First Skydiving Experience: Everything You Need to Know Before Jumping Out of a Plane

If you've ever said "I'm going to jump out of a plane at least once in my life," this article is for you. Your first skydive is an experience where you'll live the most intense 60 seconds of your life and then say "I did it!"

So what happens up until that moment? Let's walk you through it step by step.

Before the Jump: Preparation

Booking

The first step is choosing a reliable skydive center and making a reservation. You can reach FlyNow Turkey via WhatsApp. During booking:

• Provide your height and weight (there are weight limits)
• Share your health condition
• Choose your preferred date
• Let us know if you want a video package

Pro tip: Choose morning sessions. The weather is usually calmer and you'll ride that excitement all day long.

Preparing for Jump Day

The night before:

• Get a good night's sleep (at least 7-8 hours)
• Avoid alcohol
• Have a light dinner

Morning of:

• Have a light breakfast (don't jump on an empty stomach, but don't overeat either)
• Wear comfortable clothing
• Lace-up sneakers
• Sunglasses (a strap model is ideal)
• Leave valuables at the hotel

Arriving at the Drop Zone

When you arrive at the center, an exciting atmosphere greets you. Parachutes opening in the sky, the joy on the faces of landing jumpers, the hum of engines...

Registration and Paperwork (15-20 minutes)

You'll fill out a health declaration and liability waiver. This is standard procedure. The form covers:

• Your health status
• Risk information
• Your contact details

Briefing (15-20 minutes)

This part is very important. Your instructor will explain:

In the aircraft:

• How to sit
• What happens when the door opens
• Exit position

During freefall:

• Body position (banana shape — chest forward, arms and legs slightly spread)
• Head position (look up!)
• Breathing technique

After the parachute opens:

• Harness position change
• Landing position (legs forward and raised)

3 things you should do:

1. ✅ Listen to your instructor's commands
2. ✅ Maintain the banana position
3. ✅ Enjoy it!

3 things you should NOT do:

1. ❌ Don't touch the harness
2. ❌ Don't try to grab your instructor
3. ❌ Don't panic (the instructor is in full control)

Gearing Up

After the briefing, your harness system is put on. This is a type of safety belt system that connects to your instructor's harness. You're attached to the instructor at four points.

Your helmet goes on, goggles are handed to you. If you purchased a video package, your camera operator instructor also gets ready.

The "this is really happening" feeling starts here. Your heart rate increases, your palms sweat — completely normal.

The Plane Ride (15-25 minutes)

When you board the aircraft, you sit on the floor in front of your instructor. As the plane climbs, the view from the window gets smaller and smaller.

During this time:

• Your instructor does a final check on harness connections
• The altimeter is monitored continuously
• You exchange glances and smiles with other jumpers

1,000 meters: The city and roads are still clearly visible

2,000 meters: Everything looks miniature

3,000 meters: The boundary between sea and land becomes distinct

4,000 meters: Jump altitude. The door opens.

When the Door Opens

This is the moment. Right here. The door opens and the roar of wind fills the aircraft. Below you — 4 kilometers of open space.

Most people have one of two reactions at this point:

• "I can't do this!" (but you will, because the instructor is guiding you)
• "Let's go!" (adrenaline junkies love this moment)

The Jump

Your instructor asks "Are you ready?" You move to the edge of the door. 3... 2... 1... AND YOU'RE OUT!

First 3 seconds: Your brain tries to process what's happening. No nausea, no falling sensation (because your reference point is so far away that you don't feel like you're falling). Just an incredible rush of wind.

After 5 seconds: You reach terminal velocity (~200 km/h). Your body stabilizes. And that's the moment — the world is beneath your feet, the wind is in your face, your arms are spread and YOU'RE FLYING.

Freefall (30-60 seconds)

Depending on altitude, you'll experience 30-60 seconds of freefall.

During this time:

• ✅ Keep your eyes open — the view is incredible
• ✅ Smile — you might be on camera
• ✅ Spread your arms — feel the sensation of flying
• ✅ Breathe — yes, you can!

Many first-time jumpers say afterward: "It went by so fast, I need to do it again."

Parachute Deployment

Your instructor deploys the main parachute at approximately 1,500 meters. You'll feel a sudden deceleration — as if someone is pulling you upward. This lasts 2-3 seconds and then...

Silence.

The silence that follows the noise of freefall is truly breathtaking. You're now gliding at 20-30 km/h. Time to enjoy the view.

Your instructor may hand you the control toggles — you can make turns left and right. This is the most enjoyable part of the flight. It lasts 5-7 minutes.

Landing

Your instructor navigates toward the landing area. In the last 50 meters:

• You hear the command "Lift your legs!"
• You extend your legs forward
• The instructor slows the parachute (flare)
• You land softly on your feet or in a seated position

After landing, the typical reactions include:

1. Uncontrollable laughter
2. Shouts of "Let's do it again!"
3. The urge to grab your phone and call everyone
4. Shaky legs (adrenaline effect)

Mental Preparation Tips

Fear Is Normal

Jumping out of a plane goes against your natural instincts. Being afraid is a perfectly healthy reaction. What matters is doing it despite the fear.

You're Not in Control — And That's a Good Thing

In a tandem jump, the instructor has full control. All you need to do is enjoy the experience. This thought should be comforting.

Breathing Exercise

If you feel nervous before the jump:

• Breathe in for 4 seconds
• Hold for 4 seconds
• Breathe out for 4 seconds
• Repeat 3-4 times

Motivation

Remind yourself: millions of people around the world have done this safely. You can too. And afterward, you'll experience the greatest sense of accomplishment of your life.

After the Jump

• Your video and photos are usually ready within 1-2 hours
• You'll receive your certificate
• The adrenaline effect can last 2-3 hours
• Drink plenty of water
• Share your experience — you've earned it!

Best Time for Your First Jump

Which season and what time of day should you jump?

Season Selection

• Spring (April-May): Wonderful! Warm weather, high visibility, winds generally calm
• Summer (June-August): Hot but perfect. Morning sessions recommended. Best sea views during this period
• Autumn (September-November): Perhaps the best season. Ideal temperatures, clear skies
• Winter (December-March): Possible in Alanya but very weather-dependent. Cold flights are only enjoyable with proper clothing

Time of Day

• Early morning (08:00-10:00): Calmest air, clearest views. You'll ride that excitement all day.
• Midday (11:00-14:00): Thermal activity can be strong, a bit more turbulent but still safe.
• Late afternoon (15:00-17:00): Golden hour light gives amazing photos. Sunset views are a bonus.

Group Jumps: Adventure with Friends

Skydiving is an experience that multiplies when done with a group of friends. Here's what you need to know about group jumps:

Organization

• A minimum of 3 people is enough for a group discount
• Multiple tandem pairs can jump from the same plane
• Jumps are done in sequence — everyone can watch each other
• Friends staying on the ground can film from the landing area

Special Occasions

• Birthday jump: No cake in the sky, but the celebration is unforgettable
• Bachelor/bachelorette party: An adrenaline-packed farewell
• Corporate event: The most effective team-building activity
• Anniversary: A tandem jump makes for a romantic experience

Price Advantage

Group jumps are both more fun and more affordable:

• 3-5 people: 5-10% discount
• 6-10 people: 10-15% discount
• Corporate groups: Custom pricing

After Your First Jump: The Addiction Begins

About 30% of first-time tandem jumpers make their second jump the same day or within the same week. This is normal — the feeling of freefall is unique and you'll want to experience it again.

Next Steps

If you want to continue skydiving, you have several paths ahead:

Option 1: More Tandem Jumps

Every tandem jump is different. Different altitudes, different locations, different weather conditions — each one offers a new experience. Some people enjoy tandem jumps for years.

Option 2: AFF Training

If you want to become a solo skydiver, you can start AFF training. A 7-level program, 18-25 jumps, and an A-license makes you an independent pilot. The investment is significant but the reward is unlimited sky.

Option 3: Indoor Skydiving (Wind Tunnel)

If you want to experience the freefall sensation on the ground, wind tunnels are a great alternative. Indoor skydiving facilities are available in Istanbul. Ideal for improving body position and practicing in a safe environment.

Skydiving and Other Adventure Sports

Alanya is a destination that offers many adventure sports beyond skydiving. If your appetite for adrenaline grows after your first jump:

• Paragliding: Soaring from the Taurus Mountains over the Mediterranean
• Paramotor: Powered flight experience, takeoff from flat ground
• ATV Safari: Off-road adventure on the Taurus foothills
• Rafting: River adventure at Koprulu Canyon
• Scuba diving: Underwater exploration in the Mediterranean

At FlyNow Turkey, we offer combined packages for skydiving, paragliding, and paramotor. You can experience multiple air sports during the same vacation.

Social Media Tips

You'll want to share your first jump — everyone does. Here's the best sharing strategy:

• Get the video package — The difference between phone footage and professional footage is night and day
• Post immediately — Posts made while the excitement is fresh get the most engagement
• Tag — Tag the skydive center, location, and your friends
• Hashtags: #skydive #tandemjump #alanya #firstjump #bucketlist
• Story series: Briefing, plane ride, jump, and landing — make a 4-part story series

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does freefall last on a first jump?

From a 4,000-meter jump, you'll experience approximately 50-60 seconds of freefall. From 3,000 meters, approximately 30-35 seconds.

Is there a risk of vomiting during the jump?

Very rare. Nausea is not felt during freefall. Mild nausea can occur under the parachute if turns are made — tell your instructor and they'll reduce the turns.

Can I jump wearing glasses?

Yes, jump goggles are placed over your glasses. However, sports glasses with a strap or contact lenses may be preferred.

How is the video filmed?

Typically two options: a camera on the instructor's hand, or a separate camera operator jumper. The camera operator option offers better angles but costs more.

What if I want to jump again after my skydive?

A second jump on the same day is usually possible. If you want to become a solo skydiver, you can enroll in AFF training.

Can I jump with my action camera?

Using your own camera on first jumps is generally prohibited. A camera can distract you and create a safety hazard. Opt for the professional video package instead.