Tips for Settling Your Nerves on Your Skydive
We get it. We know skydiving comes with a massive ‘F’ factor, and we’re not just talking freaking fantastic here. The fear factor can also be huge.
Most skydivers – even experienced ones – feel a twinge of nervous energy coupled with excitement and anticipation, but if you’re a first-timer, it’s entirely understandable to feel more than a bit jittery!
The first bit of good news is that the anticipation is actually the scariest part of skydiving. It’s the fear of the unknown. And even if you’ve watched a hundred videos, talked to mates about their experiences and heard all the stories, you’ll never know how it feels until you actually do it yourself.
The second bit of good news is that there are things you can do to settle your nerves.
Knowledge is power and the more you know about the lead-up to your tandem skydive and what to expect on the day, the more control you’ll have over the heebie-jeebies! That’s why you’ll find this article useful. We’ve unpacked the build-up to your skydive so you can see where your nerves may come into play, plus we’ll give you a simple tip at the end of the article that will really help you take charge of your emotions.
Give the Fear-Factor the Flick With These Top Tips for Settling Your Nerves on Your Skydive
Reassure Yourself About the Skydiving Operator
You’ve done your homework and chosen your skydive operator carefully, right?
Reassuring yourself that you’re in highly capable and experienced hands will give you a better grip on your emotions and stop those nerves from jangling!
If you choose Skydive Geronimo for your tandem skydive, you’ll be strapped to a fully qualified and highly experienced instructor who has at least 4 000 jumps under their belt. Our chief instructor and owner of the company, Glenn, has close on 20 000 jumps!
You can also relax about the admin side of things. Your instructor will handle everything. They will sort out the equipment and make sure all the correct procedures and protocols are followed. They will literally have your back all the way.
Counting Down to D-Day
As you count down the weeks, days, and hours to your jump, it’s entirely normal to feel your emotions heighten. And when jump-day finally arrives and you make your way to the drop zone, you may start to feel super scared.
That’s OK, but we do really encourage you chat to the instructors and those around you at the drop-zone. Engaging with people who understand how you are feeling will give you some comfort – and remember, there’s no such thing as a stupid question. Even though your heart may be racing and your emotions rocketing, try to absorb the atmosphere and take your cue from the calm confidence of your skydiving instructor.
Flying to Altitude
You’ll be harnessed to your instructor before heading for the plane, along with other jumpers (some of whom are probably experiencing the same adrenalin overload as you!) Your experienced pilot will take you to altitude, and once they give the thumbs-up, you and your instructor will edge your way to the door to prepare to JUMP!
Your heart will probably be in your throat at this stage – but luckily it’s not long before you’re free and flying!
Jump to It
Trust us. As soon as you jump, your nerves will disappear and you’ll feel a range of incredible emotions – exhilaration, excitement, freedom, amazement, courage, awe, wonder – as you freefall through the atmosphere before gently floating back to terra firma.
Nerves, what nerves?
Our Top Tip for Settling Your Nerves on Your Tandem Skyjump
Much has been said about the power of deep, controlled breathing to relieve stress and induce feelings of relaxation, and research has shown that these techniques have real merit.
So, if you’re feeling hyper-anxious about your upcoming skydive, why not investigate some breathing techniques that will help focus your mind and calm your body. Even a simple exercise like breathing in through your nose for six seconds, holding your breath for six seconds and exhaling through your mouth for six seconds can be an extremely effective stress-buster.
Jump with our experienced team at Skydive Geronimo and we guarantee you an experience of a lifetime. We’re the only skydiving operator on Rottnest Island which means only we can give you the best beach skydive in Australia with the most sublime views AND the best fun!
