What to Bring Skydiving: First-Time Jumper Checklist & Prep Tips

Key Takeaways
For your first tandem skydive, you’ll need a valid photo ID, a form of payment, and comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing with closed-toe shoes. Bringing snacks, water, sun protection, and supportive friends can make your day more enjoyable, while cameras, pets, and alcohol should be left at home. A little preparation – like eating well, staying hydrated, and calming your nerves – can help you feel confident and ready for the experience.

Most people who make a tandem skydive for the first time aren’t familiar with the sport, which means they have no idea what to bring skydiving. Jumping out of an airplane is already an emotionally charged experience, and knowing what to bring to skydiving ahead of time can help quell some of those emotions.

The question, “what do you need to go skydiving?” is one of necessity and comfort, so let’s dig into the different aspects of your jump day and the things you’ll need to make it memorable!

What Do You Need to Bring for Skydiving?

Isn’t it just courage that you need to bring to a skydive? Ha! That helps, but the reality is that there are certain things that we must have in order to get you in the air, and others that will make your skydive much more enjoyable. 

First and foremost, make sure you have a valid, government-issued, photo ID. The minimum age for skydiving in the U.S. is 18 years old, so we need to be able to verify your age before we can let you jump. You also need some form of payment

When discussing what to bring to the dropzone, most people specifically wonder what to wear when skydiving for the first time. Athletic clothing that is appropriate for the weather is another must-have for both a successful and comfortable jump. Think gym attire here – something easy to move around in and warm enough for the cooler temperatures at altitude, but not so warm you’ll overheat on the ground. Closed-toe, flat bottom shoes are also imperative to your skydive. 

You’re welcome to wear your glasses if you need them. We have special fit goggles that will go right over most pairs of glasses. And don’t forget a hair tie if you have long hair – it’ll whip around in freefall, get in your instructor’s face, and you’ll land with a bird’s nest on top of your head! If you’re unsure about what to wear or bring for your jump, just give us a call!

What to Bring to the Dropzone

You’ll be at the dropzone longer than just the time you spend in the sky, so it’s important to bring some comfort items to have while waiting for your jump. 

First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure you have snacks and water. Depending on your jump time, how busy the day is, and whether or not the weather is cooperating, you could be at the dropzone for half a day or more. Staying fed and hydrated will not only keep the grumpies away, it’ll also ensure your brain and body are alert and ready for the excitement of the day. 

It’s also a good idea to bring sunblock and any other weather related protection you might want for a day spent outside. While we do have top notch facilities you can spend time in, you’ll most likely end up wanting to watch other skydivers land their parachutes while you wait for your turn. 

Friends are another great thing to have at the dropzone with you! They can offer moral support and celebrate your big day with you, or even come along on their own jump if they’re brave enough!

What You Don’t Need to Bring Skydiving

What you don’t bring to the dropzone can be almost as important as what you do bring. While friends are a great source of support, the furry variety are best left at home. Animals and airplanes don’t always mix well, and the dropzone will be busy and bustling the day of your jump. It’s best to leave pets at home so that you can focus on yourself while you’re here. 

You can also leave recording devices like GoPros or adventure cameras behind. You might be thinking: Can I hold my phone while skydiving? Students, including tandem skydivers, are not allowed to bring cameras with them on skydives, and that includes phones. This isn’t just our rule, it’s a regulation set by the United States Parachute Association (USPA). 

Leave the recording up to the professionals. There’s less risk involved, you’ll be able to focus and enjoy your jump, and the product will come out way better! And adding a video package to your jump is simple! 

Skydiving Preparation Tips

Skydiving preparation is about more than just showing up with your ID and the right outfit. It’s about getting your mind and body ready for an experience you’ve never had before. There’s no real way to anticipate what skydiving will feel like because it’s unlike anything else in the world! But there are some things you can do to get yourself prepared. 

Make sure to eat a balanced meal and get hydrated before heading out. It might be tough to eat with the nerves, but your future self will thank you! Additionally, you can do some visualization or meditation before your jump to calm your mood and get into the zone. 

You might also be wondering what to take before skydiving. You should take all medications as normal, and consult your doctor if you’re unsure about your skydive. 

Skydiving Checklist for First-Timers

You’ll have enough to think about on the day of your skydive, so having a skydiving checklist can help alleviate some of the stress of the day. Here is a quick reference list of things you should bring for your jump:

• Valid Photo ID
• Payment
• Weather appropriate clothing
• Closed-toe shoes
• Hair tie
• Snacks
• Drinks (no alcohol)
• Sunblock
• Friends
• Big smile

Feel ready to take to the sky? Book your jump today and let us help you achieve the extraordinary! Blue skies!