When you skydive, does your stomach drop? The short answer? Nope! Jumping from a plane doesn’t make your stomach drop! Certainly not like it does on a rollercoaster. How is that possible when jumping out of a plane from 14,000 feet? That’s an excellent question! Let’s get into the answer, starting off with what causes that signature stomach drop feeling that comes with many adrenaline-fueled experiences. What Actually Causes The Stomach Drop Feel?
Is the stomach drop feeling real? Oh, yes – and if you’ve been on a rollercoaster, you know that it usually hits right after you crest the top of a hill. For a split second, the track seems to vanish beneath you, and you dive downward – but your stomach feels like it's still hanging in mid-air.
Why does that happen? When you’re slowly climbing the hill, you feel gravity pulling you into your seat. As you clear the top and rapidly pick up speed in the opposite direction, your body accelerates faster than your internal organs can act – faster than gravity can hold you – and for a brief moment, it feels like your stomach and its contents are floating inside you. This, in concert with the brain’s anticipation of the impending “fall,” creates that unmistakable stomach drop sensation!
Skydiving Terminal Velocity
How is it that skydiving doesn’t drop your stomach, then? Science! (Don’t worry, it’s fun physics.) Let’s look at what happens to your body when you skydive from a plane travelling horizontally at about 100 mph (meaning you are also already traveling horizontally at about 100 mph). As you jump out, you retain the speed you were going in the plane and, across a span of about 10 seconds, you increase your speed to about 120 mph. Your speed increase is moderate, allowing you to avoid the feeling of your guts suspended in the air. You’re not going 0 mph to 60++ mph, which is why your stomach drops on a roller coaster but not skydiving.
We know you speed up to about 120 mph because this is the average “terminal velocity” of humans. Terminal velocity is reached when the force of gravity pulling you down is equal to the air resistance holding you up. (A cat’s terminal velocity, for comparison, is about 60 mph. Now you know!)
Does Skydiving Feel Like Falling?
Do you feel like you’re falling when skydiving?! Surprisingly, no. Once you leave the plane, you feel more like you’re floating than falling. That’s because terminal velocity is steady – you're not accelerating anymore, you’re moving at a constant speed. The air rushing up at you serves as a big, supportive cushion, kind of like how water supports us when we’re swimming. Skydiving is exhilarating, not stomach-lurching scary.
So what does skydiving freefall feel like? Expect a powerful rush of wind, a flood of adrenaline, and a total sensory reset. Your brain gets so much new input all at once – the sights, the speed, the sound – that it may struggle to process it all, creating this feeling of awe or clarity. Many people describe it as peaceful, even meditative. That said, a bit of a flutter in your stomach from nerves is totally normal, especially right at the start! It feels different for everybody. It’s such a unique experience that you really just have to try it for yourself!
What About When The Parachute Opens?
Still no stomach drop! When the parachute opens, you slow down from 120 mph to about 15 - 20 mph in a few seconds. This rapid deceleration can actually make you feel like you’re going back up – but you’re actually just slowing down a lot. It might give you a fluttery feeling in your stomach, but not so much a big drop. Once the parachute is fully open, you’ll feel smooth and floaty – calm and quiet compared to freefall!
You won’t experience the stomach drop feeling while you’re flying under the parachute, it’s smooth and steady with no abrupt downward acceleration (unless you want it!) which is what usually causes the stomach-drop feeling. If you’re up for it, your instructor might do some sharp turns, and this is when you might feel your stomach drop. That sensation is caused by centrifugal force – when you turn sharply, your body swings outward (from slow to fast) and you feel that tug in your stomach.
Enjoy your parachute flight! Everything slows down and you have the opportunity to look around and really take in the view. And the view is incredible – 360 degree, unobstructed views of amazing New England scenery. If you’re jumping in autumn, this is the best place to take in the iconic fall foliage.
Why Skydiving Feels Different For Everyone
Skydiving is a deeply personal experience, and it feels different for everyone. Some people feel a huge adrenaline rush, while others describe an unexpected sense of peace and calm. Your body might go into sensory overload, or you might feel surprisingly relaxed.
Your reaction will depend on lots of factors:
• Are you an adrenaline junkie or more of a cautious adventurer?
• Are you afraid of heights or flying?
• Did you sleep well the night before, eat enough, drink water?
• Are you feeling nervous, excited, or both?
Even your internal chemistry (how your body processes adrenaline and endorphins) plays a role. That's why some people get the shakes, some cry happy tears, and others can’t stop grinning.
How To Stop That Stomach Drop Feeling
The stomach drop feeling is a physical reaction triggered by sudden downward acceleration. Since skydiving doesn’t include that sensation (except in optional high-speed parachute turns), most people never feel it. But if you’re worried about it, here’s what you can do:
• Breathe steadily: Focusing on deep, controlled breaths can calm your nervous system and reduce that “fluttery” sensation.
• Look ahead: Fixing your gaze on the horizon (rather than straight down) helps reduce disorientation and vertigo-like feelings.
• Eat light, stay hydrated: Low blood sugar and dehydration can increase nausea and dizziness. A light meal a few hours before your jump and plenty of water helps keep you feeling steady.
Communicate With Your Instructor! If you are apprehensive about any part of the skydive, including the stomach-drop feeling, talk it over with your instructor. If you want to avoid that buzzy belly feeling, they can fly the parachute in a more docile manner. Of course, if you’re unfazed by the thought of feeling your stomach drop, they can fly more assertively. The canopy flight is customizable! This is your skydive, so you can let them know if you want a mild or wild ride! Once the parachute is open, there is less wind noise so that means your instructor will be able to check in with you. Remember, there are no silly questions or preferences, your instructor wants you to love skydiving just as much as they do!
The only way to really know exactly how skydiving feels? Try it for yourself. You won’t feel your stomach drop – but you might just fall in love with the sky! Book your skydive now! Still have more questions? Check out our Tandem Skydiving FAQs or get in touch. We can’t wait to jump with you!