First Jump Jitters?

So You've Booked Your First Jump - Now What?

Congratulations, you've finally taken the plunge and booked your first skydive. You're probably feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, and you've got a million questions running through your mind. Before you post your questions on the forum, take a deep breath and read through this FAQ - it's comprehensive, and it should cover most of your concerns. We've been in your shoes before, and we're here to help you prepare for your first jump.

First things first, make sure you've chosen a reputable drop zone (DZ) with experienced instructors and a good safety record. Your instructor will be with you every step of the way, from gearing up to landing, so it's essential to choose a DZ that you feel comfortable with. When you arrive at the DZ, you'll typically start with a briefing, which will cover the basics of the jump, including emergency procedures, hand signals, and what to expect during the freefall and under the parachute.

During the briefing, pay attention to the exit altitude and pull altitude - these are critical pieces of information that you'll need to remember during the jump. The exit altitude is the altitude at which you'll exit the aircraft, and the pull altitude is the altitude at which you'll deploy your parachute. Make sure you understand the BOC (bottom of container) deployment procedure, and practice it with your instructor until you feel comfortable.

What to Expect During the Jump

Once you've exited the aircraft, you'll experience an intense rush of adrenaline as you freefall through the air. The freefall will last around 45 seconds to 1 minute, during which time you'll reach speeds of up to 120 mph. When your instructor deploys the parachute, you'll feel a slight opening shock, which is completely normal. The parachute will then stabilize, and you'll begin your descent back to earth.

Under the parachute, you'll have a chance to take in the stunning views and relax a bit. Your instructor will guide you through the PC (pilot chute) deployment and landing procedures. Make sure you keep your arms and legs in the correct position, and follow your instructor's hand signals to ensure a safe and smooth landing.

• Make sure you're aware of the d-bag procedure - this is the deployment bag that contains the parachute, and it's essential to handle it correctly to avoid any issues during the jump.
• Keep your arms and legs in the correct position during the freefall and under the parachute - this will help you maintain stability and control.
• Follow your instructor's hand signals - they're there to guide you and ensure your safety, so make sure you're paying attention to what they're telling you.

After the Jump

After you've landed safely back on earth, you'll probably feel an overwhelming sense of excitement and relief. Your instructor will debrief you on the jump, discussing what went well and what could be improved. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have, and to learn from your experience.

If you have any questions or concerns that aren't covered in this FAQ, don't hesitate to post them on the forum - just make sure to include the tag [FAQ read] so we know you've taken the time to read through this first. We're here to help, and we want to make sure you have an amazing experience on your first jump.

Remember, skydiving is a sport that requires patience, practice, and dedication. Don't be discouraged if you don't pick everything up right away - it takes time and experience to become a competent skydiver. With the right instruction and guidance, you'll be well on your way to becoming a safe and skilled jumper. So take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the ride - you're about to experience one of the most exhilarating adventures of your life.