How to Rock Your First Time Tandem Skydiving Experience

Grab the styling spray, tease your hair, slip on those shredded skinny jeans, and don that uber-metal leather jacket: we are going to teach you how to rock your first tandem skydiving experience! (Rock star ensemble not actually required)

Here's the deal: you only have one first skydive. Like a real performer, you might be worried about taking the leap without having the chance to rehearse. Luckily, we know all the right notes to hit. With the right choices ahead of time, you can make sure you have everything you need to make your skydive debut a real chart-topper!

Do Your Research

Before selecting a skydiving center for your first tandem skydive, take the time to do a little research. Review the website for particulars on pricing: certain skydiving centers have better deals when you book and pay online as opposed to a walk-in rate or paying on site. It's also a good idea to check on the dropzone's weather policy. Do they allow rescheduling? Instead of an unpleasant surprise on the day of, you'll know exactly what to expect if the weather doesn't cooperate.

Arrive Early

Have you ever heard the saying "If you're on time, you're late."? The inference is that by arriving on time, you're actually setting yourself up to fall behind. This is the case on the day of your first skydive. In order to start your experience off on the right foot, plan to arrive at the skydiving center about 15 minutes early. Leaving a little cushion of time will allow you to get your paperwork squared away and receive your pre-jump orientation without feeling rushed. If you've booked with Skydive Long Island, don't forget your ID and the credit card you booked with. You will need both to verify your identity and age at check-in.

Capture It All On Video

Your first tandem skydive is your chance to take center stage. Why wouldn't you capture it all on video? At Skydive Long Island, we have several video service options available.

VIDEO SERVICES

Adding a video package will increase the cost of your tandem skydiving experience, but the value of recording your first jump is priceless. Ultimately, the cost of adding the package is far less than the disappointment of having nothing to show for your very first skydive.

Save The Celebratory Sips For After

Although it can be tempting to try and drown those pre-jump butterflies with a stiff drink or two, under no circumstances should you drink before your tandem skydive.

Legally, you are not permitted to skydive if you are under the influence of alcohol. Aviation activities are governed by the Federal Aviation Administration and the requirements for both pilots and skydivers are outlined in the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs). According to FAR, Part 105, Sec. 105.7,

"No person may conduct a parachute operation, and no pilot in command of an aircraft may allow a person to conduct a parachute operation from that aircraft if that person is or appears to be under the influence of-- (a) Alcohol, or (b) Any drug that affects that person's faculties in any way contrary to safety."

Additionally, we do not recommend significant alcohol consumption the night before your skydive. If you thought a hangover was bad on the ground, it is nothing compared to the awful combination of a skydiving adrenaline dump and day after drinking dehydration. It's a recipe for a messy time if you catch our drift.

Attire Is Everything

When it comes to your first tandem skydive, comfort is key! In order to rock your first skydiving experience, you'll want to piece together the perfect skydiving ensemble. First off, avoid overly tight and/or overly loose clothing. It's best to choose light, comfortable form-fitting items along the lines of athleisure wear. For footwear, avoid open-toed shoes, boots with hooked eyelets, and flip flops. Instead, opt for tennis shoes or running shoes. Lastly, you'll want to tame those wild locks! If you have long hair or a long beard, bring a hair tie or pins to neatly tie back stray strands. You don't want them obstructing the view of your tandem instructor.

Ready to rock!? Book your first tandem skydive with Skydive Long Island today!