you maintain energy and avoid feeling hungry or lightheaded during an already exciting experience. Foods that usually sit well in your stomach are good choices. On the other hand, heavy, greasy meals and alcohol should be avoided before heading to the dropzone.

The good news is that you don’t need a special skydiving diet. Most tandem students feel their best when they simply eat as they normally would, stay hydrated, and do their best to avoid overthinking it. If nerves make it difficult to eat, even a small snack or protein shake can provide enough fuel to help you feel more comfortable throughout the day.

In this guide, we’ll cover what to eat before skydiving, what foods to avoid, when to eat before your jump, and what to do if those pre-skydive butterflies make your stomach feel a little unsettled.

Can You Eat Before Skydiving?

Yes, you can eat before skydiving. In fact, eating before you get to the dropzone is way better than skydiving on an empty stomach. 

One of the most common concerns first time jumpers have is whether having food prior to their jump will make them feel sick. It’s understandable. When you’re about to jump out of an airplane, the last thing you want is to have an upset stomach, throw up on your instructor, and capture it all on your skydiving video! 

But you’re actually more likely to feel comfortable, have level energy, and feel prepared if you have a light, balanced meal or sensible snack before your jump. It’ll let you focus on enjoying the experience rather than worrying about hunger. 

Not eating can increase your chances of feeling nauseous, uncomfortable, lightheaded, and fatigued. Eating something light that you know agrees with your stomach is the smarter approach. The goal is to fuel your body the same way you would before any other active adventure.

What to Eat Before Skydiving

When deciding what to eat before skydiving, focus on foods that are light, familiar, and easy to digest. You want steady energy without feeling overly full. Your body doesn’t need anything fancy – it just needs fuel. Some of the best options include:

• Oatmeal
• Yogurt with granola
• Bananas and other fruit
• Toast with peanut butter
• Turkey or chicken sandwiches
• Trail mix
• Crackers
• Granola bars
• Smoothies
• Protein shakes

A good rule is to just stick with foods you normally eat and avoid anything rich, greasy or unfamiliar. Skydiving day isn’t the best time to experiment with new foods, attempt a giant breakfast challenge, spring for a super-spicy meal, or choose anything that might upset your stomach.

When Should You Eat Before Your Jump?

Most people feel best when they eat one or two hours before skydiving. This allows enough time for digestion while still providing energy for your jump.

Skydiving schedules can occasionally shift due to weather or operational factors, so it’s always smart to bring a few easy snacks with you to the dropzone. Bananas, granola bars, crackers, and nuts are all convenient choices that travel well.

What Not to Do Before Skydiving

Knowing what to skip is just as helpful as knowing what to eat. Try to avoid:

• Greasy fast food
• Large, heavy meals
• Spicy foods
• Foods that usually upset your stomach
• Excessive caffeine 
• Alcohol*

Per United States Parachute Association (USPA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules, alcohol consumption is prohibited within 8 hours of your jump. If you’re suspected of being under the influence, you will not be allowed to skydive.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration plays a major role in how you feel throughout the day. Bring a water bottle and drink regularly before and after your jump. During Oklahoma’s warmer months, electrolyte drinks are also a good addition to your hydration routine.

What If You’re Too Nervous to Eat?

Feeling nervous before a skydive is completely normal. Many first-time jumpers experience butterflies before boarding the aircraft. If you’re feeling too excited to eat a full meal, don’t force it. Instead, try something small and easy to consume. Good options include:

• Smoothies
• Protein shakes
• Yogurt
• Bananas
• Granola bars
• Crackers

Does Your Stomach Flip When You Skydive?

Skydiving feels very different from a roller coaster. Most people don’t feel sick or experience an intense stomach-drop sensation. In reality, most tandem students are surprised to discover that freefall doesn’t feel the way they expected – even from our higher than high 18,000 foot exit altitude. The sensation is often described as floating on a cushion of air rather than plunging toward the ground.

What to Eat After Skydiving

After your jump, you’ll probably be ready for a meal. Between the adrenaline, excitement, and time spent at the dropzone, most people feel ready to eat once their back on the ground. A balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and plenty of fluids can help you refuel and feel your best for the rest of the day. 

Some great post-skydive meal options include:

• Burger and fries
• Grilled chicken with rice and vegetables
• Turkey sandwich and chips
• Pizza 
• Tacos or burritos
• Salad with chicken or steak
• Protein-packed smoothie

Don’t forget to keep drinking water, especially if you’ve been outside in the Oklahoma sun. If your jump day was particularly warm, an electrolyte drink can help you rehydrate too.

For many people, grabbing a meal afterwards becomes part of the skydiving experience. It’s a chance to relive the jump, share photos and videos, and celebrate checking an incredible adventure off your bucket list. 

Looking for somewhere to eat nearby? Check out our guide to local restaurants near Oklahoma Skydiving Center.

Fuel Up & Get Ready for an Incredible Adventure

Eating before skydiving doesn’t need to be complicated. A balanced meal, a bottle of water, and a sense of adventure are usually all you need before heading to the dropzone!

Ready to experience the freedom of human flight? Book your 14,000 foot or 18,000 foot tandem skydive with Oklahoma’s most experienced dropzone, Oklahoma Skydiving Center. Blue skies!