A Guide on How To Go Skydiving

Knowing how to skydive entails a lot more than just being able to fall out of an airplane. Going skydiving for the first time is a monumental experience that requires planning and preparation. From mental prep to planning out your day, organizing a jump can feel a bit overwhelming. 

That’s why it helps to have the pros in your corner! Read on to find out exactly how to go skydiving at Long Island Skydiving Center. 

Step 1 – Meeting Prerequisites for Skydiving with Long Island Skydiving Center

There are certain rules and regulations regarding tandem skydiving that must be met before you can consider jumping out of an airplane. These are put in place for your safety, as well as the safety of your instructor. Some of the rules have been set by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), while others come from the USPA (United States Parachute Association) and skydiving gear manufacturers.

• Age requirement: Must be 18 years old or older. This is the age at which you are legally able to sign a release of liability. 

• Weight limit of 250lbs: Tandem equipment must be able to accommodate the weight of the passenger as well as the instructor, so there is a limit placed on how much a tandem passenger can weigh to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the jump. 

• Valid government-issued photo ID: We need to know you are who you say you are, and as old as you say you are, in order for you to check in for your skydive, to legally sign the necessary paperwork, and to make a skydive. 

• Good health: Skydiving is more than just a carnival ride. You’re going to be an active participant in your jump and will need to be able to perform certain physical activities to safely enjoy your skydive. 

If you’re unsure about any of these requirements or if you have any questions at all, give us a call. We’ll be happy to talk through it with you! 

Step 2 – Researching and Preparing for Your Skydive

Once you’ve determined that you meet the requirements for a tandem skydive, it’s time to get to the nitty gritty. 

Choosing the right dropzone is a huge part of feeling comfortable with what you’re about to do. You want to know that your safety is the number one priority, and that your satisfaction is key. A great place to start when picking a dropzone is reading reviews. There’s no better way to find out how a business truly operates than by seeing what other customers have to say about their experience. 

You can also check out the FAQs on the dropzone website to answer any lingering questions you might have and to get a sense of how the operation addresses common topics. Sometimes, everything you need to know is right at your fingertips! 

Mental preparation is also a huge part of enjoying the experience of jumping out of an airplane that is often overlooked. Getting in the right frame of mind will help you mitigate some of the nervousness that comes with such an extreme activity. Watching videos on Youtube of other people skydiving can show you what to expect out of your jump and eliminate the element of the scary unknown. You can also do visualization exercises so that your mind isn’t completely shocked when you exit the airplane for real!

And, finally, book your jump! Booking online is usually the simplest way to lock in your big day, but you can also call the dropzone and speak to a staff member. Make sure that you have at least three to four hours to spend with us on the day you book. The weather can be unpredictable and so there’s a possibility for delay. Safety first!

The Day of Your Jump

Now comes the fun part. You checked all the boxes, you did your research, all that’s left is to jump! But this fun-filled day can come with its own brand of anxiety. How do you know what to expect? What will your day at a dropzone be like? 

First of all, you’ll want to arrive early. Take some of the nail biting out of the day by giving yourself plenty of time to get to the dropzone and check in. You don’t want to be rushing around and stressing out over something that’s supposed to be super fun. And, as we mentioned, don’t forget your ID. 

If you haven’t yet purchased your video package, this is your last chance! Getting video helps you preserve memories from your extra-level adventure, as well as serve as a way for you to relive your phenomenal experience. It’s also a great way to share your skydive with loved ones or post it on social media to show everyone how cool you are. 

Once you’ve checked in, you can settle into our facilities until it’s your time to skydive. Hang out in the shade and watch other skydivers land or do some people watching as others gear up and head out for their jump. 

Feel free to bring snacks and drinks to keep yourself energized while you wait. In fact, we encourage you to eat a well balanced meal before you arrive and to continue to keep yourself fueled up throughout the day. Staying nourished and hydrated will help your brain and body focus during your jump. 

When it’s time to jump, an instructor will walk you through all of the training necessary for you to safely enjoy your skydive. Your instructor will go over the plane ride, proper body position in freefall, what to do when the parachute opens, and how to land. This is also the point when you’ll get geared up. Things start getting really real! 

You’ll get into the airplane with your instructor and, once at altitude, exit the door!! Your instructor will talk to you on the ride up and help keep you calm by explaining everything that’s going to happen, as well as confirming you are securely hooked to each other. From here, enjoy your jump and live in the moment!

Ready to put your knowledge to the test? Book your jump with us today and see just how easy it is to go skydiving in New York!