How to Prepare for Your First Tandem Skydive: The Complete Guide

Key Takeaways
Preparing for your first skydive is simpler than most people expect. Get a good night’s sleep, eat a balanced meal, stay hydrated, and wear comfortable athletic clothing with secure shoes. Most first-time skydivers are surprised by how organized and laid back the experience feels once they arrive at the dropzone. While it’s completely normal to feel nervous beforehand, the actual skydive experience is often described as freeing, exhilarating, and life-changing. The key is showing up ready to listen to your instructor, trust the process, and enjoy every moment of your first parachute jump experience.

There’s a reason skydiving sits at the top of so many bucket lists. Few experiences compare to the moment the airplane door opens, the rush of freefall begins, and the world stretches out beneath you from thousands of feet in the air. It’s exciting, emotional, empowering, and unforgettable all at once.

If you’re preparing for your first jump, chances are you have plenty of questions. What should you wear? What should you eat? (Is it OK to eat before skydiving?!) How scary is skydiving? No stress – we’ve got your back.

Whether you’re feeling confident, nervous, or somewhere in between, knowing what to expect can help you feel ready to enjoy every second of your first parachute jump experience.

How to Prepare for Skydiving

One of the most important things to know before your first skydive is that you do not need any prior experience. Your passionate and highly-experienced Skydive Danielson tandem instructor will guide you through the entire process, including how to exit the airplane, what body position to hold during freefall, and what to expect during landing. 

To prepare for skydiving, focus on the basics:

• Get plenty of rest the night before
• Drink water throughout the day
• Eat a healthy meal before arriving
• Avoid alcohol or recreational substances
• Wear comfortable clothing
• Arrive on time and ready to learn
• Bring your valid, government-issued photo ID

What Should I Eat Before Skydiving?

Eating before your jump is critical. Skydiving on an empty stomach can make nerves feel stronger and may leave you feeling lightheaded. A light, balanced meal helps keep your energy steady and your focus clear. Try to eat foods that typically make you feel good.

Good pre-jump options include:

• Oatmeal with fruit
• Eggs and toast
• Yogurt with granola
• A turkey or chicken sandwich
• Rice with lean protein
• A smoothie with protein

Avoid heavy, greasy meals, excess sugar, and too much caffeine. Bring water and a light snack just in case your day includes waiting for weather or scheduling windows.

What Should I Wear for Skydiving?

Comfort and mobility are the priority when choosing your skydiving outfit. You’ll be wearing a tandem harness over your clothing, so the goal is to keep things simple, flexible, and secure. The best approach is to dress like you would for a light outdoor activity (like a hike) – something you can move in easily without adjusting or worrying about it during the experience.

Recommended clothing:

• Athletic pants, leggings, or joggers that allow full movement
• T-shirts or fitted long sleeves depending on the weather
• Light layers that can adapt to temperature changes
• Closed-toe sneakers or athletic shoes that lace tightly

Your shoes matter more than most people expect. They should fit securely and not slip off easily during movement or freefall. Avoid anything bulky, heavy, or loose. Jeans are okay as long as they are stretchy and comfortable to move around in. 

If you wear glasses, you can absolutely jump with them – most first-time skydivers do. You’ll be fitted with protective goggles that are designed to go over your glasses to help keep them secure and comfortable throughout the experience, so you can still take in every moment of the mind-blowing view. 

Avoid wearing:

• Sandals, flip-flops, slip-on shoes, or heels
• Boots (or any shoe with loose laces or heavy soles)
• Dresses, skirts, or restrictive clothing
• Oversized clothing that can flap or shift in the wind
• Jewelry that could snag or come off

Weather can also feel different at altitude compared to the ground. It’s often cooler in the air, so light layering is a smart way to stay comfortable without overthinking it.

How Should I Wear My Hair for Skydiving?

If you have longer hair, securing it properly makes a big difference in your comfort level during your jump. Freefall creates strong airflow, so hair that’s loose or only partially tied back can become distracting and uncomfortable.

Best ways to wear your hair:

• Low ponytail secured tightly at the base of the neck
• Braid (single or double) for maximum control
• Low bun that sits flat against the head

The key is keeping your hair tight, smooth, and secured close to your head so it doesn’t whip around during freefall or canopy flight.

First Time Skydiving Tips

A few small adjustments can make your first jump feel even smoother. Here are our best skydiving tips:

1. Stay present in the moment

The more you focus on the experience itself, the more fulfilling it is.

2. Pay attention during your briefing

Your instructor will walk you through everything step-by-step. You’re a participant in your jump, not just a passenger – you’ll have a role to play.

3. Keep your body relaxed

Tension builds intensity. Loose shoulders and steady breathing help you stay comfortable, especially while in freefall.

4. Let yourself enjoy the emotion of it

Many first-time jumpers are surprised by how meaningful the experience feels. It’s common to feel a mix of excitement, clarity, and accomplishment after landing – it might even bring you to tears! Which is totally okay, allow yourself to feel it all.

5. Consider capturing it on video

The jump happens quickly. Photos and video help you relive the experience and notice things you might have missed in real time.

How Scary is Skydiving?

Skydiving feels different for everyone, but for most first-time jumpers, the anticipation leading up to the jump is the most intense part of the day. It’s completely normal for nerves to show up as you get closer to boarding the aircraft – your mind is preparing for something unfamiliar and outside everyday experience. 

The good news is that the entire process is supported from start to finish. Tandem instructors complete extensive training before working with students, equipment is routinely inspected, and weather conditions are carefully evaluated throughout the jump day. 

As the plane climbs to altitude, many first-time jumpers are surprised by how nerves shift into focus and excitement. Standing at the open door can feel like a big moment, but it passes quickly once you move through it with your instructor. 

Freefall itself is often described as fast, loud, and immersive – more like moving with the air than falling through it. Then, once the parachute opens, everything slows down. The sound fades, the pace softens, and you’re left gliding peacefully back toward the ground. 

That contrast between intensity and calm is what makes the experience so memorable, and most people land realizing it felt more natural and manageable than they expected.

What to Know Before Your First Skydive

Your first skydive isn’t something you need to study for – our team will guide you through every moment, from check in to touch down.

A few important things to understand ahead of time:

• You’ll be securely harnessed to a tandem instructor the entire time
• Everything you need to do will be explained before boarding the aircraft
• You don’t need to memorize procedures, just follow instructions
• It’s normal to feel nervous before takeoff
• The experience moves quickly once it begins

The goal of your first jump is not perfection – it’s participation. You’re here to experience it, not perform it. So rest assured we’ll take care of you every step of the way.

Ready for Your First Skydive?

If skydiving has been on your mind, this is your sign to come experience it for yourself! You don’t need to have everything figured out before you arrive. We’ll lead you through the process, help you prepare, and make sure you know what to expect.

When you’re ready, choose your date, arrive ready for something unforgettable, and take the leap from the highest exit altitude in Connecticut. Book your first skydive at Skydive Danielson today. Blue skies!