What to Expect on Your First Skydive: A Step-by-Step Guide
Thinking about doing your first skydive but not sure what actually happens? You’re not alone. One of the top questions we get is: “What should I expect for my first time skydiving?”
Feel confident, prepared, and excited with our guide below.
Check-In, Weigh-In & Safety Briefing
When you arrive at the drop zone, you’ll check in with our friendly team and complete a quick weight check (this helps us safely match you with your instructor and equipment).
Next, you’ll go through an important safety briefing where we walk you through:
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What will happen during the jump
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Body position during freefall
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Landing instructions
Don’t worry, it’s simple, beginner-friendly and designed to make you feel at ease.
Meet Your Instructor & Get Geared Up
You’ll then meet your tandem instructor, who will be attached to you throughout the entire experience.
They’ll help you get suited up with:
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Harness and safety gear
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Bit cold? We have Skydive fleece jumpers and gloves to borrow!
This is also your chance to ask any last-minute questions and calm any nerves. Rest assured, you’re in very experienced hands.
Head to the Aircraft
Depending on the location, you’ll either:
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Walk straight onto the tarmac, or
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Take a short ride in the skydive bus to the aircraft
This is where the excitement really starts to build.
Flight to Altitude (Approx. 15 Minutes)
The plane ride up is an experience in itself.
As you climb to altitude, you’ll enjoy incredible views of the coastline, city, or countryside.
Most people go from nervous to excited during this part!
The Jump & Freefall (Up to 60 Seconds)
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for.
You’ll move to the edge of the aircraft with your instructor… and your instructor takes over control with the jump.
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Freefall lasts up to 60 seconds
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You’ll reach speeds of around 200km/h!
Despite what many expect, it doesn’t feel like “falling” – it feels more like floating on air. It’s an adrenaline rush you’ll never forget.
Parachute Ride Down (Approx. 5–6 Minutes)
Once the parachute opens, everything changes.
It becomes calm, peaceful and scenic.
You’ll spend around 5–6 minutes gliding back down, taking in the views and catching your breath after the adrenaline of freefall.
Your instructor may even let you help steer the parachute!
Landing & Celebrating
You’ll land gently back on the ground, where your friends and family (if they came along) will be waiting.
This is the moment most people say: “That was the best thing I’ve ever done!” or “Can I go again?!”
Expect:Big smiles, a lasting adrenaline high (no coffee needed) and a huge sense of achievement
Relive the Experience with Photos & Video
If you’ve added a photo or video package, you’ll receive your footage shortly after your jump.
Ready to share on social media and to relive the experience. Proving you actually did it 😉
