First Time Skydiving: What Should I Bring With Me?

Now that you have made the very excellent choice to go skydiving for the first time, you probably have many questions. In addition to the jumping-from-an airplane part, how does it all work? There are a few straightforward things to consider when planning your skydiving day, and a small selection of things to bring with you to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience with us here at Skydive Long Island.

Formalities

Before you go up we need to be sure you are who you say you are, so government-issued identification is required when you check-in. While skydiving is often presented as a loose and wild thing to do, it is actually the opposite - with a sharp eye on the proper procedures for keeping everything recorded, responsible, and above-board. The vast majority of skydiving activity in the United States is overseen by the USPA (United States Parachute Organization), a non-profit structure that oversees all the important ins-and-outs of skydiving and parachuting operations.

Clothing

Wearing the right clothing for your jump is important. The air gets colder as you go up, which means that even on a warm day on the ground it might be a bit chilly at altitude. The rule to remember when preparing for skydiving is to think about sports. Loose layers that cover your arms and legs are a good place to start - and you can follow guidance from your instructor when you arrive about how much to actually wear. If it's summer and they are happy in shorts and a t-shirt then, you will be too. In the cooler parts of the season, you might be given a jumpsuit to wear over your clothes. Sensible shoes are very important, and again sporty footwear is what you need. Your shoes need to do up tight, so choose laces. Even the sturdiest buckles or the tightest seeming velcro are unreliable. Glasses are alright as we have some goggles that will fit over the top - which will also be thoroughly checked by your instructor as part of the process. For hair, again think of sport. Tied back is what you need - not flapping about.

Money

The joy of introducing people to skydiving is why tandem instructors do what they do. Skydivers want other people to experience what it feels like, and most will agree that the very first jump is the best one of all. Your instructor is highly experienced at taking people skydiving for the first time and will do their very best to make sure you have an absolute blast. You are allowed to tip them if you feel they have looked after you well and gone the extra mile to make your first-time skydiving really special. Having some money on hand is also a good plan for picking up a souvenir when your jump is complete.

Cameras

While you cannot take your phone or camera with you for the jump, definitely bring one with you to the dropzone. You will want to take many pictures before and after your skydive to document your time with us - as the dropzone is a cool place to hang out. Don't worry! We will handle capturing your jump in photos and on video, just be sure to ask about our media packages before you jump.

Refreshments

Bringing some snacks is a good idea. Skydiving operations are run to a precise schedule, so you will have a good idea of when you will jump - but the whole process takes a little time and you should allow for half a day with us. Skydiving doesn't jiggle you about the way people sometimes think, so you can have a normal breakfast before you join us. ... The only other things you need to bring are a positive attitude and a sense of adventure! If you have never done it before then the idea of jumping out of an airplane can be a bit scary - but we promise you it is the best thing ever. These few things will prepare you for your first skydive, then all you have to do is turn up and jump!